The Calm Magic of Oslo, Norway
After a few magical days in Bergen, my husband and I boarded the morning train east to Oslo. The Bergen-to-Oslo train journey takes about seven hours or so, and it is by far the most beautiful train ride I’ve ever taken. Snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, glittering lakes: do yourself a favor and just stare out the window the entire time.
Whether you’re visiting for a week or a weekend, here’s everything you need to know about Oslo — from the best things to do, where to eat, and where to stay.
Things to Do in Oslo
Oslo is a city that rewards curiosity. The history runs deep, the architecture is stunning, and there’s a surprisingly great outdoor scene for a capital city. Here’s what made my itinerary — and what I’d put on yours.
Frogner Park
My husband and I enjoyed a nice morning stroll in Frogner Park, which is Oslo’s beloved public green space and the home to Gustav Vigeland sculptures. You can also find the Vigeland Sculpture Museum here if you’re seeking stunning art and a relaxing setting. It’s free, it’s open all day, and it genuinely feels unlike anywhere else. Grab a coffee and take your time wandering.
Nobel Peace Center
The Nobel Peace Center is a must, especially if you’re at all interested in history or humanitarian work. The permanent collection on past Nobel Peace Prize laureates is inspirational. When my husband and I visited, we got to see Yoko Ono’s Peace Is Power Exhibit, which was thought-provoking and beautifully done. Budget at least two hours here — it’s easy to linger.
Akershus Fortress and Castle
One of Oslo’s oldest landmarks, Akershus Fortress and Castle dates back to the 1290s and sits right on the Oslofjord waterfront. Walk the ramparts for sweeping harbor views, explore the medieval castle interiors, and soak in about 700 years of Norwegian history. It’s one of those places that earns its spot on every itinerary.
The Royal Palace
Oslo’s Royal Palace and the surrounding parkland is open to the public year-round. Catch the daily changing of the guard, or book a summer interior tour if you want to see inside. It’s stately, unhurried, and very Oslo — the kind of landmark that’s worth the walk even if you only admire it from the outside. My husband and I weren’t able to tour the interior during our visit, but we did explore the interior and it was beautiful.
Norwegian National Opera House and Ballet
Even if you don’t catch a performance, the Norwegian National Opera House and Ballet is worth a visit just for the architecture. The white marble roof slopes directly into the Oslofjord — you can literally walk up and over the building. The views of the fjord and city skyline from the top are excellent, and it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city. Check the schedule in advance if you’d like to see a show; performances here are world-class.
Sauna on Oslo Harbor
This was one of my favorite Oslo experiences, and I’d put it on every itinerary without hesitation. A floating sauna on the harbor — you heat up, jump into the cold fjord water, and repeat until you feel like a new person. We went on our very first evening in Oslo and it set the perfect tone for the whole trip. Look for sauna spots near Tjuvholmen or Sukkerbiten. We were there for a family member’s wedding, and they booked KOK, which was clean, scenic and convenient.
Oslofjord Sightseeing Tour
While we ran out of time to do this, one of the activities I’d been researching was a two-hour Oslofjord sightseeing tour. The tour includes beer, wine, and snacks, and the views of the Oslo skyline from the water are hard to beat. The fjord is calm, the scenery is spectacular, and it’s just a really nice way to see the harbor and sights from the water. Book in advance — these tours fill
Norwegian Folk Museum
The wedding we went to in Oslo was held at the Norwegian Folk Museum, which is a really cool destination, especially for fairytale fans. It’s an open-air museum on the Bygdøy peninsula featuring roughly 160 historic Norwegian buildings that have been relocated from all over the country — including a breathtaking 12th-century stave church.
Fram Museum
If you have a free afternoon, the Fram Museum on Bygdøy is worth the trip – you can even take a boat to the museum from Oslo, which is a great way to enjoy the sea air and sights. It houses the Fram — the world’s strongest wooden ship, which carried Norwegian explorers on expeditions to both the Arctic and Antarctic. It’s a real tribute to polar adventure and human endurance, and you can actually board the ship and walk around inside. It has a host of other fascinating exhibits filled with artifacts and epic stories about polar exploration.
Norwegian Maritime Museum
Norway is a nation built on the sea, and the Norwegian Maritime Museum on the Bygdøy peninsula tells that story beautifully. Sitting right on the Oslofjord, the museum covers everything from Viking boat building and ancient shipwrecks to coastal culture and modern seafaring life. Highlights include an original Viking boat and if you’re already heading to Bygdøy for the Fram Museum or the Folk Museum, the Maritime Museum is an easy and worthwhile add-on — together they make for a full, fantastic day on the peninsula.
