Oslo

There are many wonderful attractions in Olso. Here are just a few favorites.

Vigelandsparken (Vigeland Sculpture Park)

Vigelandsparken (Vigeland Sculpture Park) is one of Norway’s most popular attractions. This unique sculpture park in wonderful grounds contains 200 bronze and granite sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, which map out the Circle of Life. There is no entry fee and this is a must see. Look out for the tile labyrinth, as many people miss it.

Vigeland-museet

If you’d like to find out more following a visit to the Vigelandsparken, then why not pop in to the Vigeland-museet nearby. As well as hosting many more items from Gustav Vigeland, you can find out more about the story behind the park and see temporary exhibitions from a range of other artists.

The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet

The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet is the largest music and performance venue in Norway, with a wonderful programme of Opera and Ballet. But even if you’re not planning to attend a performance, it is an interesting building in its own right with a nice gift shop and guided tours are available. Overlooking Olso Fjord, you can walk to the top of the roof and take in the glorious view.

The Royal Palace

Located in Slottsparken and a short walk from the National Theatre, the Royal Palace appears somehow more approachable than many royal residences around the world with relatively minimal security. A great place to take in on a self-guided city walking tour or you can book a ticket for a guided tour if you wish.

Ibsenmuseet

For fans of literature, a visit to Henrik Ibsen’s former home is a real treat. The apartment has been restored to the late 19th century look that Ibsen enjoyed, complete with original furniture, and includes an exhibition of his life and works.

The National Gallery

If you’re interested in art then the Nasjonalgalleriet is worth a visit, with over 300 masterpieces including Edvard Munch’s Scream and a large collection of graphic art, drawings and sculpture. Also includes a gift shop and café.

Nobel Peace Center

A really interesting place to visit with exhibitions about Alfred Nobel and the winners of the Nobel Peace Prize, war, peace-building and conflict resolution. You can wander through the Center taking in the interactive installations, film, photography and other displays or join activities. Also includes a gift shop and café.

A short boat ride away on Bygdøy, you will find three other fascinating places to see with a nautical theme:

Viking Ship Museum

See real Viking ships and other archeological artefacts from the royal ship burials over 1100 years ago.

Frammuseut

A must see for anyone interested in polar exploration, featuring the Fram polar ship, a polar simulator and Northern Lights display.

Kon-Tiki Museum

Here you can see the Kon-Tiki raft, which Thor Heyerdahl used to cross the Pacific in 1947, as well as other reed boats, exhibitions about Easter Island and a daily film showing.

Also on Bygdøy, a 10 minute ferry ride from Oslo, you will find the Norsk Folkemuseum, Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Holocaust Center.

Budget Options

Like many capital cities, accommodation is not cheap in Oslo, but these represent decent value:

City Box

This hotel has a central location, and although the rooms are fairly small it is cosy, clean and modern. The hotel has free high speed Wi-Fi and a quick self-check-in process, although staff are available on site if needed.

Smarthotel

A great location, within easy walking distance of the main attractions. The ‘space-efficient’ rooms and showers are small and clean, and the décor is minimalist. Free high speed Wi-Fi. Laundry service and good breakfast available but cost extra.

Comfort hotel Boersparken

A decent hotel, with a central location (near the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet and central station). Rooms at the rear of the building or on a higher floor will be quietest. Free high speed Wi-Fi and coffee making facilities in the rooms.

There are some wonderful places to eat and drink in Oslo, but it is worth noting that food and drink in Norway are fairly expensive, compared to other European destinations. Fish, including arctic cod and Norwegian salmon, and cured meats are central to many menus, but vegetarian food is readily available.Traditional dishes include salt cod and pickled herring.

Pascals Konditori

An absolute favorite, which you will want to return to time and time again, Pascals is best known for its wonderful selection of chocolates, cakes and desserts. If you like macaroons, you are in for a treat! The menu also includes savory dishes like quiche, croque monsieur, soup and fish dishes and some good wine. If you’re a coffee drinker, you’ll be glad to know that there are free refills. Cake and chocolates are available to take away.

Restaurant det gamle Raadhus

For traditional Norwegian food try Restaurant det gamle Raadhus, which is located in the wonderful Old City Hall, built in 1641 (http://www.gamleraadhus.no/) or Engebret Café where you can sample the delights of reindeer casserole, Norwegian gravlax, and cured herring.

Fuglen

A great little coffee bar with 1960s interior by day, which is transformed in to a cocktail bar at night. If you’re a fan of all things vintage, then you will love the interior design in this place!

Grand Café – Grand Hotel

If you fancy refreshments in rather grander surroundings then this is the place for you, complete with portraits of Ibsen, Edward Grieg and Edvard Munch. It is also great for pre-theatre drinks. You may recognize the hotel balcony that world leaders famously wave from when the Nobel Peace prize is awarded annually.

Mathallen Oslo

An undercover food market based in an old steel factory; featuring cafes, market stalls, deli, veggie food, organic food and much more.

There are plenty of good shopping opportunities in Oslo, from city center shopping malls to small independent boutiques, vintage shops, craft shops and interior design shops.The area surrounding Egertorget is more expensive with exclusive designer shops and department stores.

Souvenirs can be bought at the Norway Shop, near City Hall, which also stocks traditional knitwear hats and jumpers.

• Find map and go by foot or tram – It is easy to find your way around Oslo with a city map and you can take in most of the main attractions either on foot or using the trains and tram system. Public transport is fast, efficient, inexpensive and pleasant to use.

 

• Take a boat – A two-hour boat tour is a good way to see many of the main sites and they depart regularly from the Harbor area.

 

• Carefully choose travel season – Think about what time of year you go carefully, as it is obviously very cold in winter but warm in the summer. There are also various seasonal activities to enjoy, including an outdoor skating rink, toboggan run and skiing at Oslo Winter Park; or swimming in Oslofjord and climbing at Oslo Summer Park to enjoy.

 

• You will see the residue of Danish rule all over the place, with Danish language and other indications of this period in Norway’s history. For example, the Toldkammen building near the National Opera & Ballet is the old Danish customs house.

 

• Avoid Slottsparken after dark – Oslo is a very safe city but it is best not to visit Slottsparken alone after dark, as some shady looking people can be seen hanging around there.