Oslo is often referred to as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Visits to many of the cities wonderful museums can add up quickly, but a visit to Oslo doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are our 10 must see sights in Oslo, in no particular order, and how to see them on a budget:
1. Akershus Slott
Built around 1299 as a residence for the royal family, Akershus Fortress is Norway’s most important medieval monument. Not only that, Norwegians believe the fortress is full of ghosts. “When a Swedish soldier got a little too drunk, he thought he could attack Akershus Fortress on his horse,” Christiann, our Oslo guide, told us. “That horse is buried in the entrance tower to the fortress and if you listen closely, you can hear him galloping!”
Pointing Christiann tells us, ““That was Queen Margaret’s chamber and the ghost chambermaid Mantelgeisten has said to been seen by many of the guards. She emerges in full length robes from the darkness without a face!” I won’t give away all of Akerhus Fortress’ secrets; you’ll just have to visit yourself to hear them all!
Opening Hours: May – September 10am – 4pm, October – April 12pm – 5pm; Admission: free with Oslo Pass or 70 NOK.
2. Oslo Opera House
Appearing to rise out of the waters of Oslofjord like a glacier, the white Italian carrara marble and granite of Oslo Opera House sparkle. It is the world’s first – and only – opera house on which you can walk up onto the roof! Views from the roof stretch as far as the eye can see over Oslofjord and the surrounding islands.
Guided tours to learn more about the architecture and even get a glimpse backstage are every Wednesday at 1pm, Saturday at 12:pm and Sundays at 1pm. Admission: 20% discount with Oslo Pass or 100 NOK per adult and 60 NOK per child (4 – 16 years old).
The Oslo Opera House of course has operas on its’ schedule, as well as ballets, concerts, and various recitals. Find the program and buy tickets here.
Oseberg Ship
3. Viking Ship Museum
The Vikings were undoubtedly master ship builders and some of the most famous Viking ships are on display at the Viking Ship Museum. I know I started this list by saying that these 10 must see sights in Oslo are in no particular order, but the Viking Ship Museum was at the top of my list when planning our trip to Oslo. And I certainly was not disappointed.
The beautiful Oseberg ship dates back to around the earily 800s and was a grave for a Viking Queen, who was buried with all of her belongs to aid passage into the next life. The Gokstad was a war ship and dates from around 890. Both of these ships were discovered over 100 years ago in an embalmed state in clay burial mounds around the Oslofjord and are very well preserved.
Opening Hours: May – September 9am – 6pm, October – April 10am – 4pm; Admission: free with Oslo Pass or 60 NOK.
The Polar ship Fram
4. Fram Museum
We couldn’t pass up a visit to see the world’s strongest polar vessel given our own interest in all things polar! The Fram is famous for three Polar expeditions: with Fridtjof Nansen on a drift over the Arctic Ocean from 1893-96, with Otto Sverdrup to the arctic archipelago west of Greenland (now the Nunavut region of Canada) from 1898-1902, and with Roald Amundsen to Antarctica for his South Pole expedition from 1910-12.
The Fram Museum took us on a journey of these polar expeditions through a series of photos, films, and boarding the ship to explore. We glimpsed life aboard the vessel with a look at the bunks, engine room, and facilities below deck.
Opening Hours: varies by season. Check the website for current hours; Admission: free with Oslo Pass or 60 NOK.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
5. Vigeland Park
We missed a visit to Vigeland Park on our first trip to Oslo, so when we found ourselves back for a short visit, we made visiting the park a priority. Designed by Gustav Vigeland, Vigeland Park features 212 bronze and granite sculptures set amongst three sections: the central bridge, the fountain, and the Monolith Plateau. With tiny snowflakes falling and snowy scapes, Vigeland Park was a fantastic way to spend a few hours strolling around the sculptures and acting like kids while making snow angels and surprise sneak snowball attacks.
Vigeland Park is open 24 hours and entrance is free.
