oslo travel guide pdf

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Oslo Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

Oslo makes for an excellent base to explore southern Norway as well as a fun weekend getaway destination. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby, as well as ample opportunities to swim, fish, go boating, and ski.

While not the cheapest city in the world (it’s actually one of the most expensive), it’s nevertheless worth a visit to see the incredible fjords and take in the relaxed place of Scandinavian life. There are lots of free and cheap things to do as well, so you don’t have to break the bank.

I love my visits here and I’m confident you will too!

This travel guide to Oslo can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in the city.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Oslo

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Oslo

1. Hang out at the Opera

Norway’s largest performing arts institution is home to the world’s first opera house rooftop. Opened in 2007, the building itself is composed of multiple flat levels that essentially act as small plazas, allowing visitors to walk on the roof and enjoy the view of the harbor and city. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunset when the weather is nice. Ticket prices for the opera and ballet vary for each production but expect to pay at least 200 NOK. If you don’t mind standing, there are some tickets available for 100 NOK. There are also occasional “balcony concerts” performed by students, which are free and a great way to enjoy music on a budget. Daily guided tours of the building are available in English. They last 50 minutes and cost 120 NOK.

2. Explore Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a medieval fortress originally commissioned in 1299 that later evolved into a Renaissance palace under Danish King Christian IV. In World War II, the Germans used the fort to execute dissidents. After the war, Nazi collaborators were executed here. Today, it’s a temporary office for the Prime Minister. There is a small museum inside that highlights the fort’s turbulent history. Admission is free.

3. Wander Vigeland Sculpture Park

Located in Frogner Park, is the world’s largest display of sculptures created by a single artist. Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943) created over 200 bronze, iron, and granite statues that now stand in the open-air “gallery” (which covers a whopping 80 acres). The crying baby statue is the most famous. In the summer, there are often events held here as well. It’s open daily and free to visit.

4. Go swimming

Oslo has many outdoor areas that are ideal for swimming, from rivers to lakes to the Oslo fjord itself. The water here is clean and safe too. Tjuvholmen City Beach, Sørenga Seawater Pool, and Huk (Oslo’s popular beach for a younger crowd) are three places worth checking out if you’re looking to take a dip. You’ll usually see plenty of locals enjoying the water — even in the winter!

5. Explore Nordmarka Wilderness Area

Spanning over 430 acres and just 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Oslo’s city center, you can find everything from biking to swimming to skiing in the Nordmarka Wilderness Area. There are huts available for overnight stays too. For a challenging day hike, try the “Voksenkollen til Bjørnsjøen” trail. It’s around 25 kilometers (15 miles) and takes just over 8 hours to complete. For something shorter, try the moderate “Frognerseteren til Sognsvann” trail, which is around 11 kilometers (8 miles) and takes 3.5-4 hours.

Other Things to See and Do in Oslo

1. take a free walking tour.

One of the best ways to learn about a new destination is to take a free walking tour. You’ll get to see the main sights while having an expert local guide on hand to answer your questions. I always start my trips off with a free walking tour as they are the best way to get oriented and learn a little bit about the local history and culture. Free Tour Oslo offers an insightful 90-minute tour around the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Visit the Blomqvist Auction House Gallery

Established in 1870, Blomqvist is one of the oldest and largest auction houses in Norway. Located in the city center, it is an excellent place to stop to see traditional Norwegian art and antiques such as glass, silver, china, furniture, carpets, and even jewelry. Sure, you may not want to fork out a fortune on art or antiques at their auctions but it’s a nice gallery to spend some time exploring. You can also visit their website to see what is available for auction as there is an ever-rotating list of art and antiques on offer.

3. Learn some Norwegian history at Norsk Folkemuseum

There are many museums throughout Oslo showcasing Norwegian history and Viking tales, but this is the most interesting. Home to over 150 buildings, this open-air museum lets you immerse yourself in the history of the country. The biggest attraction is the Gol Stave Church, which dates to 1200 CE. Other incredible sights to see are the 14th-century farmhouses and the 18th-century tenement buildings. This is a fun activity that blends entertainment and education, so it’s a great choice for anyone traveling with children. Admission is 140 NOK in winter and 180 NOK in summer.

4. Check out the Viking museum

The Viking Age was a period of time from around 800-1066 that saw a massive expansion of Scandinavian conquests and exploration (they traveled as far as Canada in the west and to modern-day Turkey in the east). This museum is home to the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, which date to the 9th century. It’s also home to the largest Viking burial ship in the world. There is an array of preserved boats and carts that date back to the Middle Ages as well. Admission is 179 NOK.

5. Visit Kampen Ecological Children’s Farm

Located in Eastern Oslo, “Kampen Barnebondegård” is an urban ecological farm that was set up for children to learn about vegetables, herbs, and animals (they have horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and more!). On weekends, there’s a small cafe available with homemade treats. It’s a great stop for a laid-back, kid-friendly afternoon that’s both fun and educational. Hours are limited outside of the summer so be sure to check their website and/or social media before you go.

6. Shop in Grünerløkka

Located slightly north of Oslo’s city center, Grünerløkka is ideal for an afternoon of perusing independent shops. You can expect to find artisanal handicrafts, clothing, pottery, and various other trinkets, in addition to record shops and second-hand bookstores. There are cafes, flea markets, and bakeries here too, making it ideal for a relaxing day of exploring the city on foot. There are also a few clubs here so at night the area livens up even more.

7. See the National Gallery

The National Gallery contains Edvard Munch’s famous painting “The Scream” (which was made in 1893 and has been stolen twice). The gallery is small, but there are a lot of artists on display. It has some Impressionist and Dutch works, as well as some pieces by Picasso and El Greco. It’s not the most expansive collection, but it is still worth a visit, especially if you’re a fan of more classical art styles (like me).

8. Stroll along Aker Brygge wharf

Perfect for an afternoon stroll and host to the largest concentration of restaurants in Oslo, Aker Brygge is located southeast of Oslo’s city center. Enjoy a wide array of foods ranging from French cuisine to traditional Nordic dishes, or a simple day of window shopping and architectural admiration. There are also lots of food trucks around here in the summer. The wharf has something for everyone and is a great place to spend a couple of hours window shopping, people-watching, and admiring the view of the fjord.

9. Wander through the Botanical Garden

The perfect place to relax after exploring the city, Oslo’s Botanical Garden has over 1,800 different plants. Largely set up as an Arboretum, the Botanical Garden also offers two greenhouses of exotic plants (which date to 1868 and 1876 respectively) and a “Scent Garden” designed specifically for the blind so they could enjoy a sensory experience. There are lots of benches so you can sit down with a book and relax, as well as works of art throughout the garden. Entry is free.

10. Join the Korketrekkeren Toboggan run

The toboggan run begins in Frognerseteren and is an exciting way to take part in a traditional Norwegian winter activity. The track is over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) long and sleds are available for rent (including helmets) for 100-150 NOK per day. You can take as many rides down the track as you like as it’s free to ride. The ride itself takes almost 10 minutes and then it takes about 15 minutes to get back to the top. The track is only available when there is snow so the schedule varies, but it’s incredibly fun and popular with the locals!

11. Visit the Fram Museum

Located on the Bygdøy Peninsula, this museum is all about Norwegian polar exploration. Opened in 1936, the museum honors explorers like Roald Amundsen (who led the first expedition to the south pole in 1911) and Fridtjof Nansen (who crossed the Greenland interior on skis in 1888). You’ll learn about the expeditions and how the people (and their animals) survived the harsh conditions. The museum also has exhibits of the animals of the polar regions, such as penguins and polar bears, as well as a Northern Lights show to give you a sense of what the Aurora Borealis actually looks like. Admission 140 NOK for adults and 50 NOK for kids.

12. See the Kon Tiki Museum

Another museum about exploration, the Kon Tiki museum highlights the adventures of Thor Heyerdahl, the 20th-century explorer and anthropologist. In 1947, Thor sailed from Peru to the Polynesian islands on a balsa wood raft to prove that Polynesians migrated from South America, not Asia. (While he succeeded in his journey, his theory was ultimately proven incorrect). He also sailed from Morocco to Barbados on another traditional raft to prove that the Egyptians could have crossed the Atlantic. At the museum, you’ll get to see his two boats and learn about his voyages, discoveries, and challenges. Admission is 140 NOK.

13. Take a fjord cruise

Oslo travel costs.

Hostel prices – Accommodation (much like everything in Norway) is not cheap. Hostels start around 390 NOK per night for a 6-8-person dorm. Private rooms cost around 800-900 NOK. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities. Free breakfast is rare, though it is offered by a couple of hostels in the city.

Additionally, most hostels in Norway charge a 50 NOK surcharge for linens, as is the custom in Scandinavia. You can bring your own, however, you cannot use a sleeping bag instead.

For those traveling with a tent, wild camping is legal (and free). Norway has ‘Freedom to Roam’ laws (called “Allemannsretten”) that allow anyone to camp anywhere for up to two nights as long as it’s not on cultivated land. You’ll need to make sure you are not camping near someone’s house, that you take all trash with you when you leave, and that you aren’t in a farmer’s field or garden. But other than that, you can pretty much pitch your tent anywhere!

If wild camping is not your thing, campgrounds are also common though many require a Camping Key Europe card. You can purchase it at your campsite for 210 NOK or online (for a discount). Most campsites have modern facilities, including toilets and showers. Expect a basic tent plot with space for two people to cost around 200 NOK per night.

Budget hotel prices – A three-star budget hotel (there are no two-star budget hotels in Oslo) starts around 600-800 NOK for a double room. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea makers, and a TV. Some hotels include a basic free breakfast too. For a hotel with a pool, expect to pay at least 1,200 NOK per night.

Private rooms on Airbnb start around 480 NOK per night while an entire house/apartment costs at least 800-1,000 NOK per night. Be sure to book early, otherwise, prices can double (or even triple).

Food – Food is expensive in Oslo — there are just no two ways about it. A lot of food has to be imported so anything that isn’t grown here is going to be pricey. Seafood is incredibly popular, with smoked salmon being one of the country’s staples. Cod is also super popular, as are prawns and crab (locals host “crab parties” when they are in season). Lamb is the most popular meat, and open-faced sandwiches are the go-to choice for both breakfast and lunch (usually composed of dark bread, cheese, and either meat, seafood, or vegetable topping).

Street food like hot dogs costs between 25-45 NOK and you can usually find “cheap” meals of traditional cuisine for just under 200 NOK at inexpensive casual restaurants. For a multi-course meal with table service, expect to pay double that.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 120 NOK for a combo meal while Chinese food starts at 150 NOK for a main dish. A basic large pizza starts at 110 NOK (140 NOK for one with more toppings).

Beer at the bar costs around 97 NOK though you can get it for less than half that price if you buy it at the store. Lattes/cappuccinos cost around 45 NOK while bottled water is 30 NOK.

Grocery shopping here is the cheapest way to get by on a budget. Expect a week’s worth of groceries to cost around 725 NOK. This includes basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Oslo Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 600 NOK per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, take public transportation to get around, limit your drinking, and do free activities like swimming and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add 50-150 NOK per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 1,500 NOK per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for some meals, take the occasional taxi to get around, enjoy a couple of drinks, and do paid activities like museum visits or opera performances.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,600 NOK or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities and guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in NOK.

