Oslo Attractions - The Top 10 Popular Sites

Oslo is truly a green city. It is nestled between the Oslofjord and deep green forests.

The capital of Norway is characterized primarily by the unique combination of nature experiences and vibrant urban flair. What places and attractions should be on the agenda during your city trip to Oslo? Our Top 10 list of the most popular Oslo attractions will reveal that to you!

The green belt

The outer city boundary of Oslo is a green recreation area. Like a green ring, expansive forests and lakes stretch along the outskirts. Oslomarka is the largest recreational area in Northern Europe and regularly attracts Norwegians from the city to nature.

In summer, the area is perfect for extensive hiking, while in winter it attracts skiers to the approximately 2,600 km long trail network.

Thanks to Oslomarka, the city is practically surrounded by nature on all sides - and Norwegians love nature! It is threaded with kilometers of well-marked hiking trails, picturesque valleys, and traditional red Norwegian houses by clear lakes. Those embarking on an excursion to Oslomarka will find great starting points at Holmenkollen and Frognerseter.

Sognsvann Lake

There are many recreational opportunities here: Many people flock to the clear blue Sognsvann Lake, surrounded by coniferous trees, to picnic, swim, or take walks, especially in summer. You can reach the lake in just a few minutes using metro line 3.

Oslomarka - rightly a highlight of the Oslo attractions! So off you go!

Another recommendation: From Frognerseter, you can start from the Tryvannstarnet transmitter tower on many great hiking trails. Along the way, there are numerous wonderful viewpoints offering you a fascinating view of Oslo and the Oslofjord.

If you're hungry, a visit to the Frognerseter Restaurant is highly recommended.

He is probably one of the most famous Norwegians. Painter Edvard Munch (1863 - 1944) is considered a pioneer of Expressionism and a giant of Norwegian art history among Scandinavian artists.

Works of Edvard Munch

In addition to numerous paintings - such as the world-famous 'The Scream' - he also created many prints and drawings. The Munch Museum Oslo (Norwegian: Munchmuseet) displays a variety of his works. These were a legacy from Munch to the city of Oslo.

The exhibitions change from time to time, thus reflecting the versatility of Edvard Munch's work. A visit to the Munch Museum is recommended not only for art and culture lovers and should not be missed on your list of Oslo attractions.

Tip: With the Oslo Pass, you can gain free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions. Additionally, fees for public transport (buses, trams, metro, boats, and trains within zone 2) and city parking fees are waived.

Gustav Vigeland (1869 - 1943) has significantly shaped Norwegian art history as a sculptor, just like Edvard Munch. His life's work can be admired in the impressive Vigeland Sculpture Park. Therefore, sightseeing in Oslo must undoubtedly take you to the exhibition park - Frogner Park. More than 200 sculptures made of bronze, granite, and wrought iron await you there.

Highlights of the Vigeland Sculpture Park

The Vigeland Sculpture Park was created between 1924 and 1943. Its architecture and design were even conceived by Vigeland himself.

Among the most famous sculptures are probably the Little Rebel (Norwegian: Sinnataggen) and a column made of granite composed of 121 intertwined figures. Frogner Park is open to visitors around the clock all year round.

Tip: For #3 on the Oslo attractions list, definitely bring your camera!

That the people of Oslo are very connected to nature is also evident in the lively activity around, on, and in the Oslofjord.

The maritime bay stretches about 100 km in its north-south expansion. At its northern end lies Oslo. The picturesque maritime bay is another attraction for those seeking relaxation, second only to Oslomarka.

The natural environment offers so many recreational activities: boating, sailing, picnicking, and diving are just a few of them.

Island Hopping

Popular are also boat tours and heading to the many small islands, which you can reach by water taxi. For example, Hovedøya Island in the Oslofjord is a very popular destination due to its well-preserved monastery ruins. Langøynene Island, on the other hand, is often visited for its beautiful sandy beach.

Don't miss out on this Oslo attraction either!

Tip: Every year, Oslo celebrates the well-known Midsummer Night with folk dancing, concerts, and fireworks at the end of June.

Oslo attractions also include a visit to Aker Brygge, which is a young neighborhood by the Oslofjord.

Until the 1980s, it was still one of the largest shipyards in Norway. However, then architects set out to breathe new life into the site. Thus, a large shopping center with numerous restaurants, bars, offices, cinemas, and theaters was created.

A symbiosis of old and new

In Aker Brygge, the old blends with the new into a unique symbiosis. For example, nothing remains of the old function of the warehouses. Their old red brick facades are expanded inside with steel and lots of glass, providing space for galleries or pubs.

