Museums

  • The Munch Museum: Extensive collection of Edvard Munch’s works.
  • The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History: An open-air museum with historic buildings and artifacts. Highlights include the 13th-century Gol Stave Church and folk costumes.
  • The Fram Museum: Focuses on the polar exploration ship Fram. Visitors can tour the ship and learn about Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
  • The National Museum: Norway’s largest collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” and works by Van Gogh and Monet are featured.
  • The Holmenkollen Ski Museum is the world’s oldest ski museum at the Holmenkollen ski jump. Exhibits cover 4,000 years of skiing history and polar exploration, with stunning views of Oslo.

Must-See Attractions

  • Vigeland Park: The world’s largest sculpture park, which is made by a single artist and features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.
  • Oslo Opera House: A stunning architectural landmark where visitors can walk on the roof for panoramic views of the city and the Oslofjord.
  • Akershus Fortress: A medieval castle and fortress offers a glimpse into Oslo’s history and beautiful harbor views.
  • Karl Johans Gate: Oslo’s main shopping street, lined with shops, cafes, and important buildings like the Royal Palace and Parliament.
  • The Royal Palace: The official residence of the Norwegian monarch. It is open to the public in the summer and offers guided tours.
  • Bygdøy Peninsula: A scenic area with beautiful beaches, parks, historic sites, and several of Oslo’s top museums.

Holmenkollen: The ski jumping hill is a landmark in Oslo and part of the Holmenkollen national skiing facilities. It is Norway’s most visited tourist attraction and is probably one of the world’s most famous ski jumps.

Outdoor

Norwegians love the outdoors, and countless tracks starting from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and several other places reachable by public transport:

  • Enjoy a walk or run around Sognsvann, about 3.5 km.
  • You can get coffee and Norwegian pastries in the middle of the forest at Ullevålseter, Kjennungsstua, or Kobberhaughytta, which numerous smaller and bigger forest paths reach. The cabins are between 5 and 10 km from the Norwegian School of Sport Science.
  • Vettakollen viewpoint offers a perfect view over the Oslofjord. The hike through the forest is only ~3.5 km one-way from the Norwegian School of Sport Science.
  • You can reach Frognerseteren with metro line 1. It offers a great view over Oslo and countless tracks and trails. 

Low on Budget?

With a regular public transport ticket, you can take ferries from Aker Brygge to various islands in the Oslofjord, a cheap way to explore Oslo.