There are multiple amazing things to do in Oslo, Norway, that you can add to your itinerary for a memorable vacation. The charming capital of Norway offers a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The city is surrounded by the picturesque Oslofjord and lush forests and boasts of a vibrant cultural scene, rich history, and modern architecture. Exploring top museums, enjoying Nordic cuisine, and immersing yourself in the warm hospitality of the locals are some of the best things to do in Oslo.
One of the top destinations you must cover in your Norway travel guide is the capital of this Nordic country, Oslo. Well-known for its Viking lore, museums, green landscapes, and fjords, and with a number of things to see and do in Oslo, this is one destination that you simply cannot miss out on. When it comes to the many things to do in Oslo, Norway, urban activities and outdoor adventures go hand in hand. When you go for a stroll through the lively neighbourhoods, you will find everything from heavenly eating places and trendy bars to world-class museums and innovative architecture.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Oslo, Norway
Some of the top things to do in Oslo, Norway, include visiting the Akershus Fortress, Munch Museum, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, and the Nobel Peace Centre.
- Arkeshus Fortress
- Munch Museym
- Vigeland Sculpture Museum
- Royal Palace Oslo
- Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
- Holmenkollen Ski Museum
- Aker Brygge
- Nobel Peace Centre
- Drøbak
- Hovedøya
Arkeshus Fortress
If you’re wondering what to see in Oslo, you must consider visiting the Arkeshus Fortress. An iconic landmark and one of the best things to see in Oslo, this fortress offers a blend of history, culture, and picturesque views. This is one of the most popular things to see in Oslo among tourists.
Constructed In: 1300
Architecture: Medieval Architecture
Weather: 4 to 11 degrees Celsius
Open On: Monday to Sunday
What are the Opening Hours? 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Also Known As: Arkeshus Festning
Munch Museum
Another one of the top things to do in Oslo is visiting the vibrant Munch Museum, located in the Bjorvika neighbourhood. Visiting this tower-like building is one of the best things to do in Oslo - witness some of the best works by Edvard Munch. When this museum is on your list of things to do in Oslo, you can check out around 26,000 paintings and exhibitions by the Norwegian artist.
Exhibits: Edvard Munch Infinite, Playing Pieces, Up Close, Marianne Bratelli, Camille Henrot, etc.
Accessibilities: Parking, Washrooms, Guides, Strollers
Weather: 4 to 11 degrees Celsius
Open On: Monday to Sunday
What are the Opening Hours? 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Monday & Tuesday)
10:00 am to 9:00 pm (Wednesday to Sunday)
Entry Fee: Adults (25+ Years) – NOK 160
Adults (16 to 25 Years) – NOK 100
Children (Under 15 Years) – Free
Vigeland Sculpture Museum
Another great contender for your list of things to do and see in Oslo is visiting the Vigeland Sculpture Park, located in Frogner Park. Things to do in Oslo at this park include checking out the more than 200 bronze, iron, and granite sculptures that represent human life. Visiting the park is indubitably one of the best things to do in Oslo.
Highlights: Dancing Young Woman, The Angry Boy, Man Fighting Lizard, etc.
Other Attractions: More than 1400 varieties of flowering plants, an alluring fountain, and food stalls.
Weather: 4 to 11 degrees Celsius
Open On: Monday to Sunday
What are the Opening Hours? 24 Hours
Entry Fee: Free
Royal Palace Oslo
Another one of the best things to see in Oslo is the Royal Palace. Other things to do in Oslo that you can include in this excursion include visiting the Karl Johans Gate. The reason why this palace should be on your list of what to see in Oslo is because it is a symbolic representation of Norwegian history since 1849.
Construction Started: 1825
Opened On: 26 July 1849
Architect: Hans Linstow
Number of Rooms: 173
Weather: 4 to 11 degrees Celsius
Timings: Late June to Mid-August
What are the Opening Hours? 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Last Admission)
Guided English Tours: 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 2:20 pm, 4:00 pm
Entry Fee: Adults – NOK 175
Seniors and Students – NOK 145
Children (3 to 17 Years) – NOK 125
Children Under 3 Years of Age – Free
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
One of the best things to do and see in Oslo is visiting the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. This is also one of the top things to see in Oslo that you simply have to add to your Oslo vacation packages. The things to see in this Oslo Museum include witnessing the collection of dwellings that represent the diverse eras and regions of the country.
