Oslo Travel Guide

Introduction

Oslo, Norway's capital and largest city with over 700,000 residents, sits at the head of the Oslofjord in the southeastern part of the country. The city boasts world-class museums, stunning modern architecture, and a thriving culinary scene, all while maintaining a strong connection to its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Oslo Opera House, the Munch Museum, and the Vigeland Sculpture Park, or venture into the surrounding forests and fjords for outdoor adventures. With its commitment to sustainability, innovative design, and work-life balance, Oslo exemplifies the best of Scandinavian living, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a unique and enriching experience.

Interesting Facts about Oslo

• Oslo is home to the world's largest sculpture park created by a single artist, Vigelandsparken, featuring over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.
• The city donates the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree to London every year as a thank-you for British assistance during World War II.
• Oslo's nickname is 'Tigerstaden' (Tiger City), despite the nearest wild tigers being thousands of miles away.
• The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held annually in Oslo City Hall.
• Oslo is surrounded by the Oslomarka forest, making it possible to be in nature within 15 minutes from the city centre.
• The city boasts 343 lakes and 40 islands within its limits.
• Oslo's striking Opera House is designed to resemble an iceberg jutting out of the Oslo Fjord.
• The famous 'Scream' painting by Edvard Munch is housed in Oslo's Munch Museum.
• Oslo was formerly known as Christiania for about 300 years before reverting to its original name in 1925.
• The city is home to three 1,000-year-old Viking ships, displayed in the Viking Ship Museum.

History

Oslo, founded around 1000 CE with the construction of St. Clement's Church, was officially established as a trading post (kaupstad) by King Harald Hardrada in 1049. The city was elevated to a bishopric in 1070 and became a significant cultural centre during the reign of Olaf III. In 1299, King Haakon V moved his residence from Bergen to Oslo, making it Norway's capital. The city faced several challenges throughout its history, including the Black Death in 1349 which killed half its population, and numerous devastating fires. The most significant fire occurred in 1624, after which King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway ordered the city to be rebuilt across the bay near Akershus Fortress and renamed it Christiania (later spelled Kristiania from 1877). The city experienced significant growth during the 19th century, with its population increasing from 10,000 in 1814 to 230,000 in 1900. During this period, Oslo developed as a major shipbuilding and trading port, particularly along the Aker River where various industries flourished due to the river's waterfalls providing power. The city finally reverted to its original name, Oslo, in 1925.

Main Attractions

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Oslo, known locally as 'Det kongelige slott' or simply 'Slottet', stands majestically at the end of Karl Johans gate as the official residence of the Norwegian monarch. This neo-classical masterpiece, completed in 1849, features a stunning stuccoed brick façade and houses 173 rooms where His Majesty King Harald V and Queen Sonja both live and work. The palace is surrounded by the beautiful Palace Park, featuring majestic trees, small ponds and statues, which is open to the public. Visitors can witness the popular changing of the guard ceremony daily at 1:30 pm, and during the summer months (June to August), the palace opens its doors for guided tours where guests can explore some of its most magnificent state rooms, including the Bird Room, the Ballroom, and the grand Banqueting Hall. The palace serves not only as a royal residence but also as the primary workplace for the Royal Court and the venue for state visits and official functions.

Akershus Fortress

The Akershus Fortress, a magnificent medieval stronghold perched in the heart of Oslo, has stood sentinel over the Norwegian capital since the late 13th century. Originally built by King Haakon V around 1299 to protect Oslo, this remarkable structure has served multiple roles throughout its 700-year history, functioning as a royal residence, military base, and prison. Today, whilst still maintaining its status as an active military area, the fortress welcomes visitors daily from 6:00 to 21:00 to explore its grounds free of charge. Within its formidable walls, visitors can discover the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum, Norway's Resistance Museum, and the Royal Mausoleum, where several Norwegian royals are interred. The fortress's strategic location offers breathtaking views over the Oslo fjord, and its well-preserved Renaissance architecture, banquet halls, and dungeons provide a fascinating glimpse into Norway's rich history.

