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My Top 12 Things to Do in Oslo

11/09/17 | City Travel Guide, Europe, Norway, Oslo, Scandinavia, Travel

With the Tigerstaden in Oslo

True, I am back from another new country but first, before I dive any more into my adventures in Iceland I want to finish up with one of the final posts from this Summer – Oslo! As you may recall, the last stop on my epic Scandinavian journey was to Norway.  Unlike the other countries I visited I spent more time outside the capital than in, spending time in Bergen and Flåm along with half a dozen other towns I can’t pronounce the name of as I cruised through the Fjords and explored the countryside.  I ended with a return back to Oslo and a full day of exploring the city.  The Norwegian Fjords were definitely my part of my visit to the country but in the Oslo I liked the Vigelandsparken sculpture garden, the Opera House, and biking around the city on a beautiful day.

Being back to work is a bit tough but it is a short week for me as I am off to one of my best friend’s wedding this week in chagrin – the fun doesn’t stop! These are not geographically arranged or in any real order based on favorite spots because I  do not want to impart any bias! 

1) Take a Walking Tour!  Oslo is is a gorgeous city but many of the famous buildings and statues need an explanation! I opted for the Free Tour Oslo which is touted as an Historical Walking Tour of Oslo and it covered all of the top sites in the downtown area many of which you will see on this list! 

National Theater in OsloGrand Hotel OsloFDR Statue in Pipervika Harbor

2) The Opera House: The Opera House was one of my favorite landmarks of the city – shaped like an iceberg and home to the national opera and ballet it is only a few blocks from the center of town and definitely a “must see”, especially since you can walk on the roof! 

The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet in July 2017Outside the Oslo Opera HouseThe Norwegian National Opera & Ballet in July 2017Selfie at The Norwegian National Opera & BalletView of Oslo from The Norwegian National Opera & BalletOntop of The Norwegian National Opera & BalletClimbing the The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet

 3) Vigelandsparken Gardens:  I wrote an entire post  about The Naked Statutes in Olso’s Vigelandsparken which I highly recommend you read and then make your way to this park on the edge of the city with more than 200 naked statues all built by the same artist. 

Naked Statues at the Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park in Oslo

4) City Hall:  The City hall may not look like anything from the outside, just an odd brick structure, but if you you are lucky enough to catch the 49 bells playing contemporary music (think Rihanna) it might give you a better idea of what is inside – bright colorful murals, gorgeous displays of the presents to states, and a lively entry hall that is constantly buzzing. 

Front of the Oslo City Hall (Oslo Radhus)Lobby of Oslo City Hall (Oslo Radhus)Inside Oslo City Hall (Oslo Radhus)Mural in Oslo City Hall (Oslo Radhus)Back of the Oslo City Hall (Oslo Radhus)

5) Akershus Fortress: Atop a large hill this 13th century fort has great views of the city, two museums (though I didn’t go in), and a great path down to the Inner OsloFjord, more commonly known as the main harbor. 

Akershus Castle and Fortress

5) Pipervika Harbor: Any visit to Oslo shoudl include a visit to this central hub where you can find Street performers, delicious food stalls, and a plethora of public transportation – from ferries and trams to the bike share, need I say more?

Fish and Chips in the Pipervika HarborStreet Performer in Pipervika HarborFish and Chips in Pipervika

6) The Oslo Tiger; Pose with it and snap a picture, it’s what everyone does – locals and tourists alike.  There is also a large ax nearby and bathrooms right inside in the Oslo Central Station #protip.  I loved learning on my walking tour (see point one) that the citizens of Oslo actually voted for this statue to be a tiger because Oslo was once known as a very dangerous city!  

The Tiger in OsloAx Outside Oslo Central Station

7) The Nobel Peace Center: Worth a visit – most of it is in Stockholm mine this one is Oslo but did you know Nobel invented dynamite?  It is located in the Pipervika Harbor and I thought it was well worth the $12 price of admission between the permeant and temporary exhibits. 

The Nobel Peace Center in Olso

8) Karl Johans Gate: Walk along this famous street that leads from Parliament to The Royal palace – not as much a gate as a gorgeous street with restaurants with outdoor dining on one side and a park on the other and you will pass famous things like the Grand Hotel where the Nobel Peace Prize laureates stay!

Karl Johans GateOslo Street Corner

9) Visit National Museum :  Formally called The National Gallery of Norway or the Nasjonalgalleriet, this was one of the surprises on my trip.  I went to the museum in order to see only one piece of art – The Scream by Norwegian Expressionist Edvard Munch but I ended up staying for nearly two hours (that is a lot for me and a museum) in order to take in works from many of my favorite artists. I wandered from room to room taking in the the works by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, and Rodin all of which were pleasant surprises because I only came for the Munch.

Guide for the The National Museum - NasjonalmuseetThe National Museum - Nasjonalmuseet 04The National Museum - Nasjonalmuseet 07The National Museum - Nasjonalmuseet 01The National Museum - Nasjonalmuseet 06The National Museum - Nasjonalmuseet 08

10) Visit the Royal Palace: The changing of the guards is understated and i you have seen it at Buckingham Palace you can skip this one but it is worth visiting the gardens and gorgeous grounds! 

The Royal Palace in OsloGuards at the Oslo Royal Palace

12) Rent a Bike.  A bike is a great way to get around the city of Oslo and I chose to rent one from Oslo Bysykkel – you can see more here – as they have more than 100 stations.  I spent around $10 US for a three day pass which allowed me unlimited 45 minute rides around the city for the day – it was so much fun and all the rides were less than than cost of one taxi ride! 

Bike Infront of The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet

 

Which of these things to do in Oslo would you do first? 

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Comments

  1. Jessica says

    November 9, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    I have never seen such a pretty city hall…who would have known. I also adore the photos from the National Gallery. Lots of top notch artists there. A real find.

    Looks like you had gorgeous weather and had a lot of fun. You look adorable.

  2. Sarah says

    November 9, 2017 at 11:48 am

    Too funny. I am going there on a cruise in May. Can you please give me your top three or four things that you think I could do in a day?

    Wish I was staying longer after looking at all the amazing things to do.

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog.  I am a New York City girl at heart but I moved to London in the Spring of 2018!

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