The Ultimate Travel Guide for Oslo
Welcome to Oslo! There is always a quiet person at a party. Yet there’s something about them that intrigues you and once you start chatting it feels like you’ve known this captivating and fascinating person your whole life! This is Oslo.
Don’t let Oslo’s quiet and cool demeanour fool you, however! In this humbly-sized capital, Oslo’s stunning ocean view, Viking history and the finest knitwear Scandinavia has to offer is just the tip of this iceberg. Look below the surface, and you’ll find fascinating history, beautiful forests and parks and… hipster micro-breweries? Dive deeper into the exciting and ever-shifting cultural hub of Norway.
With its 1,000 year-old origins, Oslo, whose name means ‘meadow at the bottom of the hill’ has kept it’s natural green aesthetic while growing into a thriving city hub of food, festivals and fjord adventures. A proud nation, home to the Nobel Peace Prize and Polar exploration, welcome you to your own venture in this exciting city.
- Oslo’s Districts
- Travelling to & from Oslo
- Travelling within Oslo
- Practical information
- Oslo’s top stops
- OURWAY’s top stops
- Most popular museums
- Most unique museums
- Winter activities
- Summer activities
- Activities for children
- Parks & Green areas
- Impressive view points!
- The hidden gems of Oslo
- Activities outside the city
- Shopping
- Food & drinks
- Bars & nightlife
- Hotels in Oslo
- Events in Oslo
Travelling to & from Oslo
By air, rail, road or sea, you’ll see beautiful Norwegian landscape before arriving in the city. Eager to explore what awaits you in the capital? We’re not surprised! Your destination awaits:
Trains
Travel company Ruter has both inner-city trains and transport links to all nearby towns with other companies if you want to travel further afield.
Airports – Gardermoen
Gardermoen airport is the main city airport with excellent transport links to Oslo Central Station, known as Oslo S. The quickest and cheapest way to travel in either direction is by local train. With ticket machines available at Gardermoen and Oslo S (you can also use the Ruter app), you can get to your destination within 30 minutes. Buses are available but are often more expensive and take longer. Ticket machines for Flytoget – the airport express – are in both locations as are Taxis.
Airport – Torp Sandefjord
Torp Sandefjord is Oslo’s secondary airport – BUT BE AWARE! If you haven’t booked your flights yet the distance to central Oslo is longer, the journey taking around 2 hours each way!
Ports
The benefit of a fjord city is coming ashore and being right in the thick of things. Cruise ships can dock at four different quays (or kaias in Norwegian) very close to the city centre. The piers are Filipstadkaia, Søndre Akershuskai, Vippetangkaia and Revierkaia. You can see the location of all of the quays at the Port of Oslo website.
Travelling within Oslo
Norway is rich! And being a modest-sized capital city in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, it’s pleasing to hear that the money is well spent. The infrastructure of Oslo means it’s easy for you to see it all:
Public transport
Name your vehicle! Whether by bus, tram, metro or ferry, you can sit back and easily enjoy Oslo with tickets through Ruter (see how to purchase and use tickets here). Please note! If you’re heading over to the museums at Bygdøy by boat, it isn’t covered by a Ruter ticket. Either purchase a ticket for the boat at the pier kiosk or online here.
Walking
Set your own pace and still see Oslo’s best bits. It’s very easy to explore this compact city, you can walk from the Opera House to The Royal Palace within 30 minutes, with all the main city centre sites, just a street or two away. Like to stay by the water? No problem! From the Opera House, you can enjoy the view of the fjord for most of the way to Tjuvholmen within 40 minutes.
Bikes
Like to control your own wheels? City Bikes can be found at 250 stations across Oslo available to rent for 24 hours or longer at a reasonable price. You should find one easily; download the app to sign up, and you can see where the nearest available bike stations are to pick up or drop off. We can also help you get on your bike and see the city with our guided Oslo’s Urban Treasures by Bike tour.
