At a Glance
Quick OverviewNorway’s capital city seamlessly blends world-class culture with stunning natural surroundings. The Wall Street Journal has called Oslo “the newest capital of Nordic cool”—and it’s easy to see why. From groundbreaking museums housing Edvard Munch’s masterpieces to the sculptural wonder of the Opera House and forests stretching to the city limits, Oslo delivers Scandinavian sophistication with easy access to wilderness.
According to Visit Norway, Oslo is one of the world’s most walkable capitals, offering “innovative architecture, world-class cultural institutions, and vibrant neighbourhoods” all within easy reach.
World-Class Museums
Oslo has emerged as one of Europe’s premier museum destinations with the opening of major new institutions that have transformed the city’s cultural landscape.
MUNCH Museum
The striking 13-storey MUNCH museum, opened in 2021, stands as one of the world’s tallest art institutions and houses the world’s largest collection of Edvard Munch’s works.
What to see:
- Thousands of Munch artworks including versions of “The Scream”
- Rotating exhibitions exploring Munch’s life and influence
- Panoramic views from upper floors
- Waterfront café with fjord views
Practical info:
- Location: Bjørvika waterfront
- Allow 2-3 hours
- Book tickets online to avoid queues
- Oslo Pass provides entry
National Museum
Opened in 2022, the National Museum is now the largest museum in the Nordic countries with over 5,000 works spanning Norwegian and international art.
Collections include:
- Norwegian masters including Munch’s “The Scream” (1893 version)
- Decorative arts and design
- Architecture exhibitions
- Temporary exhibitions
Highlights:
- Light Hall with its remarkable ceiling
- Nordic design collections
- Historical Norwegian paintings
- Central location near harbour
Museum of the Viking Age
The legendary Viking Ship Museum is being transformed into the expanded Museum of the Viking Age, scheduled to open in 2026 with dramatically enhanced displays.
What to expect:
- World’s best-preserved Viking ships (Oseberg, Gokstad, Tune)
- Archaeological treasures from Viking boat graves
- Interactive exhibitions on Viking culture
- Expanded galleries and visitor facilities
Located on Bygdøy Peninsula with easy access by ferry or bus from the city centre.
More Must-Visit Museums
Fram Museum: Home to the polar exploration vessel Fram, which travelled farther north and south than any other wooden ship. Walk aboard and experience life during Arctic expeditions.
Kon-Tiki Museum: Thor Heyerdahl’s original Kon-Tiki raft and Ra II boat, documenting his legendary Pacific and Atlantic crossings that proved ancient civilisations could have crossed oceans.
Norwegian Folk Museum (Norsk Folkemuseum): Open-air museum with 150+ historic buildings including a medieval stave church from Gol dating to 1200. Demonstrations of traditional crafts and customs throughout summer.
Holmenkollen Ski Museum: The world’s oldest ski museum, opened in 1923, showcasing 4,000 years of skiing history alongside the iconic Holmenkollen ski jump with panoramic city views.
Browse Oslo ToursTop Attractions
Oslo Opera House
The award-winning Oslo Opera House defines the city’s modern waterfront with its angular white marble and granite design that visitors can walk on.
Experience:
- Walk on the sloping roof for panoramic views
- Architecture tours available
- World-class ballet and opera performances
- Stunning sunset location
Design note: The building appears to rise from the fjord, symbolising Norway’s relationship with the sea.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
The world’s largest sculpture park by a single artist features over 200 bronze, granite, and wrought-iron sculptures by Gustav Vigeland depicting the human condition.
Highlights:
- The Monolith: 14-metre column of intertwined bodies
- The Angry Boy: Oslo’s most photographed sculpture
- The Wheel of Life
- Beautiful gardens surrounding sculptures
Practical info:
- Free entry, open 24 hours
- Located in Frogner Park
- Allow 1-2 hours
- Excellent for photography
Royal Palace
Completed in 1849, the Norwegian Royal Palace sits at the end of Karl Johans gate with the royal flag flying when the King is in residence.
Experiences:
- Changing of the Guard (daily at 1:30 PM)
- Summer guided tours (June-August)
- Palace gardens open to public
- 173 rooms in neoclassical style
Akershus Fortress
Medieval castle and fortress dating from the 1290s, guarding Oslo’s harbour for over 700 years.
