Oslo is Norway’s capital city and is located at the head of the Oslofjord. The city is renowned for its fascinating museums and green spaces, which can be enjoyed in summer, as well as a winter park, where skiing and snowboarding are available. Visitors can book the perfect Airbnb in Oslo’s Sentrum, then rent solar-powered bikes to explore one of the many convenient cycle tracks brought in as an effort to promote a cleaner environment. This modern and exciting destination is also host to several festivals, dedicated to opera, world music, dance, rock, literature, and film. There is a zoo to visit, plus several outdoor exercise parks, as well as many museums and cultural centers. If you don’t know where to start, you can also join an awesome GetYourGuide tour. The following things to do in Oslo, Norway, will fill your Norwegian holiday with fun and adventure.
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1. Admire the sculptures at The Vigeland Museum
The imposing exterior of The Vigeland Museum makes this amazing attraction one of the best examples of neo-Classical architecture in Norway, but the inside of this museum is even more impressive. Formerly the studio and residence of sculptor Gustav Vigeland, the building was transformed into a museum to showcase the exceptional work of the artist. The museum’s permanent collection houses almost all of Vigeland’s works, which include some 1,600 sculptures, 12,000 drawings, and 400 woodcuts spanning the entirety of his career. In addition to Vigeland’s early works, portrait busts, and plaster casts of the sculptures located in Vigeland Park, the museum holds temporary exhibits throughout the year that feature three-dimensional works.
The Vigeland Museum
Address: Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo, Norway
Website: The Vigeland Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 12 USD
2. Stroll along Damstredet and Telthusbakken
The cobblestone avenues of Damstredet and Telthusbakken are an idyllic setting filled with historic wooden homes painted in vibrant hues. These well-preserved areas provide a glimpse of life in the 1800s, and the charming scenery makes for postcard-pretty photographs. While both areas may be small - Damstredet is only 160 meters (175 yards) long, and Telthusbakken is only 260 meters (284 yards) long - both streets make for a lovely, leisurely walk. Telthusbakken is also situated near the public park Egebergløkka, where you can stroll along the romantic Kjærlighetsstien, which is known in English as “The Love Trail.”
Damstredet and Telthusbakken
Address: Damstredet 4A, 0177 Oslo, Norway
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Admire the works in Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park
Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park brims with a bounty of incredible artwork. The park is filled with the works of an assortment of contemporary, international artists, including Louise Bourgeois, Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, and Ugo Rondinone, and each sculpture varies in size, structure, and tone. Both the park and the neighbouring Astrup Fearnley Museum were designed by architect Renzo Piano. After strolling through the sculptures, you can visit the museum or continue walking to the nearby free, public beach.
Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park
Address: Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway
Website: Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
Price: Free
4. Stand under the Oslo Tree
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Oslo Tree is a superb art installation located in Trettenparken. Created by Symmetry Labs and purchased by Stein Erik Hagen, the Oslo Tree features 150,000 LED lights and stands at a magnificent 14 meters (46 feet) tall with a 14-meter (46-foot) wide canopy. With 15,000 LED leaves, the tree flares out in a breathtaking bloom of colours that combine to create a vibrant computer-generated interplay of colours. The tree has adapted to withstand the temperamental Norwegian climate so it can be visited year-round.
The Oslo Tree
Address: Filipstad Brygge, 0250 Oslo, Norway
Website: The Oslo Tree
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Trace the history of scouts at the Norwegian Scout Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re in town on a Tuesday, the Norwegian Scout Museum is an interesting destination to add to your itinerary. This small museum highlights the rich history of Norwegian scouts from its founding in 1911 to the present day. The museum has a unique collection of over 30,000 objects that encompasses uniforms, magazines, personal items, and even equipment.
Norwegian Scout Museum
Address: Storgata 3, 0155 Oslo, Norway
Website: Norwegian Scout Museum
Opening hours: Tue: 10am - 3pm (closed from Wed - Mon)
6. Admire the sculptures in Vigeland Park
Situated within Frogner Park, Vigeland Park is home to over 200 sculptures and monuments created by extraordinary artist Gustav Vigeland. This two-hour-long excursion is led by a professional tour guide who will provide insight into the life and works of the Norwegian artist, and share information about the bronze and granite sculptures that surround you. From the Monolith (Monolitten) to the Wheel of Life (Livshjulet), this tour is a fantastic way to learn more about the renowned works of Vigeland.
Book Tours : Norwegian Cultural Heritage Tour: Vigeland Park
7. Have a picnic at Nedre Foss
Nedre Foss is a small waterfall located near the Akerselva River, situated on the grounds of a public park. Historically, this area housed a farm and a grain mill that was in operation from 1200 until it closed in 1985. Visitors today can enjoy a series of picturesque walking trails, or eat at Nedre Foss Gård, which is a restaurant, beer garden, bar, and brewery. Sit back and enjoy a hearty meal and a pint at the restaurant, stroll by the river, or simply soak up the Nordic sun in this picturesque outdoor setting.
