Things to Do in Oslo

Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway, offers a wealth of attractions and experiences that make it a fantastic destination for a holiday. The city seamlessly blends natural beauty, cultural treasures, and modern amenities, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.

Oslo is nestled between fjords and surrounded by lush forests, providing stunning scenery and ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and boating. Moreover, Oslo is renowned for its world-class museums, including the Viking Ship Museum and the Munch Museum, which showcase the country's rich history and artistic heritage.

The city's contemporary architecture, bustling waterfront, and trendy neighbourhoods add to its allure. Additionally, Oslo's commitment to sustainability and green initiatives makes it an eco-friendly destination with an extensive public transportation system and a plethora of green spaces to explore. With its captivating blend of nature, culture, and sustainability, Oslo promises an unforgettable holiday experience for every traveller.

 

Oslo, the capital city of Norway, offers a wide range of attractions and activities that cater to various interests. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Oslo:

• Viking Ship Museum: Explore the world of the Vikings at this fascinating museum, which houses remarkably preserved Viking ships, artifacts, and exhibits that shed light on Norway's rich Viking history.
• Vigeland Sculpture Park: Wander through this unique outdoor park, designed by renowned sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Admire over 200 impressive bronze and granite sculptures, including the iconic "Monolith" and the "Angry Boy."
• Oslo Opera House: Experience the stunning architecture of the Oslo Opera House, located on the waterfront. Take a guided tour or catch a performance to enjoy world-class opera, ballet, or classical music.
• Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower: Visit the renowned Holmenkollen Ski Museum, showcasing the history of skiing, and enjoy panoramic views of Oslo from the top of the ski jump tower.
• Bygdøy Peninsula: Explore the museums located on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the Fram Museum (dedicated to polar exploration), the Kon-Tiki Museum (showcasing Thor Heyerdahl's expeditions), and the Norwegian Maritime Museum.
• Akershus Fortress: Discover the medieval Akershus Fortress, which offers a glimpse into Oslo's history. Explore the castle grounds, visit the museum, and enjoy panoramic views of the city's harbor.
• The Royal Palace: Admire the elegant Royal Palace, the official residence of the Norwegian monarch. Take a stroll through the surrounding Palace Park and witness the changing of the guard.
• Oslo Fjord: Embark on a scenic boat tour of the Oslo Fjord, allowing you to appreciate the city's stunning coastal landscape and enjoy views of picturesque islands and waterfront neighbourhoods.
• The Astrup Fearnley Museum: Delve into contemporary art at this renowned museum, housing an impressive collection of contemporary works by international artists..
• Oslo City Hall: Visit Oslo City Hall, known for hosting the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Take a guided tour to admire its grand halls and view iconic artworks, including the famous mural "The Fishermen."

These are just a few highlights of what Oslo has to offer. The city also boasts excellent shopping districts, vibrant nightlife, charming neighborhoods like Grünerløkka, and a diverse culinary scene that combines traditional Norwegian dishes with international flavours.

 

When holidaying in Oslo, the weather can vary depending on the time of year. Here's a general overview of the weather you can expect:

Summer (June to August): Summers in Oslo are relatively mild and pleasant. Average temperatures range from around 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), with occasional warmer days reaching up to 30°C (86°F). The city experiences longer daylight hours, giving you ample time to explore and enjoy outdoor activities.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Oslo brings cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage. September can still have mild days with temperatures around 12°C (54°F), but by November, temperatures drop to around 0°C (32°F) to 5°C (41°F). It's advisable to pack layers and expect some rain during this season.

Winter (December to February): Oslo experiences cold and snowy winters. Temperatures can range from -6°C (21°F) to 2°C (36°F), but it can occasionally drop lower. Snowfall is common, creating a picturesque winter landscape. Be prepared for shorter daylight hours and pack warm clothing to enjoy winter activities like skiing and ice skating.

Spring (March to May): Spring in Oslo is characterized by gradually warming temperatures. March can still be cold with temperatures around 0°C (32°F), while May sees milder weather with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F). Springtime brings blooming flowers and longer days, making it a lovely time to explore the city.