What to see:
- Castle grounds (free access)
- Resistance Museum
- Armed Forces Museum
- Harbour and city views
- Summer guided tours
Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen
Oslo’s transformed waterfront districts offer restaurants, shops, galleries, and harbour atmosphere.
Aker Brygge:
- Restaurants and bars on the water
- Shopping complex
- Departures for fjord cruises
- Popular summer destination
Tjuvholmen:
- Contemporary architecture
- Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
- Sculpture park
- City beach
Bygdøy Peninsula
This museum peninsula is accessible by ferry (summer) or bus year-round and hosts eight museums plus beaches.
Museums to visit:
- Museum of the Viking Age (reopening 2026)
- Norwegian Folk Museum
- Fram Museum
- Kon-Tiki Museum
- Norwegian Maritime Museum
- Holocaust Centre
Other attractions:
- Huk and Paradisbukta beaches
- Scenic walking paths
- Royal Farm
- Cafés and restaurants
Neighbourhoods to Explore
Grünerløkka
Oslo’s hipster heart with independent shops, vintage stores, street art, and excellent café culture.
Experience:
- Sunday flea markets
- Craft beer bars
- International cuisine
- Akerselva River walks
Vulkan
Sustainable urban development along Akerselva River featuring food halls, markets, and innovative architecture.
Highlights:
- Mathallen food hall
- Local restaurants and bars
- Industrial-chic atmosphere
- River walking paths
Gamle Oslo (Old Town)
Historic district near the Munch Museum and Oslo Opera House.
Features:
- Medieval Park
- Oslo Cathedral
- Contrast of old and ultra-modern
- Waterfront access
Outdoor Activities
Urban Nature
Oslo offers unique access to wilderness within city limits.
Nordmarka Forest:
- Over 400 km of marked trails
- Accessible by T-bane metro
- Lakes for swimming (summer)
- Cross-country skiing (winter)
Holmenkollen:
- Famous ski jump
- Hiking and cycling trails
- Winter skiing
- Panoramic views
Oslo Fjord
Island hopping:
- Hovedøya: Medieval monastery ruins, beaches
- Langøyene: Popular summer beach
- Gressholmen: Nature reserve
- Free public ferries with Oslo Pass
Fjord cruises:
- Dinner cruises
- Sightseeing tours
- Sailing experiences
- Kayaking options
Getting to Oslo
By Air
Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL):
- Norway’s main international hub
- 50 km north of city centre
- Flytoget airport express: 19 minutes to central station
- Regular trains and buses also available
By Train
Scenic routes:
- Bergen Railway: 7-hour journey through mountains (one of world’s most scenic)
- Dovre Railway: To Trondheim through valleys
- Connections to Sweden and Denmark
By Sea
Ferry connections:
- DFDS from Copenhagen
- Color Line from Kiel (Germany)
- Stena Line from Frederikshavn (Denmark)
Getting Around Oslo
Public Transport
Oslo has excellent integrated public transport:
Metro (T-bane):
- 5 lines covering greater Oslo
- Frequent service
- Access to Holmenkollen and Nordmarka
Trams:
- Historic network through city centre
- Scenic routes
- Frequent service
Buses and Ferries:
- Comprehensive coverage
- Island ferries included in regular tickets
Oslo Pass
The Oslo Pass offers exceptional value:
- Free entry to 30+ museums and attractions
- Unlimited public transport
- Discounts on tours and restaurants
- 24, 48, or 72-hour options
2026 prices (approximate):
- 24 hours: NOK 520 (£40)
- 48 hours: NOK 760 (£58)
- 72 hours: NOK 895 (£69)
Walking and Cycling
Oslo is extremely walkable:
- Compact city centre
- Dedicated walking routes
- City bike system (seasonal)
- Electric scooters available
Where to Stay
Central Oslo
Best for: First-time visitors, sightseeing
- Walking distance to attractions
- Near train station
- Various price points
- Highest prices
Grünerløkka
Best for: Local atmosphere, nightlife
- Trendy neighbourhood
- Great restaurants and bars
- Slightly lower prices
- 15-minute walk to centre
Aker Brygge/Tjuvholmen
Best for: Waterfront dining, modern atmosphere
- Harbour location
- Contemporary hotels
- Restaurants at doorstep
- Premium pricing
Near Bygdøy
Best for: Families, museum focus
- Quieter area