Oslo Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Oslo is an expensive city in an expensive country. It takes some work to save money. Even McDonald’s costs a lot of money. Saving money here takes a lot of work and vigilance but it can be done! Here are some tips to save money in the city:

• Cook your own food – Food is very, very expensive in Norway so the best thing you can do is cook your own meals. Go grocery shopping and stick to buying local and seasonal food. it’s not fancy but it can save you a ton!
• Eat cheap – If you do decide to eat out, your cheapest options are shawarma and pizza. They can be found all around the city.
• Stay with a local – The best way to avoid expensive hostels is to not stay in them! Couchsurfing can connect you with local hosts who offer free accommodation (usually just on a couch). It’s not fancy, but you’ll get insider tips and a free place to stay — all while making a new friend!
• Camp – Free public camping laws allow you to camp in the parks and public lands for free as long as you have your own tent. You can stay up to two nights in an area as long as you are quiet and respectful. Make sure to leave the area as you found it! If you plan on camping a lot, make sure to get the Camping Key Europe card. It offers discounts to most of Norway’s campgrounds.
• Get the Oslo Pass – If you plan on visiting lots of museums and using public transportation, this pass is going to save you money. The 24-hour pass is 445 NOK while you can also get a 48-hour pass for 655 NOK and a 72-hour pass for 820 NOK.
• Take advantage of Oslo’s free activities – Stick to free places like the Botanical Garden, Church ruins in Maridalen, Ekebergparken Sculpture Park, Akershus Fortress, Oslo Cathedral, Intercultural Museum, and Monastery Ruins at Hovedøya. If you’re into art, check out Kunsthall Oslo, Gallery LNM, Fineart Oslo, Gallery TM51, Gallery, and Semmingsen.
• Stay sober – At around 100 NOK per drink (often more!), going out destroys your budget. While Norwegians love to go out and have a good time, if you are on a tight budget, skip the drinks. Better to save your money for sailing around the fjords.
• Buy your drinks at the store – If you do plan on drinking, buy your drinks at the Vinmonopolet (the state-run chain of stores that sell alcohol). You’ll save 50% or more doing this!
• Travel with friends – If you rent a car to get out of the city (which is the best way to see the surrounding areas), try to find people to join you to share costs. You can use the Couchsurfing app or just ask around in hostels to find people. This will help you save money on gas and rental prices — which can eat into your budget quickly!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is super clean, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic usage. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Oslo

Oslo only has a few hostels worth staying at. Here are my recommended places to stay:

• Anker Hostel
• Cochs Pensjonat

How to Get Around Oslo

You can buy your ticket onboard, however, it is more expensive that way. To save time and money, download the RuterBillett app. It’s the city’s app for public transportation.

Additionally, free public transportation is included with the Oslo Pass, which can save you money if you plan on seeing a lot of sights.

While you can get on most buses and trams without showing a ticket, ticket patrols are common and the fines are heavy. Don’t risk it — always purchase a ticket!

Oslo is the only city in the country with a metro system (known as the “T-Bane”). Tickets are 39 NOK and the passes above also work for the metro system. There are 5 lines and around 100 stops with service beginning between 5:30am-6am and ending between 12:30am-1am. It’s fast, reliable and an easy way to get across the city.

Taxi – Taxis are prohibitively expensive here. Rates start at 103 NOK and are 15 NOK per kilometer. Avoid them!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Oslo (it’s the only city in the country where they operate). However, it’s comparable to the taxis here so there’s not much savings.

Bicycle – Cycling is a great way to get around the city as everything is compact and lots of locals cycle as well. You can find rentals for 69 NOK per day from Oslo City Bike. It’s the city’s bike-sharing program and there are over 250 stations around the city where you can get a bike. You just need to download the app to sign up and pay.

Car rental – Car rentals start at around 360 NOK per day for a multi-day rental. If you’re just staying in the city, you won’t need a vehicle, however, having one will let you explore the many parks and forests outside the city.

When to Go to Oslo

The ideal time to visit Oslo is from June to August when the weather is warm and the days are (really) long. The country is at its liveliest during this time and locals take advantage of the good weather at every opportunity. The parks are always full and there are always fun events happening around town. Temperatures hover around the 20s°C (60s and 70s°F) — not too hot, but warm enough to swim, hike, and lounge about.

The downside to visiting in the summer is that, since Norway has a very short summer, Oslo can get busy so be sure to book your accommodation in advance. That being said, “busy” in Oslo is a far cry from “busy” in cities like Paris or London.

The shoulder season makes for a good time to visit as well, with temperatures ranging from 4-10°C (40-50°F). May typically has decent weather with occasional rain, while September gives you cooler temperatures and changing leaves. You’ll beat the crowds and still be able to explore the city on foot without the weather getting in your way (too much).

Attractions begin to close around late September/early October, or at the very least reduce their hours. The days begin to get dark early in October and temperatures start dropping around this time too. However, prices also decrease, and you’re likely to find cheaper airfares and accommodations. Be sure to pack layers if you plan on visiting during this time of year as it can be quite cool — even during the day.

The winter is very cold and sees a lot of snow and darkness. In the depths of the winter, you only get a few hours of light each day, and temperatures plummet below freezing. The plus side of traveling during the off-season, however, is that you’ll be offered the cheapest accommodations, and fees for certain attractions are lower as well. You can also take advantage of all the winter sports, such as cross-country skiing and downhill skiing. This is also the prime time to see the northern lights.

How to Stay Safe in Oslo

Norway is one of the safest countries in the world. In fact, it ranks 17th on the list of the world’s safest countries! Oslo is no exception. However, it’s still good to keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially around the train stations and on public transportation. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.) but it’s unlikely anything will occur. Check out one of the solo female travel blogs on the web for more specific information on safety.

The tap water in Oslo is safe and clean so you can safely trick the water. There is also no real risk of natural disasters or terrorism here either. If you go hiking, always bring water and sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather before you go as well.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. While break-ins are rare, it never hurts to be safe!

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for police, 110 for fire, and 113 for ambulance services.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Oslo Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Oslo Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Norway and continue planning your trip:

How to Spend 48 Hours in Oslo

The 22 Best Things to Do in Oslo

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bergen, Norway

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Ultimate Guide to Oslo | City Guide You Need Before You Go

• Getting Around in Oslo
• What to Do - Oslo by Boat
• What to See - Oslo Sculpture and Architecture
• What to Visit - Holmenkollen and Museums
• Where to Stay
• Oslo Pass and Transport Ticket
• Visit Oslo on a Budget
• What to Pack for an Oslo Holiday
• Oslo Food and Drinks
• When to Plan Your Oslo Trip
• Oslo Holiday Travel Tips

Oslo is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but when should you visit to make the most of its climate and prices? Which destinations will liven up your Oslo holiday the most? Which tours deliver the best thrills? And which dishes represent Norwegian gastronomy best? We have the answers. Keep reading and book the perfect tour for your interests.

If you’re planning an Oslo holiday, you’ll get the opportunity to tread the same paths Edvard Munch once did, but the city celebrates contemporary art equally well. You can find out what inspired the famous Norwegian-noir writers, Jo Nesbo and Anne Holt. 

Oslo was once the stomping grounds of Vikings, but it soon became one of the world’s most interesting art capitals. Its museums cover both Medieval times and contemporary eras. The capital is an innovative one, and you’ll see that spirit in everything from its entrepreneurial heritage to its extraordinary gastronomy and opera

Regardless of how, don’t forget to immerse yourself in its culinary scene, which has become so famous it’s turned Oslo into a culinary destination for the most passionate of foodies. After the sun goes down and your appetite is duly sated, its nightlife awakens in glistening Technicolor. This is the most multicultural of cities, and it welcomes you. 

• See also:   7 Things To Do & See in Oslo, The Capital City of Norway

Getting Around in Oslo      

After you deplane at Gardermoen Airport, there are several ways for you to get to Oslo. You can try the car rental service, which you will find several different rental companies at the airport. Or, enjoy the fastest way to downtown by  Flytoget . Another public transportation is by Oslo Rail, which is also an environmentally friendly way to go for.

When getting to the city, make Grünerløkka as the first stop. This was once an industrial area, but it’s become Oslo’s trendiest arts spot. It’s home to several art schools, so it’s populated with a range of contemporary art galleries and bars. You’ll get to see global art talent and sample unusual tastes at the Mathallen food market. The riverside walkway is perfect in both summer and winter. 

The  Akerselva River runs through the center of Oslo, starting from Maridalen and carrying you past the Opera House, Frogner Park, and Grünerløkka. Once the sun sets, stop by at Torggata Botaniske, an unusual botanical bar that’s renowned for its plant-lined walls and impressive cocktail menu. This is the perfect place to try out botanical-laced cocktails and local wines. You’ll feel as though you’re inside a forest, and the ambiance is a global phenomenon.

What to Do - Oslo by Boat       

The  Oslofjord Sightseeing Boat Tour will carry you to most of Oslo’s most important destinations, from The Viking Ship to the Fram Museums. Hovedøya is a nature lover's paradise and is nestled along the rocky island of Langøyene, where you'll spot breeding waterbirds and pristine vegetation.

The boat trip will take you to Oslo Opera House, which plays the starring role as an architectural centerpiece. It hosts contemporary opera such as The Magic Flute alongside jazz festivals and workshops. If it’s ballet or modern dance your favour, you’ll find it there, too. It hosts enough performances to keep you entertained throughout the week.

What to See - Oslo Sculpture and Architecture            

If you love sculpture and architecture, the Vigelandsparken presents the work of Norway’s famous Gustav Vigeland. There are a total of 212 sculptures in its exhibit, including his famous Sinnataggen. The emotive sculpture park was first planned in the Twenties, with its many artworks being connected by a riverside pathway with its own enormous fountain. It hosts a 20-meter obelisk, which is perhaps its most pronounced feature. Once you've strolled through the park, stop by the Munch Museum, which has a 28,000-strong collection of Munch’s works.

Oslo Cathedral is an impressive 17th-century church that was constructed in the late 1600s. It was restored in the fifties, and its baroque interior is well worth viewing on your Oslo holiday, particularly during one of its many concerts. No tour is complete without a trip to the Rådhuset, which hosts The Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony every year. And if you want to feel som royal vibe, the Royal Palace is open to visitors every Summer.

What to Visit - Holmenkollen and Museums      

For people who want to have great views over Oslo and Oslofjord, Holmenkollen is definitely ideal and a must visit. Holmenkollen, the ski jump tower is Norway's most visited tourist attraction and one of the world's most famous sports arenas and the ski museum is the world's oldest museum specializing in skis. The ski museum, which opened in 1928 and exhibits over 4000 years of ski history. and its cross-country area has a breathtaking elevation of 325 meters. Taking the lift all the way up a magnificent view of Oslo and the Oslo Fjord. For those seeking a more adrenaline filled experience, there’s a zip line from the top of the hill all the way down to the tribune.

Bygdøy Peninsula is the place for you if you are going to get yourself filled by museums. It boasts a total of five museums . A tip to remember, Oslo Pass will cover all your museum and transport costs.

Kon-Tiki Museum

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

Viking Ship Museum

Norwegian Maritime Museum

Fram Museum 

The Kon-Tiki Museum has an 8000-book library and an adventurers’ museum, replete with the vessels and maps from the Kon-Tiki exhibition. You will learn about the explorer Thor Heyerdahl. He is famous for having crossed the Pacific Ocean in only a balsa wood raft in 1947. That raft, known as the Kon-Tiki, is on display in the museum. You'll also learn about Heyerdahl’s exploration of Easter Island, the Galapagos, and Fatu-Hiva, and how his work impacted geographical knowledge at the time.

The Viking Ship Museum exhibits archaeological finds from the surrounding regions of Oslo. This fascinating museum is dedicated to the history of Norwegian maritime adventure in the time of the Vikings. It is home to some of the best preserved Viking ships in the world. During your visit, you will discover the unique stories of three Viking ships.

The Astrup Fearnley waterfront museum is a work of art in itself but is also home to an international and contemporary art exhibition. It is not located in Bygdøy Peninsula, it's gorgeously set against the Oslo Fjord and hosts one of the largest Norwegian modern art collections. It was constructed to blend in with the Oslofjord landscape. Its exhibits include works by Jeff Koons, Tom Sachs, and Richard Prince. Its contemporary artists include Ansel Kiefer and Sigmar Polke. The gallery is careful about the art it exhibits, so you won’t find many spurious or pretentious collections within its halls. It opens at 12 and closes at 17:00, so make sure you’re at the door at noon. You’ll need every minute you can spare.

