Tour

Visit Oslo Pass

This pass is probably the easiest way to tour Oslo, and if used appropriately, can be one of the most inexpensive ways to visit Norway’s capital. The premise of the pass is that purchasing it will give you free access to virtually all of Oslo’s main attractions, free use of public transportation (including ferries on the fjord), free parking in certain areas, free entry to pools, free guided walking tours, and discounts at a range of other city functions and restaurants. The pass comes with a booklet outlining the entirety of the services you have purchased. The pass comes in 24, 48, or 72 hour intervals and is valid from the moment it is stamped. Don’t miss out on this convenient and relatively inexpensive way to explore Oslo!

City guide

Overview & visitor information

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Full Day Grand Tour of Oslo

Activity

This seven and a half hour tour is one of Oslo’s most inclusive. For around 100 USD, you will get free admission to all the sites on the tour and a lunch cruise on the Oslo Fjord. Sites visited on the tour include the Norwegian Folk Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum, as well as the Viking Ship Museum and Vigeland Sculpture Park. The tour is guided and comes in English but comes with multiple languages upon request (German, French and Spanish in particular), and children ride at a reduced fare.

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Oslo City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Activity

This tour provides plenty of flexibility for any tourist in Oslo. The tour takes place on an open-top double-decker bus, which provides great views of the city and all of its major attractions. The bus drives around the city in a 90 minute cycle. The tour stops at twelve conveniently placed locations that will allow you to maximize the number of Oslo’s attractions you can see, and you can “hop-off” as many times as you like! The added bonus is that you can take advantage of this offer for two full days with an unlimited number of rides around the city. While this might not be Oslo’s most structured tour, the price (at well under 50 USD) makes it worth the ride.

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Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise

Activity

This two hour cruise is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening. The tour takes you through Oslo’s fjord and into the gorgeous bays and breath-taking islands a bit farther from the coast. You will also get to view many of Oslo’s attractions that lie on the edge of the fjord, including the award-winning Oslo opera house. Drinks are available for sale on board. All together, this is a classic Norwegian experience!

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Oslo Experience Cruise and Tour

Activity

On this tour, you will have the opportunity to spend 40 minutes on the Oslo fjord by cruise in addition to visiting several of Oslo’s highlights by bus tour. After taking in Oslo’s most important and historically relevant area by boat, the buses on this tour will take you to the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Viking Ship museum and Vigeland Sculpture park. You will also drive by many of the premier attractions near the fjord, including the Naval Museum and the Fortress Town of Fredrikstad. The price of this tour is slightly under 100 USD, which makes it a competitive option for those wishing to purchase a tour in Oslo.

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The museum of Natural History

Museum

This museum is split into multiple sections that chronicle the history of life on Earth. The garden here is breath-taking, and children will enjoy spending time gawking at the dinosaur fossils, gemstones and meteorites contained within the museum. A well-presented display of the evolution of plants is also available for visitors. The museum is open year round has a café.

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The Museum of Norwegian Football

Museum

For children who cannot get enough sports, especially those who are in love with football, the Museum of Norwegian Football is sure to entertain. The museum is interactive and well-laid out, making this more intriguing than your average museum. The whole lay-out of the museum is meant to resemble a soccer game, with the first half chronicling football in Norway and the second half providing an account of the history of international play within the country.

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Akershus Castle and Fortress

Castles

Akershus Castle and Fortress is one of the flagship destinations in Oslo. The fortress was first built in the thirteenth century to protect the city from invaders. It has withstood many sieges and still serves a reduced military function today. The castle features intriguing dungeons, crypts and a still-functional cathedral. Several museums are located on the grounds of the fortress, and tourists can see the changing of the guard daily. Though it might be closed occasionally for state functions, the fortress usually closes at nine p.m. Tours are offered several times a day during the summer and on a limited basis (usually Thursdays) during the winter. Call +47 23 09 35 53 for information on tours. Address: Oslo mil/Akershus 0015 Oslo Tel: +47 22-41-25-21

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The Nobel Peace Center

Museum

The Nobel Peace Center is one of Oslo’s most modern museums and was completed in 2005. Inside, you will find a history of the award’s namesake, Alfred Nobel, along with profiles of each of the winners of the award. Informative movies and recordings of past ceremonies are also included in the museum. Sometimes, former winners come to give lectures within the museum’s confines. The museum is located in the city center; for more information, visit www.nobelsfredssenter.no.

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Norway’s Parliament building

Building

Norway’s Parliament building is located in Oslo’s city center, right across from the Royal Palace. This yellow-brick building is quaint and one of the more beautiful parliament buildings in Europe. The inside is decorated by gorgeous art that spells out the history of Norway. Guided tours are short and available daily.