- Near museum peninsula
- Green surroundings
- Good for longer stays
Where to Eat
Local Specialities
- Fresh seafood: From Oslo fjord and Norwegian coast
- Kjøttkaker: Traditional meatballs
- Smørbrød: Open-faced sandwiches
- Brown cheese (brunost): Sweet, caramelised cheese
Food Halls
Mathallen Oslo:
- 30+ vendors
- Local and international cuisine
- Cooking classes
- Vulkan neighbourhood
Vippa:
- Street food from around the world
- Waterfront location
- Sustainable focus
- Casual atmosphere
Dining Areas
- Aker Brygge: Waterfront restaurants, tourist-oriented
- Grünerløkka: Trendy cafés, international cuisine
- Majorstuen: Local favourites, upscale options
- City centre: Wide variety, all price points
Weather and When to Visit
Best Times
Summer (June-August):
- Warmest weather (20-25°C)
- Long days (near 24-hour light)
- Outdoor festivals
- Peak tourist season
- Highest prices
Spring (April-May):
- Milder temperatures (10-15°C)
- Blooming parks
- Fewer crowds
- Constitution Day (May 17)
Autumn (September-October):
- Autumn colours
- Moderate temperatures
- Cultural season begins
- Good value
Winter (November-March):
- Christmas markets
- Cross-country skiing
- Indoor cultural attractions
- Budget-friendly
What to Pack
- Layers: Weather changes quickly
- Waterproof jacket: Rain possible year-round
- Comfortable walking shoes: Compact but hilly
- Warm clothes in winter: Cold but manageable
Sample Itineraries
2-Day Oslo Essentials
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Opera House, Aker Brygge lunch, MUNCH Museum, Grünerløkka evening |
| 2 | Vigeland Park, National Museum, Royal Palace, departure |
4-Day Complete Oslo
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | City centre, Opera House, Aker Brygge, Tjuvholmen |
| 2 | Bygdøy museums (Fram, Kon-Tiki, Folk Museum) |
| 3 | MUNCH Museum, National Museum, Grünerløkka |
| 4 | Holmenkollen, Vigeland Park, departure |
Week in Eastern Norway
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Oslo exploration |
| 4 | Day trip: Oslo fjord islands |
| 5-6 | Scenic train to Bergen |
| 7 | Return or continue journey |
Practical Information
Costs
Oslo is expensive (one of Europe’s costliest):
- Budget meal: £16-28
- Mid-range dinner: £40-65
- Hotel room: £120-250/night
- Museum entry: £12-16
- Public transport day pass: ~£10
Currency
Norwegian Kroner (NOK). Cards accepted almost everywhere—cash rarely needed.
Language
Norwegian, but English is widely spoken throughout the city.
Safety
Oslo is very safe. Normal urban precautions apply.
Tipping
Not expected but appreciated for exceptional service (round up or 10% in restaurants).
Events and Festivals
Major Annual Events
- Constitution Day (May 17): Norway’s biggest celebration with parades
- Oslo Jazz Festival (August): International jazz performances
- Øya Festival (August): Major music festival
- Christmas Markets (November-December): Festive atmosphere throughout city
- Nobel Peace Prize (December 10): Annual ceremony at City Hall
Beyond Oslo
Day Trips
- Drøbak: Charming fjord town, Christmas house
- Fredrikstad: Historic fortress town
- Hadeland Glassverk: Traditional glassworks
- Eidsvoll: Constitution birthplace
Continuing Your Journey
- West: Bergen Railway (scenic 7 hours)
- North: Train to Trondheim, flights to Arctic Norway
- South: Coastal towns and beaches
- Sweden: Easy train connections to Stockholm
Final Advice
Oslo rewards exploration on foot and by public transport. Take time to experience both world-class museums and everyday neighbourhood life. Walk on the Opera House roof at sunset, spend a contemplative morning at Vigeland Park, and venture into the surrounding forests for a taste of Norwegian outdoor culture.
The city has transformed dramatically with new museums and waterfront development, yet retains its connection to nature and Nordic design sensibilities. Whether you’re here for culture, cuisine, or as a gateway to Norway’s landscapes, Oslo delivers a sophisticated yet accessible Scandinavian experience.
Information in this guide is sourced from Visit Norway and Visit Oslo. Last updated January 2026.