Scooters
From teenagers to investment bankers, everybody in Oslo seems to be using these fun, easy-to-use electric scooters. New in 2019, with several rental companies to choose from VOI and LIME, are the most widely available. We don’t want to sound like your mum… but they can go quite fast and are not easy to hear coming, so make sure you feel safe on the scooters first!
Taxis
With reliable public transport in the city, you may still want to hire a Taxi to get where you need to be. Trustworthy and safe, we recommend Oslo Taxi and Norges Taxi. Be aware this is not the cheapest option to get around – travelling about 5km is likely to cost about 150 NOK (15 USD).
Want to make sure you don’t miss any of the stops? Check out our tours in Oslo!
Read more & bookOslo’s top stops
We understand that you’re so excited to be in Oslo… and you should be! We also know that you most likely want to see it all. Whether on a whirlwind trip around Scandinavia, a city break or you have a few days to explore the city, it can be overwhelming to try and fit it all in. Yet, just like the locals, you can adopt a laid back attitude as we’re going to give you some of the must-sees and must-dos before you must-get-back-to-the-cruise-ship… or however, you’re travelling. So, relax and try and get yourself to at least one of these top three places to visit in Oslo.
Viking Ship Museum
THE VIKINGS ARE HERE! A terrifying thing to hear about a thousand years ago, Oslo provides a window into a fascinating culture that dramatically changed the world.
At the Viking Ship Museum in Bygdøy, three ships await your discovery. All found along the Oslo Fjord, these ships were used by clans as tombs, buried in the clay-like soil providing some of the best-preserved Viking ships and artefacts in the world.
Included in our Oslo Highlights Private Walking Tour (there’s an option for transport too!), you can step back in time with us as we tell you the story of the explorers, traders and colonisers of The Viking Age.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Karl Johans gate
Karl Johans gate (meaning ‘street’) isn’t just any street in Oslo. Named after the Swedish King responsible for The Royal Palace, you’ll find several proud Norwegian institutions along this stretch; from the artistic National Theatre; the studious University of Oslo; the luxurious Grand Hotel; the heart of Norway’s famous sense of social democracy at the Stortinget (Parliament).
The chimes of the nearby Oslo City Hall bell tower ring over this hub of Norwegian national pride. There’s so much to take in, but we can give you all you need to know on our public city walks, or as part of a private tour to suit your needs.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Vigeland’s Sculpture Park
Vigeland’s Sculpture Park is so very Norwegian! With over fifty different parks in Oslo, and the Norwegians proud love of nature, then it makes sense to come to the biggest one in the city – indeed the biggest sculpture park in the world dedicated to just one artist.
Gustav Vigeland designed every aspect of the park as he lived and worked in his studio, located in the park, to create the pinnacle of his life’s work. With over 200 sculptures depicting over 700 figures, the depth of one person’s artistic output needs to be seen to be believed.
We are on hand to walk you through the main stretch of this inspiring and jaw-dropping park as part of our Oslo & Vigeland Park Private Driving Tour, and Oslo Must Sees tours.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
OURWAY’s top stops
Markveien
Away from the heart of the city, Markveien – often named ‘Oslo’s coolest street’ – could call to your inner hipster. Just over the ‘Fairytale Bridge’ also known as Ankerbrua, you’ll find vintage clothing shops, eccentric toy stores, relaxing cafes, unique restaurants and the occasional art gallery and craft store. A great way to spend an hour or so off the beaten path.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
SALT
Adding a different flavour to the Oslo Fjord, SALT describes itself as an art and music venue, yet it so much more. With street food offering organic and eco-friendly dishes, with plenty of vegan options, these sea-side hipsters also host three different saunas and have regular outdoor events amidst their distinctive A-frame structures. It’s worth adding even just a pinch of SALT to your stay.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Akerselva
Quietly wind your way through Oslo with a walk along the Akerselva – or Aker River. Known as Oslo’s Green Lung, beautiful greenery, flora and fauna adorn the banks all with the backdrop of a chimney or two of Oslo’s industrial past and it’s artistic present with artwork and diverse architecture to see.