Nedre Foss
Address: Nordre gate 2, 0551 Oslo, Norway
8. Tour Ekebergparken Sculpture Park
With its rambling trails, incredible artworks, and picturesque panoramas, Ekebergparken Sculpture Park is a beautiful place to explore. This marvellous woodland park is filled with over 30 magnificent sculptures designed by renowned international artists such as James Turrell, Dan Graham, Sarah Lucas, and more, and was created to showcase the breadth of European art history from the last 130 years. In addition to sculptures, the park has rock carvings and ruins that date back to the Stone Age, and it boasts amazing views of the nearby city of Ekeberg. The park offers a variety of guided tours that provide additional insight into the history and nature of the area, and guests can also visit the Ekebergparken Museum to learn more. There is also an on-site café.
Ekebergparken Sculpture Park
Address: Kongsveien 15, 0193 Oslo, Norway
Website: Ekebergparken Sculpture Park
Opening hours: 12am - 12pm (daily)
Price: Free
9. Get the thrill of skiing
Get out with a local and explore a pristine landscape of snow-covered forest on this skiing adventure! This Airbnb experience takes you to Østmarka, a beautiful wooded area just outside of Oslo, where you’ll learn how to cross-country ski in a small-group setting. All equipment is provided for you, and the tour includes a hot drink and traditional Norwegian snacks. Whether you’re a skiing novice or you just want to explore the area with a local, this skiing experience is a fantastic way to get outside, enjoy Norway’s incredible scenery, and challenge yourself with a new activity. The tour is four hours long, and it is designed for skiing beginners.
Book Tours : The Ultimate Norwegian Skiing Experience
10. Visit the stately Akershus Fortress
One of the best things to do in Oslo is to find out about the city’s history at Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle located at the end of the headland, in the city of Oslo. Built to protect the city, construction was completed in the 1300s and has it stood up to many sieges over the years. The fortress was later modernized into a royal residence and a renaissance castle. Guided tours are available in summer and the fortress also hosts many major concerts and ceremonies. On the same premises, you can find the Norway Resistance Museum, mentioned below.
Akershus Fortress
Address: Oslo, Norway
Website: Akershus Fortress
11. Tour the fascinating Viking Ship Museum
The fascinating Viking Ship Museum, in Oslo, forms part of the Museum of Cultural History. There are three Viking ships on display here, including the Oseberg, Tune and Gokstad. There are also smaller boats, a cart, sledges and various tools and household utensils from Viking days. While in the museum, visitors can enjoy an adventure movie “The Vikings Alive,” which screens on the wall and ceilings, inside the museum. One ticket gives visitors access to the Viking Ship Museum and the history museum, described below.
Viking Ship Museum
Address: Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo, Norway
Website: Viking Ship Museum
12. Check out the exhibits at Kon-Tiki Museum
The Kon-Tiki Museum is a fascinating visit, offering exhibits related to Thor Heyerdahl’s famous expeditions. Heyerdahl crossed the Pacific Ocean in 1947, on a balsa wood raft, named the Kon-Tiki, which can be seen in the museum. He also made other expeditions in reed boats, named Ra, Ra II and Tigris. Ra II is also available to view, in the museum, along with various objects relating to his journey and excavations made on the Galapagos Islands.
Kon-Tiki Museum
Address: Bygdøynesveien 36, 0286 Oslo
Website: Kon-Tiki Museum
13. Spend an afternoon at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is located in the city of Oslo, in a beautiful four-storey building, and featuring a mix of permanent and updated exhibitions. On the ground floor, is an exhibit relating to the Middle Ages and the Viking age. The second and fourth floors offer exhibits of antique art and Egyptian mummies, along with artefacts from various Arctic exhibitions. There are also exhibits relating to American, East Asian and African cultures. Your ticket includes a visit to the Viking Ship Museum, mentioned above.
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Address: Museumsveien 10, 0287 Oslo, Norway
Website: Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
14. View contemporary art displays at Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
A point of interest in Oslo, this beautiful museum building is part of the modern-day city and offers displays of contemporary art by Northern European and other artists, in three pavilions. There are works by artists from other countries, including Brazil, China, Japan, India and America. The pavilions are housed under an impressive glass roof, shaped like a boat sail, to mirror the nearby Oslo harbour.
Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
Address: Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway
Website: Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
15. Learn about the sport of skiing at Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower
Located at the base of the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, the ski museum was founded in 1923 and is considered to be the oldest ski museum in the world. The museum offers exhibits relating to more than 100 years of skiing competitions, as well as artefacts relating to the history of skiing, going back some 4,000 years. There are also various artefacts relating to polar exploration and an observation deck on the tower offering panoramic and beautiful views of the city. There is also a café and gift shop on site, as well as a ski simulator.
Holmenkollen Ski Museum
Address: Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo, Norway
Website: Holmenkollen Ski Museum
16. Stroll around Frogner Park
Frogner Park is the largest in the city and a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. A well-known tourist attraction in Oslo, the park offers the Vigeland Sculpture Park as well as beautiful open and green areas for picnics and barbecues. There is also a large rose garden in the park, with around 14,000 plants on view. There is also an open air pool in the park, as well as the Frogner Stadium, the original Frogner Manor House and the Oslo City Museum. There is also a restaurant and café, open in the summer months.
