Things to do in Oslo

Despite its small population, Oslo is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Europe, with an incredible nightlife scene and a deep connection with Nordic culture. However, what makes this capital city truly unique is its integration with nature. Oslo is infused with green spaces, waterfront areas and a wide realm of wilderness which lies just beyond the city’s edge. In fact, within 20 minutes, you will find yourself in the heart of the Norwegian countryside. This creates a special atmosphere in the city, where many of the locals are year-round outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors will undoubtedly enjoy the art, architecture and culture of this amazing place. 

Aker Brygge

The site of an abandoned shipbuilding yard has been redeveloped into a wonderful area of residential townhouses and commercial shops. Modern glass and steel buildings dominate the view, filled with over 40 restaurants and 60 shops, which range from pubs and cinemas to boutique fashion shops. The many outdoor dining options and open pedestrian boulevards make this one of Oslo's highlights.

Akershus Castle

Originally built in 1300 by King Haakon V as a fortress and a royal residence, this castle is one of the oldest historical monuments in Oslo. When a fire destroyed the northern wing in 1527, the castle was rebuilt as a royal Renaissance palace by the Danish-Norwegian king Christian IV. A thick fortress was then constructed around the castle. Guided tours are given in English several times each day. Phone: +47 22 41 25 21.

Edvard Munch Museum

Scandinavia’s greatest painter gave a vast collection of his works to the city, which has housed them in this museum. The collection contains a staggering 1,100 paintings, some 4,500 drawings and around 18,000 prints as well as other creations by the artist. It was here that Munch’s masterpiece, The Scream, was stolen off the wall in broad daylight in 2004. Phone: +47 23 49 35 00.

Henie Onstad Art Centre

This museum displays the private art collection of skating champion Sonja Henie and her husband. Their impressive collection of some 1,800 20th century works includes pieces by such masters as Munch, Picasso and Matisse amongst others. Besides the art, the centre hosts plays, concerts, films and special exhibits. The open-air theatre puts on folklore programmes and jazz concerts during the summer. Phone: +47 67 80 48 80.

Kon-Tiki Museum

In 1947, the Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl sailed a balsa raft named Kon-Tiki from Peru to Polynesia. Besides the original raft itself, there are many other exhibits from Heyerdahl’s further adventures, particularly from Easter Island. Anyone interested in the Kon-Tiki adventure will enjoy this museum. Phone: +47 23 08 67 67.

National Gallery

This state museum has an impressive collection of Norwegian art, but it also houses some lovely works by world-famous artists such as Matisse and Cezanne. Art lovers with an interest in exploring Norwegian art more deeply should pay a visit to this museum, which has the most comprehensive collection in the country. Phone: +47 22 20 04 04.

Norwegian Folk Museum

This open-air museum is one of the more interesting cultural sites in Oslo. Over 140 original buildings from all over Norway have been re-assembled here on the 35 acre property. The rural buildings are grouped together by region, with many of them dating from medieval times. The urban buildings are laid out as an old town. The site’s museum displays over 225,000 objects of every imaginable facet of early Norwegian life. Phone: +47 22 12 37 00.

Ski Museum (Holmenkollen)

Norway is one of the world’s premier ski nations and this sports complex tells the story of skiing as it developed here. An elevator takes visitors to the top of the ski jump tower for the best panoramic views of Oslo and its fjord, to be found anywhere in the region. The museum at the base of the jump displays a wide range of interesting historical objects from Norway’s 1,000-year tradition of skiing. Phone: +47 22 92 32 64.

Vigelandsparken

The work of Norway’s greatest sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, is displayed at this 75 acre park, which was his lifelong project. In all, 227 monumental sculptures are scattered around the property. The centre piece of the park is the Vigeland Monolith, a 16 metre sculpture composed of 121 massive figures, all carved from a single piece of stone; it’s an amazing piece of art. Most of Vigeland’s work is devoted to the theme of humanity’s destiny. Many of the other pieces lie along a one kilometre long path running through the park. Phonel: +47 23 49 37 00.

Viking Ship Museum
The Vikings were the first group to really settle the site of Oslo. Therefore, this is one of the best places to see Viking artefacts up close. Displayed in this museum are three Viking burial vessels, several ships and a number of artefacts. Most impressive is the extraordinary 9th century Oseberg, a richly ornamented 19 metre long dragon ship. More than just a sailing vessel, the Oseberg is also the burial chamber of a Viking queen. The incredibly preserved Gokstad is another outstanding example of a Viking ship. Children and adults alike will love these awe-inspiring exhibits. Phonel: +47 22 13 52 80.