You can start out near the beautiful Maridalsvannet Lake for a two hour walk of this 8km stretch, or pick a smaller stroll closer to the city – either way, there’ll be plenty of cafes in which to grab a coffee and pastry (known as Fika!) on your way down to the fjord.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Winter activities
To get an idea of what life of the locals look like, winter is a beautiful (and very cold) time to see the city. Wrap up and join in the fun:
Skiing
Many Norwegians are taught how to ski before they can walk. Well, not quite… though it’s a vital part of many a Norwegian’s life, whether for recreation or simply as a way of getting around!
Cross-country ski trails span over 2,500km and run deep into the forests surrounding Oslo. With traditional cabins stocked with tea, coffee and homemade baked goods, you can enjoy these trails each winter. There may not be a lot of light in Oslo at this time, but areas are lit especially in the late afternoon and evening to guide you through the winter wonderland of rural Oslo.
If you prefer something a little more vertical, then head to Oslo Winter Park. Amongst the activities available are alpine skiing and snowboarding. Children and beginners have their own areas to practice in.
Ice-skating
Get your skates on in the city by visiting Oslo’s impressive ice rinks. The outdoor Spikersuppa ice rink in the heart of the city, by Karl Johans gate, is the perfect place to practice your spins… or to cling onto the edge until you find your feet! A larger rink is located at Frogner Stadium in Majorstua, next to the Vigeland Park if you’d prefer something away from the hustle and bustle.
Harbour baths & sauna
Swimming in the fjord is a must for many Oslo inhabitants, and you can join in on the fun in the sun at Sørenga Seawater Pool. With lanes and diving boards, as well as areas to stretch out with a good book, you don’t need to be by the coast to enjoy the blue of the sea and sky in Oslo.
A ‘supporter of the sauna’ as well as a ‘fan of the fjord’? Well, have the best of both worlds with floating saunas from KOK, looking onto the Opera House. With different sized ‘boats’ able to take up to 10 or 14 people, you can take a reinvigorating steam followed by a quick dip in the fjord, before retreating back into the warmth again. A lot of fun… and very Scandinavian!
A short walk down the fjord you’ll find SALT – a nomadic art project – where you can choose between one of several saunas right by the fjord. Temperatures range between 60 and 90 degrees centigrade and higher.
Fika
One of the most important questions to ask yourself when in Oslo is ‘Fika?’. Just say, yes! A Swedish term, the concept of having a coffee, usually along with a pastry, it quite rightly deserves its own word. You’ll find many cafes willing to accommodate the sweetest of teeth and caffeine-cravers won’t be disappointed when needing a few minutes to stop and watch the world go by when visiting Oslo.
Summer activities
Long summer days where it never gets fully dark in the height of the season. Enjoy the sunshine with these things to do in Oslo:
Kayaking
When in one of the world’s most beautiful fjord cities, why not paddle your way to a new perspective of Oslo with your very own kayak? Experience the surrounding nature and see the sights from the big blue, or head up the Aker River for a unique inner-city experience.
Tours are available, and advisable if you’re a beginner, to make sure you’re comfortable with the craft, and so you know where to go. All companies will give you a safety briefing and find the equipment that is right for you. Check out Mad Goats for kayak and SUP experiences (Stand Up Paddleboarding).
Swimming: Beaches & baths
As well as the seawater pool of Sørenga, a little closer to the centre you’ll find the Tjuvholmen City Beach (a pebble beach). Dip your toes or fully immerse yourself in the fjord, you’ll be surrounded by diverse modern architecture in this vibrant yet tucked-away area. It’s also a great place for children to splash about.
