Unravel Oslo in 3 days

06 July 2021

WhatsAppCopy LinkPinterestTwitterFacebook
Love

Friendly disclaimer! 

We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.

Overlooking the Oslo Fjords, the city of Oslo stands proudly as one of the most prominent Nordic cities in Europe. Birthed from the heritage of the Vikings, the city has influenced European economies since the 11th century. With low crime rates and a stunning quality of life, the city is one of the best and safest cities to visit in the world, so much so that the immigration rates of Oslo are among the highest in the world. With its diverse architecture and well-preserved past, the city provides generous insight into Nordic culture, life during wars, marine history and more. 

 

Embark on a voyage through the land of the Vikings with this three-day Oslo itinerary.

Oslo 3-day itinerary at a glance

Day 1

 

Start your day at the Royal Palace of Oslo, the residence of the Norwegian monarch. The Historical Museum is a two-minute walk from there. Head over to the Rådhusplassen or the City Hall Plaza, where you can visit the City Hall, the National Museum and the Nobel Peace Centre. Head to the Oslo harbour for an evening cruise of the fjords and call it a day by exploring the nightlife of Oslo at Karl Johans Gate. 

 

  • Royal Palace
  • Historical Museum
  • Rådhuset
  • National Museum.
  • Nobel Peace Center
  • Oslo Fjord Evening Cruise
  • Karl Johans Gate

 

 
Day 2

 

Your second day begins at the popular Tusenfryd Amusement Park, the largest Amusement Park in Norway. Head over to the Akershus Castle, a key building in the Norwegian Resistance Movement, the struggles of which have been documented in the Norwegian Resistance Museum. Spend your evening discovering paintings of Edvard Munch at the Munch Museum. End the night watching a stunning performance at the Oslo Opera House.

 

  • Tusenfryd Amusement Park
  • Akershus Castle
  • Norwegian Resistance Museum
  • Munch Museum
  • Oslo Opera House

 

 
Day 3

 

Begin your final day in Oslo at the Bygdøy Peninsula, with a maritime history tour at the Norwegian Maritime Museum. Head over to the Fram Museum to see the original polar vessel – Fram – and other interesting polar exploratory artefacts and displays. Head to the Viking Ship Museum, displaying three beautiful Viking ships and a detailed account of its history. At the Norsk Folkemuseum, you’ll learn about the medieval culture of Norway. Spend your evening at Huk and Frogner Park, famed for the sculptures of Vigeland.

 

  • Norwegian Maritime Museum
  • Fram Museum
  • Viking Ship Museum
  • The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
  • Huk Park and Beach
  • Frogner Park

 

Detailed 3 day Oslo itinerary

Day 1

Pay a visit to the Royal Palace

Royal Palace Oslo
By Monica Volpin/Pixabay

Built in the early 19th century, the Royal Palace of Oslo is situated at one end of the Karl Johans Gate. This neoclassical palace with a stuccoed brick facade is the residence of the Norwegian monarch and where the Council of State is governed. 

 

Things to do: 

  • Tour the Vestibule, the Council Chamber, the Bird Room, the Great Hall and other reception rooms in the Royal Palace
  • Stroll around the romantic Palace Gardens, lined with gallant trees and grassy lawns. A part of the park is a beautiful Rococo garden known as Queen’s Park.

 

Useful information:

  • Cost and Timings: Timings and entry fees vary every year. For more information, check the official website.
  • How to reach: 
    • Bus: Nationaltheatret (line 12N, 30, 30N, 31, 32, 32N, 54, 81, 81N, 83N).
    • Tram: Nationaltheatret (line 13, 19).

Explore the Historical Museum

Museum of Cultural History oslo
By Wolfmann/WikiCommons

Visit the Historical Museum of Oslo to view exhibitions that host prehistoric and medieval treasures and ethnographic exhibitions of Egyptian mummies, antique art and much more. The highlights of the museum include the Viking treasures of Norway, the coin cabinet and the collection of classical antiquities. 

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
  • Cost (Historical Museum and Viking Ship Museum for 48 hours):
      • Regular rate: NOK 120.
      • Reduced rate (for students and seniors); NOK 90.
      • Free entry for children aged 0-18 and holders of the Oslo Pass.
  • How to reach: 
    • Bus: Holbergs plass (line 1N, 2N, 11N, 18N), Nationaltheatret (line 12N, 30, 30N, 31, 32, 32N, 54, 81, 81N, 83N).
    • Tram: Holbergs plass (line 11, 17, 18), Nationaltheatret (line 13, 19).

