Explore Oslo

Best Time to Visit:

• Summer (June - August): The most popular time to visit, with pleasant temperatures and long daylight hours. It’s perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s parks, museums, and the fjord.
• Winter (December - February): Ideal for winter sports, such as skiing and ice skating. The city takes on a magical atmosphere with Christmas markets and snowy landscapes.
• Spring (March - May) and Autumn (September - November): These seasons offer a quieter experience with fewer tourists, mild weather, and beautiful autumn colors or spring blooms.

How to Get There:

• By Air:

  • The main airport serving Oslo is Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), located about 35 minutes by train from the city center. The airport is well-connected to major international and domestic destinations.
  • You can book flights through platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or airline websites like SAS, Norwegian, and Ryanair.

• By Train:

  • Oslo is well-connected to neighboring countries, especially Sweden. Trains from Stockholm and other Swedish cities arrive at Oslo Central Station (Oslo S). You can book tickets via SJ (Swedish Railways) or Vy (Norwegian Railways).

• By Bus:

  • Long-distance buses connect Oslo to other cities in Norway and neighboring countries. Nettbuss and FlixBus offer services to Oslo.

• By Ferry:

  • Oslo’s location along the Oslofjord makes it a great stop for ferries, with routes connecting the city to destinations like Copenhagen, Helsinki, and St. Petersburg.

Top Attractions:

1. Vigeland Sculpture Park:

   • A unique and extensive collection of sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, located in Frogner Park. It's one of Norway's most visited attractions, with over 200 sculptures.

2. The Viking Ship Museum:

   • Home to well-preserved Viking ships and artifacts, this museum provides fascinating insights into the Viking era. It is located on the Bygdøy Peninsula.

3. Oslo Opera House:

   • An architectural marvel with a sloping roof that you can walk on, offering panoramic views of the city and Oslofjord. Check out performances at the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet.

4. Akershus Fortress:

   • A medieval castle and fortress overlooking the Oslofjord. It houses several museums and provides a great spot for historical walks.

5. Munch Museum:

   • Dedicated to the works of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, best known for his iconic painting The Scream. The museum recently moved to a new location, offering a modern space for the artist’s works.

6. Holmenkollen Ski Jump:

   • A historic ski jump and museum with incredible views of Oslo. The ski jump is iconic, and you can also visit the Holmenkollen Ski Museum to learn about the history of skiing.

Activities to Do:

1. Oslofjord Cruise:

   • Take a boat tour around the Oslofjord, visiting islands like Hovedøya, Lindøya, and Gressholmen. The fjord offers a beautiful natural escape right next to the city.

2. Hiking in Nordmarka:

   • Explore the forested hills of Nordmarka, just north of Oslo. This area offers numerous trails for hiking, cross-country skiing in winter, and beautiful lakes.

3. Shopping at Karl Johans Gate:

   • The main shopping street of Oslo, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and landmarks like the Royal Palace and Stortinget (Parliament).

4. Visit Oslo's Museums:

   • Oslo is rich in museums, including the National Gallery, Norwegian Folk Museum, and Fram Museum, which celebrates Norway’s polar exploration history.

5. Winter Sports:

   • Oslo offers many opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and other winter activities in nearby areas like Holmenkollen and Tryvann.

Accommodation:

• Luxury:
  • The Thief: A chic boutique hotel located by the Oslofjord with luxurious rooms and great views. Book via their official website.
• Mid-Range:
  • Scandic Hotel Oslo City: A centrally located hotel with good amenities and access to transport. Book through Scandic website.
• Budget:
  • Anker Hostel: An affordable option with private and dorm rooms in the city center. Book via Hostelworld.

Food and Restaurants:

1. Traditional Norwegian Cuisine:

   • Try rakfisk (fermented fish), klippfisk (dried and salted cod), and kjøttkaker (meatballs).

2. Fine Dining:

   • Maaemo (a Michelin-starred restaurant) offers innovative Norwegian cuisine using local ingredients. Maaemo website.

3. Casual Eateries:

   • Smalhans and Døgnvill Burger are great places for a casual yet delicious dining experience.

4. Bakeries:

   • Don't miss out on kanelboller (cinnamon rolls) and skolebrød (custard-filled pastries) at bakeries around the city.

Local Culture:

• Bilingual: While Norwegian is the official language, English is widely spoken.
• Outdoor Culture: Norwegians love outdoor activities, and Oslo offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy nature, whether it’s hiking, skiing, or relaxing by the fjord.
• Design and Architecture: Oslo is known for its innovative architecture and design. The city boasts a blend of modern buildings like the Opera House and traditional structures like Akershus Fortress.

Booking information