There are also some natural beaches in Bygdøy – Paradisbukta, and Bygdøy Sjøbad and Huk – all with kiosks, toilets, and showers. Be aware that you’ll get a stripped-down version of Oslo if you visit Huk – it’s a beach very popular with naturists!
Picknicking
Take your pick for picnic spots in Oslo! It’s no coincidence that there are 55 parks in the city, residents and visitors should never be more than a 10 minute walk from a perfect spot for a packed lunch.
Like the Royal treatment? The palace grounds are open to the public with plenty of space for everyone. Other highlights include the Vigeland Park, the island of Hovedøya and the Botanical Gardens located in the grounds of the Natural History Museum in Tøyen.
Island hopping in the archipelago
Looking out from the ‘mainland’ you can’t help but feel invited to explore the rich, green forests on the islands of the Oslo Fjord. So why not hop over?
Hovedøya has secluded beaches, monastery ruins and cannon sentries (don’t worry – it’s not currently in use!) Perhaps then continue to Lindøya with its traditional Scandinavian wooden houses, gorgeous views and beautiful plant life. Or the island of Gressholmen, which translates as ‘Grass Island’, so greenery guaranteed!
Whether you go to one, two or all three of these islands, you’ll get to experience a different perspective of the Oslo Fjord. With regular boats, the passage is covered via a Ruter ticket.
Activities for children
Tusenfryd
Travelling can sometimes feel a bit like a rollercoaster. No more so at Tusenfryd! Meaning ‘A thousand smiles’ this theme park house several roller coasters such as Speed Monster, a 4D nordic adventure experience, Thor’s Hammer, as well as gentler rides for the little ones.
Photo credit: Tusenfryd
International Museum of Children’s Art
Collecting and preserving children’s art from all over the world, the museum not only showcases but encourages all forms of artistic expression. At the International Museum of Children’s Art, kids can enjoy activities in music, singing and painting, there are also outdoor activities in the summer months.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology
Though the kids are off school, they’re brains are still switched on, and they’ll be fascinated while having fun at the Teknisk Museum. With dozens of exciting and interactive installations exploring natural science and technology in society, we might be able to teach the adults a thing or two as well!
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Sledging
One for the big kids too! If you come in the winter, there are many great sledging sites in the city park suitable for all ages. If your kids aren’t too small, then head to Oslo’s most popular sledging site. Korketrekkeren means ‘the corkscrew’, and this 2km sledge run is aptly based close to the home of Norwegian skiing, Holmenkollen.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Impressive view points!
We all love a good landscape. Get a whole lot of love (or likes) from your followers as we break down some key spots to get a great view of Oslo:
Akershus Fortress
It used to be the perfect place to see enemy ships approach from the fjord. Now all you need to worry about is which filter to use as you see the Oslo skyline and surrounding forests looking down onto the fjord. The only enemy ship may be, a cruise ship docked where your view of the fjord should be, depending on when you visit. If you’re staying on that ship though you get to see your accommodation from a slightly different perspective!
Ekeberg Hill
A view from the East of the city, close to Oslo’s humble beginnings, you can look out onto the fjord city that you call home for your stay and a view that inspired Edward Munch to paint The Scream. You may hear the odd yelp but don’t worry – that’s just someone getting the perfect Instagram pic!
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Holmenkollen Ski Jump Tower
To the West of the city, you get a very different view of Oslo. One of the highest points in Oslo is the Holmenkollen ski jump tower. Your ski museum entry will enable you to get up here to see the incredible panoramic view of this beautiful fjord city.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Others spots in the West
If you don’t venture up to the tower, you can get a great view at the Scandic Holmenkollen Park hotel – where you’ll also get to enjoy the traditional Scandinavian chalet-style architecture of the building. Or if you wanted to grab a menu with a view, Frognerseteren Restaurant and Cafe is a unique selfie-spot.
