Therese + Joachim
Therese + Joachim
Things to Do
Oslo is a small capital with a lot packed into it. A few of our favorites are below — let us know if you want help planning anything!
Nordmarka
The forest right outside the city, full of cabins, lakes and hiking trails. It doesn't feel like you're anywhere near a city - I've actually come across moose out there. Easiest way in is to take the metro to Frognerseteren and walk from there.
Bygdøy
The museum peninsula just outside the city center. You'll find the Fram polar exploration ship, the Kon-Tiki raft, and the Norwegian Folk open-air museum. It also has beaches and a bit of forest. Heads up: the Viking Ship Museum is closed for renovation until late 2026/early 2027, so skip that one. In summer you can take the ferry from Aker Brygge, which is part of the fun.
Holmenkollen
The famous ski jump high above the city. The view over Oslo and the fjord is incredible, and there's a small ski museum at the base. Easy metro ride from the center.
Vigeland Park
The world's largest sculpture park, all made by one artist (Gustav Vigeland). Free, open all year, very Norwegian. The angry baby statue is a classic.
Sørenga and SALT
In summer this is where Oslo hangs out. Sørenga has a seawater pool and ladders into the fjord, and SALT next to the Opera House has floating saunas, food and music. Bring your swimsuit.
The Opera House
Walk straight up onto the roof for great views over the fjord. Free, open all day.
Grünerløkka
The neighborhood across the river. Cafés, vintage shops, brunch spots, and Mathallen (a great food hall). A few personal picks: Duken and Hos Peder for food, and Grünerløkka Brygghus if you want a nice beer.
Vippa and Aker Brygge
Waterfront food and drinks. Vippa is the more casual food hall right on the water across from Akershus Fortress. Aker Brygge is the bigger, busier waterfront with seafood restaurants.
Oslo islands
In summer you can take a public ferry from the city center out to Hovedøya or Lindøya. Pack a picnic, swim, walk around. Feels like proper vacation 15 minutes from downtown.
Staying longer and want to explore?
If you're sticking around for a week, Norway has way more to offer than Oslo. A few ideas depending on the vibe:
If you want the postcard version, head west to Geirangerfjord. Doing a boat trip on the fjord is amazing, and on the way you can drive through Trollstigen, the wild zigzag mountain road.
The southwest coast around Stavanger is also a good option. Pulpit Rock is the famous hike there, and there are some really cozy coastal towns worth a stop: Gamle Stavanger with its white wooden houses, Skudeneshavn out on Karmøy, and Sogndalstrand south of Stavanger.
And then there's Lofoten - we haven't been ourselves, but it's supposed to be the most dramatic nature in Norway. Sharp peaks straight into the sea. It's a flight from Oslo plus some driving, but on our bucket list.
Let us know what you're leaning toward and we're happy to help plan!