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With so much to do and see in Oslo, Backpacking is such a rich and delightful experience.
Through this Oslo blog, I will share with you some of the most interesting things to do in Oslo.
Going on a 5 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Oslo. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. Here are the best things to see in Oslo along with a list of the most interesting things to do in Oslo:
1. Viking Ship Museum
An interesting museum with three Viking ships from 9th-century on display.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Viking Ship Museum is located in Bygdøy peninsula.
- Also worth seeing here are the artefacts from Viking burial mounds.
Address: Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo, Norway
2. Oslo Opera House
Oslo Opera House is an opera house, a theater of performing art with long history.
The operation is quite sizeable with a team including conductors, soloists, orchestra players, and choir members. The auditorium is a visual delight too, decorated with paintings, stuccowork and sculptures.
Quick Facts:
- Located on the harbor, the opera theater is built in Contemporary architecture style.
- Snøhetta is the architecture firm which looked after the construction.
- Easy to get to Oslo Opera House is located in Bjørvika neighbourhood.
- Norwegian National Opera & Ballet.
An incredible sight, Oslo Opera House scores high in the list of the best things to do in Oslo.
Address: Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
3. Frogner Park
Frogner Park is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Oslo.
This fabulous park was developed with the sole aim to promote the good health of the citizen.
Frogner Park is Oslo’s green enclosures, a central place to come for fresh air. Stroll along the pathways and rest on the grassy areas, find your own spot of relaxation.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 32 ha, the highlight of Frogner Park includes statue of angry boy, sculpture of Gustav Vigeland.
- 1750.
- Oslo city museum, a manor house & numerous sculpture.
Address: Kirkeveien, 0268 Oslo, Norway
4. Kon-Tiki Museum
Kon-Tiki Museum is a museum dedicated to one of the most prominent personalities of the city.
The museum displays artefacts related to Thor Heyerdahl’s life and his voyages.
The home has been preserved as a museum to provide a glimpse into his life. This magnificent mansion and garden may be enjoyed by everyone even who know little about the person.
Quick Facts:
- Dedicated to the adventurer Thor Heyerdahl, the highlight of the house museum includes maps, rafts and other items related to Kon-Tiki expedition, and the old library.
A natural crowd puller, Kon-Tiki Museum is right up there in the list of best things to do in Oslo.
Address: Bygdøynesveien 36, 0286 Oslo, Norway
5. The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
The museum documents the life in Norway from past six centuries.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes a collection of over 100 medieval buildings including stave churches and farm buildings..
Address: Museumsveien 10, 0287 Oslo, Norway
6. Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
If browsing through quirky art displays interests you, Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is the one you should head to.
The museum presents well the contemporary works of the local as well as the international artists.
The multimedia exhibits with a clever mixe of sound and light is a must watch. The collection is speread out amongst the art pieces belonging to quirky installations, electronic art experiences and experimental photography.
Quick Facts:
- waterfront.
- 1993.
- It is actually Renzo Piano who is credited with designing this whole place.
With so much to offer, no wonder Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is one of the top things to do in Oslo.
Address: Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway
7. Oslo Cathedral
Oslo Cathedral is an old Cathedral located in the Oslo city.
The church is used for state events by the Government and the Royal famiy.
The entrance features an elegant portico and a succession of magnificent archways. You may climb to the top of the church’s distinctive dome for an even better panoramic view of the city.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Baroque architecture, the cathedral is a center of parish faith.
- Easy to get to Oslo Cathedral is located in downtown.
- Our Savior’s Church.
Address: Karl Johans gate 11, 0154 Oslo, Norway
8. Ekebergparken Sculpture Park
Ekebergparken Sculpture Park is a green expanse in Oslo with several dozen statues littered evenly over its grounds.
It is a lovely place to take a long slow walk as you take-in the statue filled scenery.
Follow the marked trails for a short relaxed hike in the nature.
It mainly contains artworks done by the local artists of Oslo and around.
Quick Facts:
- The highlight of the place includes amazing city views.
Without a doubt this wonderful sculpture park is one amongst the top things to do in Oslo.
Address: Kongsveien 15, 0193 Oslo, Norway
9. National Gallery
National Gallery is a compilation of art and culture in a beautiful setting.
Inside, there’s a dazzling array of priceless paintings to behold. The National Gallery has enough to keep you spellbound for the better part of a day.
Quick Facts:
- Heinrich Ernst Schirmer, Adolf Schirmer are the prominent architects who were involved in designing and building it.
