Location: Oslo
Top Things to do in Oslo
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The 10 Best Things to do in Oslo, Eastern Norway
The 1000-year-old Norwegian capital sits at the head of Oslo Fjord. This stunning setting gives hints of the wild wonders that lie just beyond the city. From taking in visual delights at Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum and Holmenkollen, to the challenging content within the new Nobel Peace Centre and the Holocoust Center, Oslo offers plenty of food for thought. The Oslo Pass allows free travel on public transport, free parking and many museum and sight admissions.
Restaurants in Oslo
1. Vigeland Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,535 reviews
The Vigeland Park is the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist, and is one of Norway's most popular tourist attractions. The park is open to visitors all year round.The unique sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's lifework with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Vigeland was also in charge of the design and architectural layout of the park. The Vigeland Park was mainly completed between 1939 and 1949. Most of the sculptures are placed in five units along an 850 meter long axis: The Main gate, the Bridge with the Children's playground, the Fountain, the Monolith plateau and the Wheel of Life.
Reviewed By GrahamDavidRobinson - Transylvania, Romania
The Vigeland sculptures in Frogner Park (more often mistakenly called "Vigeland Sculpture Park") are really quite amazing and make this beautiful park so much more than just a wonderful space for relaxation and recreation. Any one of his masterpieces would be a sight to see but the effect of hundreds of them together is almost overwhelming and leaves the viewer with a deeper understanding of the human condition. As such, the collection is truly world class and an absolute must-see on any holiday in Oslo. You can get the number 12 tram from the centre / waterfront or the number 20 bus (which loops round the centre without entering it). Best of all, the park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and all year round, so you can visit when you like and spend as long as you like there. Given that the museums and art galleries pretty much all open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. (with shorter hours outside of the summer season), Vigeland can be tacked onto a day of sightseeing as a wonderful way to finish the day.
2. Viking Ship Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,929 reviews
Come face to face with some of the world's greatest Viking treasures! Experience the best-preserved Viking Ships in the world and unique burial artefacts from boat graves around the Oslo Fjord. These ships have been on voyages of the sea before they became the final resting place for their wealthy owners. Here you will see incredible woodcarvings, mysterious skeleton remains and an immersive film that takes you into the Viking era. This is a museum experience out of the ordinary. Two Museums for the price of one! With a ticket to the Viking Ship Museum, you also get a free pass to the Historical Museum within 48 hours. Closed: 24-26 December; 31 December; 1 January.
Reviewed By johnsbailey77 - York, United States
This place is everything I had hoped it would be. As a person with an interest in Norse and Northmen history, particularly the Viking culture this museum offers much to see and enjoy. From the well preserved ships themselves to the artifacts and treasures on display this museum is a fantastic place to visit and a must see while in Oslo. Pricing is very reasonable and the location is easy to find. Once you leave this location it is a short walk to the Fram Museum. Very easy to get to and from the City Hall Ferry as well. Highly recommend.
3. Holmenkollen Ski Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,318 reviews
A historic landmark in the Norwegian consciousness, Holmenkollen embodies more than a century of skiing tradition. Inside the actual ski jump is the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, the world's oldest ski museum. The museum presents over 4,000 years of skiing history and polar exploration artifacts. The observation deck on top of the jump tower offers panoramic views of Oslo. Open 365 days a year!
Reviewed By Justatravellerbc - White Rock, Canada
We really enjoyed our visit to see the ski jump. Wonderful view of the city. Great to see all the activity in the area. Lots to do in the fall with a zip line, roller skis, simulator, museum, etc. Really glad we took the time to visit the area.
4. The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,982 reviews
Reviewed By ispy7 - London, United Kingdom
Even though I’m nervous with heights it was great to climb the roof of the Opera and take a look over Oslo followed by a lovely hit chocolate in the cafe of this amazing building.
5. Oslo Fjord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,803 reviews
Reviewed By feherp88 - Budapest, Hungary
It definitely worths to catch the ferry at Oslo City Hall and go to Lindoya as one of the favourite hideaway spot of folks in Oslo. Nature is amazing.
6. Kon-Tiki Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,302 reviews
Visit The Kon-Tiki Museum and be inspired by Thor Heyerdahl! See the original balsa wood raft from 1947 and the Oscar-winning film from 1951! The museum houses original boats and artifacts from Thor Heyerdahl's world-famous expeditions such as the original Kon-Tiki balsa raft which crossed the Pacific Ocean in 1947 and the original reed boat Ra II which crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1970. Both exhibitions have separate children storylines. The Kon-Tiki Museum also houses one of the most comprehensive exhibitions about Easter Island in the world, including a replica of a family cave from Easter Island. Underneath the Kon-Tiki raft is a special underwater exhibit that is fun for kids. Cinema screening the original Kon-Tiki documentary movie (Oscar for best documentary in 1951) every day at 12:00. Great museum shop. Free with Oslo Pass. A must when visiting Oslo!