• Press here to find more tours to Holmenkollen and Vigeland Park

At a Glance - Akershus Fortress       

Akershus Fortress was constructed to protect the city, but it’s been modified to include a military installation. It’s worth a visit for its medieval history and sprawling grounds alone, but no history tour is complete without a guided trip and musical recital. The fortress was built by King Haakon the Fifth and became home of Princess Margaret of Denmark in 1363.

Not long afterward, it was turned into a cheerful renaissance home. In the 19th century, it was used as a prison known for its slave labour. It was ultimately restored and now includes a Norwegian Resistance Museum to celebrate the Norwegian fighters of the Forties. It remains one of the best spots for viewing Oslo Fjord, and it even hosts concerts and dinners at its own private restaurant.

Where to Stay       

The city has accommodation along the waterfront, in the city center, and nearby Vigeland Park. Oslo is a relatively small city, so any central hotel will support your transportation routes.

Aker Brygge: If water soothes you, these previously rundown dockyards have been upgraded, turning the area into one of Oslo’s trendiest. It’s a short distance from the city center and is close enough to the highway to support a cross-country tour. Aker Brygge has a number of galleries and canals, so take the opportunity for a sunset stroll.

Majorstuen: It is close to Vigeland Park, but as one of Oslo’s trendiest neighborhoods, it’s a little more expensive than other parts of the city. Even so, it has some affordable accommodations and is close to major public transport routes.

The Frogner District: It is one of the city’s best established, and it’s home to the upper crust of Norwegian society. It’s a quiet area near to the exquisite Frognerparken. Those on budget trips will find affordable shared accommodation in the Frogner District's many apartment blocks or through Airbnb listings.

Grünerløkka: It is Oslo’s most culturally disparate region. It attracted droves of immigrants in the eighties and has thus become an internationally relevant region with a decidedly bohemian flair. This is where some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and bars can be found. It’s a youthful area steeped in Millennial culture.

Akershus County: Consider a bed and breakfast or hotel along the Fjord on Asker road in this municipality. Each morning, you’ll be able to stroll to the public library and station.

Oslo’s hotels are well-priced. You won’t need to pay more than you would in any UK or US city. It has a thriving Airbnb market, but if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, The Thief and Clarion Collection Hotels are among the most original. The Solbakken and Hotel Continental are expensive but top-rated. Wi-fi, 24-hour front desk, free breakfasts, and paid public parking are typical of the best hotels in the city. All but one Oslo hotel are smoke-free.

Oslo Pass and Transport Ticket      

Oslo is a small city with a well-developed public transport system. It won’t take longer than half an hour to travel from its center to the city outskirts by bus or tram. Public transportation is usually on time. The Oslo Pass gives you unlimited free bus and tram travel as well as entrance into the city's museums and galleries. It can be used on the boats to Bygdøy, but not to Oslo Gardermoen Airport.

A one-month Ruter transport ticket will cover your costs at a pocket-friendly price, but make sure you choose the one or all-zone option that suits your needs best. The city has the second most expensive taxi tariff in the world, so a monthly ticket will bring down your holiday costs significantly.

Visit Oslo on a Budget       

Oslo falls in the center of Europe’s beer index, and its hotel prices are generally affordable, with overheads that equal any world-class destination. It has several free tourist hot spots, and you can expect to pay about 250 NOK ($28) for a meal. The city’s coffee scene is raging right now, with prices that are comparable to Starbucks despite an impressive upgrade in quality. A Ruter monthly public transport ticket will set you back about 750 NOK ($85).

What to Pack for an Oslo Holiday       

Even if you’re travelling in summer, you’ll need a jacket and jersey. The weather is unpredictable, which makes for some challenging packing. Spring, autumn, and winter can be chilly and windy, so a lightweight windbreaker is a must. Wintry weather requires ski wear, scarves, and thermals. A heavy coat and walking shoes will keep you comfortable on long winter hikes. Oslo medications are expensive, so fill your prescription before you leave. European over the counter medications often require a script in Norway, so add your OTC medications to your luggage and pack a written doctor’s prescription for them.

Oslo Food and Drinks       

Oslo is passionate about fresh ingredients, and no wonder, given its many Michelin restaurants. Chefs grow their own ingredients, even for their garnishes, so you can expect a passionate approach to food. Here is the list of the most recommended restaurants and cafes in Oslo.

Maaemo is a place for you if you enjoy fine dining. Maaemo is the only three Michelin star restaurant in Norway. In addition to the seasonal Norwegian cuisine, Maaemo focuses on the harmony by highlighting raw and cooked ingredients along with the culture and history of Norway. Chef Esben Holmboe Bang created a menu entitled “A Journey through the Norwegian Landscape.” Isn’t a must try when visiting Oslo?

Hos Thea is another restaurant that has numerous awards, which is located in a 100-year-old butcher shop in Skillebekk. The chef and owner Sergio make sure all the customers will taste the seasonal dishes, such as homemade crayfish ravioli and deer with blueberry sauce. How about having a glass of wine and enjoying this creative cuisine in an intimate place like Hos Thea?

Klosteret Restaurant let you dining in the building that was built in 1899. Klosteret Restaurant insists on only use ingredients supplied by local farmers and artisans. Here, Norwegian and European fine dining is what you expect to have. Organic salmon with asparagus, trout roe & dill foam, and veal with sweetbread & cabbage. Try all of these in the candlelit space of exposed brick walls and arches.

Engebret Café is the local institution among gourmets. This is also the oldest restaurant in Oslo in a building from the early 1700s. Within the historic neighborhood of Kvadraturen, you will find “Engebret Cafe’”. This restaurant dates back to 1857 and provides guests the opportunity to experience traditional Norwegian cuisine. Dishes include reindeer carpaccio with grilled goat cheese and cured herring with potato salad. Even Edvard Grieg and Edvard Munch were one of the guests.

Kafe Celsius offers a cup of black coffee with a vanilla marinated strawberry dessert sound like something everyone wants to have on a cozy afternoon. Kafe Celsius, in addition to outstanding dessert and coffee, is located in Christiania Square, which is surrounded by some of the oldest buildings in town. This is a perfect place for you to sit down and enjoy a peaceful moment in Oslo and recharge for your next adventure.

Stockfleths let us go back to 1895 when the first Stockfleths opened. Almost 120 years old, Stockfleths has helped characterize the new Norwegian coffee culture as we know it today. Nowadays, the chain has been expanded to greater Oslo. You don’t need to go back in time to taste the amazing brew from Stockfleths. 

When to Plan Your Oslo Trip       

Norway’s climate is mild but unpredictable. It experiences snow along the coast, with chillier weather in its inland regions.

In summer, temperatures rise to an easy 18 degrees Celsius.

If you’re visiting for the region’s natural heritage, Oslo's landscape breaks into sparkling colour between May and June.

June and August bring  midnight sunshine ideal for cycling or hiking tours.

The two periods when the city attracts the fewest tourists is between September & October. So if you favour quiet roads and fewer clicking cameras, that's your best season

Skiing is at its best during March, and the snowy sport gives you a pocket-friendly way to enjoy the region.

If you're planning a hiking or  cycling holiday, summer is the best season for you.

Tourism season happens from May to August when the weather is chilly but sunny. This is the most expensive time to visit the city.

December is the rainy season, with as many as 28 days of precipitation, so if your visit falls on Christmas, book a car or travel by Uber.

Oslo Holiday Travel Tips       

Oslo is a tourist-friendly destination with economical tours and free guides.

You’ll need a two-pin adapter for your gadgets. The city uses the Europlug Type C&F.

To bring some cash may be wise but not necessary. Cash will be around in most societies for many decades; however, some nations are already well on the road to going entirely cash free. One of these nations is Norway.

A wide-angle lens and polarizer will adapt your camera to Oslo’s sunny landscapes.

If you book your bus tickets before you land, you can usually secure tickets for half the price of last-minute offerings.

Oslo’s Uber services are far cheaper than taxis, so they’re the best way to get around. The service has share rides via the UberPool option for a truly pocket-friendly alternative.

Oslo’s recreational and museum areas are tightly packed together, and if you take a boat to Bygdoy from Pier 3, you’ll be able to cover several destinations at once.

One entry fee will give you access to Norway’s biggest art exhibit as well as a large collection of museums.

You can travel with Panorama tour which will carry you to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum. There are spectacular hiking trails in the area. You can do a little island-hopping at your destination on the local ferries.

National Geographic calls Oslo “The Queen of Nordic Cool,” and no wonder. As one of the trendiest capitals in an already edgy country, it delivers a wealth of contemporary culture. It’s known as one of the most expensive capitals in the world, but with a little forethought, you can craft an affordable itinerary. To book a tour that's crafted to include the city's most glistening destinations, check availability by choosing a date now.

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Best One Day Oslo Itinerary + Map, Guide & Tips

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How to Spend One Day in Oslo

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is located on the beautiful Oslofjord, surrounded by mountains and water. Oslo is a cultured and fun city, with architecture both historical and modern, a growing gastro scene, and plenty of vibrant green spaces.

Packed with remarkable attractions, we’ll show you Oslo’s cool melding of Scandinavian architecture, fjord side attractions, grand boulevards, Viking churches, and world-class art museums, with our one-day Oslo itinerary.

In this Oslo travel guide, you’ll find a complete one day itinerary of all the most important must-see Oslo attractions, with an interactive map, organized to make the best use of your time. We also share recommendations for central places to stay, ideas about where to eat local food, and tips about how to make the most of your perfect day in Oslo.

Are you planning your trip to Oslo last minute?

Be sure to book your  accommodation and tours in Oslo  ahead of time to ensure availability! Here are our top picks!

• Want to get from the airport to Oslo hassle-free?   Get the  best airport transfer  options here!
• Driving to or from Oslo? Get the best car hire deals here!
• Need data for your trip? We recommend Airalo or Holafly for convenient travel esims
• Top Hotels in Oslo:
• Luxury: Amerikalinjen (lively and right in the center)
• Mid-Range: Clarion Hotel The Hub (stylish and well located, we loved it!)
• Budget: Citybox Oslo (light and bright value for money)
• Hostel: Anker Hostel (centrally located at a great price)
• Top Activities & Tours in Oslo:
• For all the best things to see in Oslo, grab this  Oslo walking tour
• Get your Oslo Card , for free public transport and entry into top Oslo’s attractions.
• Take this brilliant Oslo urban treasures by bike tour to see more in less time!
• Take this Oslo street food guided walking tour to discover the flavors of Norway
• End your day with a magical Oslofjord cruise for a whole new perspective!

What to See & Do in Oslo

Interactive map.

ROUTE: Oslo Opera House – Oslo Cathedral – Karl Johans Gate – Eidsvolls Plass – Royal Palace – Oslo City Hall – Akershus Fortress – National Museum – Bygdøy Peninsula – Aker Brygge

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Itinerary Notes

• The majority of this one day Oslo itinerary is easily managed on foot , except the Bygdoy peninsula, to which you can catch a ferry, and the Mathallen Food Hall, which is a long walk and might require an Uber or metro journey.
• Otherwise, all the top things to see in Oslo in one day are within a few kilometers of each other in this compact and accessible city.
• If you prefer to have your day in Oslo organized for you , consider this highly recommended Oslo walking tour . You’ll have a knowledgeable guide who will share tips and tricks about navigating the city and you’ll learn a little bit about Oslo’s history, architecture, and character.
• Is this your first time visiting Norway? Get all the information you need in our Norway Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Climb on Oslo Opera House

The first thing you’ll want to do is visit the Opera House, and if you can make it there in time, you’ll enjoy a fantastic sunrise!

You can walk up to the roof, which slopes from ground level and has lovely views of the Oslofjord. To clarify, you’re allowed, and in fact encouraged, to walk up to the roof to see the views of the city!

The Oslo Opera House is made from glass and Carrara marble and has a variety of art installations to enjoy, such as the floating She Lies by Monica Bonvicini in the water below.

