Things to do in Oslo and places to see

Things to Do in Oslo: A Comprehensive Guide to the City’s Best Activities and Attractions

Things to do in Oslo

There are various things to do in Oslo and places to visit. Norway´s capital is a beautiful city with so much in hand.

There are plenty of things to do in Oslo that will keep you entertained and engaged even when you are visiting Oslo for a day or two. For other Oslo itinerary, you can check our previous post here.

Boat trip down Oslofjord

One popular activity in Oslo is the Oslofjord cruise. This scenic Oslo fjord cruise gives visitors an up-close view of the city from the water. The boats or ferries are comfortable and provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

There are different Oslo Fjord cruise that you can book as well as the cruise duration. You can check out here for more information.

Check the Norwegian waterfalls here, you might be interested visiting one of these amazing waterfalls in Norway.

Kayaking down Oslofjord

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider kayaking down Oslofjord instead for an even more immersive experience. 

For those who prefer land activities, there are many attractions and activities in Oslo to choose from.

One must-see attraction is Vigeland Park, which boasts over 200 bronze, granite and cast iron sculptures by Gustav Vigeland – Norway’s most renowned sculptor. If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of child-friendly activities in Oslo as well.

Summer in Oslo is a great time to explore the city’s many outdoor attractions such as public parks and beaches along the fjord’s coastline. In addition, there are several museums that offer special exhibitions during this time as well.

Winter season is not boring at all for those who know how to find fun during this cold season. One must visit during this time if they love snow sports such as skiing is Holmenkollen Ski Jump. 

Or ice-skating – Try skating at Spikersuppa Ice Rink. Ice skating is a fun winter activity for both adults and children. 

Spikersuppa becomes a magical place during the Christmas season as it turns into a Christmas Winterland (Jul Vinterland). This is a favourite amongst locals especially children who want to see Santa Claus, grab a bite of chocolate-coated apples, queue for all-time favorite churros and many more. If you are visiting Oslo during December, then this is a must-activity for you and your kids.

Moreover, Oslo is better explored on foot! Oslo is a walkable City where you can easily get around the city center and will see a lot of tourist attractions in the area. 

We recommend obtaining an “Oslo Pass” which provides free entry to many attractions – including free public transport for a day or two depending on what type of Oslo Pass you will buy.

You can also access over 30 museums and attractions. Whether you’re searching for activities for families or just looking to explore the city, there are plenty of things to do in Oslo that will make your trip worth it.

Book your accommodations here.

Things to do in Oslo with children

  • Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology
  • Oslo Klatrepark
  • Kayaking down Oslofjord
  • Ice skating (during the winter)
  • Soak at Oslo Beach or at Tjuvholmen
  • Huk Beach
  • Paradisbukta Beach
  • Hike or bicycle through Nordmarka
  • Tusenfryd Amusement Park (Short Drive from Oslo)

If you’re planning a family vacation, Oslo can be a great destination for you and your kids. While the city offers plenty of opportunities for adults to enjoy themselves, it also has many fun activities and attractions that children will love.

Here are some things to do in Oslo with your children: First on the list is the Oslo Pass.

The pass provides free entry to over 30 museums and attractions, as well as free public transportation in zones one and two. The best part? Kids under the age of 6 get in for free!

Some must-see places with the Oslo Pass include the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, which has interactive exhibits that kids will love, and Oslo Klatrepark (Climb) which is a great outdoor activity for families.

If you’re looking for fun activities for the family, why not kayak or take a boat trip down Oslofjord? Both activities offer stunning views of Norway’s capital city while allowing your kids to burn off some energy.

You can also go to TusenFryd Amusement Park. At this Amusement Park children can have fun riding thrilling rollercoasters and water rides. It is just a little bit outside of Oslo and is about 18mins by car and 38 mins by bus. Not bad for the entertainment you and your kids will be having in the amusement park.

Check out their opening times before planning your visit.

In winter months, ice-skating rinks pop up all over town as well.

Visiting Oslo during the summer with your children makes a beach the perfect playground. Right in the heart of Oslo is the Oslo beach adjacent to the Opera House. Both children and adults can enjoy soaking up in Oslos not so called, not so warm water!

Things to do in Oslo
My kids enjoying Oslo Beach while the weather is good.

Tjuvholmen offers a small water area for kids to enjoy as well as for adults to sunbathe.

Nothing beats enjoying nature with your family in summer or winter in Oslo.

