Oslo, cosa vedere nella capitale norvegese

Nel sud-est del paese, nestled on a beautiful fjord and framed by wooded hills, Oslo, the capital of Norway is a quiet and modest city, far from a large metropolis.

The capital of Norway, Oslo is a wonderful and distinctive city that you cannot miss if you love outdoor life. Wonderful beaches reachable in just 10 minutes by boat, hundreds of kilometers of cross-country skiing trails. There is something for everyone. But Oslo really has much more to offer.

You must be wondering “What to see in Oslo“. Here is a brief guide that will provide you with all the necessary details to organize a pleasant and well-planned trip.

The first question we want to answer is “What to visit in Oslo?“. Here is a short list of the places of interest in Oslo.

Oslo places of interest: what to visit and what to do

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, entrance to the gallery is free.

2 Oslo, Akershus Castle

Akershus Castle undoubtedly represents the main architectural figure of the Norwegian capital. It overlooks the harbor 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 13:30, 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. Very unique architecturally, it was designed to allow visitors to walk on the roof. Upon reaching the top, you can observe the panoramic view from above and enjoy shows and concerts even from up there.

4 Universitetet i Oslo

Universitetet i Oslo er Norges eldste og største universitet. Stolthet for nasjonen, det er anerkjent som et universitet av høyeste kvalitet over hele verden. En grunnpilar for forskning, kan det skryte av mange kjente navn som gjennom årene har oppnådd store vitenskapelige, litterære resultater osv.

5 The Fjords of Oslo

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

6 Northern Lights, Oslo

If on your trip you have decided to go “hunting” for the northern lights, Oslo is definitely a city that suits 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 even lives a completely quiet life, giving itself a burst of worldliness once a year, on December 10, when inside the City Hall the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony is held, designated, according to the will of Alfred Nobel himself, by a Norwegian commission. Although small, Oslo, which was 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 fewer than 1100 paintings and over 4,000 drawings of the great master are preserved. Also remarkable is the 14-meter-high monolith that crowns the highest hill of the Vigeland Park, where the sculptor of the same name has scattered 121 statues of human figures. The harbor area, with Akershus Fortress and the lively Aker Brygge district, also deserves a visit.

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

10 Oslo Climate: Temperatures of the Norwegian Capital

When packing your bags, take into account the temperatures in Oslo: from October to April it will be very difficult to have a temperature above 10°C. Lows around -5/-6 °C. In the summer months, however, the lows rise to around 10 °C and reach 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 over 100 stalls you can find special gifts for family and friends. There are also many activities designed specifically for children, including horse-drawn sleigh rides, the chance to try candle dipping, 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 capital’s main street, Karl Johan, lights up for Christmas at the beginning of December, becoming the ultimate Christmas street. The lights of the two large Christmas trees in the city, in front of the Cathedral at Stortorvet and nearby Youngstorvet, also switch on at the same time, and Santa Claus entertains children in various spots throughout the city center.

12 When to go to Oslo

In spring, it’s time for Festival and Culture in Oslo. In summer, the numerous festivals 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 there are open-air markets, playgrounds for the little ones, live music, gastronomy, and much more. Culture is not missing: 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 common 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 money to visit the city

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) able to offer magnificent ski resorts just minutes from the city center, easily reachable by public transport.

15 Oslo, how to get there

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

16 What to Eat in Oslo

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

17 Oslo, nightlife

Despite the low evening temperatures, Oslo’s nightlife is quite varied. There is something for everyone, from traditional 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 be able to reach them comfortably on foot. Life in Oslo is quite expensive, but by booking in advance you will definitely 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 experience top-class hospitality.