Reviewed By MartyB719 - Jensen Beach, United States
There is a tee-shirt in the Kon-Tiki Museum which quotes the adventurist Thor Heyerdalh who once said, “Borders? I have never seen one. But, I have heard they exist in the minds of some people.” This quote is so apropos to one of the greatest explorers in the 20th century. With six crew members, the 1947 voyage of 6,900m/4,300 miles on a balsa made raft across the Pacific from South America proved that civilization could have actually spread westward. Thor Heyerdalh wrote a book and an award-winning video documentary was made from the sojourn. My biggest regret was not keeping the National Geographic magazine about this epic voyage. The museum is actually a collection of all his “7” exploration trips. Just the Kon-Tiki raft and the Ra II raft, similar to an Egyptian boat—that sailed from North Africa to the Caribbean—are on display. There is a short video that explains his Kon-Tiki trip. There is also a longer version. Most of the films are in black and white. The museum is more about Thor Heyerdalh life, struggles and accomplishments. He was actually quite interested in exploring the mysteries of Easter Island. There are a number of artifacts from that exploration. Taking my wife to see the Kon-Tiki museum was a treat. We took the ferry over from the Oslo harbor known as “Aker Brygge.” It is a short comfortable ride. We then walked up along this road to and came across the unpretentious Viking museum. The road takes a sharp left. Just follow the signs! The Kon-Tiki Museum is in a complex with the Maritime Museum. There is a good café at the Maritime Museum. You can actually catch the ferry back to Oslo behind these museums along the waterfront. If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.
7. Frogner Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,077 reviews
Reviewed By kittensandmittens - India, null
Before getting here, I was aware of what it looked like - thanks to the internet. But seeing it in person makes it even a lot weirder. Worth checking out for sure, interesting sculptures & if you are a keen observer, there's a lot of detailing in each statute thats worth observing. I visited during peak Winter so the steps were quite icy and that kind of restricted my movement. A lot of people had ice grips & made sense to have them on.
8. Norsk Folkemuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,739 reviews
Norsk Folkemuseum shows how people lived in Norway from 1500 to the present through its collections from around the country. Among the highlights are the Stave Church from Gol, dating from 1200 and an apartment building with homes from the 20th Century. 160 historic buildings in the big Open-Air Museum represent different regions in Norway, different time periods, as well as differences between town and country, and social classes. Indoor exhibits present Norwegian heritage. The museum has a comprehensive activity program and is open all year.
Reviewed By KarenJim76 - Clarence Center, United States
The vast variety of homes, farm buildings, shops, churches and other structures in phenomenal condition provided an entry into another world and culture. The costumed interpreters scattered throughout the site were exceptionally knowledgeable, friendly and eager to pass on their knowledge, particularly if you showed any interest. One standout example, Levina Storakern, who portrayed a farmer's wife, not only described her "life" as a housewife but also demonstrated her talent as a musician. When the subject of music arose, she offered to play a cow horn, which was then followed by a mini-concert on a folk fiddle and Hardanger fiddle. Her explanation of various musical styles was very informative and enhanced our experience. There are thorough explanations in English throughout the site and all of the costumed interpreters speak English. The Gol Stave Church (one of only 29 remaining) was exceptionally well preserved. The "apartments" tucked away in a separate building cover a period from 1879-2002 and illustrated the interesting development of urban life. Of the 3 Open Air museums we visited in Norway and Sweden, this was our favorite. It is well worth a visit.
9. Vigeland Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,246 reviews
The Vigeland Park is the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist, and is one of Norway's most popular tourist attractions. The park is open to visitors all year round. The unique sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's lifework with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Vigeland was also in charge of the design and architectural layout of the park. The Vigeland Park was mainly completed between 1939 and 1949. Most of the sculptures are placed in five units along an 850 meter long axis: The Main gate, the Bridge with the Children's playground, the Fountain, the Monolith plateau and the Wheel of Life.
Reviewed By jazsacher - Bangkok, Thailand
My visit to Vigelandsparken was one of my favorite park experiences ever. This park had it all... amazing sculptures, incredible nature, extremely clean and modern, etc. Probably most captivating for me was the detail in the sculptures and art work displayed throughout the park. I found some of it incredibly thought provoking and stunning in it's detail and art expression. We seem to rush our visit to about 90 mins. but felt I could have stayed there much longer. Plus the accessibility to the airport was so easily made with public transportation. Finally, we got lucky with good weather in late Oct. which certainly contributed to our overall positive experience. Vigelandsparken was perhaps my favorite part of visiting this park. Very much recommended and fun !
10. Fram Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,158 reviews
A number of new attractions were available for the visitors at the Fram Museum, the highlight being the continuous 270 degrees surround film shown from the deck of Fram. The Fram Museum is located at Bygdøy, a short distance from the centre of Oslo and is easily reached by bus or, in the summer season, by ferry from the City Hall quayside. We focus on polar history, our centrepiece beeing FRAM, the strongest wooden polar ship ever, dating from 1893. Our closest neighbours are the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Norwegian Maritime Museum. The Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum are within 15 minutes walk. The Bygdøy peninsula is therefore popularly known as the museum peninsula. Bygdøy is one of Oslo´s main places to go. The main exhibition in the Fram building has explanatory texts in ten languages and describes the three great Fram expeditions. We have exclusive polar souvenirs in our shop and probably the world’s biggest polar book store with 220 different titles.
Reviewed By RonTSmithers_B_C_ - Smithers, Canada
Excellent presentation on (mostly) arctic and a bit of antarctic exploration. Detailed exhibits on Norwegian as well a British and Russian arctic explorers and various attempts t get to the North Pole by airplane and dirigible as well as by boat. The 2 exploration ships are interesting and fun to walk around and to consider spending years on a single arctic exploration on one of them. For Canadians there is a welcome nod to (Norwegian) RCMP Captain Henry Larsen who commanded the St Roch, which also navigated the Canadian northwest passage (after the Fram) and which occupies a similar sort of museum in Vancouver, BC.