In summer, the promenade is perfect for strolling. In winter, the many shops and local establishments invite you to linger. Aker Brygge definitely belongs to the Oslo attractions!

Did you know? Oslo and Norwegians in general are very environmentally conscious. The country produces its electricity 100% from hydropower. There are particularly many shops that focus on ecological products in Oslo's trendy district Grünerløkka.

An amusement park located in the midst of nature in an idyllic forest. TusenFryd is Norway's largest amusement park and one of the most popular Oslo attractions.

Fun for all ages

It offers numerous attractions for young and old, ranging from carousels to roller coasters to a water park. If you are traveling with children, a visit to TusenFryd should definitely be on your itinerary.

TusenFryd is located about 20 km south of Oslo in Akershus. This attraction can be easily and quickly reached by car or shuttle bus.

Tip: Among the park's most popular attractions are the SpeedMonster roller coaster, which accelerates to 90 km/h in 2 seconds, and the largest wooden roller coaster in Northern Europe, 'ThunderCoaster'. The SuperSplash roller coaster, which can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, is also a must-try.

Another notable attraction in Oslo is the opera house. With its angular, bright white facade and waterfront location, it resembles an imposing iceberg. The new Oslo Opera House offers not only a treat for the ears but also for the eyes.

The outer facade is made of glass and Carrara marble. Large street-level windows allow visitors and passersby a fascinating insight into rehearsal activities. From the panorama roof of the opera, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the city and the Bjørvika bay.

A masterpiece of acoustics

Inside, the 15-meter high glass wall in the foyer provides a view of the water. The large hall is shaped like a horseshoe, reminiscent of the classical theaters of the past and ensuring optimum acoustics. It corresponds to the floor plan of the Dresden Semper Opera.

Also, the curved balcony railing and the chandelier made of 17,000 glasses, which serve as an acoustic reflector, provide a unique sound quality. The design by the architectural firm Snøhetta has already won multiple awards. Given this spectacular building, it's no wonder.

The National Gallery should certainly not be missing from the list of Oslo attractions. It is the most popular museum in Oslo and is worth a visit not only for art lovers.

The National Gallery houses the largest collection of Norwegian, Scandinavian, and international art - from the 19th century to the present day. It features paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

From National Romanticism to Realism

Among them are masterpieces of National Romanticism and Realism, as well as the world-famous painting 'The Scream' by Edvard Munch. Additionally, there are works by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Henri Matisse.

Regular special exhibitions in the National Gallery also focus on individual eras over time. Undoubtedly, it rightfully holds the #8 spot on our Top 10 Oslo attractions list!

Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Thu 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Sat, Sun from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tip: In the permanent exhibition 'The Dance of Life - The Collection from Antiquity to 1950' in the National Gallery, you can also rent audio guides in Norwegian, German, English, Russian, French, Spanish, and Italian for an additional fee.

Be sure to visit Akershus Castle and Fortress during your trip to Oslo.

Akershus in the past

The fortress was built in 1299 by King Håkon V Magnusson Akershus. The medieval castle had an excellent strategic location on the Akersneset peninsula.

Under Christian IV, the castle was remodeled into a Renaissance castle in the 17th century. During its more than 700 years of existence, the castle has always played an important role in the history of the country.

Akershus today

Today, Akershus Castle is primarily used as a venue for official events and state receptions. When you tour the castle, you can admire beautiful halls, the chapel, and the palace church.

You can also see the royal mausoleum as well as the official reception and banquet rooms of the government. Thus, the fortress rightly belongs in our Travelcircus Top 10 Oslo attractions, doesn't it?

Tip: A highlight for tourists is the changing of the royal guards. It takes place daily at 1:30 PM.

Not only for real Vikings is the Viking Ship Museum an exciting experience. The museum houses the best-preserved Viking ships in the world.

They were found in three large chieftain graves, where they served as burial gifts for the last journey to the realm of the dead. One of the most famous exhibits is the Gokstad ship from the 7th century, which served as a grave for an influential man.

The fastest Viking ship in the world

Also on display is the Tune ship. It is believed that this was the fastest seagoing ship. The sail alone measures 100 m². This ship also served later as a burial site for a high-ranking man.

Alongside the ships, the Viking Ship Museum also exhibits smaller boats, sleds, wagons, tools, and textiles.

Did you know? The Gokstad ship is 23.33 meters long and 5.25 meters wide. It is made entirely of oak and was powered by 32 rowers.

Oslo is a very diverse city with numerous attractions and plenty of nature. Its location right by the fjord provides a maritime flair and makes it particularly exciting. Oslo is rich in culture, nature, and modern ambiance. A city that should not be missed on any trip to Norway.