Oslo
Visited in 2012 and 2015
At a glance
- Country
- Norway
- Region
- Bærum Municipality
- Population
- 1.1 million
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Oslo Gardermoen (OSL)
- Coordinates
- 59.91°N, 10.74°E
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Overview
Norway's capital sits at the head of the Oslofjord, wrapped in forest and dotted with islands. Its waterfront has been transformed in recent decades, with the Opera House, the Munch museum and a string of new buildings lining the harbour.
Oslo is compact and outdoorsy: you can swim in the fjord, hike in the forest or ski in winter without leaving the city's transport network, then return to excellent museums, galleries and cosy bars.
Things to see
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Photo: Pierre Blaché, CC0 Oslo Opera House
Walk up the sloping white marble roof for views over the fjord and the new waterfront.
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Photo: Premeditated, CC BY-SA 4.0 Munch museum
A tall, angular building on the harbour devoted to Edvard Munch, including versions of The Scream.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Palickap, CC BY-SA 4.0 Vigeland sculpture park
More than 200 sculptures of the human figure by Gustav Vigeland fill Frogner Park.
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Photo: Ralf Roletschek, GFDL 1.2 Akershus Fortress
A medieval castle and fortress overlooking the harbour, with ramparts free to wander.
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Photo: Tore Storm Halvorsen, CC BY-SA 4.0 Fram Museum
Step aboard the polar ship Fram on the Bygdøy peninsula and learn about Norway's polar explorers.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Premeditated, CC BY-SA 4.0 National Museum
Norway's largest art museum, covering old masters, design and Norwegian painting.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: yeowatzup, CC BY 2.0 Fjord sauna
Heat up in a floating sauna on the harbour, then plunge into the cold fjord.
Find tours -
Photo: Tore Sætre, CC BY-SA 4.0 Island-hop the Oslofjord
Local ferries hop between small islands with beaches, ruins and summer cabins.
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Photo: Gislus, CC BY-SA 3.0 Holmenkollen ski jump
Ride the metro up to the famous ski jump for views over the city and fjord.
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Photo: Jan-Tore Egge, CC BY-SA 4.0 Explore Grünerløkka
Cafés, vintage shops and riverside paths along the Akerselva in the city's creative quarter.
Where to stay
Sentrum
Central and well connected, close to the station, harbour and main sights.
Hotels in SentrumGrünerløkka
Relaxed and characterful, with great cafés and bars.
Hotels in GrünerløkkaFrogner
Elegant and residential, near Vigeland Park and the west-side museums.
Hotels in Frogner
Getting around
Metro, trams, buses and local ferries share one ticket system; buy tickets in the Ruter app. The centre is very walkable.
The Flytoget airport express train reaches Oslo Central Station in about 20 minutes; regional trains are slightly slower.
When to go
May to September brings long, light evenings and swimming in the fjord. Winter is cold and dark but good for cross-country skiing in the forests on the city's edge.
Plan your trip to Oslo
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.