Oslo Opera House

The Oslo Opera House, a stunning architectural marvel situated on the waterfront of Bjørvika district, stands as one of Norway's most iconic landmarks. Opened in 2008 and designed by architectural firm Snøhetta, this magnificent structure resembles a glacier emerging from the Oslofjord. Its most distinctive feature is the sloping white marble roof that visitors can walk upon, offering panoramic views of Oslo and the surrounding fjords. Home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, the building houses three performance venues, including a main auditorium that seats 1,364 people. The interior is equally impressive, featuring a wave-shaped oak wall, expansive glass facades, and integrated artwork from 17 different artists. Beyond its role as a world-class cultural venue hosting opera, ballet, and musical performances, the Opera House serves as a vibrant public space where locals and tourists alike gather to stroll, sunbathe, and admire the seamless blend of modern architecture with Norway's natural landscape.

Damstredet and Telthusbakken

Nestled in the heart of Oslo, Damstredet and Telthusbakken are two charming historic streets that offer a delightful glimpse into Norway's past. Damstredet, a short cobbled lane just 160 metres long, features beautifully preserved wooden houses from the first half of the 19th century, whilst Telthusbakken, a 260-metre street named after an old military tent house, showcases similar architectural charm. Both streets are characterised by their colourful wooden homes, steep inclines, and picturesque gardens. Telthusbakken is particularly notable for the Egebergløkka allotment gardens along one side and the romantic Kjærlighetsstien (The Love Trail) that runs alongside it. These pedestrian-friendly streets, located near the medieval Gamle Aker Church, provide a peaceful retreat from Oslo's modern cityscape and rank among the most photogenic spots in the Norwegian capital. The area is easily accessible on foot from downtown Oslo and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience an authentic slice of old Norway, complete with well-maintained gardens and historic architecture that has remained largely unchanged for two centuries.

Vigeland Sculpture Park

Located within Frogner Park, this unique outdoor gallery showcases over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park's centerpiece is the impressive Monolith, a 17-meter tall sculpture carved from a single block of granite featuring 121 intertwined human figures.

Ekebergparken

This sculpture park offers a combination of art and nature, with stunning views over Oslo and the fjord.

Grünerløkka

This trendy neighborhood is known for its vibrant atmosphere, independent boutiques, cafés, and street art.

SALT

A nomadic art project featuring saunas, art exhibitions, concerts, and events.

Sørenga Seawater Pool

A modern bathing facility by the waterfront, offering swimming and sunbathing with views of the Oslo Fjord.

Holmenkollen Ski Jump

This iconic ski jump offers panoramic views of Oslo and houses a ski museum.

Top Museums

Norwegian Folk Museum

The Norwegian Folk Museum (Norsk Folkemuseum) in Oslo is one of the world's largest open-air museums, offering visitors a captivating journey through Norway's cultural heritage from the 16th century to the present day. Located on the picturesque Bygdøy peninsula, just 4 km west of Oslo's city centre, this remarkable museum features 160 historic buildings transported from various regions across Norway, including the magnificent 13th-century Gol Stave Church. The museum's indoor exhibitions showcase an extensive collection of Norwegian folk costumes, folk art, church art and Sami culture, whilst the outdoor area brings history to life with costumed guides demonstrating traditional crafts and customs. Visitors can explore authentic period interiors, from medieval farmhouses to 20th-century city dwellings, including a flat furnished as it would have been by a Pakistani immigrant family in 2002. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00, offering daily guided tours in both Norwegian and English, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in experiencing Norway's rich cultural history.

The National Museum

The National Museum in Oslo stands as the largest art museum in the Nordic countries, offering a remarkable collection of over 400,000 works spanning art, architecture and design. Located on Oslo's waterfront in the popular Aker Brygge area, this impressive institution opened its new building in 2022, bringing together the collections of five previously separate Norwegian museums under one roof. The museum showcases approximately 6,500 works across 86 rooms on two floors, presenting everything from ancient Roman busts and Norwegian glass goblets to contemporary art and fashion. Its crown jewel is the iconic Munch Room, featuring Edvard Munch's masterpiece 'The Scream', alongside works by international artists such as Picasso, Matisse and Monet. The building itself, designed by German architect Klaus Schuwerk, features a striking alabaster hall on the top floor and offers spectacular views of the Oslo fjord from its roof terrace. Visitors can explore the chronologically arranged exhibitions that weave together Norway's artistic heritage with international masterpieces, making it an essential destination for art enthusiasts visiting Oslo.

