Must-Visit Attractions in Oslo, Norway
From crystalline fjords to contemporary art galleries, Oslo melds Nordic nature with cosmopolitan draws like the Munch Museum and Vigeland Sculpture Park. It might not be the cheapest city in Europe for a weekend getaway, but there’s a certain magnetic charm to Norway’s capital. Sandwiched between the icy sea and mountains, this Scandinavian city has a wonderful mix of nature and urban buzz. Here are a handful of top things to do whilst visiting Oslo.
1. Marvel at Oslo Fjord
Natural Feature
The beautiful Oslo Fjord stretches 100km (62mi) south from the city and is dotted with picturesque islands such as Langøyene, Gressholmen and Lindøya. Holidaying Norwegians flock here in the summer to swim, kayak, barbecue and enjoy cruises. From its banks, hike through nearby woodlands, open fields and quaint villages. Winter swims are popular, just with a fjordside sauna before and after.
2. Schuss downhill at Tryvann Ski Resort
Ski Resort
Ski resorts can be enjoyed all year around, not just in the winter. Tryvann, the most popular resort in Norway dating back to the 1930s, is a 20-minute metro ride from Oslo. For skiing and snowboarding, there are 9.6km (6mi) of slopes and nine lifts – it’s a great spot to hit the pistes at night. Come summertime, you can swing among the treetops at the climbing park, rent a bike and explore the hiking trails.
3. Visit the Royal Palace
Building
Norwegians are proud of their royal family and their country’s history, which makes the Royal Palace one of the country’s most important buildings since the early 1800s. Built in a neoclassical style, it has two wings and is three storeys high. Just like Buckingham Palace in London, it’s where the daily work of the monarchy is conducted and where the King and Queen still live. Book a guided tour to see its grandeur with your own eyes.
5. Step inside Oslo Cathedral
Cathedral
A significant historic landmark in the centre of Oslo, the cathedral was first consecrated in 1697 and restored back to its original baroque interior in 1950 after World War II. Today it is used for weddings and funerals by the Norwegian royal family and government. Learn all about its storied past and architecture with a guided tour – book in advance – or enjoy one of the regular classical concerts put on here.
6. Stroll through the Vigeland Sculpture Park
Museum, Park
7. Step back in time at the Akershus Fortress
Archaeological site
8. Ride rollercoasters at TusenFryd Amusement Park
Amusement Park
Hold on to your hats – Norway’s largest amusement park offers up high-octane fun. Rides include Speedmonster, a towering rollercoaster that’s faster than a Formula 1 car, and SpinSpider, a terrifying-looking carousel attached to a huge pendulum. There are 30 rides in total and plenty are child- and family-friendly, plus there’s games, shops and eateries. The park is around 20 km (12mi) from the centre of Oslo – hop on a bus that stops at the entrance.
9. Peruse the Kon-Tiki Museum
Museum
In 1947, a primitive raft named Kon-Tiki set sail across the Pacific Ocean from South America to the Polynesian islands, led by Norwegian explorer and writer Thor Heyerdahl. It became one of the greatest sea voyages in modern history. You can see the raft here, among other vessels used by Heyerdahl and a library with 8,000 books. Nearly 20 million people have visited the museum since it opened its doors in 1950.
10. Ponder artwork in the Munch Museum
Building, Museum
This is an updated rewrite of an article by Louise Older Steffensen.
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