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A quick guide to Oslo- a great city break idea

My trip to Oslo was not planned. I had an amazing time there and was very nicely surprised what the capital of Norway has to offer. I hope you will get inspired by those photos to squeeze Oslo amongst other destinations in your travel plans. Since then, I returned to this Scandinavian capital and prepared for you a quick guide to Oslo, as this is such a great destination for a city break.

Oslo city break

A quick guide to Oslo- a city of sculptures and parks

From world-famous museums to breathtaking outdoor vistas and mouthwatering culinary delights, Oslo truly has it all. So, keep on reading if you are looking for pretty city breaks in Europe as I put together all the best things I gathered after my two visit to Oslo.


Favourite travel resources:

  • Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
  • Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
  • Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
  • World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
  • Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
  • Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
  • Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
  • Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
  • Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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What to do in Oslo

Vigeland Sculpture Park: Start your Oslo adventure with a visit to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the world’s largest sculpture park by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland. Wander through this expansive outdoor gallery, adorned with over 200 bronze and granite sculptures, including the iconic Monolith and the captivating Fountain.

The Viking Ship Museum: Delve into Norway’s rich maritime history at the Viking Ship Museum, home to remarkably preserved Viking ships, artifacts, and archaeological finds. Marvel at the intricately carved vessels, including the Oseberg and Gokstad ships, which offer fascinating insights into Viking culture and seafaring traditions.

The Opera House: Admire the striking architecture of the Oslo Opera House, a modern masterpiece that appears to rise seamlessly from the waters of the Oslofjord. Take a leisurely stroll on the sloping marble roof for panoramic views of the city skyline and fjord, or catch a world-class performance inside the state-of-the-art concert hall.

The Fram Museum: Embark on a journey of exploration at the Fram Museum, dedicated to Norway’s polar exploration heritage. Discover the stories of legendary explorers, such as Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, and step aboard the Fram, the world’s strongest wooden ship, which carried explorers to the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Holmenkollen ski jump: Experience the thrill of winter sports at the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, a renowned landmark and venue for international ski competitions. Take an elevator to the top of the ski tower for panoramic views of Oslo, or visit the adjacent Holmenkollen Ski Museum to learn about the history of skiing and winter sports in Norway.


Five best excursions from Oslo

If you have some time on your hands, maybe you’d like to consider some of these cool excursions from Oslo.

Oslo Fjord Cruise: Set sail on a scenic Oslo Fjord cruise, departing from the city center, and explore the stunning coastal landscapes, charming islands, and historic waterfronts that dot the fjord’s shores.

Norwegian Folk Museum: Venture outside Oslo to the Norwegian Folk Museum, an open-air museum located on the Bygdøy peninsula, where you can discover traditional Norwegian architecture, cultural heritage, and folklore through exhibits, demonstrations, and performances.

Oslo to Bergen Railway: Embark on one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, the Oslo to Bergen Railway, which traverses the breathtaking landscapes of the Norwegian countryside, including snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and picturesque villages.

Nordmarka Forest: Escape the urban hustle and bustle with a day trip to Nordmarka Forest, a vast wilderness area located just outside Oslo, offering a myriad of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, skiing, and berry picking, amidst tranquil natural surroundings.

Akershus Fortress: Discover Oslo’s medieval past with a visit to Akershus Fortress, a historic fortress and castle located in the city center, where you can explore ancient ramparts, dungeons, and royal chambers, while enjoying panoramic views of Oslo Harbor and the surrounding cityscape.

Where to stay in Oslo

  • Amerikalinjen Hotel– this boutique hotel offers timeless luxury and historical charm in the city centre of Oslo. Housed in a historic building that once served as the headquarters for the Norwegian America Line, this elegant hotel seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern comforts.
  • Clarion Hotelin the very heart of Oslo this hotel is a great mix of contemporary elegance and urban sophistication.
  • Hotel Bristol– A popular meeting point for politicians, musicians and actors since the 1920s, the Library Bar offers live piano music and it is so different from minimalistic style that most hotels offer in Oslo.

Oslo Oslo Oslo

Where to eat in Oslo

Best Restaurants:

  • Maaemo: Indulge in a culinary journey at Maaemo, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its innovative Nordic cuisine and commitment to sustainability. Chef Esben Holmboe Bang’s tasting menus showcase the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers, delivering a truly unforgettable dining experience.
  • Fiskeriet Youngstorget: Savor the flavors of the sea at Fiskeriet Youngstorget, a casual seafood restaurant and fish market located in the heart of Oslo. Feast on freshly prepared fish and shellfish dishes, such as fish soup, fish and chips, and grilled seafood platters, all made with the highest quality ingredients.
  • Olympen: Immerse yourself in Oslo’s culinary heritage at Olympen, a historic beer hall and gastropub serving traditional Norwegian fare with a modern twist. Sample classic dishes like kjøttkaker (Norwegian meatballs), bacalao (salted cod stew), and reindeer burgers, accompanied by a selection of craft beers and aquavit.
  • Ekebergrestauranten: Dine in style at Ekebergrestauranten, a fine dining restaurant perched on a hill overlooking Oslo, offering panoramic views of the city and fjord. Enjoy contemporary Norwegian cuisine inspired by seasonal ingredients, expertly crafted by Chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard Pedersen, while soaking in the elegant ambiance of this historic landmark.
  • Kolonihagen Frogner: Experience farm-to-table dining at its finest at Kolonihagen Frogner, a charming bistro and organic restaurant located in the picturesque Frogner Park. Feast on delicious dishes made from locally sourced, organic ingredients, such as homemade bread, seasonal salads, and hearty meat and vegetable mains.

Oslo Oslo

Those are the only few photos I took on my trip to Oslo. I was charmed by this city and I am already looking forward to my next trip. In this place, the history and old buildings intertwine with modern architecture and art. Full of vibrant young pubs, extensive parks with unusual sculptures and museums  makes sure that you cannot get bored.

I spent my time calmly wandering around and soaking the beauty of all the parks and green spaces. The weather was in favour of sunbathing and the city beach was beautiful. It was one of those trips when I just wanted to be. I walked around, got lost, discovered hidden gems. I forgot about ‘must see’ and ‘must do’ list.

guide to Oslo

Have you been to Oslo? I hope you decided to put this city on your bucket list after seeing those photos. I would love to know what are your favourite places?


See also:

Those photos will show you why you should never visit Scotland.

A guide to Copenhagen, a city of happy people.

A colorful weekend getaway in Malmö.

19 most beautiful castles in Europe you must visit

Oslo


Disclosure: Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

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