Travel guide | Holiday in Oslo

The capital of Norway is the ideal destination where you can discover Scandinavian treasures while relaxing at the same time. Oslo Fjord, museums and tourist attractions of the city attract more than 5 million tourists annually. And the northern views deserve to be admired at least once in a lifetime! In this travel guide you will find the means of transport, accommodation, the main attractions, the minimum holiday budget and, of course, some delicious Norwegian dishes - so that you can get an idea of what your holiday in Oslo could look like.

How do you get to Oslo?

Once you arrive at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, 45 km from the center, you have 3 options to get to the city:

Train: there are 2 companies that operate train routes to the center: Vy Train and Flytoget. The Vy Train ticket costs about 12 euros per person and you reach the center of the capital in about 20 minutes. Children between 4-15 years old and seniors over 66 years old have 50% discount. The Flytoget ticket costs approx. 20 euros/person, and children under 16 ride free accompanied by adults. Seniors pay a ticket of only 10 euros. Tickets for both companies can be purchased from ticket machines in the airport station. You will find the train lines on platform 4 once you exit the arrivals terminal. They circulate between 05:55-23:55.

Bus: the bus trip to the center will take between 40-50 minutes and a ticket costs 20 euros/person. Seniors pay a ticket of only 10 euros, and young people up to 17 years old travel for free if they are accompanied by at least one adult. You will find the bus station directly outside the airport, and you can buy tickets from the ticket machines or from the driver. Buses run between 05:45-23:45.

Taxi: the taxi journey will take around 40 minutes, and the average cost of a trip to the center is 60 euros. It is definitely a more convenient, but more expensive option. Taxis run 24/7 and you will find the taxi line outside the arrivals terminal.

Oslo accommodation

You can find accommodation in the city center with prices from 80 euros per night. 3-star hotels start from 90 euros per night, and some of them have breakfast included. Are you coming on vacation with a group of friends or family? You can find apartments for rent starting from 85 euros, and the closer they are to the center, the higher the prices. Here are some convenient and affordable options:

Citybox Oslo: the 3-star hotel is less than 500 m from the center and only 250 m from the train station. The accommodation is of a budget type, but the conditions offered are very good, the hotel having a modern design. The rooms are equipped with their own bathroom and have free WiFi. In addition, you have access to a microwave oven and to snacks or drinks at the available vending machines. The Oslo Opera House is only 5 minutes away on foot. The price for a small double room starts from 90 euros/night

Thon Hotel Slottsparken: the 4-star hotel is located approx. 700 m from the center and near the Royal Palace in Oslo. The buffet breakfast is included in the room price, and guests also have access to a fitness room. Do you travel with your pet? The hotel is pet-friendly. The price for a standard double room starts from 150 euros/night

Maya Apartments – Parkveien: the complex of hotel apartments is 1 km from the center and is located near the Royal Palace Park. The apartments have a private kitchen, private bathroom, patio space and a dishwasher. The price for a 1-bedroom apartment starts from 90 euros/night

You can find many other offers here.

What do you use to travel in Oslo?

All public transport options in Oslo are part of a ticket system that allows you to travel with a single ticket in all means of public transport: tram, bus, metro, ferry and Vy trains. Depending on the number of zones, the ticket price may increase. Tickets start at 3.60 euros/adult, 1.80 euros/minor between 6-17 years old and seniors over 66 years old. Buying tickets from the driver is more expensive by approx. 2 euros for adults and 1 euro for children, so it is recommended to buy them directly from the application of the Oslo Public Transport Company.

Oslo Pass

Tourist card Oslo Pass includes free access to 30 museums and attractions, discounts at tourist attractions and restaurants, a city tour with a guide and free public transport in the central areas of the city. 24-hour options are available (45 euro/adult, 24 euro/minor between 6-17 years and 36 euro/senior over 67), 48-hour options (66 euro/adult, 33 euro/minor between 6-17 years and 52 euros/senior over 67) and 72 hours (83 euros/adult, 42 euros/minor between 6-17 years and 66 euros/senior over 67). You can purchase the tourist card directly from here.

Oslo sights

The Norwegian National Opera in Oslo

A memorable vacation in Oslo always starts with visiting Oslo Opera House, one of the most famous buildings in Norway! It is located southeast of the center, and at the nearby station called Bjorvika there are trams 13 and 19, as well as buses 32, 74, 81, 83, 85, 400, 500, 505 and 550. The Oslo Opera House is part of the emblematic buildings of Norway, winning numerous awards for its architecture and design.

The exterior landscape offers you the chance to admire the small fjords or the special facade, and outside you can also walk on the roof. Yes, you read that right! The building was designed in such a way that people can have a picnic on the roof or go skateboarding. Inside, you will be amazed by the diversity of the famous sculptures, as well as the sophisticated cafes & restaurants. It is open from Monday to Saturday between 11-22 and Sunday between 12-22. You can walk for free above the building to be delighted with the panorama!

Munch Museum

It is located 300 meters from the Opera House Munch Museum. Four years before Edvard Munch died in 1944, he bequeathed all his works to the city of Oslo. Munch was already involved in discussions about a future museum while he was still alive, but it was not until 1963, one hundred years after his birth, that the museum opened in a contemporary building.

