Oslo, cosa vedere nella capitale norvegese

Nel sud-est del Paese, accoccolata su un bel fiordo e incorniciata da colline boscose, Oslo, la capitale della Norvegia è una città tranquilla e sobria, per niente grande metropoli.

La capitale della Norvegia, Oslo è una città meravigliosa e caratteristica, che non potete perdere se amate la vita all’aria aperta.  Spiagge meravigliose raggiungibili in solo 10 minuti di battello, centinaia di km di piste per lo sci di fondo. Ce n’è per tutti i gusti. Ma Oslo ha davvero tanto altro da offrire.

Vi starete chiedendo “Cosa vedere a Oslo”. Ecco per voi una breve guida che vi fornirà tutti i dettagli necessari ad organizzare un viaggio piacevole ed organizzato. 

La prima domanda alla quale vogliamo rispondere è “Cosa visitare ad Oslo?”. Ecco un breve elenco dei luoghi di interesse di Oslo.

Oslo luoghi di interesse: cosa visitare e cosa fare

1 Oslo, National Gallery

It houses several works by the Norwegian Edvard Munch, including one of the four copies, the most famous, of The Scream. On Thursdays, entry to the gallery is free.

2 Oslo, Akershus Castle

The Akershus Castle undoubtedly represents the main architectural figure of the Norwegian capital. It overlooks the port and the city, offering visitors a breathtaking view. Inside are the Norwegian Resistance Museum and the Armed Forces Museum. The changing of the guard, which takes place every day at 1:30 pm, is very characteristic.

3 Oslo, Opera House

The Oslo Opera House was inaugurated in 2008 and inspired by Norwegian nature. Built near the harbor, the Oslo Opera Theatre seems to rise from the sea. Architecturally unique, it was designed for visitors to walk on its roof. Upon reaching the top, you can enjoy the panoramic view and also attend shows and concerts from up there.

4 University of Oslo

The University of Oslo is the oldest and largest Norwegian university. A source of pride for the nation, it is recognized as a top-level university worldwide. A fundamental pillar for research, it boasts many illustrious names who have achieved great scientific, literary, and other successes over the years.

5 The Fjords of Oslo

Have you ever wondered where is Oslo located? Exactly in the heart of the green Norwegian hills at the end of the Oslo fjord, 100 km long and especially wonderful during the summer period. Recommended for sports enthusiasts, as it offers various activity options such as kayaking, fishing, sailing, or diving.

6 Northern Lights, Oslo

If during your trip you have decided to “hunt” the Northern Lights, Oslo is definitely a city for you. The best periods to have good chances of witnessing this wonderful phenomenon are late autumn or early spring.

7 Oslo, Nobel Prize

According to some, Oslo would even live a very quiet life, giving itself a touch of glamour once a year, on December 10, when inside the City Hall Palace the ceremony for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize, designated, according to the will of Alfred Nobel himself, by a Norwegian commission takes place. Although small, Oslo, originally called Christiania, offers several interesting things, starting with the Royal Palace, overlooking the most famous street in all of Norway, Karl Johansgate.

8 Oslo, Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum offers a remarkable glimpse into the seafaring skills of that people. It houses the Fram, the icebreaker ship of explorers Nansen and Amundsen. And that of the Kon Tiki, the balsa wood raft of navigator Thor Heyerdahl.

9 Oslo, Munch Museum

Those who love modern art should not miss a visit to the Munch Museum, where no less than 1100 paintings and over 4,000 drawings by the great master are preserved. Also remarkable is the 14-meter high monolith, which crowns the highest hill of the Vigeland Park, where the namesake sculptor has scattered 121 statues of human figures. The port area is also worth a visit, with the Akershus Fortress and the lively Aker Brygge district.

Oslo in a nutshell: how to get there, what to eat, nightlife and curiosities

10 Oslo weather: temperatures of the Norwegian capital

When packing your bags, take into account the temperatures of Oslo: from October to April it will be very difficult to have a temperature above 10°C. Minimums around -5/-6 °C. In the summer months, however, the minimums rise to around 10 °C up to a maximum of about 22 °C.

11 Oslo at Christmas: Christmas Markets

The Christmas Market in Oslo at the Folklore Museum is the biggest pre-Christmas event in Oslo. It takes place during the first two weekends of December and is the best way to spend an entire afternoon: among the more than 100 stalls, you can find special gifts for family and friends. There are also many activities specially designed for children, including horse-drawn sleigh rides, the opportunity to try candle making, and in Santa Claus’s workshop, preparing your own Christmas presents. In the decorated and cozy cafés, you can rest your legs and enjoy Norwegian specialties.

The main street of the capital, Karl Johan, lights up with Christmas lights at the beginning of December, becoming the quintessential Christmas street. The lights on the two big Christmas trees in the city, in front of the Cathedral at Stortorvet and nearby Youngstorvet, will also be switched on during the same period, and Santa Claus entertains the children at various locations in the city center.

12 When to go to Oslo

In spring, it’s festival and culture time in Oslo. In summer, the numerous festivals that are organized attract thousands of visitors and offer activities and entertainment for everyone. In June, Oslo celebrates the beautiful season with its Summer Festival, a must-see, listen to, and taste! In the center of the capital, open-air markets, playgrounds for the little ones, live music, gastronomy, and much more. Culture is not lacking: until June 17th, the Munch Museum presents for the first time the works of the Austrian artist Egon Schiele. A great opportunity to understand the red thread that links the Viennese art world of the early twentieth century to Munch, who represented the artistic model for Schiele and many other painters of his time.

13 Oslo Pass, how to save to visit the city

To be able to visit the wonderful city of Oslo in a more economical way, we recommend purchasing the Oslo Pass which will allow you to have free transportation, free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, discounts on guided tours and free access to swimming pools.

14 Oslo, ski slopes

Not everyone knows that Oslo is one of the few European capitals (if not the only one) capable of offering magnificent ski resorts just minutes from the city center, easily reachable by public transport.

15 Oslo, how to arrive

Oslo, where to arrive: flying from Italy to Oslo is feasible thanks to the many low-cost flights. It will be a quick and economical flight. The Oslo airport is Gardermoen Airport, about 50 km from the city center, and is easily reachable by shuttle, train, or car.

16 What to Eat in Oslo

Fish is definitely one of the highlights of Norwegian cuisine; during your trip to Oslo, you must not miss dishes based on salmon, reindeer, herring, and mutton.

17 Oslo, nightlife

Despite the low evening temperatures, Oslo’s nightlife is quite diverse. There is something for everyone, ranging from typical pubs to nightclubs and entertainment venues.

18 Where to sleep in Oslo

Oslo, where to sleep: the most recommended areas to book a hotel in Oslo, are the central ones: near the station or the main streets so as not to be too far from the main attractions and to be able to reach them comfortably on foot. Life in Oslo is quite expensive, but by booking in advance you will surely find optimal solutions at a not too excessive price. Now that flying to Oslo is easier and cheaper, here is finally the great opportunity to enjoy the best of the city. The Continental Hotel, one of the two luxury hotels in the city, offers Italian visitors the chance to live a top experience.