For your next holiday, make it a point to visit Oslo, Norway. Here is our hand-picked list of the top activities and attractions in Oslo, Norway so you can make the most of your time there. Scroll down for the best things to do in Oslo, Norway, and the best places to visit in Oslo, Norway. Wondrous Drifter is a cutting-edge, Web 3.0 travel startup that aspires to change the world.
Table Of Content
- Aker Brygge
- Akershus Fortress
- Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
- Bygdøy Peninsula
- Fram Museum
- Frogner Park
- Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower
- Ibsen Museum
- Kon-Tiki Museum
- Mathallen Food Hall
- Munch Museum
- Nobel Peace Center
- Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
- Norwegian National Gallery
- Oslo Cathedral
- Oslo Opera House
- Royal Palace
- Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park
- Vigeland Museum
- Viking Ship Museum
- Explore Europe
Aker Brygge
It is recommended to rent a scooter if you want to have a good time while exploring Oslo’s hidden gems.
Oslo’s Aker Brygge district, built over a defunct shipyard, is its beating heart.
Everywhere you look in this dynamic metropolis, you’ll see its spectacular architecture, a magnificent combination of new and old that perfectly complements Norway’s stunning natural beauty.
Make the most of Oslo’s most famous attractions by taking a tour available in various dialects, which will lead you past the Palace of the Crown, Karl Johan Boulevard, the Opera House, and the Akershus Fortress.
About 12 million people visit Aker Brygge every year because it has great restaurants, shops, a boardwalk along the water, and cozy patio pubs with carpets and fires open all year.
Some of the best shops and restaurants may be found on the boardwalk.
One of the nicest things in Oslo is to stroll around its charming neighborhoods, which are a joy to explore.
This is an upmarket neighborhood built on the site of a former shipyard and is definitely worth a visit.
Address: Oslo, Norway
Akershus Fortress
A stronghold from the 14th century in the heart of Oslo is a must-see.
The Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning), erected by Hkon V at the end of the middle ages, rises above the Oslofjord on the Akernes coast.
The prime minister’s office is located in the castle, and live bands and public gatherings are often held here.
The aristocratic family’s tomb is located in a section of the castle.
Take your time before touring the charming church and the ruins of the ancient medieval castle; take your time wandering the ramparts and grounds, which provide stunning views of the bay.
Several artifacts and weapons display how the country has been protected and how the Norwegian military has changed over time.
If you go in the summer, you can usually explore shuttered dungeons and bastions on a group tour.
You’ll learn a lot about Oslo’s and Norway’s histories at this castle, as well as the strategic importance of this location.
You could certainly spend most of a day here and learn about the exciting history of the Akershus Fortress.
Address: 0150 Oslo, Norway
Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
Real live Modern Art Heaven
Founded in 1993, the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art relocated to its current location in 2012.
The Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park is just a short walk away from this modern art destination, which is situated in a well-known structure created by prominent Italian architect Renzo Piano.
This collection, which is privately held, includes artists who are now popular and 1980s artists, ensuring that it is the most current collection in Norway.
At Astrup Fearnley Museum of Contemporary Art, you’ll find lots of modern English painting, German Abstract Expressionism, and European and American pop art — a diverse collection likely to satisfy any artistic need.
Richard Prince, Tom Sachs, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Matthew Barney, Andy Warhol, Cai Guo-Qiang, Olafur Eliasson, and Doug Aitken are among the artists whose work will be on show at the museum.
In addition to regular exhibitions, Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art hosts a Jeff Koons retrospective every year.
Visit this incredible museum to see some of the most spectacular examples of contemporary art.
Address: Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway
Bygdøy Peninsula
A must-see for a fantastic day trip full of enjoyable and relaxing activities.
The Bygdy Peninsula, a brief drive west of Oslo’s city center, is a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike.
Since the 19th century, the peninsula has been home to some of Oslo’s most affluent residents.
The peninsula is home to some of Norway’s most beautiful residences and five national museums.
The Norwegian Maritime Museum, the Fram Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History are some museums you may visit while you’re here.
Some, such as the Viking Ship Museum, aren’t huge, so if you arrange your day well, you can see them all in a single day.
This is also where the Royal Estate may be found, tucked away in the woods.
Aside from biking and hiking, other options for outdoor recreation in the summer include playing volleyball or going to the beach.
In this area, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and cafés, as well as a variety of lodging options, including Airbnbs and hotels.
Give us a quick call for a trip recommendation to give you the greatest time.
Address: Oslo, Norway
Fram Museum
A fascinating museum for adventure fans and explorers.
Anyone interested in Arctic exploration should visit the Fram Museum (Frammuseet), which takes its name from the first Norwegian ship designed particularly for Arctic research.