- Also worth seeing here are paintings by el greco, van gogh, picasso and dahl.
- National Gallery was opened in 1837.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
10. Sognsvann
Sognsvann is an alluring lake, a drop from heaven with clean, clear water.
With water so clear that you can see through, swimming is a good option. You can hike in one of the trails passing through the area.
Quick Facts:
- Spreading over an expanse of 40 ha, it’s difficult to see it all in one go.
- The surface elevation figures come around to 183 m.
11. Norwegian Maritime Museum
Norwegian Maritime Museum is a maritime museum located in the city of Oslo.
If you are into shipbuilding and sailing you will love this museum.
The museum houses some of the best nautical memorabilia including scaled model ships. All through its interesting collection you can see the maritime history of the region coming out.
Quick Facts:
- Established in 1914, the highlight of the maritime museum includes fab views of the fjord from the terrace.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Oslo trip.
Address: Bygdøynesveien 37, 0286 Oslo, Norway
12. Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology
Wather you are an adult or with kids satisfy your inner nerd at Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology.
Based on the scientific theme, there are hundreds of displays spread over different zones.
Children may engage with one of many interactive stations throughout the building. Kids may also learn about their favorite topics such as electricity and magnetism at the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology.
Quick Facts:
- Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology was opened in 1914.
Address: Kjelsåsveien 143, 0491 Oslo, Norway
13. Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum is a great place to learn more about the biodiversity of the region.
The museum is located inside the Botanical garden and is visited through a combined ticket.
. Kids will love the terrarium, they can even learn how to make one themselves.
Add it to your Oslo trip if you have time.
Address: Sars’ gate 1, 0562 Oslo, Norway
14. Akershus Castle
Akershus Castle is a medieval fortified structure perched over a hilltop.
Akershus Castle makes for a great sunny day activity. On this spot you will see buttresses, crenellations and arrow loops all part of defensive installations.
Quick Facts:
- the harbor.
- The castle was built somewhere in 13th-century and still grabs your attention.
- military museum.
- Some of the famous people who are buried here include Haakon VII of Norway, Olav V of Norway.
- Grab the audio guide on your way, it’s quite helpful.
Address: 0150 Oslo, Norway
15. The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is a beautiful palace located in Oslo, Norway.
Quick Facts:
- King Charles III – who ruled together both Norway and Sweden.
- hilltop.
- It is actually Hans Linstow who is credited with designing this whole place.
Add it to your Oslo trip if you have time.
Address: Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, Norway
16. Rådhuset
This is where the Nobel Peace Prize is given every year.
Quick Facts:
- The gorgeous Postmodern Architecture, Expressionist architecture style that you see is credited to the architects Arnstein Arneberg, Magnus Poulsson.
- The highlight of the place includes beautiful wall murals,.
- It is also the seat of the City Council.
- There is no entrance fee to get in building.
Address: Rådhusplassen 1, 0037 Oslo, Norway
17. Munch Museum
A museum with a definitive collection of …
A museum with a definitive collection of …
Quick Facts:
- Dedicated to life and work of Edvard Munch, the highlight of the solo artist museum includes Munch’s most celebrated painting – The Scream.
- Einar Myklebust, Gunnar Fougner are the prominent architects who were involved in designing and building it.
- Munch Museum was opened in 1963.
Add it to your Oslo trip if you have time.
Address: Tøyengata 53, 0578 Oslo, Norway
18. Holmenkollbakken
If you are an adventure seeker, you’d like Holmenkollbakken, a popular ski-jumping venue.
The place is also an important destination for ski jumping competitions.
It’s an interesting visit as you will be awed by the scale of the jump, massive respect to the participants.
Quick Facts:
- Ski Museum with displays from 1952 olympics.
Address: Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo, Norway
19. Hovedøya
Quite popular with the tourists, Hovedøya is an island located off the coast of Oslo.
The island gives you an opportunity to escape the crowds and noise of Oslo. The island is covered in tall wooded trees which may be explored through walking routes.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 0.4 sq. km., the island is located in Oslofjord.
Add it to your Oslo trip if you have time.
20. Norwegian Parliament
This majestically built building is the seat of the country’s government.
The parliament building is open for visitors when not in session.
The guided tour takes you to the most important sections and gives you insight on the history of the building.
Address: Storting building, Karl Johans gate 22, 0026 Oslo, Norway
But beyond the famous attractions in Oslo, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. In this Oslo travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Oslo but also what to do.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Oslo can be easily covered in a short itinerary. So what are Oslo sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.
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