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The National Gallery

Gallery

The National Gallery in Oslo houses the nation’s largest collection of Norwegian art and many of its most famous pieces. It is located in the city center and can be contacted by calling +47 22 20 04 04. The most famous piece found in the museum is Edvard Munch’s The Scream. The gallery includes more of Munch’s work, the pieces of many famous impressionists (including Monet, Renoir, and Degas), and those of other famous artists (like Picasso and Gauguin). The collection features art created until 1945, when Norway freed itself from German occupation. The gallery is worth a few hours of your trip to Oslo.

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The Ibsen Museum

Museum

The Ibsen Museum is a must see for fans of the famous Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen. The museum is built in the playwright’s former house, and is decorated as if Ibsen still lived there; some call it a “living museum.” The museum is definitely worth a visit; for more information, go to www.ibsenmusset.no.

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Gamle Aker Kirke

Building

Gamle Aker Kirke is Oslo’s oldest building, built in 1080. It is located north on the city center and provides Lutheran services on Sundays. The Church is associated with a mythical dragon and has quaint and historically relevant views to behold within its walls. Taking the bus is the easiest way to get here.

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Oslo Opera House

Building

This building is home to the National Opera of Norway. Seated at the mouth of Oslo’s fjord, the building was awarded the culture award at the World Architecture Festival in 2008. Over one million people have already visited this beautiful building; we recommend you do the same, if only in passing.

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The Munch Museum

Museum

Edvard Munch is perhaps Norway’s most famous artist, and was a pioneer in the expressionist movement. The museum contains a large amount of Munch’s work, most of which were left by the artist for the city. The display is constantly changing, which brings life and dynamism to this museum. For those who wish to see Munch’s most famous work, The Scream, take note that this masterpiece is located in the National Gallery, and not within the Munch Museum itself.

More restaurants in Oslo

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Bagatelle

This restaurant has long been considered one of Oslo’s, and Norway’s, finest. Seafood dominates the menu, which features market-fresh ingredients and creative dishes. Excellent chefs and ambiance only add to the allure of this establishment. The restaurant was recently closed due to a workers strike, but it promises to reopen in 2010 with a new feel, but same quality of cuisine. Address: Bygdoy Alle 3 Tel: +47 22-44-63-97 Website: www.bagatelle.no

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Ekeberg

this restaurant was entirely redesigned in the 1990s and is one of Oslo’s most modern and finest dining establishments. The beautiful view of the Oslo fjord is said to have inspired Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Seafood is the primary item on the menu, and the desserts will not disappoint.

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Feinschmecker

This is one of Oslo’s top restaurants, and is known for its antique style, although the building is quite modern. The quality of the food here is excellent, and the preparation very detailed and presented beautifully. The menu changes frequently, so you never quite know what you will catch. One dish that is generally consistent on the menu is the rack of Norwegian lamb, which deserves trying out.

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Restaurant Le Canard

This restaurant is located in one of Oslo’s most fashionable neighborhoods a short drive away from the city center. The restaurant is located in an old mansion, which adds to the allure of this French and Belgian dining destination.

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Palace Grill

This exclusive venue features an exciting atmosphere with a bar and small restaurant that are sure to entertain. This hang-out is unquestionably upscale, and attracts the young, hip, and sophisticated. The menu is always changing and the food is made daily.

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Statholdergaarden

This quaint restaurant is only open for dinner. It is located within a restored 17th century house and has been in operation as a restaurant for over one hundred years. Inside, you will find a beautiful setting and artwork that alone justify the decision to eat here. Cuisine changes with the season, but whenever you come, you will find a wide array of dishes including, but certainly not limited to, seafood. Do not confuse this restaurant with Statholderens Krostue, which is the (less expensive) bistro in the building’s cellar.

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Solsiden

This restaurant has a flare that has attracted multiple celebrities since the establishments grand opening fifteen years ago. The dining room has massive windows to accompany its high ceiling, providing a beautiful view of Oslo’s harbor. The meals here are excellent, and dessert will not disappoint. We suggest you reserve in advance.

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Grand Café

This classic venue was once one of the most chic dining locations in all of Oslo. It attracted famous artists, diplomats, and heads of state. Today, the café relies heavily on its tradition and is furnished from within accordingly. the dining selections are strong but not exemplary; this venue serves traditional Norwegian meals.

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Markveien Mat og Vinhus

This restaurant is one of the most authentic Oslovian eateries you will find in the city. Excellent service and a large menu are hallmarks of this establishment-you will not be disappointed by the sauces that accompany the majority of the meals here. The restaurant uses local food primarily, has a formal dining room, and serves fantastic wine. You will probably find that eating well here might stretch your budget, but it is almost certainly worth it.

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Theatercaféen

This café is one of Oslo’s, and the world’s, finest. The café was founded over one century ago and features live classical entertainment and impeccable decoration designed to match the season. You’ll find it difficult to leave once you step in; this café is definitely worth a visit.