Visit Oslo Cathedral

Oslo Cathedral, or Oslo Domkirke , was first consecrated in 1697, and in 1950 it was restored to its original Dutch Baroque interior. The cathedral was closed again in 2006 for further restoration and re-opened in 2010.

King Harald V of Norway and the Norwegian royal family use the cathedral for weddings and funerals, with Prince Haakon and Princess Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby most recently using it for their wedding in 2001.

Today, the beautiful cathedral symbolizes a blend of Oslo’s old and contemporary history, architecture, and artwork.

Window Shop on Karl Johans Gate

Do some window-shopping along the Johan Karl, Oslo’s main street, and pop into the variety of boutiques, coffee shops, and more. Be sure to check out the Freia store for delicious Norwegian chocolate, definitely the country’s most famous chocolate brand.

Stroll Eidsvolls Plass

This beautiful square and park in the city center, known as the ‘National Mall of Norway’, Eidsvolls Plass is home to the Stortinget, or Norwegian Parliament, buildings of the University of Oslo, the National Theater, and the Studenterlunden, or student’s grove.

TOP TIP: Spikersuppa Pond is a great place to practice ice skating, time permitting!

Explore the Royal Palace & Grounds

Explore the Palace Park, Palace Square, and Royal Palace area, at the end of Karl Johans Gate. The home of the Norwegian royal family who still live here full-time, the palace becomes one of Oslo’s best free attractions in the summer when it’s open for guided tours. 

TOP TIP: A real Oslo must see is the changing of the guard that happens at 1.30pm every day, all year round, come rain or shine!

Stop at Oslo City Hall

Oslo City Hall, or Rådhuset, is home to the city’s administrative body and City Council. The whole Pipervika area was renovated and rebuilt to make room for the new city hall in the 1920s.

It took 30 years for City Hall to be built, including a pause in construction at the outbreak of World War II. In 1950, Oslo City Hall, designed in the Functionalism architectural style, was finally completed. 

A large brutish building finished in clumpy brown brick, the City Hall can feel at odds with Oslo’s contemporary and minimalist Scandinavian architecture. Nevertheless, in 2005, Radhuset was dubbed Oslo’s ‘Structure of the Century’ and we do think it’s a beautiful building.

As well as being an administrative building, City Hall is the location of the Nobel Peace Prize Award ceremony and is also a museum of Norwegian art and culture, Oslo’s answer to London’s Tate Modern.  

Visit the Akershus Fortress

Your first stop after lunch is the must-do Oslo attraction is Akershus, a medieval castle and fortress complex which dates back to the 13th century. Akershus Castle has worn several hats throughout its history, alternatively serving as the seat of county government of Akershus before it became a part of Oslo, a royal residence, a prison, and the Prime Minister’s office.

While you’re here, you can visit the fortress for free, or the palace for a NOK 70 fee. There are also a few museums, including the Norwegian Resistance Museum, on the fortress grounds, but if you are only in Oslo for a day, prioritize exploring the fortress portion.

Take in the National Museum

The National Museum, the largest art museum in the Nordic countries, is a result of the Nasjonalgalleriet, or National Gallery joining forces with Oslo’s original National Museum.

The National Gallery closed temporarily in January of 2019, to facilitate a move of over 53,000 works of art to the new National Museum which opened in June 2022.

Today, the National Museum has replaced four previous buildings including the former National Gallery, and shows older and modern art, contemporary art, architecture, craft and design over 13,000 square meters of exhibition space. The ‘big grey box’ as it’s been dubbed by locals is larger than Bilbao’s Guggenheim and Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum.

National Museum highlights include  The Scream  by Edvard Munch (and if you have time you should also visit the  Munch Museum  further east along the waterfront), the Norwegian fairytale room, and the reindeer skull curtain in the foyer, featuring 400 polished reindeer skulls, by Máret Ánne Sara.

Explore the Bygdøy Peninsula

Catch the  Bygdoyfergene , or boat to the museums. Operating between March and October, the ferry leaves City Hall Pier 3 every 30 minutes. The ferry is included in the Oslo Pass , which you can find out about below.

The Bygdoy Peninsula gives a real flavor of Viking life in Norway and has several beautiful beaches and lots of walking trails.

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

The Norsk Folkemuseum is full of cultural history with large collections of artifacts from Sami and Viking folk cultures and incorporates a large open-air museum with more than 150 historic buildings, relocated from towns and rural districts.

The highlight of the open air museum is the Gol Stave Church which was originally built in Gol in the traditional region of Hallingdal between 1157 to 1216. Christian stave churches were once common in north-western Europe but the few that remain are mainly in Norway.

These medieval wooden buildings are so called because of the building’s structure of a post and lintel construction – a style of timber framing where the load-bearing posts are called  stafr  in Old Norse.

Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum is closed and will open its doors as the Viking Age Museum in 2026/2027.

Vikings were gifted craftsmen and you’ll find genuine Viking vessels in the Viking Ship Museum , that were unearthed from burial mounds in Gokstad, Oseberg, and Tune dating back as far as 820 AD. 

One of the most important discoveries from the Viking age is the Oseberg ship, a 9th century Viking ship that was discovered in 1903 on a farm in southeastern Norway and excavated from a burial mound in 1904 along with various elaborately decorated objects such as wooden sleighs, embroidered textiles, and other artifacts.

The Fram Museum

The Fram Museum tells the story of Norwegian polar exploration and the Polar Ship Fram, the strongest wooden ship ever built which holds the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south and has visited the Arctic, Greenland, and Antarctica on various expeditions in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Other Bygdoy Museums

You also have the Norwegian Maritime Museum, and finally, the Kon-Tiki Museum, dedicated to Thor Heyerdahl, who gained worldwide fame when he crossed the Pacific Ocean on the balsa wood raft Kon-Tiki in 1947.

Explore Aker Brygge

Explore the hip and recently revitalized Aker Brygge. A former shipyard, the waterfront area has been totally remodeled, with sleek, glass buildings, eateries, and bars along the pier, which include a boat bar in the summertime, and a contemporary and modern shopping center.

The 9km Harbour Promenade, which starts in the old container dock at Sorenga and ends in Tjuvholmen, home to interesting architecture and a city beach. Highlights of the route include the Operastranda beach and Operahuset Oslo, the food, culture, and education center of Vippa Oslo, the Akershus Fortress, and Oslo City Hall.

In fact, the Harbour Promenade passes many of Oslo’s top spots and makes for a lively stroll with plenty of places to stop for coffee, beer, or food.

The Nobel Peace Prize Centre, a showcase for the Nobel Peace Prize and the ideals it represents, is located here, as well as Oslo’s Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art.

Take a Fjord Cruise

Explore the Oslofjord on an evening cruise. There’s no better way to see the city than from the water which surrounds it. Most cruises are on restored wooden ships, traditional to the region, although there are modern hybrid and electric boats cruising the water too!

On our recommended trip you’ll climb aboard a wooden sailing ship for a three hour evening cruise of the Oslo fjords. Sit back to enjoy the wonderful scenery as you savor the fresh flavor of fjord shrimps and seafood at a dinner buffet, with hot and cold drinks from the bar.

Where to Eat in Oslo

Following in the footsteps of Copenhagen and Stockholm, Oslo has developed into a culinary gem. Local and sustainable ingredients, classic Nordic seafood, and an emerging plant-based food scene have created a food lovers paradise with a wide variety of dining options.

Sample the Street Food

If you want to find out more about Norwegian street food, join this highly rated Oslo street cuisine guided tour that combines exploration of the city’s hidden gems and the places offering the most typical flavors of Oslo.

The Mathallen Food Hall

Along the banks of the Akerselva River in the up-and-coming Vulkan district is the  Mathallen Food Hall , one of the best places to check out classic Norwegian fare.

It is a bit touristy but has over 30 stalls dedicated to Norwegian gastronomy, perfect for those only in the city for a short time. 

TOP TIP: This is a perfect place for lunch or an early dinner, on weeknights it closes at 6pm and 8pm on Saturdays.

Kolonihagen Frogner

In the up-market district of Frogner is  Kolonihagen,  a neighborhood restaurant serving smaller plates and a Norwegian-focused tasting menu of natural, organic, and locally sourced ingredients.

With Scandi meets industrial decor and friendly service, this is an ideal place for dinner after a perfect day in Oslo.

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Top five oslo travel tips.

• If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss the Christmas markets! Whilst not quite as cute as their counterparts in Austria or France, Oslo’s have a distinctly Nordic vibe that is simply adorable. You have two options: outdoor Jul i Vinterland (right by the Royal Palace), and indoor-outdoor Julemarked, on Youngstorget Street, a few blocks away. If you have time, absolutely meander through both! Jul i Vinterland has a Ferris Wheel, and both have stalls selling traditional winter goodies like juleglogg , a seasonal mulled wine drink, as well as lovely little nooks selling seasonal gifts like ornaments, scarves, and hats.
• Perhaps the biggest tip for Oslo (and Norway in general) at any time of year, but especially in the winter, spring, or fall, is that the weather can be very fickle. It’s best to wear solid, comfortable shoes that are somewhat water-resistant, pack layers such as long-sleeved shirts or sweaters, and have a rain jacket with you that’s easy to take on and off if the weather changes. Umbrellas can be bulky and hazardous if it gets windy, so something with a good hood is usually better.
• You won’t see the Northern Lights or any polar bears in the Norway capital – you need to go much further north for both.
• Oslo is a really bike-friendly city. Take this brilliant Oslo urban treasures by bike tour and get around the city faster, meaning even more sightseeing in Oslo!
• Oslo has a fantastic public transportation system, a network of trams, buses, metros, and even ferries, all connected on the same ticket! If you don’t have much time in the city, it may be worth getting the 24 hour Oslo Pass , which includes unlimited public transit in Zone 1 and admission to Oslo’s museums.

More Than One Day in Oslo

Do you have time to explore Oslo in two days? Or perhaps you have a long weekend or another half day? If so, add these top things to do in Oslo to your itinerary.

Explore Frogner Park

Take a day trip from Oslo to Frogner Park, home to the Vigeland Sculpture Park. Located about half an hour from the center of the city by tram, Vigeland Park is the world’s largest sculpture park made up of works from one single artist and a visit is a great opportunity to enjoy the green lungs of Oslo.

There are over 200 pieces by Gustav Vigeland, sculpted from 1924 to 1943 and later given to the city of Oslo. A lot of the sculptures are on the bizarre side, but well worth visiting. Make sure to find the Angry Boy , one of the best-known statues in the park, even though it’s the smallest!

Frogner Park itself is the largest park in Oslo and the former Frogner Manor House and Baroque garden are gorgeous, with the surrounding Frogner neighborhood being lovely for a wander on a sunny day.

Explore Damstredet & Telthusbakken

Two adorable historic streets to check out are Damstredet and Telthusbakken. A mere 160 and 300 meters in length, respectively, both are charming and cobblestoned, reminiscent of times gone by.

Damstredet was once a shantytown, but its wooden houses survived, and are a great photo spot. Nearby, the Vår Frelsers cemetery is the final resting place of Norwegian greats like Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Munch.

Just a one minute walk from Telthusbakken is the medieval Gamle Aker Church, the oldest building in Norway, and nearby gardens.

Holmenkollen Ski Museum

Located to the north of Oslo city center, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum tells the story of Norway’s skiing heritage delves deep into the history of skiing, covering everything from ancient rock carvings to cutting-edge modern sports equipment.

Adjacent to the museum is the famous Holmenkollbakken or Holmenkoll ski jump. This iconic structure is not merely a ski jump; it epitomizes Oslo’s sporting spirit and provides visitors with a unique glimpse of sporting history and breathtaking views from the observation deck on a clear day.

The legacy of the Holmenkollen ski jump traces back to 1892. Over time, the famous ski jump has undergone numerous renovations, been a site for the Winter Olympics, and is now a state-of-the-art facility.

