Norway’s vibrant capital brings together striking architecture, fascinating history, contemporary culture and beautiful natural surroundings. From world-class museums and waterfront landmarks to sculpture parks and views across the Oslofjord, there are plenty of things to do in Oslo whether you’re interested in art, history or the outdoors.
Things to Do in Oslo, Norway
@ Christine-Baglo -Visitnorway.com
Walk Across the Oslo Opera House
Set on the waterfront, the Oslo Opera House is one of the city’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. Take in the building’s modern design and enjoy views across Oslo, or head inside for an opera or ballet performance in its impressive halls.
Its waterside location also makes it a natural starting point for exploring more of central Oslo on foot.
Photo Credit: Einar Aslaksen
Discover Oslo’s Art and Culture
Oslo has a strong cultural identity, with museums, galleries and theatres spread throughout the city.
At the Munch Museum, discover an extensive collection of works by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, best known for The Scream. The National Museum, meanwhile, is Norway’s largest art museum and houses a broad collection covering art, architecture and design.
For art in the open air, visit Vigeland Sculpture Park. Created by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, the park contains more than 200 sculptures exploring the human form and emotion.
Explore Oslo’s History
For a glimpse into the city’s past, head to Akershus Fortress. Originally built as a medieval castle in the 13th century, the fortress has served as a military base, prison and royal residence during its long history.
Another of Oslo’s major landmarks is The Royal Palace, the official residence of the Norwegian royal family. Visitors can explore the surrounding Palace Park, watch the changing of the guards or take a palace tour.
The city’s museums also offer the opportunity to delve deeper into Norway’s history and heritage.
See Oslo from Holmenkollen
For sweeping views over the city and Oslofjord, make your way to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.
One of the world’s best-known ski jumping hills, Holmenkollen offers an insight into the sport as well as impressive views over Oslo and its surrounding landscape. It’s a worthwhile stop whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast or simply looking for a different perspective on the Norwegian capital.
@ Thomas Johannessen - Visit Oslo
Experience the Oslofjord
Oslo’s location beside the fjord gives you plenty of opportunities to swap city streets for the water.
Ferries are a great way to experience the fjord landscape and visit islands in the Oslofjord. They also offer a different perspective of the city and its waterfront, making a trip on the water one of the most relaxing things to do in Oslo.
@ The Thief
Where to Eat in Oslo
Oslo’s food scene ranges from traditional Norwegian cooking to contemporary Nordic cuisine.
For a special dining experience, Maaemo is known for its innovative and sustainable approach, using seasonal ingredients to create modern Norwegian menus.
For traditional dishes in a cosy setting, try Lorry, one of Oslo’s oldest restaurants, or Engebret Café, which has been serving Norwegian cuisine for more than 150 years.
If you prefer plenty of choice, Mathallen Food Hall brings together vendors serving everything from Norwegian favourites to international dishes in a lively atmosphere.
The Thief: Set on the waterfront at Tjuvholmen, The Thief combines contemporary Nordic food with one of Oslo’s most stylish settings. Local and Nordic ingredients feature throughout the menus, while the rooftop restaurant offers views across the Oslofjord and city. Head upstairs for dinner or drinks overlooking the water, or settle into the Champagne bar for a relaxed start to the evening.
Getting Around Oslo
Many of Oslo’s central attractions are within walking distance, making the city easy to discover on foot. You can also explore by bicycle or electric scooter.
For longer journeys, Oslo’s extensive public transport system includes buses, trams and the T-bane metro. The Oslo Pass also offers unlimited public transport alongside free entry to many museums and attractions. Or, if you wish to travel in style, we are able to arrange private transfers in electric vehicles
@ Oslo Fjord Sauna
Plan Your Oslo Holiday with Off the Map Travel
From contemporary art and historic landmarks to fjord journeys and Nordic food, Oslo offers plenty to discover. Explore Oslo with Off the Map Travel and start planning a Norway holiday shaped around the experiences you want to enjoy.
We – the whole family – loved the whole journey!!