The Viking Museum
One of my greatest regrets on this trip was not getting to see The Viking Museum in Oslo. It was closed for renovations while we were there, and is due to reopen in 2027. It boasts the world’s best-preserved Viking ships on display, as well as more than 5500 other Viking Era artifacts. We were able to see some of the viking ships, which were temporarily housed in the Norwegian Maritime Museum, but if you have the opportunity, I suggest visiting after 2027 for the complete experience.
12th-Century Monastery Ruins
The Hovedøya Monastery was founded in 1147 and was one of the largest and richest monasteries in Norway. You can visit the ruins for a peaceful walk through history.
The National Museum & MUNCH Museum
Whether you’re an avid art lover or simply want to get acquainted with some of the most famous works of art ever made, The National Museum and The Munch are two destinations you cannot miss. We got to see The Scream, by Edvard Munch as well as a huge collection of other fabulous works.
Deichman Bjørvika
The most incredible modern library I’ve ever seen is the Deichman Bjørvika is Oslo’s. This public library in Oslo hosts six floors of literature in addition to reading and study spaces. It even has stages, a cinema and workshops available for use. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to study or you want to grab a coffee and explore, this library is unlike any other you’ll ever see.
Hiking Outside Oslo
Just outside the city, you’ll find fabulous hiking, and best of all – you can get to much of it via metrorail. We used the AllTrails App to find great hikes just outside the city. Check out the Mellomkollen Nature Preserve among other beautiful areas for some quality time outdoors. My husband and I felt as though we’d stepped into a magic realm with spooky trees, stunning mountain views and enormous ant hills like nothing we’d ever seen before.
Where to Eat in Oslo
Oslo’s food scene is quietly exceptional. It ranges from casual neighborhood spots and buzzy food halls to some of Scandinavia’s most celebrated fine dining. Here’s where I ate, places I’d wished I’d had time to try, and where I’d send anyone headed to the city.
Masala Politics
This restaurant came recommended by locals and we liked it so much, we ate here twice. Masala Politics is an Indian restaurant with a fresh, modern approach — the kind of place that’s full of locals for good reason. The flavors are bold, the atmosphere is great, and the prices are reasonable by Oslo standards. If you want a little break from Scandinavian food during your trip, this is a great place to come.
Oslo’s Michelin-Star & Fine Dining Scene
Oslo punches well above its weight in fine dining. Maaemo is the crown jewel — three Michelin stars, a hyper-seasonal Norwegian tasting menu, and one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Scandinavia. Statholdergaarden and Kontrast are also excellent for elevated Norwegian cuisine in intimate, beautifully designed settings. Book well in advance — these tables go fast.
Casual Food Halls & Trendy Neighborhoods
Oslo knows how to do a food hall well. With a trendy atmosphere, great food, plenty of variety and more affordable options than some other restaurants in the city, Oslo’s food halls are a great option if you want a quick bite. Vippa is a hip street food market in a converted waterfront warehouse. We ate at Mathallen Oslo for lunch and for dinner during our Oslo trip, as it was accessible and had a wide variety of eateries to try out.
For those seeking an authentic Oslo experience in up-and-coming neighborhoods, Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen are worth exploring. You’ll find shopping, dining, art galleries and more. Grünerløkka is another neighborhood in Oslo filled with vibrant bars, restaurants, shops and more. It’s been described as an up-and-coming, counterculture neighborhood you won’t want to miss for great night life.
Where to Stay in Oslo
Oslo has a solid range of accommodation options, from reliable mid-range hotels to some genuinely beautiful boutique properties. Location matters here — staying central keeps you within walking distance of most major sights.
Scandic Victoria
We were in Oslo for a wedding, and we along with most other guests stayed at the Scandic Victoria. It’s centrally located, comfortable, and reliable — part of Scandinavia’s largest hotel chain, it has everything you need without any unnecessary fuss. Good beds, a solid breakfast spread, and an easy walk to most of Oslo’s main attractions. It’s a strong value for the location.
Hotel Continental
If you want to treat yourself to a five-star hotel experience, the Hotel Continental is Oslo’s grandest classic hotel. It blends old-world elegance, prime location, and attentive care to provide an exceptional experience. In fact, in 2025, this hotel earned a Michelin key. This hotel’s history dates back to 1900 and the iconic Theatercafé is worth a stop for a nice meal.
The Thief
For something more design-forward, The Thief is among Oslo’s coolest boutique hotels. Art-filled, architecturally striking, and right on the waterfront — steps from galleries, restaurants, and harbor saunas, this boutique five-star hotel provides a memorable stay. It’s ideal for design lovers and anyone who wants their hotel to feel like part of the experience.
Citybox Oslo
Admittedly, Oslo doesn’t offer many affordable options, but Citybox Oslo is one of the affordable hotels in the city. Clean, modern, no-frills, and centrally located, it’s a great pick if you don’t want to break the bank.
If you’re considering expanding your trip to Norway, check out my Norway Series. 🇳🇴