Browse the halls of Rådhuset

Rådhuset Olso
By Jorge Láscar/WikiCommons

Rådhuset, or the City Hall, is a prime location for exploring different aspects of Oslo’s governance. Built in 1950, the City Hall showcases impressive Norwegian art of the 20th century and is the annual host of the Nobel Peace Prize event.

 

Things to do:

  • Discover the history of Norway, the role of Norwegian Art on the design of the City Hall and the impact of wars on the governance and architecture of the Hall through guided tours
  • Hear the bells of the largest Carillon in the Nordic region.

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: Varies depending on the day of the week and season. For more information, check the official website.
  • Cost: Free entry.
  • How to reach: 
    • Bus: Nationaltheatret (line 12N, 30, 30N, 31, 32, 32N, 54, 81, 81N, 83N).
    • Tram: Kontraskjæret (line 12), Nationaltheatret (line 13, 19).

Visit the National Museum

National Museum oslo
By Ssu/WikiCommons

The New National Museum of Oslo is scheduled to open on the 11th of June, 2022. With over 45,000 pieces in their collections including Edvard Munch’s iconic The Scream, the museum is set to be the largest art museum in the Nordic region. With a new venue and the signature Light Hall, the new National Museum is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating art venues to look forward to in Oslo.

 

Unravelog Tip: You can create your own personal collection from the vast collections of pieces in the National Museum and share them on social media! 

 

Useful information:

Tour the Nobel Peace Center

Nobel Peace Center oslo
By Bahnfrend/WikiCommons

Opened by King Harald V of Norway in 2005, the Nobel Peace Center showcases the life of Alfred Nobel, the history of Nobel Prize winners since 1901 and the Peace Prize Exhibition. 

 

Things to do:

  • Explore the Nobel field and the Peace Prize Exhibition, where the life and work of Nobel peace laureates are highlighted
  • Enjoy the treasure hunt game of the Nobel mystery
  • You can watch the peace dove that is released every Friday at noon.

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00 am-5:00 pm.
  • Cost: 
      • Regular rate: NOK 120.
      • Reduced rate (for students and seniors); NOK 90.
      • Reduced rate (for children aged 12-18): NOK 50.
      • Free entry for children aged 0-12 and holders of the Oslo Pass.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Nationaltheatret (line 12N, 30, 30N, 31, 32, 32N, 54, 81, 81N, 83N).
    • Tram: Kontraskjæret (line 12), Nationaltheatret (line 13, 19).

Go on an Evening Cruise of the Oslo Fjords

Oslo Fjord Evening Cruise
By Jim G/WikiCommons

Spend your evening cruising the enchanting fjords of Oslo while also learning more about the history of the city. Oslo fjord cruises are offered by Fjord Tours, Viator and Shore Excursions Group.

Party at Karl Johans gate

Karl Johans Gate Oslo
By Ignaz Wiradi/WikiCommons

The most popular boulevard of Oslo is bookended by the Royal Palace on one end and the Oslo Central Station on the other. Lined with clubs, bars and boutiques, the Karl Johans gate is sprawling with people that are ready to enjoy the night at this iconic thoroughfare.

 

Things to do:

  • On Fridays, the Oslo Cathedral is open in the evenings for visitors to explore
  • Skate on ice during winter, at the market where you can also savour warm, tasty delicacies such as elk hamburgers!

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: Always open.
  • Cost: Free entry.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Stortorvet (line 1N, 2N, 11N, 18N, 37).
    • Tram: Stortorvet (line 11, 17, 18).
    • Metro: Stortinget (all lines).

Day 2

Enjoy the rides of Tusenfryd

Tusenfryd Amusement Park
By Helt/WikiCommons

Norway’s largest amusement park as well as a water park, Tusenfryd has thrilling rides for all ages. The highlights of the park include the Thunder Coaster, Space Shot and the carousel. 

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: Varies depending on the day of the week. For more information, check out the official website.
  • Cost: Varies depending on height and age. For more information, check out the official website
  • How to reach: Bus: Tusenfryd (intercity lines VY3, VY6, line 9, 500N, 505, 521, 521X, 1436).