From a building in Tøyen to a modern museum on Oslo's waterfront: MUNCH opened on October 22, 2021, adapted for great artistic experiences. Edvard Munch's unique legacy finally has the place it deserves. Munch's most popular work can be found in this museum "The Scream". You can find details and tickets here.

Akershus Fortress

It is only 15 minutes' walk to the west Akershus Fortress – a place full of history. The construction of the medieval fortress ended in 1300 and represented an important military strategic point at that time. In the 17th century, it was modernized and transformed into a royal residence.

You can visit the fortress from Monday to Sunday between 6am and 9pm, and access to the fortress courtyard is free. To visit the interior, you will need to purchase an entrance ticket of approx. 9 euros/adult and 4 euros/child between 12-5pm. You have free access with the Oslo Pass. Also here you can admire the ballrooms, the Royal Mausoleum, the reception rooms and a church.

Oslo City Hall

800 meters from Akershus is Rådhuset, Oslo City Hall is a popular attraction among visitors and an important landmark for the city's locals. The building is made of concrete and has a brick facade, giving it an imposing and grand appearance, with 2 towers, one of which has a beautiful clock face and the east tower; it has 49 bells which, when rung, can be heard throughout the city.

Work on this building began as early as 1931, but the building was inaugurated in 1950.

It was designed by Magnus Poulson and Arnstein Arneberg and serves several functions; for locals it is the residence of the city council and administration, while for tourists it has: art galleries and studios, go here for details on visiting the galleries.

Parliament building

Emil Victor Langlet designed the parliament building in Norway "Stortinget" in the neo-Romanesque style during his studies in Italy. From 1951 to 1959, it was restored and a new building was added. The National Assembly is known to most Norwegians as "Løvebakken", meaning Lion Hill, as the main staircase is flanked by stone lions.

The parliament building is open to visitors every day, except Monday, between 10.00 and 17.00. You can take guided tours of the building during these hours, or go on your own. Inside the building there are also numerous exhibitions that provide information about its history and architecture.

Akker Bryge

It is located just west of the city center on the western side of Pipervika, an arm of the Oslo Fjord, on the former Akers Mekaniske Verksted shipyard, which ceased operations in 1982. Before the shipyard was established in 1854, the area was known under the name of Holmen. It was then an old yard where minor industrial activity and a suburban unit developed in the early 19th century.

A masterplan led by Space Group Company and Ghilardi + Hellsten reorganized the area between 2010 and 2014. Space Group worked on the activation of parallel streets and created an interior street that runs through the main buildings. neighborhood Aker Brygge is Norway's leader for pedestrian waterfront areas and is one of the most visited places in Oslo, with 12 million visitors each year. At the moment, the entire pedestrian area is home to restaurants and cafes, so we recommend you to enjoy a coffee next to the Norwegian sea breeze. If you want to visit the entire neighborhood with a guide, you can find more details here.

Museum of Contemporary Art

At the end of the Aker Brygge district is found Astrup Fearnley Museum is a museum of contemporary art in Oslo, which was established in 1993. Today it plays a pivotal role in the Norwegian capital's art institution scene. The museum was designed by Renzo Piano, one of the most famous architects in the world. The museum houses the Astrup Fearnley Collection, one of the largest private collections of contemporary art from Norway and numerous temporary exhibitions. You can find details about these exhibitions here.

Royal Palace in Oslo

To get to Royal Palace in Oslo, you can walk about 15 minutes north or you can take buses 30, 31, 32, 54 or 70 from Wessels Plass station. The station is 600 m north of Akershus Fortress and you will have to get off at the first station - Nationaltheatret. From here you only have to walk 100 m to the superb Park of the Royal Palace, which is still the royal residence.

The construction of the building was completed in 1849 in a neo-classical style. The surrounding landscape conveys the same royal air as the palace: tall majestic trees, elegant fountains and statues. The interior of the palace can be visited by the public only in summer. Ticket prices start at 16 euros/adult and 12 euros/minor between 6-18 years old. You can find details here.

Fram Museum

The Fram Museum is located approx. 6 km southwest of Palat and you can take bus 30 also from the Nationaltheatret station to Bygdoynes. The bus journey will last 16 minutes and you will make 12 stops. Just 25 m from the station you will find the Fram Museum. Here is the most powerful wooden ship built so far, which holds the record for the journey to the most northern and southernmost point.

In the museum, you can board the ship directly and observe how the crew survived the extreme temperatures and dangerous conditions they faced in the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans. There is even a polar simulator where you can experience the cold and dangers of polar expeditions 100 years ago. You can visit the museum between 11 am and 5 pm, and tickets start at 13 euros/adult and 4.80 euros/child under 16. You can find details on WEBSITE Fram Museum - Access is free if you have the Oslo Pass card

Oslo Fjord

To make the most of this holiday in Norway, you must visit the Oslo Fjords! In a 2 and a half hour cruise with a tourist guide you will discover the beauty of these treasures. Sailing, you will see beaches specific to the northern area, beautiful stretches of coast and impressive waves. Prices start from 38 euros/person, and the experience will definitely be unforgettable! You can find guided tours directly here.