The accommodations, the activities and especially the great people – thank you very much for this fantastic organisation !!!
Barbara
We have loved it so much here that we have extended our stay and will come back to Bjornfjell and stay in one of their cabins until Jan 3 then we are staying in the igloo hotel the night of the 3rd. 😊We added a few excursions this week – we did the whale trip on the RIB boat (wow!), toured the igloo hotel (which is why we decided to book the last night!) and did the reindeer sleigh at Sorrisniva. You were so right, the bonfire excursion was incredible!!It has been an absolutely amazing trip!
Kristen
Well-organized trip to Norway and Svalbard with great accommodations and activities. Gwen was communicative and responsive to requests. Highly recommend!
Russell Snook
The ease of everything stood out to me. All we had to do was be there at the right time. The dog sledding was the highlight for my daughter and sister. We had the best time! For me, Manshausen was the highlight. We were very lucky and the only guests there for the majority of our stay. The staff was amazing and the food was so delicious. We had moose steak and it was the best meal I’ve ever had.
The cabins were comfortable and we were so lucky to have 2 clear nights where we just sat and watched the northern lights. We were able to get some awesome pictures too.
I appreciate all your time and care with planning our trip! I won’t hesitate to use Off the Map travel for our next adventure.
Kelly
Hello Lucy!! Kim and I had a fantastic time in Iceland! Probably one of my top 3 trips I’ve ever taken!
It was everything we asked for and you did a wonderful job coordinating it all so beautifully!!
Thank you very much and we will contact you again when we get ready to plan our trip to Norway and Lapland!
Doreen
I used OTMT to organise a holiday to see the Northern Lights for my partner’s 50th birthday. They took the time to understand my priorities, the kinds of places we like to stay and the things we like to do. They recommended a fabulous itinerary in Norway centred around the Lyngen Experience Lodge. The holiday itself lived up to expectations and I have no hesitation in recommending OTMT. They listened carefully during the planning and delivered the perfect present for my partner.
Alex
Amy planned a fantastic trip! Everything was very well-thought out. All transfers went smoothly, accommodations were amazing, great restaurant recommendations and the tours were once-in-a-lifetime, can’t book it yourself off the internet experiences. The guides were all fantastic. Communications were prompt and everything worked exactly the way it was supposed to. What a pleasure! Already working on our next trip.
Anonymous
What an amazing trip we are having. It is incredible. Many many thanks for arranging such an incredible trip.
Giles
Amy was a great help with planning this trip. Our trip turned out amazing. I also was very grateful for Off the Map’s Front Desk service, which promptly handled an on the spot issue we had.
Karen
My family and I traveled to Sweden to see The Northern Lights in March of 2023. From the planning process to every detail of the trip, I could not have been more pleased with our experience. Alex was exceptional to work with. His guidance on the time of year, where to stay, activities to do and how to get to and from everything was spot on. I have never used a tour company before but thought a trip of this kind would be easier with some help. I am so glad that I did. The entire week was seamless and completely stress-free, allowing us to truly enjoy Sweden and our time together as a family. I will be recommending Off The Map travel to friends and family and will certainly be using them myself again in the future.
Emily
Arctic Retreat was simply magical. Graham and his team were superb. Their entire focus was on ensuring we had an outstanding experience. The accommodation, setting and food were all excellent. The team, experienced professionals, each brought their own personal touch and local nuance. It was faultless. The dog sledging trip directly from Arctic Retreat was also superb. We would return to Arctic Retreat in a heartbeat.
George
We did! Everything was truly wonderful! I think the Holman Husky Lodge was our favourite place. Beautiful accommodations, but best of all, wonderful people! Everyone was so friendly and accommodating, excellent food, we really enjoyed our time there. We also greatly enjoyed Bergen! Opus XVI was beautiful and we loved being able to walk to restaurants and bars and take in the sights. All of our drivers were punctual and friendly. The itinerary was full but not overfull.
Thank you so much! It was an epic trip, we are taking home wonderful memories!
Shelly