Besides the Obvious

Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, with a population of over 700,000 people. The city’s history dates back over a thousand years. To the time when it was founded as a trading post by the Vikings. Let’s see our Oslo bucket list below and the best places that you cannot miss once travelling to Norway’s vibrant capital.

History of Oslo

In the 11th century, Oslo’s name was “Kaupangen“. And it was an important center of trade and commerce in the region. It was also the seat of the Norwegian kings, who ruled the country from their royal palace in the city.

Over the centuries, Oslo continued to grow and prosper, becoming a major cultural and economic center in Scandinavia. It played an important role in the development of Norway’s maritime trade. And was also a center for education, science, and the arts.

Oslo in modern times

In the 19th century, Oslo underwent a period of rapid modernization. With the construction of new buildings and infrastructure, such as the railway station and the city hall. During this time, the city also became a center for the Norwegian independence movement. Which ultimately led to the country’s independence from Sweden in 1905.

In the 20th century, Oslo continued to grow and develop. With the construction of new neighborhoods, such as Groruddalen and Tveita, and the establishment of several major universities and research institutes. The city also hosted the Winter Olympics in 1952 and is famous for its strong commitment to sustainability and environmentalism.

Today, Oslo is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Famous for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and high standard of living. It remains an important center of trade, commerce, and innovation in Scandinavia. Besides that it is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

Things to do in Oslo

There are many things to do in Oslo! Ranging from exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage to enjoying its stunning natural beauty. Here are some suggestions:

Visit the Viking Ship Museum

This museum houses some of the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, as well as other artifacts from the Viking Age. The Viking Ship Museum is part of the Museum of Cultural History, which is part of the University of Oslo. It features three Viking ships that were found in burial mounds in the Oslo fjord region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These ships, which are over 1,000 years old, were excavated and restored to their original condition. Providing a unique glimpse into Viking history and culture.

Explore the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Norwegian monarch. It is open to the public for tours during the summer months. The palace dates back to the 19th century and is an example of neoclassical architecture. Visitors to the Royal Palace can take guided tours of the palace’s state rooms. The state rooms are full with exquisite art, furnishings, and tapestries. And they offer visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of Norway.

The Royal Palace has beautiful gardens, including the Palace Park, which is open to the public year-round. The park features sculptures, fountains, and a variety of flora, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Wander through Vigeland Park

This sculpture park features over 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures created by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. The sculptures in Vigeland Park depict a range of human emotions and experiences. From joy and love to sorrow and death. The most famous sculpture in the park is the Monolith, a towering 14-meter granite pillar carved with 121 human figures.

See the famous painting “The Scream”

The Munch Museum (Munch-museet in Norwegian) is a museum dedicated to the life and works of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The museum houses the largest collection of Munch’s art in the world. With over 28,000 works, including paintings, drawings, and prints. The museum’s collection includes many of Munch’s most famous works, including “The Scream,” “Madonna,” and “The Dance of Life.” The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring works by other artists, as well as lectures, workshops, and other events.

Visit the Oslo Opera House

This stunning contemporary building is home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. It offers guided tours as well as performances. The Oslo Opera House (Operahuset in Norwegian) is a modern architectural landmark located in the heart of Oslo, Norway. The building was designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta and opened in 2008.

The Oslo Opera House is home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet and is one of the largest cultural institutions in Norway. The building’s striking design features a sloping roof that visitors can walk on, providing stunning views of the city and the Oslo Fjord.

Take a boat tour of the Oslo Fjord

See Oslo’s beautiful coastline and islands from the water on a scenic boat tour of the Oslo Fjord. Oslo Fjord is a beautiful inlet stretching about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the open sea to the heart of Oslo, the capital city of Norway. The fjord is surrounded by picturesque islands, beaches, forests, and coastal towns, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Visitors to Oslo Fjord can enjoy a wide range of activities, including boat tours, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and hiking. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and shops along the waterfront, offering visitors a chance to sample fresh seafood and other local specialties.

Explore Akershus Fortress

This medieval castle and fortress is located in the heart of Oslo and offers great views of the city and fjord. Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning in Norwegian) is a medieval fortress and castle located in the heart of Oslo, Norway. The fortress was constructed in the late 13th century by King Haakon V to protect Oslo and serve as a royal residence.

Over the centuries, Akershus Fortress has served as a military stronghold, a prison, and a royal palace. Today, it is open to the public as a museum and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the castle’s medieval ramparts, visit the chapel and banquet hall, and learn about the fortress’s rich history through exhibits and guided tours.

Visit the Fram Museum

The Fram Museum (Frammuseet in Norwegian) is a museum located in Oslo, Norway, dedicated to the history of polar exploration. The museum is named after the polar exploration ship Fram, which was used by Norwegian explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen on their famous expeditions to the North and South Poles.

It features the original Fram ship, which is displayed in its entirety and can be explored by visitors. The museum also houses a range of exhibits and artifacts related to polar exploration, including photos, maps, and equipment used by famous explorers such as Nansen, Amundsen, and Otto Sverdrup.

Walk along Karl Johans Gate

Karl Johans Gate is the main street of Oslo, Norway, and a popular destination for visitors to the city. The street stretches from the Royal Palace in the west to Oslo Central Station in the east and is lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

A walk along Karl Johans Gate is a great way to experience the culture and history of Oslo. Visitors can stroll past landmarks such as the Stortinget (Norwegian Parliament), the National Theatre, and the University of Oslo, all while enjoying the vibrant street life and beautiful architecture.

Enjoy the outdoors

Oslo is surrounded by beautiful forests, lakes, and mountains, making it a great place for hiking, biking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.

How to get to Oslo

Oslo is the capital city of Norway and is well connected to the rest of the world. Here are some ways to get to Oslo:

By air

Oslo Gardermoen Airport is the main international airport serving the city, with direct flights from many major cities around the world.

By train

There are frequent trains connecting Oslo to other cities in Norway, as well as to cities in Sweden and Denmark. The train station in Oslo is located in the city center, making it a convenient option for travelers.

By bus

There are also several long-distance bus companies that offer services to and from Oslo, with connections to other cities in Norway as well as other European countries.

By car

Norway has an extensive network of roads and highways, and driving to Oslo can be a great option for those who want to explore the country at their own pace. Once you arrive in Oslo, the city has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and a metro system. Taxis and rental cars are also available for those who prefer to travel independently.

Enjoy our discounts in Oslo

Best experiences in Oslo

Oslo has everything a visitor needs to have a great experience. Its natural beauty draws visitors from around the world- along with its numerous important sites and cultural heritage. As far as things to do in Oslo go, there are plenty of activities available for visitors.

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