Discover Nordmarka

A mere tram ride away from Oslo and you’ll feel like you’re in a different world in Nordmarka, a massive outdoor recreation area on the city limits. This is where the locals come to enjoy hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other typical Norwegian activities in winter.

Visit the Botanical Garden

With free admission, the Botanical Garden in Toyen spans 6.5 hectares and holds the distinction of being Norway’s oldest. The gardens boast a charming arboretum filled with lush trees, an enchanting fragrance garden, a miniature mountainous terrain, a Victorian glasshouse, and a captivating array of rare specimens sourced from the Oslo fjords, four of which teeter on the brink of extinction in their natural habitat.

Make sure to find the woven sculptures crafted by the talented British artist Tom Hare, or simply enjoy a stroll, relax beneath the shade of a tree, and perhaps indulge in a cup of coffee from the Handwerk Café.

When to Visit Oslo

Oslo is a beautiful city to visit year-round. The summer months are mild, with long daylight hours and warm, sunny weather typical of the region, but mobs of visitors descend upon Norway’s many sought-after tourist destinations. 

Spring & Fall

Shoulder seasons of spring or autumn are ideal for temperate weather in Norway’s capital city. Not as cold as winter, though not as balmy as summer, there are fewer tourists, giving you better visiting conditions and hotels and airlines lower their prices accordingly. 

Winter is a marvelous time for 1 day in Oslo. You’ll get snowy, sparkly weather, almost no tourists, and bottom-of-the-barrel prices. Winter is cold, of course, and the days can be quite short, but if you layer accordingly, nothing beats the Norwegian capital in the wintertime. 

A common misconception about the region is that it is ‘dark all the time’ in winter. While the days are certainly shorter, it is by no means dark 24 hours a day.

In fact, the sun rises at around 9am and starts to set at around 4pm, which is plenty of time for daytime activities, especially if you include dawn and dusk. Lastly, this type of soft winter light is excellent for photos!

Getting to Oslo Norway

When flying to Oslo, you have the choice of two airports, Oslo Airport Gardermoen is 47km from the city, it is the main international airport, and all the major airlines land here. Alternatively, Torp Sandefjord Airport is 110km from the city and is where several of the low-cost carriers land.

The quickest and cheapest way to get into Oslo from Airport Gardermoen is on the FlytoGet Airport Express train to Oslo Central Station. The trains leave the airport every 10 minutes and the journey is approximately 20 minutes. 

Alternatively, you can get the Flubussen bus, which leaves the airport every hour and takes about 45 minutes to get to the city. The best way to pay for your tickets would be to pre-purchase an Oslo Card , which includes free public transport in the city and free entry into many of Oslo’s attractions.

From Sandefjord Airport the best way to get to Oslo is by train, you will need to catch a shuttle bus from the airport to Torp station where you can catch a Vy Train. The shuttle bus takes 8 minutes to the station and the train journey is 1.5 hours to Olso city centre. You can check the timetables and prices for the trains here .

For a great way to start your Oslo trip book a private transfer from the airport with Intui directly to your accommodation in the city center – it’s more cost-effective than you think! Intui works with a large range of local operators to bring the best options and prices for your transfer.

Are you visiting Oslo as part of a longer trip? A Norway road trip is the best way see this stunning country, and our guide to road tripping in Norway has all you need, including maps, routes, highlights and tips, to help you plan the perfect trip.

Where to Stay in Oslo

Luxury: Amerikalinjen – Booking.com | Agoda

This historic and award-winning hotel offers an eclectic mix of Norwegian design classics, modern comfort, and a rich history, plus it’s located right in the city center making it a great choice for your Oslo trip.

Mid-Range: Clarion Hotel The Hub – Booking.com | Agoda

Our favorite hotel in Oslo for its great location close to Karl Johans Gate and its stylish decor. We also liked the restaurant and terrace on the top floor and the excellent Scandinavian inspired breakfast, just what we needed before a day of sightseeing!

Budget: Citybox Oslo – Booking.com | Agoda

This excellent budget hotel is well located and offers a simple self-check-in and small but perfectly formed rooms with comfortable beds and everything you need.

Hostel: Anker Hostel – Booking.com | Agoda

Close to Oslo Central Station, Anker Hostel offers clean and simply decorated studios and apartments with small kitchens and private bathrooms.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Norway . We recommend True Traveller for their excellent TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Written for The Gap Decaders by Tegan of Why Not Walk?

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Oslo Travel Guide

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Oslo Travel Guide For Tourists

• May 28, 2023

Discover the hidden gems of Norway’s capital with our comprehensive Oslo travel guide. From historic landmarks to vibrant nightlife, explore all that Oslo has to offer. Start planning your unforgettable journey today.

The capital city of Norway is a land of contrasts, where a rich history blends seamlessly with a modern, dynamic culture. Oslo has emerged over the years as one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Europe, attracting tourists from all over the world. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s fascinating past, checking out the latest art exhibitions, or simply enjoying the great outdoors.

A Brief History of Oslo

Oslo has a long and complex history, dating back to the time of the Vikings. Over the centuries, it has been both a thriving trading center and a strategic military outpost. Today, the city is a melting pot of cultures, with a vibrant international scene that reflects its diverse past.

The city of Oslo is situated on the southern coast of Norway and is home to over 700,000 people. Oslo is known for its beautiful fjords, lush green forests , and stunning natural landscapes. It is also a city that is steeped in history and culture, with a rich and varied past that is reflected in its architecture , art, and cuisine.

The Origins of Oslo

Oslo was originally founded as a trading center by the Vikings around 1000 AD. The city was strategically located at the mouth of the Oslofjord, which made it an ideal location for trade and commerce. The Vikings established a thriving community in Oslo, which grew in size and importance over the centuries.

During the 17th century, King Christian IV developed the area and renamed the city Christiania. The city continued to grow and prosper, becoming an important center of trade and commerce in Norway.

Oslo’s Role in Norwegian History

Oslo has played a key role in Norwegian history for centuries. In 1814, the Norwegian Constitution was signed in Oslo, marking a significant moment in the country’s history. Since then, Oslo has been the capital city of Norway, and it has seen many significant events and milestones.

One of the most important events that takes place in Oslo every year is the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo every December, and it recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to world peace.

Modern Oslo: A City Transformed

In recent years, Oslo has undergone a remarkable transformation. The city has embraced its cultural heritage while also becoming a hub of innovation and creativity. Today, Oslo is a city that celebrates diversity, attracts international talent, and inspires people to explore and express their creativity.

One of the most exciting developments in Oslo in recent years has been the growth of its food scene. Oslo is now home to a thriving food culture, with a wide range of restaurants and cafes that serve up delicious and innovative cuisine. The city is also home to a number of world-class museums and art galleries, including the Munch Museum, which is dedicated to the work of the famous Norwegian artist Edvard Munch.

Overall, Oslo is a city that is constantly evolving and changing. It is a city that is proud of its past, but also excited about its future. Whether you are interested in history, culture, food, or the great outdoors, Oslo has something to offer everyone.

Top Attractions in Oslo

Oslo, the capital city of Norway, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. From historic landmarks to world-class museums and galleries, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful city.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of Oslo’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see attraction for any visitor. This impressive neoclassical structure has been home to Norway’s royal family since the 19th century and remains a symbol of the country’s rich history and culture. The palace is open to the public during the summer months, and visitors can take a guided tour of the interior to see the opulent furnishings and decorations.

Surrounding the palace is the Palace Park, a beautiful green space that is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The park is home to several sculptures and fountains, as well as a large pond that is popular with locals and tourists alike.

Vigeland Sculpture Park

Vigeland Sculpture Park is a fascinating outdoor museum featuring the work of renowned Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. The park is home to more than 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures, all of which are incredibly detailed and thought-provoking. The most famous of these sculptures is the Monolith, a towering column of intertwined human figures that is truly awe-inspiring.

Aside from the sculptures, the park is also a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities. In the summer, it is a common sight to see families and friends enjoying a barbecue or playing games on the grassy lawns.

The Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum is another iconic attraction in Oslo that transports visitors back to the time of the Vikings. The museum’s must-see exhibits include the three well-preserved Viking ships, which date back to the 9th century and were discovered in 1904. These ships are incredibly well-preserved and offer a unique glimpse into the seafaring culture of the Vikings.

In addition to the ships, the museum also houses a collection of Viking artifacts, including weapons, tools, and household items. Visitors can learn about the daily life of the Vikings and their customs and traditions.

The Munch Museum

The Munch Museum is a world-famous institution dedicated to the works of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The museum features over 28,000 works, including paintings, drawings, and prints, and offers visitors a unique insight into the life and times of one of Norway’s most celebrated artists.

The museum’s collection includes several of Munch’s most famous works, including “The Scream” and “Madonna.” Visitors can also learn about Munch’s life and artistic process through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.

The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet

The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet is a cultural hub in Oslo that showcases the best of Norway’s performing arts scene. The state-of-the-art building is an architectural masterpiece and has become a landmark in the city. The Opera House offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience world-class performances in a stunning setting.

Aside from the performances, visitors can also take a guided tour of the Opera House to learn about its history and architecture. The tour includes a visit to the backstage area, where visitors can see the costumes and props used in the productions.

Overall, Oslo is a city that offers something for everyone, from history buffs to art lovers to outdoor enthusiasts. With so many amazing attractions to explore, it’s no wonder that Oslo is considered one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in Europe.

Exploring Oslo’s Neighborhoods

Oslo, the capital city of Norway, is a beautiful destination that offers a range of experiences to visitors. From exploring the stunning fjords and mountains to wandering through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, there is something for everyone in Oslo. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of Oslo’s most popular neighborhoods and what they have to offer.

Grünerløkka: The Hipster Haven

Grünerløkka is a bohemian neighborhood that has become synonymous with Oslo’s hipster scene. The area is known for its vibrant street art, cozy cafes, and trendy bars. Visitors to Grünerløkka can enjoy live music , outdoor activities, and a range of other cultural events throughout the year.

One of the most popular attractions in Grünerløkka is the Sunday market, which takes place every week. Here, visitors can browse through a range of handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and delicious street food. The market is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of the neighborhood and mingle with locals.

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, Grünerløkka is the place to be. The neighborhood is home to a range of restaurants and cafes that offer everything from traditional Norwegian cuisine to international dishes. One of the most popular spots is Café Sara, which is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious brunch menu.

Aker Brygge: The Waterfront District

Aker Brygge is a vibrant waterfront district that offers visitors a unique blend of shopping , dining, and entertainment options. The area is home to a range of trendy restaurants and cafes, as well as art galleries and designer boutiques. Visitors can take a stroll along the scenic waterfront or enjoy a boat trip around the harbor.

One of the most popular attractions in Aker Brygge is the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, which features a range of contemporary artworks from around the world. The museum is housed in a stunning building that is worth a visit in itself.

If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, Aker Brygge won’t disappoint. The area is home to a range of designer boutiques and high-end stores, as well as a range of smaller shops that offer handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Frogner: The Upscale Residential Area

Frogner is an upscale residential area that features some of the most impressive architecture in Oslo. The area is known for its stunning Art Nouveau buildings, as well as its beautiful parks and gardens. Visitors to Frogner can also explore the famous Frogner Park, which is home to the world-famous Vigeland Sculpture Park.

The Vigeland Sculpture Park is one of Oslo’s most popular attractions, and for good reason. The park features over 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures, all created by Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. The sculptures are arranged in a series of beautiful gardens and fountains, making the park a peaceful and relaxing place to spend an afternoon.

If you’re interested in architecture, Frogner won’t disappoint. The area is home to a range of stunning buildings, including the Oslo City Hall and the Royal Palace. Visitors can take a stroll through the neighborhood and admire the beautiful facades of the buildings.

Tøyen: The Multicultural Melting Pot

Tøyen is a multicultural neighborhood that offers visitors a unique insight into the diversity of Oslo’s population. The area is home to a range of international food markets, as well as a selection of cultural centers and museums. Visitors to Tøyen can explore the unique blend of cultures that makes Oslo such a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

One of the most popular attractions in Tøyen is the Munch Museum, which features a range of artworks by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The museum is housed in a modern building that is worth a visit in itself.