Things to Know: Dogs are allowed inside, wheelchair accessible
Weather: 4 to 11 degrees Celsius
Open On: Monday to Sunday
What are the Opening Hours? 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (May to September)
11:00 am to 4:00 am (October to April)
Entry Fee: May to September
Adults – NOK 180
Seniors – NOK 140
18 to 25 Year Olds – NOK 100
Under 18 Years – Free
October to April
Adults – NOK 140
Seniors – NOK 120
18 to 25 Year Olds – NOK 80
Under 18 Years – Free
Also Known As: Norsk Folkenmuseum
Holmenkollen Ski Museum
Another one of the great things to visit in Oslo is the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, which was founded in 1923. Checking out the displays of skis owned by the most well-known skiers of Norway and the Royal family is one of the best things to see and do in Oslo, Norway, for enthusiasts.
Highlight: The world’s largest collection of skis along with the most panoramic views in Oslo
Weather: 4 to 11 degrees Celsius
Open On: Monday to Sunday
What are the Opening Hours? 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Sunday to Friday)
10:00 am to 2:00 pm (On Saturdays)
Entry Fee: Adults – NOK 160
Family – NOK 400
Groups – NOK 140 (At Least 10 Members)
Students – NOK 140
7 to 18 Year Olds – NOK 80
Under 7 Years – Free
Aker Brygge
Strolling across Aker Brygge is one of the best things to do in Oslo, Norway. This is a vibrant waterfront neighbourhood in Oslo, Norway. Things to do here include enjoying the buzzing atmosphere, commercial streets, open-air areas, and more. Don’t worry about what to see in Oslo because this neighbourhood is also the spot for pop-up events, exhibitions, and more.
Recommended Time for Exploration: 3 Hours
Weather: 4 to 11 degrees Celsius
Attractions: Astrup Fearnley Museet, Peder Lund, M35, Yellowkorner Oslo, etc.
Shop For: Interior design, vintage treasures, books, Norwegian and Scandinavian clothing brands
Things to Do in Oslo, Norway’s Aker Brygge: Nightlife, cafés and restaurants, art galleries, sculptures, floating saunas
Open On: Monday to Saturday
What are the Opening Hours? 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
10:00 am to 6:00 pm (On Saturdays)
Entry Fee: Free
Nobel Peace Centre
One of the best things to visit in Oslo for stimulating visual displays, the Noble Peace Centre is the museum of the Nobel Peace Prizes. Considered to be one of the most interesting things to do and see in Oslo, Norway, the Centre chronicles Alfred Nobel’s story and achievements through an enjoyable mystery game.
Architect: David Adjaye
Founded In: 2005
Weather: 4 to 11 degrees Celsius
Exhibitions: A Message to Humanity, The Echo Chamber, The Peace Dove – Flying with Hope, Under the Weather, etc.
Open On: Monday to Sunday
What are the Opening Hours? 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: Adults – NOK 170
Students – NOK 100
Under 18 Years – Free
Drøbak
Whenever you ask about what to see in Oslo, the charming coastal town of Drøbak gets a mention. Nestled along the Oslofjord, Drøbak is known for its vibrant cultural scene, rich maritime history, and picturesque wooden houses.
Location: Around 35 km south of Oslo.
Attractions: Drobak Aquarium, Oscarborg Fortress, the Christmas House, Scenic Coastal Paths
Explore: The official address of Norwegian Santa Claus, small unique stores, hiking opportunities, farm shops, harbour, museums.
Popularly Known As: The Christmas Town
Weather: As low as - 10 degrees Celsius in the winters and up to 18 degrees Celsius in the summers
What are the Opening Hours? Depends on the attraction
Visit Drøbak & Oscarborg – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
Drøbak Aquarium – 10:00 am to 6:30 pm (May 1st to September 15th)
10:00 am to 4:00 pm (September 15th to May 1st)
Some attractions may have shorter opening hours on Norway’s Constitution Day (17th May).
Hovedøya
Hovedøya is one of the numerous wooded islands lying off the coast of Oslo. Here, you can spend some time on the solitary beaches, rocky coves, lush greenery, and woodlands.
Top Attractions: Wide varieties of trees and flowers, medieval ruins, peaceful strolls, beautiful forests, cultural heritage, ruins of a 1147 Cistercian monastery, cannon batteries from 1808.
Top Activities: Swimming, exploring nature, ball games, and hikes.
Weather: 4 to 11 degrees Celsius
Ferry Timings: Every 30 Minutes, Starting at 1:40 pm, Last Ferry at 11:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Ferry Ticket: NOK 10 per Person
Norway tour packages are almost incomplete without including a visit to the capital city of Oslo. Oslo is a major part of the culture and heritage of the country and a must-visit for everyone. The city offers a wide range of activities to suit the interests of all kinds of tourists. Apart from the aforementioned, other things to do and see in Oslo, Norway, include the Fram museum, Frogner Park, Oslo Opera House, Natural History Museum Oslo, Kal Johans Gate, New National Museum, Botanical Gardens, Norwegian Maritime Museum, and much more.
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