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 hosts several works by the Norwegian Edvard Munch, including one of the four copies, the most famous, of The Scream. On Thursdays, admission 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 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 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 appears to rise from the sea. Very unique from an architectural point of view, it was designed to allow visitors to walk on the roof. Reaching the top, you can enjoy the panoramic view from above and watch shows and concerts even from up there.

4 Universität Oslo

Die Universität Oslo ist die älteste und größte Universität Norwegens. Stolz der Nation, wird sie weltweit als Hochschule von höchstem Niveau anerkannt. Als grundlegende Säule der Forschung hat sie viele berühmte Namen, die im Laufe der Jahre große wissenschaftliche, literarische usw. Ergebnisse erzielt haben.

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 especially wonderful during the summer period. Recommended for sports lovers, as it offers various activity options 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 for you. The best periods to have a good chance of witnessing this wonderful phenomenon are late autumn or early spring.

7 Oslo, Nobel Prize

According to some, Oslo actually lives a very quiet life, treating itself to a touch of worldly glamour once a year, on December 10th, when inside the City Hall the ceremony for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize, designated, according to the will of Alfred Nobel himself, is held by a Norwegian commission. 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 insight into the seafaring skills of that people. It houses the Fram, the icebreaker ship of explorers Nansen and Amundsen. And 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 as many as 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 eponymous sculptor 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 brief: how to get there, what to eat, nightlife, and curiosities

10 Oslo weather: temperatures of the Norwegian capital

When packing, take into account the temperatures in 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, 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 more than 100 stalls, you can find special gifts for family and friends. There are also many activities designed especially for children, including horse-drawn sleigh rides, the chance to try candle making, and in Santa Claus’s workshop, to prepare their own Christmas gifts. In the decorated and cozy cafes, you can rest your legs and taste Norwegian specialties.

The capital’s main street, Karl Johan, sees Christmas lights switch on 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 light up during the same period, and Santa Claus entertains children in various locations in the city center.

12 When to go to Oslo

In Spring it is 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, hear, and taste! In the center of the capital there are outdoor markets, playgrounds for the little ones, live music, gastronomy and much more. Culture is not lacking: until June 17 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 connects 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 be able to visit the wonderful city of Oslo more economically, we recommend purchasing the Oslo Pass which will allow you free transport, 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 get there

Oslo, where to arrive: flying from Italy to Oslo is feasible thanks to many low-cost flights. It will be a quick and cheap 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 highlights of Norwegian cuisine; during your trip to Oslo, you must try 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 typical pubs to nightclubs to entertainment venues.

18 Where to sleep in Oslo

Oslo, where to stay: 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 reasonable price. Now that flying to Oslo is easier and cheaper, here is finally a great opportunity to enjoy the best of the city. The Hotel Continental, one of the two luxury hotels in the city, offers Italian visitors the chance to experience the top.