Oslo, Norway: The Best Travel Guide
On the southern coast of Norway, just across from Denmark, is the third largest city in Scandinavia, Oslo. It is known for its stunning fjords, downhill skiing, and influential arts and culture. Oslo is a perfect stop on your trip through Scandinavia. There is so much to do in Oslo, where the vibrant city life meets Norway's scenic outdoors. Be sure to plan and leave some time to explore the nearby forests and coastline along the North Sea.
About Oslo
The capital of Norway, Oslo, sits at the northernmost point of the Oslofjord, an inlet of the North Sea. While Oslo may be Norway's capital and largest city, much of Oslo is covered in forest. Just 30 minutes by bus from the city center, you will find Nordmarka, or 'North Forest,' with miles of untouched forests perfect for skiing and hiking. Oslo is the home of the Nobel Peace Prize and is a global leader in green energy, quality of life, and consistently ranks along with most Scandinavian countries in the top countries for happiest people.
Getting to Oslo
Arriving by Air
Oslo's main international airport, Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL), is the biggest airport in Norway. It is the best place to fly into if you want to fly from a non-EU country. OSL is just under 30 miles from the city center, which is reachable by bus, train, taxi, or shuttle. A secondary airport also services Oslo, Torp Sandfjord Airport (TRF), which some of Europe's low-cost carriers use. TRF is about an hour and fifteen minutes outside the city by car or bus. TRF could be a good option if you are on a budget or know you will be renting a car to travel around Norway.
Arriving by Other Transportation
Unfortunately, train routes from Norway to most other European countries have to pass through Sweden, into Denmark, and on to the rest of Europe, so arriving by train to Oslo is not convenient unless you are coming from close by in Denmark or Sweden.
To drive to Oslo, a few bridges cross the North Sea from Denmark. The drive from Copenhagen to Oslo is over 6 hours. A ferry travels from Denmark to Oslo, which can be pretty scenic, if not the most efficient method. In all, getting to Oslo any other way than flying is doable, but it may not be the best choice.
Getting Around in Oslo
The best way to get around Oslo is by bus or tram. The bus system is convenient, and buses are plentiful to take travelers around the city. The Oslo T-Bane is the metro system, and while useful for the direct city center, the metro's scope is limited to outer neighborhoods. Oslo also underwent a green initiative a few years ago, and updates made the city much more walkable and fostered the bike share system, a smart way to get around.
Parking is limited in many Scandinavian cities, so getting around via car is not recommended. However, you can reach even the farthest parts of the city via public transport, and a bus will take you to Oslomarka, the Oslo forest.
Best Things to Do in Oslo
Visit the Akershus Fortress
Built along the Oslofjord, the Akershus Fortress is a 13th-century fortress built to protect the city from invaders traveling by boat up the fjord. It remained a military stronghold and royal residence for many years and is now the temporary office of the Prime Minister of Norway.
The Akershus Fortress houses the Royal Mausoleum, the final resting place of many kings and queens of Norway. The fortress is still military ground but is open to the public and completely free to visit. The views from the fortress of the fjord and out onto Oslo are the best in the region.
Stroll Through Frogner Park
Frogner Park, also known as Vigeland Park, is another free activity you can't miss on your trip to Oslo. Frogner Park is the largest sculpture park in the world and is home to 212 sculptures made single-handedly by one artist, Gustav Vigeland. The brass and granite sculptures (made from granite sourced from the fjords) have become city icons. Most recognizable is the Monolith, consisting of 112 human figures, which alone took 14 years to carve.
Nearby to the park is the Vigeland Museum, which was the artist's apartment and studio before he died. After he donated his works to the city, his studio was turned into a museum, where you can see the sketches, molds, and castings he made to prepare the massive sculptures.
See the Norwegian National Gallery
One of the many museums found in the Bygdøy Peninsula in Oslo, the Norwegian National Gallery is probably the most popular for one reason: Edvard Munch's The Scream. Probably one of the most well-known paintings in the world and influential in its transitional status between Impressionism and Expressionism, The Scream is worth a visit, even if it is to prove you remember something from your high school art class.
Come for the Munch pieces (including the Madonna), but stay for the extensive collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, including works by El Greco and Jan van Goyen. Then trace the artistic influences through Munch and beyond with paintings by masters like Picasso, Monet, and Cézanne.
Visit the Norwegian Folk Museum
The Norwegian Folk Museum is not far from the National Gallery. It is an open-air museum established in the 1880s by King Oscar II. The museum showcases a 12th-century church, the Gol Stave Church, and 155 other historical buildings highlighting early Scandinavian architecture.
The historical monuments are also home to exhibits on Norway's history and the Norwegians' culture throughout history, including the Samí people (inhabitants of the region formerly known as Lapland). In addition, the Folk Museum hosts interactive exhibits, like carriage rides, crafting demonstrations, and a class to learn how to make traditional lefse flatbread.
Explore Olso’s Very Own Forests
There are multiple forests within the city limits of Oslo, and they are all accessible via public transportation. Take a trip to Nordmarka to see the majestic fir trees, or head to Oslomarka to see the wildlife and well-maintained trails.
Explorers of any level of outdoorsmanship can find a trail or outdoor adventure that's right for them. You can fish, camp, hike, snowshoe, and ski in sports like Holemkollen, Frognerseteren, or Sognsvann. Interestingly, the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree in London is a gift from the people of Oslo. It is sourced from one of Oslo's forests every year.
Take in the View from the Holmenkollen Ski Jump Tower
Winter sports are a part of Norwegian national identity, and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump Tower is the home of Norway's skiing legacy. The oldest ski jump tower in the world, Holmenkollbakken hill, has been holding ski jump competitions since 1892. It hosted the ski jump events of the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo and still hosts competitions.
Inside the jump, the building is the Ski Museum. It is home to artifacts of Norwegian polar exhibitions and skiing history. At the highest jump point is an observation deck that looks out over Oslo and the Oslofjord.
Walk Past the Oslo Opera House
The Oslo Opera House is one of the most iconic buildings in Oslo and is definitely worth exploring. The striking roof structure, built of Italian marble, is designed for pedestrians to stroll up the roof of the building. Walking on the top is encouraged for visitors. Made to look like it is rising out of the waters of the Oslofjord, the opera house resembles an iceberg or possibly a ski jump. It is a stunning example of an impressive Scandinavian design.
Check Out the Kon-Tiki Museum
Thor Heyerdahl is one of the most famous and eccentric anthropologists and explorers in modern times. Heyerdahl spent his career studying how and why people travel. This subject near and dear to the hearts of many readers of this blog. The showpiece of this museum is the Kon-Tiki. It is the balsa wood ship which Heyerdahl used to show that Polynesian people could have crossed the Pacific, sailing from Peru to Polynesia. Also on display are Heyerdahl’s other ships and important artifacts from his explorations of the Galapagos and Easter Island.
Go to the Viking Ship Museum
Although the museum is currently closed for renovations, the Oslo Viking Ship Museum is one of the most spectacular showcases of Viking history. Home to not one, not two, but four entire Viking ships. The museum will re-open in 2026 as the Museum of the Viking Age. You can experience some of their collections digitally on their website.
Eating and Drinking in Oslo
Oslo is one of the most friendly cities in Europe. You should take the opportunity to get to the locals and explore the restaurant scene and nightlife. First, try the Aker Brygge neighborhood for quirky cafés and straight from the wharf seafood. Then, head to Grünerløkka, a trendy area where new breweries, bars, and pub-style restaurants are constantly popping up for a drink after dinner.