Visit Akershus Fortress

Akershus Castle Oslo
By Viola/Pixabay

Named after the Akershus county which was once one of the four main regions of Norway, the Akershus Fortress was built to protect the city of the royal residence. The fortress played a key role in the Norwegian Resistance Movement, marked by the liberation of the fortress from German soldiers during World War II. 

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: Daily, 6:00 am-9:00 pm.
  • Cost: Free entry.
  • How to reach: 
    • Bus: Kvadraturen (line 12N, 30, 30N, 31, 32, 32N, 54, 70, 81, 81N, 83N).
    • Tram: Kontraskjæret (line 12). 

Explore the Norwegian Resistance Museum

Located on top of the Akershus Fortress, the Norwegian Resistance Museum documents the efforts of the Resistance Movement of Norway and the local World War II happenings in the capital. Apart from newspaper cuttings, pictures, posters and other documents that are displayed in the museum, one can also view the adjoining memorial that pays tribute to the Norwegian patriots who gave their life to the Resistance.  

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: 
    • September – April: Daily, 10:00 am-4:00 pm.
    • May-August: Daily, 10:00 am-5:00 pm.
  • Cost: 
      • Adult: NOK 100.
      • Children: NOK 40.
      • Students and seniors: NOK 60 
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Kvadraturen (line 12N, 30, 30N, 31, 32, 32N, 54, 70, 81, 81N, 83N).
    • Tram: Kontraskjæret (line 12).

Browse the collections of MUNCH

Opened in 1963, the Munch Museum showcases the life and works of famous Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The new museum, MUNCH, is set to open its doors in October 2021, with a collection of more than half of Munch’s works. 

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: 
      • Monday – Wednesday: 11:00 am-4:00 pm.
      • Thursday – Friday: 11:00 am-8:00 pm.
      • Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 am-4:00 pm.
  • Cost: 
      • Regular rate: NOK 60.
      • Free entry for children aged 0-18.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Bjørvika.
    • Tram: Bjørvika (line 13, 19).

Catch a Performance at the Oslo Opera House

Oslo Opera House
By Alexandra von Gutthenbach-Lindau/Pixabay

Opened in 2008, the Oslo Opera House is a stunning combination of innovative architecture against a backdrop of the fjords of Oslo. 

 

Things to do: Visitors can roam the terrace of the building for free, and even opt for a guided tour of the building’s performance halls. We highly recommend you book tickets to a performance of the National Norwegian Opera and Ballet and arrive early to sit in the hall and soak in the lights and ambience while it’s empty. 

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: Varies depending on the performance chosen. For more information, check out the official website.
  • Cost: Free entry, cost of tickets vary depending on the performance chosen. For more information, check out the official website.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Bjørvika.
    • Tram: Bjørvika (line 13, 19).

Day 3

Visit the Norwegian Maritime Museum

Norwegian Maritime Museum
By Redningsselskapet/Flikr

Founded in 1914 as the Norsk Sjøfartsmuseum, the Norwegian Maritime Museum researches and shares the maritime cultural history of the country. With immersive indoor and outdoor exhibits, the museum is committed to marine archaeology and the preservation of historic vessels.

 

Things to do: Explore the maritime heritage of Norway, visit the museum shop and grab your morning coffee at the Kafe FJORD in the Norwegian Maritime Museum.

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: 
      • 1st October – 30th April: Daily, 11:00 am-4:00 pm.
      • 1st May – 30th September: Daily, 10:00 am-5:00 pm.
      • Closed on 17th May, 24th December, 25th December, 31st December and 1st January.
  • Cost: 
      • Regular rate: NOK 140.
      • Seniors (67+): NOK 100.
      • Students and children aged 6-15: NOK 50.
      • Free entry for children aged 0-5 and holders of the Oslo Pass
      • For more information regarding family rates and combined tickets, visit the official website
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Bygdøynes (line 30). 
    • Ferry: Bygdøynes.

Explore the Polar Expeditions of Norway at Fram Museum

The Fram Museum is renowned for Fram, the polar exploratory vessel built by Colin Archer to allow safe passage to the Arctic and Antarctic. Restored in 1930, the Fram Museum was a key figure in the geographic exploration of the polar regions and is considered a national monument even today. It stands today, just as it was housed and showcased in 1936. 