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, Tøyen won’t disappoint. The neighborhood is home to a range of international restaurants and street food vendors, offering everything from Ethiopian cuisine to Vietnamese pho.

Overall, Oslo’s neighborhoods offer visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s bohemian side, admiring its stunning architecture, or sampling its diverse cuisine, there is something for everyone in Oslo.

The Best Time to Visit Oslo

Oslo is a city that can be enjoyed all year round, with each season offering its own unique charm. Summer is the most popular time to visit, with long, sunny days and a range of outdoor events and festivals. In winter, visitors can enjoy a range of winter sports and activities, including skiing and ice-skating. Spring and autumn are also great times to visit, with fewer crowds and milder temperatures.

Oslo is a city that has something to offer everyone, from its rich history and culture to its modern, dynamic vibe. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s many museums and cultural institutions, checking out the latest art exhibitions, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Oslo is a city that will leave a lasting impression on you. So, why not book your trip today and discover the magic of this incredible city for yourself?

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No argument, Oslo is one of Europe’s most amenable capitals, a vibrant, self-confident city with a relaxed and easy-going air, its handsome centre set between the rippling waters of the Oslofjord and the green, forested hills of the interior. Yet Oslo’s confidence is new-found: for much of its history, the city was something of a poor relation to the other Scandinavian capitals, Stockholm and Copenhagen especially, and it remained dourly provincial until well into the 1950s. Since then, however, Oslo has transformed itself, forging ahead to become an enterprising and cosmopolitan commercial hub with a population of about half a million. Oslo is also the only major metropolis in a country brimming with small towns and villages – its nearest rival, Bergen, is less than half its size. This gives the city a powerful voice in the political, cultural and economic life of the nation and it’s pulled in all of Norway’s big companies, as a rash of concrete and glass tower blocks testifies.

Drinking and nightlife

Frognerparken, henie-onstad kunstsenter, modern art in norway, music festivals, oslo with children, norsk teknisk museum, barnekunstmuseet.

Fortunately, these monoliths rarely interrupt the stately Neoclassical lines of the late nineteenth-century city centre , Oslo’s most appealing district, a humming, good-natured place whose breezy streets and squares combine these appealing remnants of the city’s early days with a clutch of good museums – in particular the Nasjonalgalleriet (National Gallery) and the Hjemmefrontmuseum (Resistance Museum) – plus dozens of lively bars, cafés and restaurants.

The city’s showpiece museums – most memorably the remarkable Vikingskipshuset (Viking Ships Museum) – are on the Bygdøy peninsula , which is readily reached by ferry from the jetty behind the Rådhus (City Hall). East Oslo is the least prepossessing part of town, a gritty sprawl housing the poorest of the city’s inhabitants, though the recently revived district of Grünerløkka is now home to a slew of fashionable bars and clubs. The main sight on the east side of town is the Munch-museet (Munch Museum), which boasts a superb collection of the artist’s work, though plans are afoot to move the museum to the harbourfront. Northwest Oslo is far more prosperous, with big old houses lining the avenues immediately to the west of the Slottsparken. Beyond is the Frognerparken , a chunk of parkland where the wondrous open-air sculptures of Gustav Vigeland are displayed in the Vigelandsparken . Further west still, beyond the city limits in suburban Høvikodden, the Henie-Onstad Kunstsenter displays more prestigious modern art, enhanced by the museum’s splendid setting on a headland overlooking the Oslofjord.

The city’s enormous reach becomes apparent to the north of the centre in the Nordmarka . This massive forested wilderness, stretching far inland, is patterned by hiking trails and cross-country ski routes. Two T-bane (Tunnelbanen) lines provide ready access, weaving their way up into the rocky hills that herald the region. The more westerly T-bane rolls past Holmenkollen , a ski resort where the skijump makes a crooked finger on Oslo’s skyline, before terminating at Frognerseteren . Here the station is still within the municipal boundaries, but the surrounding forested hills and lakes feel anything but urban. The more easterly T-bane offers less wilderness, but it does end up close to Sognsvannet , a pretty little lake set amid the woods and an ideal place for an easy stroll and/or a picnic.

Oslo curves round the innermost shore of the Oslofjord , whose tapered waters extend for some 100km from the Skagerrak, the choppy channel separating Norway and Sweden from Denmark. As Norwegian fjords go, the Oslofjord is not particularly beautiful – the rocky shores are generally low and unprepossessing – but scores of pretty little islets diversify the seascape. Many of these forested bumps accommodate summer chalets, but several have been protected from development and one of them – Hovedøya – makes for a lovely excursion. By comparison, the towns that trail along the shores of the Oslofjord are of little immediate appeal, being for the most part workaday industrial settlements. The few exceptions include, on the eastern shore, Fredrikstad , Norway’s only surviving fortified town, and on the western shore, the Viking burial mounds of Borre and the holiday resort of Tønsberg .

Top image © krylkar/Shutterstock

Oslo has the range of hotels you would expect of a capital city, though surprisingly few of them are independents – most are chain hotels with Thon and Rica the two big players. The city also has a light smattering of B&Bs and guesthouses plus a trio of youth hostels .

Downtown Oslo boasts a vibrant bar scene , boisterous but generally good-natured and at its most frenetic at summer weekends, when the city is crowded with visitors from all over Norway. There‘s an infinitely groovy string of bars out of the centre too, in the Grünerløkka district. With the city’s bars staying open till the wee hours, Oslo’s nightclubs struggle to make themselves heard – indeed there’s often little distinction between the two – though there is still a reasonably good and varied scene. Live music is not Oslo’s forte, and Norway’s domestic rock and pop is far from inspiring, but jazz fans are well served, with a couple of first-rate venues in the city centre.

At the top end of the market, Oslo possesses several dozen fine restaurants , the most distinctive of which feature Norwegian cuisine and ingredients, especially fresh North Atlantic fish, but also more exotic dishes of elk, caribou and salted-and-dried cod – for centuries Norway’s staple food. There is a reasonable selection of less expensive, non-Scandinavian restaurants too – everything from Italian to Vietnamese. More affordable – and more casual – are the city’s cafés and café-bars . These run the gamut from homely places offering traditional Norwegian stand-bys to student haunts and ultra-trendy joints. Nearly all serve inexpensive lunches, and many offer excellent, competitively priced evening meals as well, though some cafés close at around 5 or 6pm as do the city’s many coffee houses , where coffee is, as you might expect, the main deal alongside maybe a light snack. Finally, those carefully counting the kroner will find it easy to buy bread, fruit, snacks and sandwiches from stalls, supermarkets and kiosks across the city centre, while fast-food joints offering hamburgers and warme pølser (hot dogs) are legion. Smoking is forbidden inside every Norwegian bar, café and restaurant – hence the smoky huddles outside.

The green expanse of Frognerparken (Frogner Park), to the northwest of the city centre, incorporates one of Oslo’s most celebrated and popular cultural targets, the open-air Vigelandsparken . This, along with the nearby museum , commemorates a modern Norwegian sculptor of world renown, Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943), displaying a good proportion of his work, including over two hundred figures in bronze, granite and cast iron. These were all presented to the city in return for favours received by way of a studio and apartment during the years 1921–30. The park is also home to Frogner Manor, which now houses the Oslo Bymuseet .

The Vigelandsparken

A country boy, raised on a farm just outside Mandal, on the south coast, Gustav Vigeland began his career as a woodcarver but later, when studying in Paris, he fell under the influence of Rodin, and switched to stone, iron and bronze. He started work on the Vigelandsparken in 1924, and was still working on it when he died almost twenty years later. It’s a literally fantastic concoction, medieval in spirit and complexity, and it was here that Vigeland had the chance to let his imagination run riot. Indeed, when the place was unveiled, many city folk were simply overwhelmed – and no wonder. From the monumental wrought-iron gates on Kirkeveien, the central path takes you to the footbridge over the river and a world of frowning, fighting and posturing bronze figures – the local favourite is Sinnataggen (The Angry Child), who has been rubbed smooth by a thousand hands. Beyond, the central fountain is an enormous bowl representing the burden of life, supported by straining, sinewy bronze Goliaths; a cascade of water tumbles down into a pool flanked by figures engaged in play or talk, or simply resting or standing.

Yet it is the 20m-high obelisk up on the stepped embankment just beyond the central fountain that really takes the breath away. It’s a deeply humanistic work , a writhing mass of sculpture that depicts the cycle of life as Vigeland saw it: a vision of humanity playing, fighting, teaching, loving, eating and sleeping – and clambering on and over each other to reach the top. The granite sculptures grouped around the obelisk are exquisite too, especially the toddlers, little pot-bellied figures who tumble over muscled adults, providing the perfect foil to the real children who crawl all over them, giggling and screaming.

Emanuel Vigeland

Gustav Vigeland enthusiasts may be interested in the work of the great man’s younger and lesser-known brother, Emanuel Vigeland (1875–1948), a respected artist in his own right. His stained-glass windows can be seen in Oslo’s Domkirke, while the Emanuel Vigeland Museum (Sun only noon–4pm; 40kr;

emanuelvigeland.museum.no ), 10km or so northwest of the city centre at Grimelundsveien 8 (T-bane #1 to Slemdal and a 10min walk), has a collection of his frescoes, sculptures, paintings and drawings.

Overlooking the Oslofjord, some 15km west of the city centre in Høvikodden, the Henie-Onstad Kunstsenter (Henie-Onstad Art Centre) is one of Norway’s most prestigious modern art centres. There’s no false modesty here – it’s all about art as an expression of wealth – and the low-slung, modernistic building is a glossy affair located on a handsomely landscaped, wooded headland. The gallery was founded in the 1960s by ice-skater-cum-movie-star Sonja Henie (1910–69) and her third husband, the shipowner-cum-art-collector Niels Onstad. Henie won three Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932 and 1936) and went on to appear in a string of lightweight Hollywood musicals. Many of her accumulated cups and medals are displayed in a room of their own, and they once prompted a critic to remark: “Sonja, you’ll never go broke. All you have to do is hock your trophies.” Despite her successes, Henie was not universally admired – far from it, not least because of her links with the Nazi elite both before and during World War II.

The wealthy couple accumulated an extensive collection of twentieth-century painting and sculpture . Matisse, Miró and Picasso, postwar French abstract painters, Expressionists and modern Norwegians all feature, but these now compete for gallery space with temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, making it impossible to predict what part of the permanent collection will be on display at any one time. After the museum, be sure to spend a little time wandering the surrounding Skulpturparken (Sculpture Park), where you’ll see work by the likes of Henry Moore and Arnold Haukeland; plans of the park are available at reception.

Norway has a well-organized, high-profile body of professional artists whose long-established commitment to encouraging artistic activity throughout the country has brought them respect, as well as state subsidies. In the 1960s, abstract and conceptual artists ruled the roost, but at the end of the 1970s there was a renewed interest in older art styles, particularly Expressionism, Surrealism and Cubism, plus a new emphasis on technique and materials. To a large degree these opposing impulses fused, or at least overlapped, but by the late 1980s several definable movements had emerged. One of the more popular trends was for artists to use beautiful colours to portray disquieting visions, a dissonance favoured by the likes of Knut Rose (1936–2002) and Bjørn Carlsen (b.1945), whose ghoulish Searching in a Dead Zebra has been highly influential. Other artists, the most distinguished of whom is Tore Hansen (b.1949), have developed a naive style. Their paintings, apparently clumsily drawn without thought for composition, are frequently reminiscent of Norwegian folk art, and constitute a highly personal response often drawn from the artist’s subconscious experiences.