Another place worth visiting is Bygdøy Peninsula where you have access to several beaches like Huk Beach or Paradisbukta Beach – perfect spots for building sandcastles or having picnics by the sea!

 Another option is taking a hike through Nordmarka Forest where families can explore beautiful hiking trails during summertime while skiing trails are available during winter months.

Overall, there are plenty of things to do in Oslo with kids that won’t break the bank. From attractions to the outdoors, Oslo is a great destination that will entertain your entire family, no matter what season you visit.

Free things to do in Oslo

  • Vigeland Park
  • St. Hanshaugen Park
  • Oslo Library (offers different departments for adults and kids)
  • Explore Akershus Fortress
  • Frogner Park Playground for kids
  • Explore Ekerberg Parks sculptures (Ekebergparken)
  • Visit several beaches around Oslo
Things to do in Oslo Frogner Park
My personal photo taken during one of our visit at Frognerparken (Frogner Park).

Oslo is a beautiful city with lots of things to see and do, but if you’re on a budget, don’t worry! You can still have a great time without breaking the bank. Here are some free things to do in Oslo that are definitely worth checking out.

One of the best free things to do in Oslo is to visit one of the city’s many parks. Oslo has a lot of parks, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.

Some of the most popular include Frogner Park and Vigelandsparken (Vigeland Park), which is home to over 200 bronze, granite and cast iron sculptures by Gustav Vigeland; and St. Hanshaugen Park, which offers panoramic views of the city. 

This video is taken during one of our visit at Vigelandsparken.

Oslo also has several museums that offer free admission on certain days or at certain times.

Museums are a great way to learn about Norwegian art, culture and history.

If you’re in Oslo with children or just looking for some child-friendly activities, there are plenty of options for fun things to do for free.

 One great option is visiting Bygdøy Peninsula where you can find several beaches that offer swimming spots in summer months as well as some fantastic walking trails with stunning views.

Additionally, you can take your kids to explore Akershus Fortress which was built by King Håkon V. 

Another good option for those visiting Oslo with children is taking advantage of the many playgrounds around the city.

Frognerparken Playground features swings & slides suitable for all ages while other public playgrounds in the city has climbing frames, swings, trampolines etc if you want to enjoy beautiful waterways around Oslo then take a kayak trip down Oslofjord or book an Oslofjord boat trip can be a great way to experience the city..

The public library is also worth visiting especially if you have small kids, there are children’s activities that the library is arranging especially during weekends.

Don’t forget to add Ekebergparken (Ekeberg Park) to your travel itinerary. Explore this huge forest where sculptures are scattered all over the place. Try to find as many sculptures as you can, bring your kids and have a sculpture hunting, it’s fun and it’s a good exercise for everyone too!  

Things to do in Oslo, Ekebergparken
My daughter doing one of the mini obstacles at Ekebergparken.

Not only will you see some amazing sights, but you’ll also get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. All in all, if you’re looking for fun activities in Oslo on a budget, there are plenty of options.

Whether you’re interested in art, history, nature or just want to spend time with your family enjoying the outdoors, there’s something for everyone. So go out and explore!

Things to do in Oslo in winter

  • Visit Vinterpark (Ski Resort)
  • Skiing
  • Ice Skating
  • Floating Sauna

Winter in Oslo can be chilly, but the city has plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep visitors amused. For those who love skiing and snowboarding, Vinterpark is a must-visit destination. Located just approx. 20 minutes from the city center, this ski resort boasts slopes, ski lifts, and a children’s area too.

Visitors can rent equipment at the park’s rental shop or bring their own gear. Another popular winter activity in Oslo is ice skating.

The city has several ice rinks that are open to the public during winter months. Spikersuppa Ice Rink is located right in the heart of the city and offers free admission and you have to bring your own skates.

Another option is Frogner Stadium Ice Rink which offers both public skating sessions as well as hockey games. Visitors looking for a unique winter experience should check out Holmenkollen Ski Jump which is not only a historic landmark but also hosts world-class ski jumping competitions every year.

Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the jump tower for panoramic views of Oslo or even try their hand at downhill skiing on one of Holmenkollen’s groomed slopes. 

No visit to Oslo would be complete without experiencing a traditional Norwegian sauna.

KOK Floating Sauna offers visitors a chance to unwind in an authentic wood-fired sauna while enjoying stunning views of the Oslofjord. Guests can also take a dip in the icy waters or warm up with some hot tea after their sauna session.