 

Things to do: 

  • In addition to Fram, visitors can also view the other polar ships displayed by the museum – Gjøa and Maud – and explore in detail the history of polar exploration through immersive exhibits
  • Check out the Kon-Tiki Museum nearby.

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: 
    • May 1 – May 31: 10:00 am-6:00 pm.
    • June 1 – April 30: Daily, 10:00 am-5:00 pm.
  • Cost: 
      • Regular rate: NOK 140.
      • Children/Student: NOK 50.
      • Senior aged 67+: NOK 100.
      • For more information regarding family rates and combined tickets, visit the official website.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Bygdøynes (line 30). 
    • Ferry: Bygdøynes.

Tour the Viking Ship Museum

Viking Ship Museum
By Larry Lamsa/WikiCommons

The Viking Ship Museum is famous for its well-preserved trio of Viking ships – the Tune, Gokstad and Oseberg. You can also find various collections of small boats, tools, wood carvings and fabrics of the Viking age.

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
  • Cost (Historical Museum and Viking Ship Museum for 48 hours):
      • Regular rate: NOK 120.
      • Reduced rate (for students and seniors); NOK 90.
      • Free entry for children aged 0-18 and holders of the Oslo Pass.
  • How to reach: 
    • Bus: Vikingskipene (line 30).
    • Ferry: Dronningen.

Experience Norwegian traditions at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

Museum of Cultural History
By Richard Mortel /WikiCommons

With over 160 historic structures, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, or the Norsk Folkemuseum, is an open-air museum that documents and displays the cultural history of Norway most prominently from the 14th century. Learn about the folk art, Sami culture and the daily lives of Norwegian people in the medieval period through exhibits, demonstrations and daily activities here.

 

Things to do: 

  • Visit the well-preserved Gol Stave Church originally from the 11th century
  • Explore the exhibitions of the museum which explore folk art and folk attire, the Sami culture, church art, the history of knitting and more
  • Browse the different historic buildings in the open-air museum, each of which recounts life in different periods of history through historically accurate installations
  • Engage in the daily activities of the museum which attempts to recall the traditions of historical Norway; taste fresh, handmade Norwegian lefse flatbread, listen to fairy tales in front of the fireplace, meet the farm animals, work with the blacksmith and carpenter, play farm games, and more.

 

Unravelog tip: Try visiting on a Sunday if you want to catch an amazing folk dance performance by the museum’s dance group!

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: Daily, 10:00 am-5:00 pm.
  • Cost: Varies depending on the season. For more information, check the official website.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Folkemuseet (line 30).
    • Ferry: Dronningen.

Relax at the Huk Park and Beach

Huk Park and Beach
By Ryan Hodnett/WikiCommons

Huk is a relatively secluded beach and park where, regardless of the time of the year, you’ll be able to experience the natural beauty of Oslo at its fullest. With unique sculptures, hiking trails and a pleasant beach, you can go running, cycling and swimming here. It’s also equally satisfying to just lay down on the sandy beach and watch the rays of sunlight glimmer against the waves of the beach. 

 

If you’re interested in exploring more of Oslo’s natural wonders, check out how to enjoy nature in Oslo and 7 forest trails in Oslo for an intense communion with nature.

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: Always open.
  • Cost: Free entry.
  • How to reach: Bus: Ro (line 30).

Stroll around Frogner Park

Frogner Park
By Schomsi/Pixabay

With beautiful, protected trees and the largest rose collection in Norway, the Frogner Park is the largest park in Oslo’s centre. Within the Frogner park is the Vigeland sculpture park, housing over 200 sculptures of Gustav Vigeland. 

 

Things to do:

  • View the priceless sculptures of Vigeland sculpture park and visit the Vigeland Museum
  • Explore the city’s history at Oslo City Museum in the Frogner Manor
  • Grill some food at the park’s fixed grill or get your refreshments at the park’s café or restaurant. 

 

Useful information:

  • Timings: Always open.
  • Cost: Free entry.
  • How to reach: 
    • Bus: Vigelandsparken (line 12N, 20), Frogner plass (line 12N, 20).
    • Tram: Vigelandsparken (line 12), Frogner plass (line 12).

Get outdoors and be one with nature with our tips on how to enjoy nature in Oslo and 7 forest trails in Oslo for an intense communion with nature.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like