Aside from the famous Gja and Fram, the first ships to make it through the Northwest Passage, the Gja and Fram are the museum’s main draws.
Fram has been rebuilt and kept to correctly reflect life on board the ship.
The museum displays feature information about the journey and artifacts of interest, such as the ship doctor’s medical equipment and navigational devices.
Among the other exhibits, the biography of Fram Captain Fridtjof Nansen is examined, as are the achievements of the pioneers who laid the groundwork.
This wooden ship will take you to Antarctica and the Arctic, which may seem incredible to you.
You may go on board the ship and experience firsthand how it would be to be a crew member in such dangerous circumstances.
If you enjoy exhibitions and would want to understand more about early discoveries and voyages, this is a must-see!
Address: Bygdøynesveien 39, 0286 Oslo, Norway
Frogner Park
Wander around and enjoy a beautiful sculpture stroll.
Frogner Park is also widely recognized as Vigeland Park, after the famed artist Gustav Vigeland, who constructed the world’s biggest sculpture park.
For decades, this has been one of the major attractions in Oslo.
Admission is free, and each sculpture is unique.
You could spend hours looking at the sculptures and just going around.
The best thing is that the significance of the artwork is left to your imagination.
The artist stated that he does not wish to reveal his meanings and inspiration behind the sculptures since we all perceive art differently, and it must be left to everyone to interpret.
Gustav Vigeland made over 200 cast iron, granite, and bronze sculptures.
The park reflects the complexities of mankind and their emotions, with some of the most well-known sculptures being The Monolith, The Wheel of Life, The Bridge, and The Fountain.
An absolute must-see when in Oslo. It’s well worth your time to have a look around.
Address: Kirkeveien, 0268 Oslo, Norway
Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower
This is a popular tourist attraction for adventurous people and sports enthusiasts.
Ski jumping has been taking place in Norway since the 19th century, and the country is particularly proud of it.
Four FIS Nordic World Ski Championships and the Winter Olympics have both been held here.
However, the first important advancements in Norway’s long history of skiing took place at Holmenkollen, an overlooking hill in the city that overlooks Oslo, in the mid-19th century.
With a collection of sports memorabilia, its own restaurants, and more than 2,500 pairs of skis, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower is now the oldest in the world.
You may learn about Norway’s four-thousand-year history of skiing in the museum.
Snowboards, skis, and a polar exhibit are among the historical objects on display.
There are also a lot of exhibitions and events going on there, as well as a stunning view from the top.
The ski jump tower’s platform, accessible via elevator from the museum’s foyer, offers a stunning view.
It is definitely a bucket list destination that will surely make your day.
Address: Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo, Norway
Ibsen Museum
Unparalleled access to the times and life of one of the greatest authors of all time.
The Ibsen Museum, which is close to the Royal Palace, was the last residence of the celebrated writer.
Ibsen is widely regarded as the finest playwright in the world, in second place only behind Shakespeare.
They are all well-known: “Peer Gynt,” “A Doll’s House,” and “Hedda Gabler.”
The museum’s exhibit on the writer’s life contains his authentic furnishings, personal possessions, and much more.
Moreover, the structure has been restored to its original design. However, it is now closed for refurbishment.
Even though the museum is closed, you can participate in their “In Ibsen’s footsteps” walking tour.
Have a nice time and learn a lot about the history of the different rooms through the tour guides’ tales, highlighting of notable pieces of furniture, and explanations.
Visiting the Ibsen Museum in Oslo is an unforgettable experience that can only be had here.
Address: Henrik Ibsens gate 26, 0255 Oslo, Norway
Kon-Tiki Museum
Take a tour of the Thor Heyerdah Kon-Tiki Museum.
Regarding exploration, Norway has always been a nation of daring souls.
Many think their boats came to the New World long before Columbus.
The Kon-Tiki Museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, best known for his courageous raft explorations throughout the earth’s oceans, including the Pacific in 1947 on the Kon-Tiki, a balsa wood vessel.
Aside from educating tourists, the major display of the Kon-Tiki Museum showcases Heyerdahl’s colorful life with scale replicas of vessels and handcrafted rafts he built worldwide in his lifetime.
It’s a great museum for families since it’s interactive, well organized, and has a lot of interesting information to browse.
The boats are well-designed and gorgeous, allowing you to see both below and from the deck.
The 8,000-volume library only adds to the uniqueness of this tourist destination.
Make sure to attend a screening of the Award-winning Academy film that made Heyerdahl a household name.
Address: Bygdøynesveien 36, 0286 Oslo, Norway
Mathallen Food Hall
This is a foodie’s dream come true.
The largest food market in Norway is located in an industrial brick structure that has food sellers, pubs, and restaurants from across the world.