Vigeland Park

Vigeland Park is among the most popular parks in all of Norway. In addition to the fountains and paths among the trees of the park, there are over 200 absolutely amazing sculptures by the sculptor of the same name. Access is free and in the area there are stations where trams 11, 12 and 19 pass, as well as buses 28 and 45.

Ekeberg Park

A few minutes from the center of Oslo by tram, there is the Ekebergparken sculpture park with an impressive panorama of the city. The park combines long history, beautiful nature, amazing views and impressive sculptures in a unique way.

The artworks that are spread throughout the park are by internationally renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois, James Turrell, Dan Graham, Sarah Lucas, Damien Hirst and Roni Horn. In addition to the sculptures, in the park you can also find traces of Oslo's long and diverse history, from rock carvings and ruins from the Stone Age to those of the cemetery dating back to 900-400 BC

The park is always open, all year round and is free to visit and for a truly amazing experience, we recommend visiting this park in the evening, and you may wonder why.

Well, this park offers you an unforgettable experience, from sculptures that talk to you (literally) to those that follow you with their eyes, so if you are a lover of unique experiences and in your spare time you watch "paranormal activities" this is it the place you need to get to.

Oslo Cathedral

Take tram 13 from the south-west station of the park - Skoyen to Ovre Slottsgate (7 stops). From here you have to walk 700 m to the Oslo Cathedral. Dating from the 17th century, and in 1950 the original interior was restored in baroque style, this is the church where royal events of a religious nature are held. The church can be visited from Monday to Thursday between 10-16, Friday between 16-23:30, and Saturday and Sunday between 10-16. Access is free.

The Museum of the History of Norwegian Culture

It shows how people lived in Norway from the 16th century to the present day. In the open air museum, you will find 160 historical buildings located in a beautiful setting. Walk through various cottages from grass-roofed farms surrounded by pastures and farm animals grazing behind picturesque fences to the housing of students of various nations from the 1970s. The old town of the museum includes houses, shops and workshops of various types , linked together by cobbled streets. Don't miss the popular one Empty church, built in the 1200s. Historical furniture, clothing, Sami handicrafts and various models are on display in the exhibition halls. Throughout the year, the museum offers a diverse selection of activities and experiences for all ages. Storytelling, live folk dancing and traditional 'lefse' baking are among the favourites. The museum area includes a gift shop and a cafe. You can find more information about the activities here.

Holmenkollen & Oslo Winter Park

If time permits and you are a fan of extreme sports, visit the Holmenkollen resort. About an hour away from Oslo, this ski resort is accessible by the train from Stortinget station.

In addition to getting a great view of Oslo from the top of the futuristic ski jumping tower. You can find out what it feels like to be a professional jumper when you reach the top of the tower or with the resort's ski jumping simulator, and for those who prefer less extreme activities, we recommend a visit to the ski museum in Holmenkollen.

Holmenkollen Ski Museum it is considered the oldest museum in the world dedicated to skiing. Opened in 1923, the museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the sport's 4,000-year history through several informative exhibits.

Also 4 km away from Holmenkollen, in Oslo Winter Park you have the option of practicing different winter sports, so it is a good idea to take a ski bag.

What do you eat in Oslo?

If you have considered a vacation in Norway until now, you must have thought that you will be able to try new dishes with fish and seafood. And that's right, here you can taste the most appetizing Atlantic dishes. From preparations with smoked salmon, caviar and shrimps - up to traditional sausages or norwegian parjoale, you will definitely find at least one Norwegian dish to your taste.

Some desserts worth trying are: plome grateng (the cake often prepared with plums) or tilsorte bondepiker with apple and whipped cream.

Where do you eat in Oslo?

Baker Hansen is a cafe and pastry shop with Norwegian specialties (between 1-10 euros/preparation) near the Royal Palace Park. It is the perfect place for a little respite, especially with a dessert

Den Glade Grey is a Scandinavian gastropub where you can enjoy both small snacks and complex dishes, such as smoked whale meat from the Norwegian Sea or reindeer meat sausages (between 5-30 euros/preparation). The restaurant is located in the northern area of the Royal Palace Park

Rorbua is located in the port area and serves delicious dishes for lunch, dinner and more. You can enjoy Scandinavian, European and seafood dishes (between 3-48 euros/dish)

find here other options, along with the menu and the opinions of other tourists.

Oslo it is a relaxing city, with modern architecture and not very crowded, unlike other European capitals. Remember that the official currency of Norway is the Norwegian krone (1 euro – 10 Norwegian krone). The prices here are higher, and for a 2-day vacation in Oslo we recommend a budget of at least 350-400 euros for 2 people. The Land of Fjords can be visited in any season, but remember that in winter the days are very short, the sun rises around 10 am, then sets at 3 pm. I have prepared a list with some links that can help you you plan your vacation in Norway.

Transport

Accommodation

Tourist card

https://www.getyourguide.com/oslo-l38/244872-hour-oslo-pass-discount-card-t19266/

Tourist spots

restaurants