Oslo
Oslo is very different from the rest of Norway. It’s not very easy on the eye at first glance, but scratch beneath the surface and there’s plenty of fun to be had.
From solid dining options to island-hopping in the nearby Oslofjord, it’s a great place to enjoy a weekend before exploring the rest of Norway (or as a weekend destination full-stop).
Is Oslo the start or finish point for a bigger trip in Norway? Check out my guides to Norway and Bergen, too.
Start With These Guides 👇🏾:
Articles About Oslo
Browse all my Oslo travel tips below.
Everything You Need to Know About Island-Hopping in Oslo
A Simple and Fun Norway 7-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Oslo Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in the Norwegian Capital
Traveling to Oslo
Oslo is Norway’s largest city and one of the fastest-growing in Europe. You’ll find experiences that cater to all kinds of interests here, such as architecture, food, nature, and culture. Seriously—Oslo has some of Scandinavia’s best museums.
Your adventure in Norway will most likely start in Oslo and at its well-run Gardermoen Airport, which is a short train ride from the city center. From here, getting around the Norwegian capital is easy; it’s very walkable and has an excellent public transport network.
Oslo is the perfect place to visit as a solo traveler, with a partner, or if you’re traveling with kids.
An Easy Place to Find Solitude
One thing that you’ll notice about Oslo, in particular, is how peaceful it is when you visit. Even though it’s the biggest city in Norway, its vibe feels more like a town. The city has a close-knit community, and it feels like everybody knows each other.
Even if you want a quick retreat, you can easily take the ferry to one of Oslo’s nearby islands. Here, even though you can see the capital in the distance, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away.
Like the rest of Norway, you also have ample hiking opportunities in and around Oslo. It’s one of the few capital cities where you can literally take public transport and be in the mountains in less than 30 minutes.
A Place for Architecture Lovers
If you’re into modern architecture, you’ll probably like Oslo. The city’s waterfront has undergone major renovation in recent decades, with icons such as the Oslo Opera House now becoming key parts of the skyline.
You will find a number of modern districts, too, such as Sørenga, Bjørvika, and Tjuvholmen. Here, you can see swanky apartments alongside coworking spaces, offices, and restaurants.
Even though much of Oslo is modern, you’ll still find examples of older architecture. You can go to the picturesque street of Damstredet, for example, or wander around the upscale neighborhood of Frogner.