There are more than 30 restaurants that serve food from all over the world, such as wine, chocolate, and traditional Norwegian food.
There is a lot of activity here around late afternoon and lunch when people come to socialize and dine with their friends.
It’s not unusual for them to organize other activities and festivals.
You may sign up for a gourmet tour, a pub quiz, or a culinary lesson every day.
It’s a lovely setting for a leisurely stroll followed by a short meal and some quiet time.
At a reasonable cost, this is a good option for those who don’t want to dine at restaurants but want access to an excellent location and a wide variety of cuisine.
This restaurant has something for everyone, so put it on your to-eat list.
Address: Vulkan 5, 0178 Oslo, Norway
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Munch Museum
Known widely as the guy responsible for the film The Scream,
This site is dedicated to the life and work of Norway’s finest painter, Edvard Munch (1863–1944).
The Munch Museum (Munch-Museet) is home to a huge collection of artworks from the great artist’s life.
The museum has more than 28,000 pieces of art, such as instruments, personal items, and his private library. It also has special exhibitions that focus on different themes in Munch’s work.
There will be over 1200 works on display, including those created by the artists and other contemporary artists.
Now in Tyen, a brand new site in the city’s heart should open shortly. There’s also a cafe and a gift shop on the premises.
The majority of the museum’s artwork can be seen in about two hours, but you could easily spend the better part of a day here.
Learn more about the famed artist’s work after a visit to his museum.
Address: Edvard Munchs Plass 1, 0194 Oslo, Norway
Nobel Peace Center
A mind-blowing museum experience awaits you.
Since it opened in 2005 to promote world peace, this wonderful museum has been praised worldwide.
The Nobel Peace Center is a great place to learn about current events and world history, as well as the intriguing lives and initiatives of Nobel Peace Prize laureates.
The museum’s exhibits shed light on how political systems shape societal structures, the importance of peace for society and individuals, and deeper philosophical problems.
Digital material, guided tours, and exhibitions are all part of this museum’s effort to commemorate the Nobel Peace Prize.
Those displays are stunning and provide a vivid image of the world as it is today.
As part of this project, the people who have won the Nobel Peace Prize have worked together to make the exhibitions.
Many peace-related and human rights activities are taking place in this area.
Located in the heart of the city, the facility has a stunning port view from its location on the City Hall plaza.
Address: Brynjulf Bulls plass 1, 0250 Oslo, Norway
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Norwegian history and culture.
Norway has erected numerous open-air museums to showcase its cultural heritage, following the Baltic nations’ long tradition.
You may learn about Norway’s history by visiting this museum, which dates back to the 1500s.
This is Norway’s largest outdoor museum. It has 160 buildings from different parts of the country.
Depending on your socioeconomic class or location, you’ll see a wide variety of lifestyles, residences, and structures.
The Gol Stave Church, one of the museum’s few remaining medieval structures and built-in 1200, is the show’s centerpiece.
The employees at the show act out the part and are all costumed in traditional folk attire.
The countryside, the old town, an apartment complex, and so on are all represented in the outdoor show.
You may see Sami artifacts and culture at the museum’s indoor exhibition.
Enjoy the tour, and you will leave with a much better understanding of the Norwegian cultural past.
Address: Museumsveien 10, 0287 Oslo, Norway
Norwegian National Gallery
The National Museum is a must-see attraction where you can study while having fun.
It is yet a great venue to visit until the new art museum, the largest in Scandinavia, finishes in Oslo in 2022.
This exhibit would be spectacular with or without the most renowned paintings on exhibit, “The Madonna” and Munch’s “The Scream.”
Aside from those two, there are works by many great painters from the Renaissance to the present day, such as Jan van Goyen, El Greco, Orazio Gentileschi, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Giovanni Battista Gaulli.
The museum also houses works by Paul Cézanne, Picasso, Monet, and Renoir.
The museum has 47 000 works of art, including costumes, historical relics, and sculptures.
If you go there, you will learn about Norway’s traditions and history.
It’s incredibly well-maintained and well-made.
The building itself is a historical structure that provides a clear and good understanding of Norwegian heritage, history, and culture.
Explore the amazing historical events and artifacts that famous artists have made and are still around today.
Address: Oslo, Norway
Oslo Cathedral
The Oslo Cathedral is a great place to rest your feet after a long day of seeing Oslo.
Norway’s royal family still uses Oslo Cathedral, which was erected in the 17th century, for ceremonial occasions such as royal weddings.
Oslo Cathedral (Oslo domkirke) was dedicated in 1697 but has had various renovations and reconstructions since then. As soon as WWII ended, it underwent a major interior renovation.
The decorative arts, baroque pulpit, the altar (1699) by Emanuel Vigeland, and the main doorway’s ornate bronze doors are all noteworthy elements.