Both of these trends embody a sincerity of expression that defines the bulk of contemporary Norwegian art. Whereas the prevailing mood in international art circles encourages detached irony, Norway’s artists characteristically adhere to the view that their role is to interpret, or at least express, the poignant and personal for their audience. An important exception is Bjørn Ransve (b.1944), who creates sophisticated paintings in constantly changing styles, but always focused on the relationship between art and reality. Another exception is the small group of artists, such as Bjørn Sigurd Tufta (b.1956) and Sverre Wylier (b.1953), who have returned to non-figurative Modernism to create works that explore the possibilities of the material, while the content plays no decisive role.

An interest in materials has sparked a variety of experiments, particularly among the country’s artists, whose installations incorporate everyday utensils, natural objects and pictorial art. These installations have developed their own momentum, pushing back the traditional limits of the visual arts in their use of many different media including photography, video, textiles and furniture. Leading an opposing faction is the painter Odd Nerdrum (b.1944), who has long spearheaded the figurative rebellion against the Modernists, though some artists straddle the divide, such as Astrid Løvaas (b.1957) and Kirsten Wagle (b.1956), who work together to produce flower motifs in textiles. The most prominent Norwegian sculptor today is Bergen’s own Bård Breivik (b.1948), who explores the dialogue between nature and humankind. With similarly ambitious intent are the much-lauded installations of Jørgen Craig Lello (b.1978) and the Swede Tobias Arnell (b.1978), who claim to “utilize logically broken trains of thought, false statements and fictional scenarios in their examination of how the world is interpreted and understood”. Good luck to them, then.

From rappers to rock, big-name bands and artists often include Oslo on their tours with many of them appearing at Oslo Spektrum. The most prestigious annual event is Norwegian Wood ( w norwegianwood.no ), a five-day, open-air rock festival held in June in the outdoor amphitheatre at Frogner Park, a ten-minute ride from the city centre on tram #12. Previous years have attracted the likes of Iggy Pop, Patti Smith, Ringo Starr, The Kinks and Van Morrison, and the festival continues to pull in major international artists, supported by a variety of Norwegian acts. The arena holds around six thousand people, but tickets (around 580kr/day) sell out well in advance.

Oslo also hosts the rather more adventurous Øyafestivalen ( w oyafestivalen.com ), a four-day event held in August that showcases a wide range of artists, mostly Scandinavian but with a string of imports too – Pulp and Kanye West for instance. A club night traditionally kicks the whole thing off in style. The festival takes place in venues across the city with major performances in the open air in Middelalderparken, a large slab of greenery, off Bispegata, a ten-minute walk east from Oslo S – or take tram #18 or #19 from Jernbanetorget. Finally, in early or mid-August, Oslo’s week-long Jazz Festival ( w oslojazz.no ) attracts internationally renowned artists as well as showcasing local talent, who perform at a variety of venues, both inside and out.

Tickets for all three festivals are available from Billettservice ( t 815 33 133, w billettservice.no ).

There’s no shortage of things to do with young (pre-teen) children in Oslo, beginning with the enchanting, open-air Vigelandsparken and, if the weather is good, the beaches of the Oslofjord islands. In wintertime, ice-skating, tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides (see Oslo with children) are also almost bound to appeal.

Few children will want to be dragged round Oslo’s main museums, except perhaps for the Frammuseet , but there are a couple of museums geared up for youngsters (see Norsk Teknisk Museum). Another bit of good news is that discounts for children are commonplace. Almost all sites and attractions let babies and toddlers in free, and charge half of the adult tariff for children between 4 and 16 years of age. It’s the same on public transport, and hotels are usually very obliging too, adding camp beds of some description to their rooms with the minimum of fuss and expense.

The most popular museum with children is the Norsk Teknisk Museum , at Kjelsåsveien 143 (Technology Museum; late June to late Aug daily 10am–6pm; late Aug to late June Tues–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat & Sun 11am–6pm; 90kr, children 50kr; w tekniskmuseum.no ). Out to the north of the city, this is an interactive museum par excellence , equipped with working models and a galaxy of things to push and touch, as well as a café and picnic area. To get there from the city centre, take bus #54 from the Aker Brygge to Kjelsås station alongside the museum.

Rather more creative is the Barnekunstmuseet at Lille Frøens vei 4 (Children’s Art Museum; mid-Jan to late June Tues–Thurs 9.30am–2pm, Sun 11am–4pm; late June to mid-Aug Tues–Thurs & Sun 11am–4pm; mid-Sept to early Dec Tues–Thurs 9.30am–2pm, Sun 11am–4pm; closed mid-Aug to mid-Sept; 60kr, children 40kr; w barnekunst.no ). This has an international collection of children’s art – drawings, paintings, sculpture and handicrafts – along with a children’s workshop where painting, music and dancing are frequent activities; call ahead for details on t 22 46 85 73 or check out the website. To reach the museum take the T-bane to Frøen station.

Surrounded by forest and fjord, Oslo is very much an outdoor city, offering a wide range of sports and outdoor pursuits. In summer, locals take to the hills to hike the network of trails that lattice the forests and lakes of the Nordmarka, where many also try their hand at a little freshwater fishing , while others head out to the offshore islets of the Oslofjord to sunbathe and swim . In winter, the cross-country ski routes of the Nordmarka are especially popular, as is downhill skiing. Indeed skiing is such an integral part of winter life here that the T-bane carriages all have ski racks. Every winter, from November to March, a floodlit skating rink , Narvisen, is created in front of the Stortinget, beside Karl Johans gate. Admission is free and you can rent skates on the spot at reasonable rates. The tourist office also has the details of all sorts of other winter fun in the Nordmarka – from tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides to guided winter walks .

Discover more places in Norway

• Central Oslo
• The Nordmarka
• The Bygdøy peninsula
• The islands of the inner Oslofjord
• The Oslofjord

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Oslo

Oslo is a coastal metropolis in the southeast of Norway. As the country’s capital, it’s the cultural heart of Norway and one of the most visited parts of Scandinavia.

With the opportunities and attractions of a big city and the intimacy of a small town, Oslo is an inviting destination for both Norwegians and foreign tourists.

Perhaps you’re planning on booking a trip, or maybe you’re simply wondering, what is Oslo famous for? This Oslo travel guide will answer all of your questions and provide you with a few tips and recommendations to inspire you to visit.

This ultimate travel guide to Oslo will show you all the most beautiful places in Oslo, what to expect when visiting, where to stay in Oslo and things to do in Oslo which will help you in planning a trip to Oslo.

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How to get to Oslo

The nearest international airport to Oslo is 45 kilometres northeast in Gardermoen (OSL). With over 150 international connections, it’s the 19th busiest airport in Europe.

Flytoget is a high-speed train line that connects the airport to Oslo’s city centre, with a few stops along the 20-minute journey. You can purchase your ticket online, via the app, or at ticket vending machines at the airport.

There’s also an airport shuttle bus, Flybussen, which has over 100 stops and might take you closer to your accommodation. If you catch the bus, remember to book in advance for the cheapest fare.

If you’re coming to Oslo from neighbouring Denmark or Sweden, you can also catch a bus or a train. There are regularly departing services from Copenhagen, Stockholm and Gothenburg. These options will typically take between four and seven hours, depending on your city of departure.

What to expect in Oslo

The official language spoken in Oslo is Norwegian, though almost everyone can speak English. While Norway is a part of the European Union and the Schengen area, the country uses its own currency called krone.

However, since credit and debit cards are so widely accepted, you likely won’t have to pay for much with cash.

It’s uncommon for Norwegians to leave tips, as wages are among the highest in the world. Most nationalities are able to visit Norway for up to 90 days without a visa, so you won’t have to worry about that either!

How to get around Oslo

The public transport network in Oslo is very well run, and you’ll find numerous ways to get around the city.

If you plan on predominantly using public transport, pick up an Oslo Pass . This pass grants travellers free rides on all buses, trams, trains, boats and ferries in zones one and two, excluding the airport train.

Passes are valid for 24 hours, 48 hours or 72 hours, with discounts given to children and seniors. Order the pass online, or pick one up from the tourist information office at Oslo Central Station.

Not only does the Oslo Pass cover public transport, but you’ll also receive free entry into over 30 Oslo tourist attractions and museums.

The best time to visit Oslo

Temperatures in Oslo are the most pleasant during May, June, July, August and September. If you want to explore the city comfortably, any of these months are ideal times to visit.

The peak of summer sees almost 20 hours of sunlight, yet the highest average temperatures are only around 20 to 22°C. Numerous fun events are held during the summertime too, such as the annual Øya and Pikniki i Parken music festivals.

While you might only think of Oslo as a cold place, Norwegians actually love the sun! The residents head to their summer cabins during July, and fly out to warmer European destinations during the colder months.

Temperatures during November, December, January and February rarely go above zero degrees, so unless you’re visiting Oslo specifically for skiing and snowboarding, you’re better off going somewhere else during the winter too.

Things to do in Oslo

Discover the city’s museums.

Oslo is known for its many diverse museums that cater to every interest. Yet, with over 50 of them, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be visiting every one. Here are a few of our top museum suggestions.

Viking Ship Museum

The unique Viking Ship Museum is an opportunity to see some of the best preserved Viking ships in the world. The museum showcases the famous Oseberg ship, one of the finest surviving artifacts from the Viking era, as well as many other relevant archaeological findings.

As part of the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo, there’s an interactive storytelling aspect that’ll provide you with some interesting facts.

Kon-Tiki Museum

Another one for lovers of sea expeditions, the Kon-Tiki Museum on the Bygdøy peninsula displays vessels and maps from the 1947 Kon-Tiki journey.

Led by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, the balsa wood Kon-Tiki raft set sail from Peru to Polynesia to prove that ancient civilisations had the ability to make long sea voyages and contact other cultures.

It’s a fascinating place to learn about Heyerdahl’s adventures and beliefs about the world. You can also catch a screening of the Oscar-winning Kon-Tiki documentary shown every day at midday.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum begun as the University of Oslo’s botanical gardens. Today, the complex contains a few different sections that are now merged into one.

The Zoological Museum showcases Norwegian and international wildlife displays, while the Geological Museum contains fossils, minerals, and the Stones and Bones exhibition.

The Botanical Garden now holds over 35,000 plants from 7,500 different species. Well-researched and developed reconstructions in the Tree of Life exhibition will take you back to show you how life on Earth evolved.

A number of events and guided tours are run in English, so be sure to check the schedule ahead of your visit.

Nobel Peace Centre

Another unique museum to visit is a showcase of the works of Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Since opening in 2005, the Nobel Peace Centre showcases interactive multimedia exhibitions, guided tours, conferences and more.

Located at the site of the former Oslo West Railway Station opposite the Oslo City Hall, the modern building was designed and conceptualised by British architect David Adjaye.

National Museum

Fans of either classic or contemporary art won’t want to miss the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design.

You’ve likely seen a version of the popular expressionist painting The Scream , but did you know the artist, Edvard Munch, was Norwegian? The National Museum has one of the best collections of Munch’s earliest works, as well as postmodern art installations.

Relax by the wharf

Visiting Aker Brygge is one of the most iconic things to do in Oslo. The open-air pier area has everything from upscale eateries with outdoor seating to more casual street foods to be eaten on the steps of the wharf.

Be sure to have some of your meals here overlooking the water, or at the very least, stop by to take a peaceful moment to yourself.

Wander the main street

Karl Johans Gate is a hub for shops, cafes, bars and art galleries. As the main street in Oslo’s historical centre, you can also spot many of the city’s oldest and most beautiful buildings.

You’ll unknowingly find yourself by this lively street, as it connects to Oslo Central Station, the Royal Palace, Palace Park, and the National Theatre.

If you want to do some shopping, there are numerous malls and department stores around, including EGER, Arkaden Shopping, and Paleet.

Those with a sweet tooth should also stop by Freiabutikken, a boutique selling delicious goodies from Norway’s most popular chocolate brand. If you need to rest and people watch for a bit, the main (and surrounding) streets are lined with elegant coffee shops.

Take a trip to Holmenkollbakken

The famous ski jumping hill, Holmenkollbakken, is only a half hour train journey from the centre of Oslo.