On the other hand, children will surely have fun snow sliding and gliding in the forest. Winter is not bad at all if you know how to find fun in the cold!

Overall, there are plenty of things to do in Oslo during winter months whether you’re looking for outdoor activities like skiing or indoor relaxation like saunas and ice skating rinks. Don’t let cold weather deter you from exploring this beautiful Scandinavian city!

Things to do in Oslo in Summer

Summer in Oslo is an exciting time to explore the city. There are plenty of outdoor activities and events to keep you entertained during your visit.

Here are some of the best things to do in Oslo in summer: One of the best ways to enjoy summer in Oslo is by taking a boat trip down Oslofjord.

You can take a guided tour, or rent a boat and explore on your own. The fjord offers beautiful views of the city and surrounding countryside, including islands and beaches that are perfect for swimming.

Check out Oslo Cruise here.

If you’re looking for something more active, kayaking down Oslofjord is a great way to spend the day. There are several companies offering kayak rentals and guided tours so you can explore at your own pace or with the help of an experienced guide.

Oslo has plenty of child-friendly activities during the summer months as well. The TusenFryd Amusement Park is one worth visiting if you have kids.

It has plenty of rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and carnival games that will keep everyone entertained all day long. 

For those who love exploring history and nature together, one place that’s worth visiting is Akershus Fortress.

It’s a medieval castle situated on top of a hill which provides stunning views over Oslofjord from its ramparts. 

Summer in Oslo offers plenty of fun activities for families with kids or anyone who loves outdoor adventures with stunning views over fjords or historical sites filled with stories just waiting to be discovered!

And oh, by the way, get your fishing stang and go fishing right at Oslo waterfront.

Things to do in Oslo for art lovers

  • Visit Munch Museum
  • Astrup Fearnley Museum
  • Other Exhibits
  • Explore Oslo Sculptures

Oslo is a hub for art lovers, with numerous museums, galleries, and exhibitions to explore. The city has a rich artistic history that dates back several centuries and offers an extensive collection of contemporary and classic art.

Here are some of the best things to do in Oslo for art lovers. The Munch Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves art.

Munch Museum Oslo, Norway
This is one of my personal photos I took while strolling in the area.

The museum houses the largest collection of works by Edvard Munch, one of Norway’s most renowned artists. “The Scream” and “Madonna” are just a few of his famous artworks that visitors would love to see. There are also temporary exhibitions showcasing other artists with similar styles or themes too.

For those interested in contemporary art, the Astrup Fearnley Museum is worth visiting. It features an extensive collection of contemporary art from all over the world.

There are also rotating exhibits that highlight emerging artists or significant trends in modern art. 

Oslo is decorated with different sculptures, wander by foot and you will surely get to see a lot of sculptures in Oslo.

Remember to get an Oslo Pass if you are planning to visit all or most of the museums.

Regardless of the season or length of your stay, Oslo has many fun activities for family and friends to enjoy.

Other must-see places in Oslo

  • Norwegian Palace
  • Palace Garden
  • The Parliament
  • Wander at Karl Johan Street
  • Stroll at Aker Brygge
  • National Museum of Cultural History
Places to see in Oslo, Norwegian Palace
One of my personal photos.

Oslo is a city that has a lot to offer in terms of activities and attractions. While there are plenty of popular tourist sites, there are also many hidden gems that are worth visiting. Here are some must-see places in Oslo:

Conclusion

Oslo is a beautiful city that has so much to offer for visitors of all ages.

Whether you are a foodie looking to indulge in local cuisine or someone who wants to explore the city with kids, there is something for everyone. Boat trips down Oslofjord provide stunning views of the city from the water, and kayaking down the fjord is an adventurous way to experience Oslo’s natural beauty.

If you only have one day in Oslo, consider visiting some of the must-see places such as Vigeland Park or the Akershus Fortress. During summer months, outdoor activities like hiking and biking are popular options for those wanting to enjoy nature.

Wintertime offers opportunities for ice skating and skiing at nearby resorts. For those on a budget, there are plenty of free activities and attractions in Oslo. 

The Oslo Pass is also worth considering as it gives you access to many museums and public transport options at a discounted rate. If you’re looking for child-friendly fun activities for your family while in Oslo, there are a heap of options including theme parks, animal exhibits, and children’s museums.

Whatever your interests may be, don’t miss out on visiting this vibrant city that offers an exciting blend of history, culture and nature. With so many things to see and do in Oslo, it’s definitely worth visiting!

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