MUNCH

The MUNCH museum in Oslo stands as one of the world's largest single-artist museums, housing an extraordinary collection of works by the Norwegian expressionist painter Edvard Munch. Located in the Bjørvika district along Oslo's waterfront, the striking 13-storey building opened in October 2021 and has transformed the city's skyline with its distinctive wavy recycled aluminium panels. The museum showcases nearly 28,000 artworks, including iconic pieces such as The Scream, Madonna, and The Dance of Life, which were bequeathed to Oslo by Munch himself before his death in 1944. Beyond the permanent collection, MUNCH offers rotating contemporary exhibitions, cultural events, and spectacular dining options, including a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Oslofjord. Visitors can explore the versatility of Munch's artistry across multiple gallery spaces whilst enjoying modern amenities and thoughtfully curated exhibitions that contextualise the artist's enduring influence on modern art.

Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art

The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, beautifully situated along Oslo's harbour promenade in the Tjuvholmen district, is one of Scandinavia's most notable contemporary art museums. Housed in a striking building designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, featuring a distinctive curved glass roof resembling a sail, the museum opened in its current location in 2012. The privately-owned gallery showcases one of Europe's most comprehensive collections of international contemporary art, including works by celebrated artists such as Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Cindy Sherman and Matthew Barney. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive permanent collection and temporary exhibitions spread across two buildings, connected by a footbridge. Beyond the indoor galleries, the museum complex includes the scenic Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park, a museum shop and the VentiVenti restaurant, making it a must-visit cultural destination in Oslo.

Nobel Peace Center

The Nobel Peace Center, housed in Oslo's former West railway station building from 1872, stands proudly at City Hall Square overlooking the harbour. This captivating museum showcases the Nobel Peace Prize and its laureates through innovative exhibitions, interactive displays and multimedia installations. British architect David Adjaye's creative design transformed the historic building into a modern cultural hub that welcomes around 250,000 visitors annually. Beyond its role as a museum, the centre serves as a vibrant arena for cultural events, political discussions and educational programmes focused on peace, human rights and conflict resolution. Visitors can explore permanent exhibitions like Nobel Field, featuring all Peace Prize laureates surrounded by a thousand lights, and the Medal Chamber displaying an authentic Peace Prize medal. The centre is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00, with extended hours until 20:00 on Wednesdays, making it an accessible and enlightening destination for those interested in the legacy of peace-building and humanitarian work.

Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, situated on the Bygdøy peninsula, is currently undergoing a significant transformation and will reopen as the Museum of the Viking Age in 2026/2027. This renowned museum houses three of the world's best-preserved Viking ships: the Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune, all discovered in burial mounds around the Oslo Fjord region. The Oseberg ship, the museum's crown jewel, represents the largest known ship burial in the world and was built around 820 CE. Beyond the magnificent vessels, the museum showcases an impressive collection of Viking-era artefacts, including sledges, beds, horse carts, wood carvings, tent components, and various burial goods that provide fascinating insights into Viking culture and their beliefs about the afterlife. When it reopens, the new museum will offer enhanced facilities and optimal conditions for preserving these priceless artefacts whilst providing visitors with an unparalleled encounter with Viking Age history.

Fram Museum

The Fram Museum in Oslo stands as a testament to Norway's rich polar exploration history, situated on the picturesque Bygdøy peninsula. The museum's centrepiece is the legendary polar ship Fram, the world's strongest wooden vessel, which holds records for sailing farthest north and south. Visitors can board the original ship and explore its remarkably preserved cabins, lounges, cargo hold and engine room whilst learning about the remarkable expeditions of Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup and Roald Amundsen. The museum features exhibitions with explanatory texts in ten languages, a dramatic 270-degree film experience, and an engaging polar simulator that recreates the challenges of historic polar expeditions. Connected to the main building via an underground tunnel, the Gjøa building houses another historic vessel, the Gjøa, which was the first ship to navigate the entire Northwest Passage. The museum is easily accessible from central Oslo by bus year-round or by a scenic ferry service during summer months, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in maritime history and polar exploration.