Sporting our very stylish Arctic capes at ICEBAR Oslo
6. ICEBAR Oslo
More than 40% of Norway’s territory lies north of the Arctic Circle, though you don’t have to leave Oslo to get a taste of the Arctic. ICEBAR Oslo is kept at -5° Celsius (23° Fahrenheit) all the time and to stay warm, we received a fur lined cape and gloves. Everything inside is made out of 50 tons of crystal clear ice harvested from the frozen Torne River in Jukkasjarvi, Northern Sweden. Everything, including the glasses in which your drink of choice is served up!
Entrance to ICEBAR Oslo is on the hour, every hour and a reservation is recommended as a strict 60 person capacity is observed. Visits are for 45 minutes and include cape, gloves, and one drink of your choice and costs NOK 160 ($29 US) per person.
7. Eternal Peace Flame
The Eternal Peace Flame has burned brightly on Oslo’s Aker Brygge since 2002. Donated to the city of Oslo by World Harmony Run founder Sri Chinmoy, it serves as as a beacon of light and inspiration. A statue of Sri Chinmoy looking on to the flame was added in 2008.
Nearby, you can also visit the Nobel Peace Center where there are exhibitions about the Peace Prize winners and current issues. Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm; Admission: free with Oslo Pass or 80 NOK.
8. Henrik Ibsen’s Quotations
The famous playright Henrik Ibsen would take a daily stroll from his home near the Royal Palace down Karl Johan’s Gate to the Grand Cafe, where he would have his lunch every day. When Oslo isn’t covered in snow, Ibsen’s famous quotations can be seen along the route in the sidewalk in stainless steel.
Henrik Ibsen’s home is now a museum dedicated to his life and works. If his quotations intrigue you, visit the Henrik Ibsen Museum. Opening Hours: May – September 10am – 5pm and September – May 11am – 4pm; Admission: free with Oslo Pass or 50 NOK.
9. Christiania
Taking a stroll through Christiania, we found Oslo’s very first town hall and a giant pointing finger. This is where the Danish-Norwegian king Christian IV decided to rebuild the city after the dramatic fire in 1624. He pointed to this spot and said: “The new town will lie here!” The newly rebuilt town was named Christiania after the king himself. Several well-preserved buildings from the 17th century can be seen in Christiania and is home to the city’s oldest restaurant, Café Engebret.
10. Oslo Domkirke (Oslo Cathedral)
Built in 1697, Oslo Catherdral’s pulpit, altar piece, and organ front with acanthus carvings are all originals. Large ceiling murals were painted by Hugo Lous Mohr between 1936 and 1950. The stained glass windows are by Emanuel Vigeland. Guided tours of Oslo Cathedral can be booked on weekdays or just stop in and admire the beautiful church as we did.
Tip: Oslo Pass
The Oslo Pass allows the holder free entrance to all of Oslo’s most popular museums and attractions, including most of the attractions on our must see sights in Oslo list. In addition, it gives you free access to buses, trams, and the ferries to Bygdøy. Visit Norway provided us with the 72 hour Oslo Pass and we highly recommend it!
The 72 hour Oslo Pass also includes a mini cruise on Oslofjord. We took advantage of our mini cruise after visiting the Viking Ship Museum and the Fram Museum on the Bygdøy peninsula; the cruise took us back across Oslofjord to City Hall. Hot drinks and snacks are sold on board; the fiskesuppe (fish chowder) is delicious and a budget friendly lunch at just 50 NOK.
The mini cruise ticket is valid for 24 hours and you can hop-on/hop-off at Bygdøy, City Hall and the Opera House.
495 NOK for 72 Hour Pass (approximately $85 USD per person).
Jennifer Dombrowski
Jennifer Dombrowski is a location independent globe trotter and bases herself in Prata di Pordenone, Italy. She works as a social media and innovation strategist in higher education and is a regular contributor on johnnyjet.com. Her website, jdombstravels.com, is the 2012 Destinology Travel Bloggy Best Newcomer award winner. Google+
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We’re Jennifer and Tim and we love traveling! We are just one ordinary couple who have found that travel brought us closer together, taught us patience, the art of compromise, and how to truly appreciate the diversity of this extraordinary world. So far, we've visited 37 countries, lived in the United States and Italy, and Tim has lived in Korea. And we do it all while both holding down full time jobs. 
