The Oslo Complete Mini Guide
Oslo is the capital of Norway, the largest and most populated city of the country. It is an interesting city from many points of view, from architecture to quality of life, Oslo is surrounded by nature so lush and varied that it is even possible to ski in the morning and swim in the sea in the afternoon. A city waiting to be discovered! It is a European capital in all respects, with impeccable standards, top-notch restaurants, an enviable nightlife and many opportunities for shopping. For its favorable geographical position, Oslo continued to develop over the years until it became a world-famous global service center and technology hub. The city is in fact in constant turmoil and development, citing innovative architecture and unmissable museums, beautiful bars, bistros and night clubs. Modern but attentive to traditions, Oslo will impress you from the first moment.
Best Times to Visit Oslo
The best time to visit Oslo is from May to August when the temperatures rise and there are surprisingly affordable room rates available, though these options often fill up fast. Daytime temps generally hover in the 60s and 70s, but evenings can get chilly at times, so remember to bring a coat. Like Stockholm and Reykjavik, Oslo can experience nearly 24 hours of daylight in the summer, with the famous midnight sun usually appearing in June or July. On the flip side, there are winter days of near total darkness. This is matched with frigid weather and temperatures diving into the 20s.
Things to See in Oslo
1 Harbor Promenade
2 City Hall
3 Nobel Peace Center
4 Akershus Castle & Fortress
5 Viking Museum
6 Norwegian Folk Museum
Harbor Promenade
We suggest beginning your day at the Harbor Promenade. There you can walk along the water and enjoy the beautiful views and visit some of Oslo’s greatest treasures.
Oslo City Hall
City Hall is one of Oslo’s main government buildings and is also a great example of their beautiful architecture. Don’t just admire this building from a far. While it is a government building, it is open to the general public. Take a walk inside & you will find the interior walls lined with frescoes created by Henrik Sørensen, Edvard Munch and other famous Norwegian artists.
Nobel Peace Center
The Nobel Peace prize is an award given annually to someone who has “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.” The recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize is selected is chosen by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Inside is the Nobel Peace Center is a permanent exhibit about Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize, and the award recipients.
Akershus Castle and Fortress
From the harbor, you will see the Akershus Castle and Fortress, a medieval castle that was built to protect Oslo. If you are going to Oslo on a budget, you can walk the grounds of the Fortress for free. Akershus Castle, on the other hand, will require a ticket (unless you have the Oslo pass).
Closed for Renovation But It Can’t Not Be Mentioned: The VIKING SHIP MUSEUM
The University of Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum is closing for a major refurbishment and expansion project, before reopening as the Museum of the Viking Age in 2025 or 2026.
This is one of the best Viking Ship museums in Scandinavia. When you think about Vikings, you probably know that they were experienced explorers, but did you know that they were gifted craftsmen?The Viking Museum will show you just how beautiful artistry was during the time that Vikings sailed. In the Viking Museum, you will find real Viking vessels that were unearthed in Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune from as early as 820 AD. You will get to see them up close and notice the details and amazing craftsmanship that went into creating these vessels.
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History requires you to be outdoors as you stroll past 155 traditional Norwegian houses and a stave church from the year 1200. Be prepared for the weather in Oslo and dress in layers & wear comfy walking shoes.
How to Get Around Oslo
Getting around Oslo is not difficult: Norway shines for the efficiency of its public transport. Very convenient is the subway, or T-bane, consisting of 5 lines that extend to the suburbs, whose stations are identified by a round white and blue sign with a large T in the center. The Oslo metro network is divided into tariff zones, of which zone 1 includes the entire city center and its surroundings. If you prefer to travel in the sunlight you can take buses and trams, they are frequent, clean and efficient. The service reaches areas that are difficult to reach by subway. They typically travel from early morning to midnight. Another way to get around the city are the ferries that connect the different shores of the city overlooking the Oslofjord, it is an opportunity to see Oslo from the water and take beautiful photographs. Of course it is also possible to take taxis, which can be hailed on the street or booked over the phone; taxis in Oslo are quite expensive, around 5 euros per kilometer, but they are undoubtedly the quickest way to get around.
Shopping Places in Oslo
Although Oslo is not known as a shopping destination, it does offer plenty to keep the keen shopper happy. However, to find anything unique or of good value, you’ll have to head away from the expensive tourist trap of Karl Johans gate. Here we present the Life in Norway guide to the best shopping in Oslo, whether you’re looking for Norwegian souvenirs or everyday goods. The opening hours are from 10am, it is the common opening time in Oslo and you should expect shops to be shut by 6pm, but more than likely by 5pm.
The exception here is for stores inside shopping centres, which tend to stay open until 8pm, but this depends on the specific centre, so do check. On Sundays pretty much everything is closed aside from small (expensive) convenience stores, some small tourist shops, and some restaurants and cafes
Oslo City Centre
There are of course a number of shopping areas within the compact city centre, but they do tend to be on the expensive and generic side. The two main shopping malls are Oslo City and Byporten, both right by the main train station and transport interchange at Jernbanetorget. The shopping centre at Aker Brygge is growing in popularity with several premium stores moving in.
Karl Johans gate is considered by many to be Oslo’s “Main Street”, but anyone other than tourists usually avoids it, unless you really must have that novelty viking helmet. A more interesting option is just off this main drag on the side streets Kongens gate and Nedre Slottsgate. Here you’ll find Steen & Strøm, Norway’s biggest department store.
Bogstadveien
Well-known amongst locals, this popular shopping street contains everything from high-street stores to unique boutiques. This run of shops stretches from Majorstuen all the way to the city centre.
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