Oslo is the capital of Norway and is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a modern cityscape. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or art lover, Oslo has something to offer for everyone, especially during winter months.
Wits picturesque landscapes, sparkling Christmas lights, and crisp winter air, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to this city during the holiday season. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s no shortage of winter activities in Oslo.
With an ideal size, you can explore Oslo on foot. The city has world-renowned museums, a lively nightlife, and many outdoor activities for the energetic. Whether you are planning to visit Oslo for a weekend or a few days, I have gathered here the best things to do in Oslo. You can’t get bored in Oslo.
1. Christmas Market
This market is held in the heart of the city. A lot of people think that the best Christmas market is in Germany. Sorry, but I beg to differ! In my opinion, the best Christmas market is in the heart of Scandinavia, in Norway. As it always snows in winter, Santa lives at the North Pole and Norway is closer to the North Pole.
Norwegian Christmas markets are full of lights, traditional Norwegian winter clothes, woolen sweaters, gloves or socks, yummy comfort food, mulled wine, and fireplaces. It’s also a perfect spot to pick up some Norwegian gifts or souvenirs to take back home.
The most famous Christmas market in Oslo is a winter wonderland in Oslo. You can find it in the city center along the Karl Johans Gate with a Ferris wheel, fireplaces, and many many stalls.
2. Ice-skating
Another one of the most popular winter activities is ice skating. Skating is an accessible and fun way to experience the joys of winter. With ice skating rinks right in the city center, you can easily combine an hour on the ice with everything from shopping and museum visits to a romantic date.
With several outdoor rinks scattered throughout the city, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to lace up your skates and enjoy the crisp winter air.
The best part? Ice skating is a free activity that is suitable for people of all ages.
Close to the National Theatre in the city center, you can visit the skating rink “Spikersuppa”. It has music and nice lights and offers skate rental. There is also a larger skating rink with music and skates for rent at Frogner Stadium.
3. Explore Oslomarka
If you are interested in exploring the city’s natural beauty, then a visit to the Oslomarka is a must. This vast woodland area offers plenty of opportunities for winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
On top of that, you will be surrounded by pristine forests and rolling hills, making this the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
4. The Opera
This modern architectural marvel is not only one of the city’s most iconic buildings but is also one of the largest cultural institutions in Norway.
Take a tour of the building or attend a performance to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage. You can also book a guided tour to go backstage and see the set workshop and get a table at the cafe/restaurant.
5. Holmenkollen Ski Museum
Holmenkollen’s ski jump is probably the most famous in the world. It offers panoramic views over the whole town, and the site also serves as a concert venue.
At the annual Holmenkollen Ski Festival in March, you can watch the Norwegian athletes in action. But the rest of the year, this place is just as interesting as its ski museum.
Exhibitions show the expeditions of Amundsen and Scott or of Fridtjof Nansen. The museum entrance ticket (NOK 120, €14) which allows you to climb to the top of the tower, and to try a ski jumping simulator.
6. Akershus Fortress
Another place to visit is the Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle that is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe. Overlooking the Oslo Fjord from a promontory lies the majestic Akershus fortress built by Håkon V in the late thirteenth century.
Take the time to stroll around and inside the ramparts offering magnificent views of the port before exploring the royal crypt with the white tomb of Håkon VII (1872-1957) and the remains of the original medieval castle.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the fortress was a prison, and the inmates included the infamous criminal and author of memoirs Gjest Baardsen.
If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of the city, be sure to take a guided tour of the castle.
7. Vigeland Sculpture Park
The Vigeland Sculpture Park is one of the most famous parks in Oslo. This beautiful park is home to over 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland, one Norway’s most famous artists.
The park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is a great place to spend a relaxing day surrounded by beautiful art and nature.
8. Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was built in the first half of the 19th century as the Norwegian residence of King Charles III of Norway. The palace is the official residence of the current Norwegian monarch.
The palace is at one end of Karl Johans gate. The Royal Palace in Oslo is open to the public during the summer season. Please check royalcourt.no for details before your visit.
If you are visiting during winter, then try to stop by at 13:30 for the changing of the guard.
9. Munch Museum
In order to honor Munch’s legacy, Oslo has built the new Munch museum, one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to a single artist.
Munch painted one of the world’s most famous artworks, The Scream, in Nice, in the late autumn of 1893 – far removed from the place where the painter actually conceived the iconic image, a spot in Ekebergsparken Sculpture Park that can be visited anytime.
To get to Ekebergskrenten you can follow one of the trails from the Old Town on the eastern side of Oslo.
Grünerløkka in Oslo is one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods for artists and artisans today. It was also here, at Olaf Ryes, embarked on his long journey from struggling artist to international renown.
Today, most people around the world know about him. Everyone has a relationship to the expressive painter with his very distinctive style. Few people, however, know that Munch was Norwegian.
10. The Viking Museum
You must visit the Bygdøy Peninsula, which is home to several interesting museums. It is accessed by a short bus ride from the center. The Vikingskiphuset (Viking Ship Museum) has the best preserved 9th-century Viking ships in the world. Oseberg’s boat is the most impressive of them, measuring 22 meters long. The patterns on the wood are magnificent.
The museum displays other Viking artifacts such as tools, clothing, sculptures, and a horse-drawn trolley. If you have to choose a museum, choose this one. (Entry: 60 NOK – 7€ – / adult)
If you want to learn a bit more about the cultural sites of Oslo, I recommend you book a free walking tour here.
Please if you go on a free tour, do not forget to tip.
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