Updated 2016
Getting off the beaten path in a capital city such as Oslo can be challenging, but not impossible. So , if you plan to avoid other tourists, here are some ideas:
- Going for a walk is a simple and free way to see the city. So pack those walking shoes, grab a map and your camera.
- Rent a bike and explore Ekeberg. The most scenic route is follow the tram tracks up the hill.
- Take a walk down along the Akerselva River.
- Check out the markets. Don’t miss the Christmas Markets if you visit in the winter.
- Go for a paintball match at The Adventure Parxs.
Read: Oslo: Tiger City.
Why you should add Oslo to your RTW travel list
Of course, visiting Oslo wouldn’t be complete without seeing the sights and experiencing the activities the city is famous for. Here are some ideas on what to do if you’ve never been there or plan on staying for a while:
- Visit the Akershus Fortress and spend some time around it, too. The views of the harbor are worth it.
- Visit the Old Aker Church, which is located on Telthusbakken hill.
- See the changing of the guard in the Palace Park.
- Visit the Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park.
- Some of the museums have free admission in winter (Oct 1 to Mar 31) so you can check out: Munch Museum, Vigeland Museum and Stenersen Museum without paying anything. Other museums have free admission on Sunday.
- Explore The Viking Ship Museum, which is part of the Museum of Cultural History.
- Visit the Oslo City Hall and the Parliament.
- Spend some time on a beach if you visit Oslo during summer.
- Ice-skate during winter, or try cross country skiing.
- See the midnight sun, or the northern lights, depending on when you travel.
Read: The Bottom of Oslo, Norway.
Why you shouldn’t add Oslo to your RTW travel list
- Norway is Europe’s most expensive country and Oslo is, of course, an expensive city. Compared to Eastern Europe and even to Southern Europe, you’ll have to increase your budget …a lot. Dining out is very expensive and alcohol will burn a major whole in your pocket.
Overview
Oslo is a city that many people use as a jumping-off point for exploring Norway’s great outdoors, particularly during the packed summer months, but it can be a charming city on its own. This is a typically low-key European city, but having been founded almost one thousand years ago, you can bet there is plenty of history and interesting things to see, even if it’s only for a day or two on your way in or out of the country.
What To Do
Speaking of history, you can check out the Akershus Slott & Festning, which is a medieval castle and fort that was originally built around the year 1300. It’s very interesting even though it’s not as opulent as some other European castles. There is also a daily changing of the guard ceremony if that sort of thing appeals to you.
The Munchmuseet is, as you might expect, a museum dedicated to the works of Norway’s most famous artist, Edward Munch. There are 5,000 pieces on display that were given to the city, including a version of his famous The Scream. Other interesting
museums you’ll find in Oslo include a skiing museum, which looks back at the 4,000-year history of the activity in Norway, as well as a Viking Ship Museum.
Read: Walking With the Nudes, Oslo, Norway.
Getting There
Since Oslo isn’t terribly close to anything, it can be an expensive train journey, but it is an ideal stop for those wishing to burn a day on their Eurail Pass. Most people will want to book a flight into Oslo Airport (code: OSL). It’s served by all the major cities, but some of the regional airlines fly into Torp Airport (code: TRF) as well. The Oslo Airport is on the train line, but it’s not close to
the city. There is an expensive high-speed train available, but also less expensive bus services.
Where To Stay
There are quite a few hostels in Oslo and the usual range of hotels in Oslo as well. Summer is obviously the peak time here and the better places can book up early. May and October are great months to visit as well, but sometimes they can be crowded too so it pays to plan ahead.