It's important to note that weather patterns can vary, and it's always a good idea to check the forecast closer to your travel dates. Oslo's weather can be unpredictable, so it's recommended to pack layers and be prepared for changing conditions. Additionally, during the winter months, Oslo experiences limited daylight, so plan your activities accordingly. If your activities are going to include skiing and snowboarding remember to sort travel insurance before you go. Tripinsurer.com offer Skiing Travel Insurance as well as Single Trip Travel Insurance or Multi Trip Travel Insurance for the non skiiers.

 

Norwegian cuisine in its traditional form is based largely on the raw materials readily available in Norway and its mountains, wilderness, and coast. If you go on holiday to Oslo, you can expect to find the following kinds of dishes and cuisines:

Traditional Norwegian Cuisine: Traditional Norwegian dishes are typically based on seafood, game, and other meats, often with a focus on fresh and locally-sourced ingredients. Look out for dishes like "fårikål" (mutton stew with cabbage), "klippfisk" (dried and salted cod), "rakfisk" (fermented fish), and "lutefisk" (dried fish reconstituted with lye).

Seafood: Norway is known for its excellent seafood, given its long coastline. Freshly caught fish like salmon, cod, and herring are common, as well as shellfish like crab and lobster.

Smørbrød: A traditional Nordic open-faced sandwich with various toppings ranging from cold cuts, fish, cheese, spreads, and more.

Game meat: Reindeer, elk, and other game meats are often seen on Norwegian menus, especially in traditional dishes.

Berries and Foraged Foods: Due to the abundance of forests, you might find dishes featuring local berries (like cloudberries, lingonberries, and blueberries), mushrooms, and other foraged ingredients.

Breakfast foods: Norwegian breakfast often includes items like brunost (brown cheese), flatbread or knekkebrød (crispbread), and leverpostei (liver pate).

Sweets: Norway is known for various sweets and pastries like lefse (a traditional soft, Norwegian flatbread), krumkake (a sweet, waffle-like cookie), and marzipan.

International Cuisine: Oslo is a cosmopolitan city, so you'll also find a wide variety of international cuisines, from Italian to Thai, Indian to American, and everything in between.

New Nordic Cuisine: This is a more recent culinary movement that uses traditional ingredients in innovative ways. New Nordic Cuisine focuses on promoting local, natural, and seasonal produce. A notable restaurant in Oslo representing this movement is Maaemo, which has been awarded three Michelin stars.

Remember, traditional dishes might vary in style and flavor between restaurants, as each chef will likely have their own interpretation. Norwegian cuisine tends to be simple, with a focus on showcasing the quality and flavor of its natural ingredients.

 

Oslo, being the capital city of Norway, offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some possibilities:

Hotels: Oslo offers a range of hotels from budget to luxury. Notable high-end hotels include The Thief, an upscale boutique hotel located in the waterfront district of Tjuvholmen, and the historic Grand Hotel, which is a landmark in the city centre.

Hostels: For the budget traveler, there are several hostels that offer clean, basic accommodation often with shared facilities. Anker Hostel is one of the popular choices among travelers for its affordability and central location.

Boutique Hotels and Guesthouses: These offer unique and often personalized accommodations. They are usually smaller hotels with a focus on providing a unique atmosphere and experience.

Serviced Apartments/Apartment Hotels: For longer stays or for those preferring a more home-like atmosphere, serviced apartments are a good choice. They provide the comfort of a home with the services of a hotel. Frogner House Apartments is one of many options in the city.

Bed & Breakfasts: B&Bs offer accommodation with a more personal touch. They're typically in residential areas and include breakfast in the room rate.

Airbnb/Vacation Rentals: Renting an apartment, house, or a room through platforms like Airbnb can be a cost-effective choice, especially for larger groups or families. This option often offers a more local living experience.

Camping: For those who love the outdoors, there are a couple of campsites around Oslo like Ekeberg Camping and Bogstad Camping. This can be an affordable way to stay, especially during the summer months, but you'll need to be prepared with the appropriate equipment.

Always remember to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Depending on your preferences for location, comfort, budget, and style, you can find a wide variety of accommodations in Oslo.