Things to Do in Oslo
A small capital with big museums, built around a fjord.
See top-rated activities »About Oslo
Oslo sits at the head of the Oslofjord, and over the past two decades it has turned its old harbor and container docks into a waterfront of museums, apartments and public swimming spots. The Opera House, opened in 2008, set the tone: its sloping white roof rises straight out of the water, and anyone can walk up it for a view of the fjord and city. Next door, MUNCH holds the world's largest collection of Edvard Munch's work, including versions of The Scream, and across the city center the National Museum, opened in 2022, brings together Norway's art, design and architecture collections.
Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle on the point between the two harbors, is free to walk around and has good views of the fjord and City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each December. West of the center, Frogner Park holds the Vigeland installation, more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland of people at every stage of life, centered on a tall granite monolith of entwined figures. The park is free and open all day.
Across the harbor by ferry in summer, or by bus all year, the Bygdoy peninsula is Oslo's museum district. The Fram Museum displays the polar ship used by Nansen and Amundsen, the Kon-Tiki Museum shows Thor Heyerdahl's raft, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is an open-air park of historic farm buildings and a medieval stave church. The Viking ships that used to be shown here are off view while a new museum is built for them.
In the hills above town, the Holmenkollen ski jump has a ski museum and a rooftop viewpoint, and the metro continues into forest trails used for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. Public ferries also run to the small islands of the inner fjord, a cheap way to get out on the water.
Don’t Miss
Home of the national opera and ballet, with a sloping marble roof open to walk on.
A tall waterfront museum devoted to Edvard Munch, with rotating displays of his paintings, prints and drawings.
Norway's largest art museum, from medieval tapestries to modern design, opened in 2022.
More than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland in a free city park.
The polar exploration ship Fram, which you can board, and the story of Norway's Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
Historic farmhouses, town houses and a medieval stave church brought from around the country.
The famous ski jump, a ski museum and a viewpoint over the city and fjord.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Oslo
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. Best in Norway may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Oslo — FAQ
How many days do I need in Oslo?
Two days cover the waterfront, the main art museums, Vigeland Park and the Bygdoy museums. Add a day for Holmenkollen, the islands or a fjord cruise.
Is the Oslo Pass worth it?
It can be if you visit several museums and use public transport in a short time, since it includes entry to many museums and free travel on the city's buses, trams, metro and ferries.
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