10 Best Things to Do and See in Oslo
Exploring Oslo on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Oslo, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Oslo. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Oslo Opera House
Oslo Opera House, located on the waterfront in the heart of the Norwegian capital, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors will discover a contemporary building with striking, light-filled lines, whose accessible roof invites a stroll with superb views over the harbor and surrounding area. Inside, visitors can admire elegant spaces dedicated to opera and ballet, as well as modern architecture that plays with glass, wood, and light. It is a place that is cultural, urban, and panoramic all at once, and highly appreciated by visitors.
2. Vigeland Installation
The Vigeland installation in Oslo is a vast open-air sculpture complex located in Frogner Park. Visitors can discover bronze, granite, and wrought-iron works by Gustav Vigeland, arranged along avenues, bridges, and landscaped areas. The site is striking for the richness of its forms and for the way it explores the human condition through scenes of everyday life, figures of children and adults, and family groups. It is a must-see artistic walk, both peaceful and spectacular.
3. Frogner Park
Frognerparken is one of Oslo’s great green spaces, loved for its wide lawns, shaded paths and walking areas that are perfect for a break in the city. It is also home to the famous sculpture park, where numerous bronze and granite works dot the landscape and attract visitors throughout the year. Family-friendly and lively, the site invites both leisurely strolls and artistic discovery, in a peaceful setting that blends nature, culture and outdoor activities.
4. Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress overlooks Oslo’s waterfront and offers beautiful views of the fjord and city center. As you walk along its ramparts, courtyards, and stone buildings, you discover a historic complex that blends military architecture with pleasant walking areas. The site is also home to museums and rooms linked to Norwegian history, while remaining a lively and accessible place. It is an ideal visit to understand Oslo’s past while enjoying a peaceful setting in the heart of the capital.
5. Munch Museum
Located in Oslo, the Munch Museum is dedicated to the work of Edvard Munch, one of Norway’s most famous artists. Visitors can discover a vast collection of paintings, drawings, prints, and other materials related to his life and creative work, offering a deeper understanding of his artistic world. The museum provides an in-depth look at his recurring themes, such as anxiety, nature, solitude, and human emotions. It is a must-see for modern art lovers and for anyone who wants to explore Norwegian culture.
6. Fram Museum
The Fram Museum in Oslo showcases Norwegian polar exploration around the famous ship Fram, designed to withstand the extreme conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic. Visitors can get a close look at the vessel, walk across its decks and through its interior spaces, and better understand life aboard expedition journeys. The museum also features exhibits on polar regions, navigation techniques, and the challenges of the climate, offering an experience that is both immersive and educational, and suitable for all visitors.
7. Oslo Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Oslo, the official residence of the Norwegian monarchy, elegantly overlooks the city center from its large park. This must-see attraction lets visitors admire its stately architecture and the green surroundings so appreciated by travelers. The main highlights are the exterior of the building, its gardens and the changing of the guard, often watched by curious visitors. Located on a hill near Karl Johans gate boulevard, the palace offers a fine glimpse of the Norwegian capital’s heritage and is a pleasant stop on a walk through Oslo.
8. Holmenkollen Ski Jump, Holmenkollen Ski Jump
Holmenkollbakken, the Holmenkollen ski jump, is one of Oslo’s most iconic landmarks. Perched high above the city, it offers remarkable views over the capital and the surrounding fjord. This place attracts visitors for its modern architecture, its importance in Nordic skiing, and the sporty atmosphere that prevails there. Visitors can discover the ski jump, the facilities linked to competitions, as well as observation areas that let them take in the panorama and the world of ski jumping in Norway.
9. Oslo Viking Ship Museum
The Oslo Viking Ship Museum lets you discover remarkable Viking vessels carefully preserved, along with objects linked to the everyday and funerary life of the era. Visitors can take a close look at elegant wooden ships, pieces of furniture, textiles, and a range of archaeological artifacts that shed light on Scandinavian seafaring know-how and craftsmanship. The visit offers a fascinating glimpse into Viking culture, its shipbuilding techniques, and its symbolic world, in an accessible and educational museum setting.
10. Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
The Norwegian Folk Museum in Oslo invites visitors to discover the country’s history and traditions through a vast collection of everyday objects, costumes, tools, and elements of popular culture. It offers an insight into life in Norway across different periods, as well as traditional architecture, notably through historic buildings that have been relocated and reconstructed on the site. The visit provides a better understanding of Norwegian ways of life, craftsmanship, and cultural identity in a lively and educational setting.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