When you’re done, don’t forget to stop by the Oslo Bazaar, located around the old church’s walls.
These historic halls, dating back to 1841, are now home to cafes, antique merchants, and galleries.
Take a peek inside while you’re out and about in the town.
Address: Karl Johans gate 11, 0154 Oslo, Norway
Oslo Opera House
One of the most important examples of modern Scandinavian architecture, this building is a work of art.
The 1,364-seat Oslo Opera House (Operahuset), which is home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet and the National Opera Theatre, has the appearance of slipping into the harbor due to its slanted external surfaces.
The Opera House in Oslo is made of Italian white granite and marble, and it is Norway’s greatest cultural structure since the 14th-century Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
In addition to the many performances, visitors can participate in behind-the-scenes tours and attend a wide range of interesting public programs.
They can also enjoy the view from the top of the building.
Take advantage of Oslo’s Festival of Chamber Music, which features hundreds of chamber music performances by globally renowned players.
If you’re in town in August, The Oslofjord and Fortress Akershus Fortress provide a wonderful background for performances.
While you’re there, take in the stunning façade and reserve a seat via the venue’s website.
Address: Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
Royal Palace
Explore the renowned Royal Palace.
The 1825 Norwegian Royal Palace (Slottet) towers over the city from its perch atop Karl Johansgate, well above the rest.
In the early 19th century, the Royal Palace was built for King Harald V and his wife, Queen Sonja, to serve as their official residence.
It has more than 170 rooms, all of which have been meticulously decorated to the finest standards.
During the summer months, English-speaking tour guides are available four times a day to lead visitors around the palace.
The White Parlour and the Mirror Hall, Cloakroom, The Cabinet Parlour, Banquet Hall, and the Great Hall are among the palace’s most notable rooms, all of which are included in the guided tours.
Throughout the year, guests are welcome to stroll the gardens and grounds or catch a glimpse of the changing of the guard.
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded at the Norwegian Nobel Institute (Det Norske Nobelinstitutt), located south of the palace.
Consider taking a special, leisurely stroll to visit the Palace and a variety of other must-see inner-city monuments!
Address: Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, Norway
Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park
Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park is a great place to see some unique works of art and get some fresh air for relaxation.
In the Tjuvholmen district, adjacent to Aker Brygge, lies a fascinating sculpture park.
A new park was unveiled in 2012 as part of the neighborhood revitalization effort.
The collection includes works by well-known artists such as Antony Gormley, Ugo Rondinone, Louise Bourgeois, Franz West, Peter Fischli and David Weiss, Ellsworth Kelly, and Anish Kapoor.
From the park’s position, you may see the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, Akershus Fortress, and the Oslofjord.
Each one tells a story, and all of the sculptures are unique in their own way.
After taking in the artwork and the scenery, you’ll be able to fill your day with a variety of nearby activities and dining options.
Sit on the lawn and enjoy a picnic while trying to figure out what the amazing art figures are trying to say.
Address: Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway
Vigeland Museum
If you enjoyed the park, you should also visit the Vigeland Museum.
Vigeland Park is one of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations and the world’s single most significant sculpture park.
The museum’s current location was formerly an artist’s apartment and atelier.
All his artwork was donated to the city, and a museum dedicated to his work was erected in the same building where he resided after his death.
A minor collection of ornamental art based on folk crafts is also included in the collection of sculptural works.
Vigeland’s 3rd-floor flat, where he lived from 1924 until he died in 1943, may be toured by appointment.
A visit to the artist’s studio will allow you to better understand how he spent his days and approached his work.
When you purchase a ticket, you’ll also be able to visit temporary displays by other artists.
Take a trip to the museum if you admire his work.
Address: Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo, Norway
Viking Ship Museum
You can relive the Viking Age by visiting the Viking Ship Museum.
Viking Ship Museum is one of the most spectacular museums in Oslo.
Besides the Oseberg Viking Ship, they also have the Tune Viking Ship and the Gokstad Viking Ship.
Moreover, you can learn much about Viking history from these discoveries made a few centuries ago.
The wrecks of these ships were discovered in the Oslo Fjord while excavating graves.
The museum is within a short drive of the town center on the Bygdy Peninsula.
Even yet, archaeologists had no idea how to preserve these ships properly when they found them, so as our guide told us, they could not be saved and were in terrible shape.
They’ll be dusting within the next few years, so don’t wait too long to view them.
In addition to the Viking Ship Museum, you may also see the VKINGR-Viking Age display in the Historical Museum when you purchase your ticket.
In this exhibit, you’ll find everything from jewelry and swords to daily things from the Viking era.
Contact us in advance before the amazing Viking Ship turns to dust.
Address: Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo, Norway