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18 comments
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Andrea
February 18, 2013 at 4:36 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
So many things to do in Oslo! I’ve only been there once for business and had no time to sightsee
Andrea recently posted..An Evening On Broadway: Seeing Chicago In New York City
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:44 am
You can actually see quite a bit on a short break, Andrea! Our first trip was for 2 days and our second trip was just an overnight with afternoon flight onward to Iceland. Such a great city!
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Andi of My Beautiful Adventures
February 18, 2013 at 4:40 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
I’ve heard such good things about Oslo!
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:45 am
We love Oslo, Andi! There is so much to do and so many museums and attractions we still have yet to visit.
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memographer
February 18, 2013 at 5:05 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Enjoyed the overview. Thanks! The Oseberg Ship looks cool.
I am looking at your photos and wondering- Are there any sunny days in Oslo during winter?
memographer recently posted..Polaroid: A Miracle Of Modern Science Is Back!
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:46 am
Too funny! Yes, there are sunny days in Oslo. We’ve only been both times in the winter, when the days are much shorter and the sun doesn’t get very high in the sky. So it appears gray.
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Andrew
February 18, 2013 at 9:15 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
I want to see the Fjords.
I love that the word for castle is Slott. No clue why, just sounds awesome.
Did the Icebar in Stockholm years ago, but for some reason unknown to me I decided it wasn’t worth bringing my camera, so I have no pictures of me in a big furry coat. I had a swizzle stick from it for a while, but it got lost in some move or another.
Andrew recently posted..Pinhão Tiled Train Station
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:47 am
Too bad you don’t have photos, Andy! I would love to see how ICEBAR has evolved over the years. When we visited, the theme was Captain Nemo. I believe they change the theme every year to keep it fresh and exciting.
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Cheryl
February 19, 2013 at 4:17 am (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Ha ha, those capes are darn sexy.
Great post! I hope to see Oslo someday …. for now I’ll live vicariously through you. LOL!
Cheryl recently posted..Instagramming Szczecin, Poland.
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:50 am
Thanks, Cheryl! They’re so hot, I want to sport one of those capes all the time!
Oslo is a fantastic city. Definitely put it on your list of must visits!
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Jonathan
February 19, 2013 at 10:06 am (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Oslo on a budget! I may have to rethink visiting there.
Jonathan recently posted..Mount Rushmore and a Milestone
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 10:52 am
You definitely should, Jonathan! And there are a lot of free attractions too. A hot dog from a street vendor makes for a perfect lunch on the go and definitely budget friendly at about $2.
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memographer
February 19, 2013 at 1:55 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Thanks for answering, Jennifer
Btw, I’ve tried to reply directly to your comment, but, when I click on “Reply” under it, I receive a pop-up “ERROR. Can’t find the ‘commentformid’ div.” You or your developer may wish to look into this issue.
memographer recently posted..Polaroid: A Miracle Of Modern Science Is Back!
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 2:50 pm
Thanks for letting me know! Apparently I had to manually re-add a code after an update on my site yesterday. All fixed now!
Jennifer Dombrowski recently posted..Curling in Zermatt
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memographer Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 2:52 pm
Yes, it works now
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 3:15 pm
Thanks for confirming! These darn websites sometimes…
Ali
February 19, 2013 at 3:04 pm (UTC 2) Link to this comment
Looks like so many great things to do in Oslo! I haven’t done any research on Norway yet, but like Andy said, I want to see the fjords! Whenever we make our way up there, I’m sure we’ll spend some time in Oslo before hopping on a boat to see the fjords. The city pass sounds like a good idea!
Ali recently posted..Simple Australia Itinerary
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Jennifer Dombrowski Reply:
February 19th, 2013 at 5:54 pm
You will almost definitely start any trip to Norway in Oslo as it’s the easiest and most inexpensive city to get to. And the Oslo Pass really is a fantastic deal! I’m not always an advocate of the city passes because you don’t always save, but you really do with the Oslo Pass.
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