Frogner Park
Address: Kirkeveien, 0268 Oslo, Norway
Website: Frogner Park
17. Plan a visit to Norway's Resistance Museum
The Norway Resistance Museum is located inside Akershus Fortress and offers exhibits relating to the domestic history of Norway, during World War II, from 1940 to 1945. There are various photos, posters, objects and original newspaper clippings from the time. The museum is located in a 17th-century building, separate to the fortress and includes a memorial to Norwegian patriots, who were executed in the war.
Norway's Resistance Museum
Address: Akershus Festning, 0015 Oslo, Norway
Website: Norway’s Resistance Museum
18. Take a day tour of Hovedøya Island
One of a number of small islands off the city’s coast, Hovedøya is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The island is small but well known for its beautiful green nature and flowers. There are two boat routes out to the island from the city. In the summer months, a café is available, and there are the ruins of a monastery on the island, which is also an interesting visit. There are also several beaches suitable for swimming on the island. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Oslo, this island offers plenty of activities.
Hovedøya Island
Address: Oslo, Norway
Website: Hovedøya Island
19. Spend the day out in nature at University Botanical Garden
The University Botanical Garden is one of Oslo’s most beautiful, green spaces with a large variety of plants, shrubs and trees. Particularly the blind will enjoy the Scent Garden, arranged to offer gorgeous scents of the various plants, to those who cannot directly enjoy their beauty. On site are the Palm House and the Victoria House, dating back to the 1800s and exhibiting exotic plants from all over the world.
University Botanical Garden
Address: Sars’ gate/Monrads gate, Tøyen, 0562 Oslo
Website: University Botanical Garden
20. Watch a performance at Oslo Opera House
Plan ahead before you get to Oslo and book tickets to catch an upcoming performance at Oslo Opera House. Tickets to the opera and ballet, as well as concert tickets, are available on their official website. Besides coming here to watch a show, visitors are welcome to enjoy panoramic city views from the plaza and check out the art projects on display around the property.
Oslo Opera House
Address: Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
Website: Oslo Opera House
21. Book a guided tour of the Royal Palace
This picturesque and stately building is the official residence of Norway’s monarchy and dates back to 1814. The palace is usually open for tours during the summer, so if you’re traveling to Oslo between the months of June to September, this is a must-visit. Besides admiring the architecture, visitors can watch the changing of the guard and tour the grounds. Taking a walk around the palace at night is also a great option, since the building is lit up with yellow lights when the sun goes down.
The Royal Palace
Address: Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, Norway
Website: The Royal Palace
22. Check out Holmenkollbakken
If you’re a fan of winter sports, you may recognize Holmenkollbakken, a ski jump hill that’s a part of Holmenkollen National Arena. If you’re not familiar with ski jumping, then a visit here is a must because there’s also a ski museum, a cafe, a gift shop, and viewing tower on-site. The museum is located under the ski jump, and guests can learn about the history of skiing and see displays related to the sport. The viewing tower is the best part since you’ll be able to go to the top of the ski jump and get the best city views.
Holmenkollbakken
Address: Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo, Norway
Website: Holmenkollbakken
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
23. Tour the stave church from Gol
An interesting structure in the modern city of Oslo, Gol Stave Church dates back to 1157. Once a stave church - a medieval Christian church made of wood - this attraction is now a museum listed as a Norwegian Cultural Heritage Site. Visitors will be able to see some medieval artifacts and murals inside.
Gol Stave Church
Address: The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Museumsveien 10, 0287 Oslo, Norway
Website: Gol Stave Church
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm
24. Sample traditional cuisine on this Taste of Oslo walking tour
Besides joining tours and visiting historic places, there’s no better way to learn - and remember - a city than by tasting its food. Eat like a local and join this food tour so you can sample the best food in Oslo. For three to four hours, your guide will take you to six stops where you’ll not only learn some local history but also get a chance to taste dishes from four different places. The last stop is Mathallen Oslo, where you’ll sample cheeses, cured meat, and beer.
Book Tours : Taste of Oslo Walking Tour
25. Hike to Bogstad Manor
Traverse Oslo’s lush forests and rolling countryside on this Airbnb hiking excursion. This outdoor trip is led by experienced local guides, and it showcases amazing panoramas as you trek through beautiful woodland around the city. Explore Strømsdammen, Sørkedalen, and more as you make your way to Bogstad Manor, an idyllic manor house surrounded by verdant farmland. Your tour continues around Lake Bogstad and concludes with a trip back to Jernbanetorget on public transportation. The tour is around three hours long, and comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are recommended.
Book Tours : Oslo Hiking - Bogstad Manor Walk
Enjoy your tour of beautiful and contemporary Oslo
With its history and modern, contemporary buildings, along with many attractions and parks, Oslo is a fascinating city to visit, while travelling in Norway. Be sure to try these fun things to do in Oslo during your holiday.
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