The hidden gems of Oslo
Cemetery of Our Saviour
Graves? Really?! Well, this is no ordinary cemetery. Originally a place of burial to deal with the cholera epidemic of the early 1800s, this graveyard is aptly named as the home of Oslo and Norway’s greatest political and cultural heroes such as Henrik Ibsen and Edward Munch. With burials stopping here since 1952, this is viewed more as a place of solitude where national heroes and heroines can be recognised.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Monastery Ruins
Fancy a meditative spot on the fjord? Well so did some English monks who found a small church on the island of Hovedøya and extended it with a monastery. This small abbey was built in the 1100s and was pillaged and burned down in the 1500s. With a nearby cafe and the luscious greenery of the island to enjoy, you can see why they wanted to live here… well, maybe the cafe wasn’t here back then! Maybe. Hop over on a ferry from Aker Brygge pier.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Damstredet and Teltusbakken
Amongst the modern buildings of Oslo is a postcard picture of traditional Scandinavian houses on this charming hill close to the Royal Palace. This short yet idyllic cobbled street seems like a step back in time because of the still-lived-in houses dating back to the late 1700s. Just a short walk away there are more houses on Teltusbakken by the iconic, medieval Aker Church.
We don’t want these gems to stay hidden from you, which is why Damstredet, Teltusbakken and the Cemetery of Our Saviours are available to view on our tour of Hipstoric Grünerløkka.
Photo credit: OURWAY Tours
Food & drinks
So what is typical Norwegian food? The short answer is EVERYTHING. Though traditionally it may come as no surprise that hearty stews are a favourite for a country that ensures some harsh winters, with fish also being on the menu with salmon, cod, herring, sardines and mackerel particularly well-loved. However, Norway is becoming one of the world’s culinary hubs for cuisine, Oslo is continuously adapting to new trends that will whet any visitor’s appetite.
Though Norway is likely a bit more expensive than back home, whatever your budget we can find something for you. And if you REALLY want to go traditional, then you may want to try brown cheese, which is particularly sweet, or perhaps the more savoury smalahove – a sheep’s head. We hear it’s not ba-aa-aa-ad at all! … We’re sorry!
You can find a comprehensive list of cafes and restaurants on our website. Here are just some of our favourites:
Cafés – for the best fika
Restaurants – Cheap eats
Restaurants – mid-range
Restaurants – Lyxury & Michelin
Hotels in Oslo
Hotels – On a budget
Hotels – mid-range
Hotels – luxury
Events in Oslo
Coming to Oslo is an event in itself, yet these events and festivals alone are well worth making the trip for:
Holmenkollen Ski Festival, March
Thousands flock to Oslo to join the locals before winter leaves the city. The iconic sports arena, looking out across Norway’s capital, includes events such as ski jumping and cross-country. Friday is free!
Norway Constitution Day Parade, 17 May:
Not the catchiest event title, but 17 May is like 4 July is in the US… multiplied a few times. As a relatively new fully independent nation (since 1905), Norway’s pride is unapologetically on show as community brass bands play, flags are waved, and even the kids eat cake for breakfast! Note that many attractions are closed on the day, but you won’t need to see anything when there’s the biggest party of the year to be had!
Oslo Medieval Festival, May
An entertaining folk party keeping the Middle Ages alive in Oslo… well, the fun bits anyway. The whole family can get involved with crafts, theatre, concerts and a variety of other activities while exploring Oslo and Norway’s exciting and diverse history.
Øya Festival, August
Tøyen Park gets taken over each year as several stages host a mix of Norwegian favourites, international names and the obligatory annual legendary icon(s). You’ll likely need to book in advance so if you know you’re here for the festival in Oslo, why not at least get a day pass to try it out. For the children-friendly festival in May see Mini Øya.
Christmas Markets and Concerts, November-December
The Christmas (or ‘Jul’) season in Norway is a joyous occasion. With a wealth of concerts and musical shows. The Christmas markets along the main pedestrian street, Karl Johans gate, and in Youngstorget are well worth visiting for that Yuletide cheer.