Local Cuisine

Oslo's culinary scene offers a delightful blend of traditional Norwegian fare and contemporary gastronomy, where fresh seafood takes centre stage alongside time-honoured dishes. The city boasts an impressive range of dining options, from Michelin-starred establishments like Maaemo, where Chef Esben Holmboe Bang crafts innovative dishes using strictly Norwegian ingredients, to casual food halls like Mathallen and Vippa, where visitors can sample local delicacies in a more relaxed setting. Traditional Norwegian specialities worth trying include fårikål (mutton and cabbage stew), which is the national dish, and fresh seafood such as gravlaks (cured salmon) served with mustard sauce. The city's commitment to sustainability is evident in its restaurant scene, with many chefs growing ingredients on-site or sourcing them from local urban gardens. For those seeking an authentic taste of Oslo, the waterfront area of Aker Brygge offers excellent seafood restaurants, whilst the vibrant food halls provide a perfect introduction to Norwegian cuisine.

Shopping

Oslo offers a diverse shopping experience, with several distinct retail districts catering to different tastes and budgets. The main shopping thoroughfare, Karl Johans gate, houses numerous international brands and luxury retailers, whilst the trendy Grünerløkka district features unique boutiques, vintage shops and a bohemian atmosphere. For high-end fashion, visitors should explore Bogstadveien, Norway's longest shopping street, which stretches from the Royal Palace to Majorstuen with approximately 300 shops and cafés. The city centre boasts modern shopping centres like Oslo City, Norway's most visited mall with over 90 shops across five floors. Though Oslo isn't particularly budget-friendly due to the strong Norwegian Kroner, it excels in quality Scandinavian design, particularly in fashion and crafts. Most shops operate Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 09:00 to 17:00, with late opening on Thursdays until 19:00 or 21:00, whilst Saturday trading typically ends at 15:00.

Nature in and around Oslo

Oslo stands as a remarkable blend of urban life and natural splendour, offering an abundance of outdoor attractions within and around the city limits. The Norwegian capital is embraced by the stunning Oslofjord, where visitors can explore numerous islands and beaches through boat tours or kayaking excursions. The city is surrounded by vast forested areas, including Nordmarka and Østmarka, which provide extensive networks of hiking trails and cross-country skiing tracks. Within the city proper, several noteworthy parks offer peaceful retreats, including the sculpture-filled Frogner Park and the artistic Ekebergparken, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and fjord. Nature enthusiasts can visit Gressholmen for its diverse birdlife, explore the wetlands of Østensjøvannet for birdwatching, or venture to Fornebu's nature preserve and bird migration observatory. The surrounding area features numerous lakes, such as Sognsvann, and well-maintained trails along the Alnaelva and Ljanselva rivers, showcasing Oslo's commitment to preserving its natural heritage whilst maintaining accessibility for outdoor recreation.

Getting Around

Oslo boasts an exceptionally well-integrated public transport system that makes navigating the city a breeze. The comprehensive network, operated by Ruter, encompasses metros (T-bane), trams (trikk), buses, ferries, and local trains, all unified under a single ticketing system. The metro system spans 85 kilometres with 101 stations across 14 boroughs, whilst six tram lines service the city centre areas. For visitors' convenience, tickets can be purchased through the Ruter app, at kiosks, or sales points, with options ranging from single journeys to period passes. The city's commitment to eco-friendly transport is particularly noteworthy, with Oslo being recognised as the electric vehicle capital of the world, and its extensive network of cycle lanes makes it remarkably bicycle-friendly.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal time to visit Oslo is during the summer months of June through August, when the city enjoys pleasantly warm temperatures around 20°C and extended daylight hours that stretch well into the evening. June stands out as the prime month, offering the magical experience of nearly endless summer days, vibrant festivals, and perfect conditions for exploring the fjords. However, be mindful that this peak season brings larger crowds and higher accommodation rates. For those seeking a more budget-friendly experience with fewer tourists, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May or September, when the weather remains mild and you can still enjoy the city's attractions, whether it's spring blooms or autumn foliage. Winter visits from December to March offer a different charm with temperatures between -5°C and 0°C, providing opportunities for winter sports at Skimore Oslo and the chance to experience the city's magical snow-covered landscapes.