What to do in Oslo

This charming capital city in the south of Norway, and close to the Swedish border, has a wide variety of culture, history, thrills and adventures to offer city sight-seers and adrenaline-seekers alike.

Oslo's must-see

Oslo is a destination known across the globe for its stunning modern and contemporary architecture - making for a unique skyline, as well as for its great coffee shops, museums and Viking history.

For lovers of contemporary and medieval architecture, and everything in-between, this city has some real treasures. Home to buildings like the world-famous award-winning Norwegian National Opera House, a masterpiece of contemporary Scandinavian design, this city is a sight to behold.

Visitors to Oslo should definitely make sure to stop by the Norsk Folkemuseum, or the Museum of Cultural History. It is an open air museum with 155 houses representing the traditional architecture of Norway. It is also famous for its beautiful and well-preserved Gol Stave Church (Gol Stavkirke), one of the country's most famous landmarks, dating back to 1200 AD. Also in the vicinity is the Viking Ship Museum, a favourite with all history lovers, which notably displays the fully reconstructed and full scale Oseberg Drakkar ship.

Art fans should head to Oslo, in particular to visit one of the city’s great free attractions, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, to see more than 200 sculptures by the late Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland.

Oslo also makes for the perfect family holiday destination, with the TusenFryd Amusement Park, Norway’s biggest amusement park, just 20km south of the city. This destination also boasts a number of fascinating museums such as the National History Museum and the Museum of Science and Technology which are great for family days out.

What to do outdoors in Oslo ?

There is no doubt Norwegians pride themselves on loving the outdoors and spending much time doing outdoor sport activities. Oslo inhabitants have plenty of options of where to go out, as they're surrounded by hills, plateaus and forests. This city is famous for the Holmenkollen ski jump and ski museum, located on a hill in Northern Oslo, and arguably the world's most famous ski jump stadium.

Hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing (in winter) in the plateaus surrounding Oslo are also great ways to discover what the Oslo locals get up to on their weekends. Hike there on a sunny but cold winter day and you may see locals ice skating on frozen lakes: Bogstadvannet, Sognsvan, Maridalsvannet, are the most popular lakes where adults and children alike enjoy the crisp winter days.

In summer time, the Oslofjord draws many tourists, as well as locals, who hire boats to reach the different islands and islets of the fjord for (very) long and sunny days out. Windsurfing, canoeing or sea kayaking on the Oslofjord or on the lakes surrounding the city are also popular options.