With a spectator capacity of 70,000, it’s home to an annual Nordic ski festival and hosted the 1952 Winter Olympics. Take the funicular up to the top of the hill during sunset, as the views across Oslo are simply breathtaking.

See inside the Royal Palace

During the summer, the Royal Palace is open to the public. Built in the mid 19th century at the end of Karl Johans Gate, the palace is the official residence for Harald V, the current King of Norway. With 173 rooms, there’s a lot to see inside!

Fortunately, guided tours in English run four times a day . You’ll get to see some of the most magnificent rooms, including the Council Chamber, the Cabinet Parlour, and the Banqueting Hall.

Take a stroll through the park

The largest and most impressive park in Oslo is Frogner Park in the West End. Originally a baroque garden by Frogner Manor in the mid-1700s, it became a public park in 1896.

Within the park is the Vigeland area, home to the world’s largest permanent sculpture installation by an individual artist.

Gustav Vigeland carved the 212 granite and bronze sculptures between 1924 and 1943, including an intricate 14-metre-tall monolith. Make sure you stop by the Frogner Pond, one of the most peaceful spots in the park.

What to eat in Oslo

Norwegians typically prepare and consume traditional dishes during holidays and celebrations. From day to day, you’re likely to find the locals cooking up a barbecue at the park or enjoying a range of international cuisines.

You’ll find burger joints, kebab shops and Italian restaurants everywhere in the city, but did you really come to Norway to eat the same food as back home?

It’s possible to taste authentic Norwegian food in Oslo if you know where to go. To try some local dishes for affordable prices, dine out at Kaffistova in the downtown area or Restaurant Schrøder in the St Hanshaugen district.

Seafood is a must eat in Oslo, so head to Vulkanfisk, Lofoten Fiskerestaurant or Solsiden Restaurant for some seasonal fish. Order some grilled cod (torsk in Norwegian) or try traditional seafood dishes like ratfisk, lutefisk or fiskesuppe.

If you’re in Oslo during the summertime, don’t forget to try some cloudberries, a fruit which only grows in Arctic Norway.

Where to stay in Oslo

Oslo can be quite an expensive city for tourists to visit. If you want to keep costs down, there are some affordable, great value accommodation options out there including Airbnb.

Central City Apartments offers low-cost studios and apartments that can fit up to six travellers. The building is a two-minute walk from the Tøyen metro station, which is then a four-minute ride to downtown Oslo.

While the rooms are modest in size, you’ll have everything you need during your stay, including a kitchenette to prepare your own breakfast.

Citybox is a modern, minimalist and stylish hotel that keeps costs low. Less than 300 metres from Oslo Central and a five-minute walk to the Oslo Opera House, it’s the ideal base for exploring the city.

There are single rooms for solo travellers, doubles for couples, twin rooms for friends, and doubles with bunk beds for families. Guests can check themselves in and out, and there’s a charming cafe downstairs that offers 10% off.

Tours to do in Oslo

To see the tranquil waters surrounding Oslo, take a cruise of the Oslo Fjord . Sit back and relax for two hours while watching the beautiful scenery pass by.

Commentary in English will provide you with interesting information about the area, and there’s a bar available on board. With cruises departing both in the morning and afternoon, you’ll won’t have trouble fitting this into your sightseeing schedule.

If the weather is right, you can choose to skip the cruise and kayak around the fjords instead. A kayaking tour around the Bygdøy peninsula doesn’t require any previous skills, as your guide will train you before you get in the water. If you wish to see Oslo from an unusual perspective, this is the tour to go on.

Another great way to explore Oslo is by bike . You can join a small group bike tour to see the city’s best tourist attractions in three hours, including a stop at Akershus Fortress.

A particularly scenic tour is the river bike tour along the Akerselva River, where you’ll discover the local food markets and receive insider recommendations from your guide.

Day trips from Oslo

Take a two-hour train trip north of Oslo to visit the quaint town of Lillehammer. Although typically a ski resort town, it’s a charming place to visit no matter the season.

Between June and September, put on your hiking shoes and walk the Peer Gynt trail, taking in the stunning mountain scenery.

Another idyllic way to embrace the natural beauty of the area is canoeing and kayaking along the various lakes and rivers. If you’d like to meet new people while enjoying the outdoors, all activities have guided tour options.

If you find yourself in Lillehammer when it’s snowing, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to winter activities. Ice sledding, snowshoeing, sleigh riding and ice fishing are only a few of the many fun things to do.

Recommend budget tours in Oslo

• Self-Guided Norway Tour: Oslo to Bergen
• Oslo Combo Tour: Grand City Tour and Oslo Fjord Cruise
• Visit Oslo Pass
• Small-Group Oslo Bike Tour: City Highlights
• Self-Guided Norway roundtrip: Oslo to Oslo
• Kon-Tiki Museum Entrance Ticket
• Private Tour to Sognefjord, Gudvangen and the Flåmsbana railway
• The Viking Ship Museum and Historical Museum Admission Ticket
• 3-Hour Norwegian Evening Cruise Aboard a Wooden Sailing Boat on the Oslo Fjord

Get your guide is a Great company, that often offers heavily discounted tours! Check out a few options below:

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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• NORWAY ITINERARIES

Norway Itineraries for the Perfect Trip to Norway

One of the most common emails I get from readers planning to visit Norway are questions about their Norway itineraries and whether I recommend doing them differently.

I have spent a lot of time commenting on these, providing tips and advice as to whether it is better to spend 2 or 3 days in Bergen, or whether they should include an overnight stop in Flåm on their itinerary. After a while, I realised that it would be a lot better for me to create what I believe is the perfect itinerary for visiting Norway, and so this page came to life.

Below, you can find an overview of all the Norway itineraries I have created, and download them at (what I believe is) a very reasonable price. They are actually less than the price of a coffee in Norway (which at places like Espresso House can be over $10)!

These Norway itineraries are super easy to follow, and you can choose if you want to follow them step by step, or if you just want to use them as a basis for planning your trip. Either way, I am confident that they will help you in planning your trip to Norway!

They are all available in PDF form for immediate download, and you can keep them on your phone, computer (even send them to your Kindle), or print them and take them with you.

I am super excited to launch these perfect Norway itineraries for visiting the fjords (specifically, the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Nærøyfjord and the Aurlandsfjord where I grew up). They are split into whether you are starting from Oslo or Bergen, and you can also choose your itinerary based on the number of days you are travelling and whether you are going roundtrip to the city of choice. And, of course, based on the season you are traveling.

You will also find self-drive itineraries (for those preferring to rent a car in Norway ) for various destinations in Norway here (I keep adding them as I travel around and create them).

I started creating these itineraries of Norway for the summer of 2019, and have spent years perfecting them since. The reason I do not create “catch-all” itineraries that I never update is that I want to ensure that each one is correct when it comes to schedules and services mentioned.

So, I will usually double check for schedule changes and update the itineraries a few times a year.

Table of Contents

Not sure which of the Norway itineraries to pick?

Or unsure of how many days you are planning to travel for?

My advice is to purchase the longest itinerary that fits your start and end destinations, as it will be the most comprehensive. If you can’t decide between a 3 or 4-day itinerary from Bergen to Oslo, for example, I’d say to purchase the 4-day itinerary. Then, if you end up with “just” 3 days, simply skip one of them. The start and end will be similar, so it will not be necessary to purchase both the 3-day and the 4-day itinerary.

Norway Itineraries starting in Bergen and Oslo

My most popular itineraries are the ones ensuring that you see the beautiful fjords – regardless of how much time you have and which city you are starting and ending your trip in. I provide you with every resource you need to double check things on your own, so you can rest assured that you will have the information you need for your trip.

Please note that you must double-check all departure times on the websites I share in the itineraries to make sure they are 100 % accurate.

It is rare that providers change their itineraries drastically from month to month, but even a minor change of 10 minutes could affect your trip. So make sure you visit the links I recommend for booking your trip and make a note of the departure time every time you book.

I have itineraries starting in both Oslo and Bergen and a variety of lengths and end destinations. Click each button below to get your perfect Norway itinerary (whether you are travelling from Oslo and back in 3 days or from Bergen to Oslo in 4 days, I’ve got you covered).

Browse all itineraries here!

Self-drive Itineraries (Lofoten and western Norway)

My latest addition to the itineraries on this page is something I am really excited about (and proud of). I have created 5-, 6-, and 7-day self-drive Lofoten itineraries! I know visiting Lofoten is high on people’s bucket list when planning a trip to Norway, but it can be a little tricky to start planning, as the islands cover such a large area.

In my Lofoten itineraries, I cover everything from which airport to fly to, where to stay and where to stop during your drive! Please note that these itineraries are SELF DRIVE , and require you to have a car. Public transportation in Lofoten (for example) is not the easiest, so I strongly recommend renting a car for your trip up north.

Several of you have reached out to me about creating a self-drive itinerary starting (and ending in Ålesund), and of course, I had to do it! The itinerary below covers a week-long trip to Ålesund, including visits to the Geirangerfjord (by car).

Browse all self-drive itineraries here!

Bergen and Oslo City Itineraries

I have also made itineraries for anyone visiting Bergen or Oslo with a limited amount of time. They are perfect if you only have 1 or 2 days in the city, but will also be helpful if you have more time, as they can help you really make the most of your visit!

Browse my city itineraries here!

NEW: Custom Norway Itineraries

I have recently started offering custom itineraries for Norway , where I research and create an itinerary based on your exact travel dates and preferences.

It’s super simple; you answer some questions about your trip and thoughts via email to give me the information I need to plan your perfect trip! I then get to work using my local knowledge and travel experience to plan the perfect itinerary for your trip to Norway!

This is a great way of ensuring that you get an itinerary for your trip that matches your exact need and hopes for your bucket list adventure in Norway. You will get a PDF to download and print for your trip (or to keep on your phone/tablet), that you can keep forever.

Please note that I do not book any services, accommodation or transportation for you.

Here’s what people say:

LISA! This itinerary is beautiful and perfect and I can’t wait to print it off and hand it to my honey for Christmas. Thank you SO Much! – Rae, who purchased a custom-made itinerary

Just received my personal itinerary from Lisa. Super excited about my trip! From accommodation, transport, excursions, places of interest, places to eat – everything has been included ! I would highly recommend Lisa. Thank you for a very professional service. Look forward to booking accommodation and excurisions over the weekend!😄 – Deirdre, another reader purchasing a custom Norway itinerary

No words can express out gratitude for such an amazing itinerary. You have allowed us to enjoy our time in Norway to the max! – Renan and Hilda, June 2022

The current rate for custom Norway itineraries are:

• Up to 6 day trip/itinerary: €197
• 7-10 day itinerary: €247
• 10-14 day itinerary: €297

To purchase a custom-made itinerary, please reach out directly to lisa @fjordsandbeaches .com ( removing the spaces ) to check availability. Note that I have very limited capacity to take these on.

The Ultimate Travel guide to Flåm, Aurland and the Aurlandsfjord!

I have been working on a complete travel guide to the area where I grew up for a while, and it is finally live and published! I am very excited about this, and update it frequently to reflect on what is happening by the fjords. Everyone who purchases the travel guide gets access to all future updates, of course.

If you are planning a visit to Flåm, the Aurlandsfjord and/or the Nærøyfjord, my eBook contains everything you need to plan and execute your trip!

The guide is 30+ pages, and comes in a handy PDF that you can print and take with you on your trip (or keep on your phone, tablet or Kindle).

Chapters cover:

• A guide to visiting Flåm
• A guide to visiting Aurland
• A guide to visiting Gudvangen
• A guide to visiting Undredal
• Recommended itineraries for each village
• How to get around
• Frequently Asked Questions about planning a trip to the area
• … and more!

Of course, the eBook has been updated to include a link to where you can find Covid-19 related information (about entering and travelling to Norway).

Get my 30+ page travel guide to Aurland, Flåm and the surrounding area by following the link below:

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