Oslo

Oslo is the urban heart of Norway and represents Scandinavia at its most rarefied. Packed with world-class art museums and head-turning architecture, the capital city is a beautiful (and often pricey) place to explore. Walking tours, hop-on-hop-off bus itineraries, and guided bike rides are among the best ways to take in the city’s highlights, which include Vigeland Sculpture Park, Akershus Fortress, the Viking Ship Museum, Oslo Opera House, and the waterfront. Culinary tours provide travelers the opportunity to experience trendy New Nordic cuisine in local-approved destinations. For the more outdoorsy types, the city’s proximity to nature makes it a popular jumping-off point for cruises around Norway’s fjords and forays to Bergen and Tromso.

Vigeland Sculpture Park

Visitors do not need to be intimately acquainted with Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland to enjoy his eponymous park. This sculpture garden is among the largest in the world and conveniently located in the city center. Itis filled with more than 200 statues that depict people of all ages and in all emotional states. While the park is free to enter, taking part in a walking tour can help travelers learn the stories behind the artworks. The park is a frequent stop on bike and bus tours; its companion museum is also worth a visit.

Private Norwegian Cultural Heritage Tour: Vigeland Park

This private option is great for groups wanting a more in-depth experience. Plus, the flexible departure time makes it easy to coordinate this tour with other activities.

Small-Group Oslo Bike Tour: City Highlights

This guided bike tour provides clients with the opportunity to cover more ground both in the park and around the city cent

All-Inclusive Oslo City Tour: Vigeland Park, Fram Museum or Kon-Tiki Museum, and the Viking Ship Museum

This larger group tour is great for clients interested in a high-level overview of Oslo with quick stops at key attractions, including Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Oslo Combo Tour: Grand City Tour and Oslo Fjord Cruise

This package, which combines the above all-inclusive city tour with a cruise on Oslo Fjord, provides the perfect introduction to Oslo for time-pressed first-time visitors.

Read more about Vigeland Sculpture Park tour options here.

Viking Ship Museum

The Bygdoy Peninsula, located west of the city, is home to a number of Oslo’s top museums. The Fram Museum tells the story of Norwegian polar exploration, while the Kon-Tiki Museum sheds light on adventurer Thor Heyerdahl and his trans-Pacific journey. The Viking Ship Museum is definitely a must see highlight, it houses three vessels that are more than 1,000 years old. The museum is frequently paired with other nearby stops.

The Viking Ship Museum and Historical Museum Admission Ticket

Your clients can skip the long lines to see what are among the world’s best-preserved viking vessels with advance tickets to the Viking Ship Museum.

Visit Oslo Pass

This pass grants admission to key Oslo attractions (including the Bygdoy Peninsula museums and the ferry that transports visitors to the peninsula itself), so you and your clients can bypass the hassle of booking separate tickets for specific days or time slots.

Private Shore Excursion: Best of Oslo 4-Hour Tour With Vigeland Park and Viking Ship Museum

Clients visiting Oslo on a cruise should consider this private shore excursion. This excursion showcases the best of the city in half a day and includes entry to the Viking Ship Museum.

Read more about Viking Ship Museum tour options here.

Akershus Castle and Fortress

Oslo’s original royal palace, Akershus Castle and Fortress, provides a compelling glimpse into Norway’s past. Dating back to the turn of the 14th century, Akershus Castle and Fortress now hosts concerts, public celebrations, and other contemporary events. Poised right on the harbor—and adjacent to City Hall, Oslo Opera House, and other landmarks—the castle complex is a popular stop on hop-on hop-off tours, walking tours, and other introductory city itineraries.

City Sightseeing Oslo Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

This top seller makes getting to and from Oslo’s attractions (including Akershus Castle and Fortress) easy, and is ideal for clients who prefer exploring independently.

Myths and Legends of Oslo

A fun alternative to a traditional sightseeing tour, this experience portrays Akershus Castle and Fortress as well as the historic center through the lens of a byone era.

Panoramic Oslo City Sightseeing Tour

Clients short on time can see Akershus Castle and other landmarks from the comfort of a coach with this tour.

Read more about Akershus Castle and Fortress tour options here.

Oslo Fjord

While multi-day Norwegian fjord cruises have their appeal, those seeking time on the water and natural scenery can take advantage of the fjord right on Oslo’s doorstep. The Oslo Fjord, while not technically glacier-carved, is an inlet that stretches over 68 miles (109 kilometers). Along the way are numerous beaches, islands, pine-covered hills, and other picturesque highlights. A number of day options are available, from speedy boat rides to evening cruises lasting several hours.

2-Hour Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise

This basic cruise provides the perfect overview for first-time Oslo visitors. Morning and afternoon departure times are available, this cruise allows passengers to hear live commentary about local highlights.

Oslo Sightseeing Mini Cruise Through the Oslo Fjord

Ideal for clients looking to maximize their time, this quick, convenient cruise allows passengers to disembark at multiple points for photo ops.

3-Hour Norwegian Evening Cruise Aboard a Wooden Sailing Boat on the Oslo Fjord

Consider this leisurely sailboat adventure for clients that are more interested in a memorable evening on the water, rather than a quick way to see the sights.

Read more about Oslo Ford tour options here.

Most Popular Things to Do

Tours & Sightseeing

Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours

Sightseeing Tickets & Passes

Walking & Biking Tours

Food, Wine & Nightlife

Things to Know

What the Locals Know:

The Oslo Opera House is famed for its striking design; because of its sloping angles, visitors can even ascend its roof. The space hosts free, outdoor performances throughout the year.

Things to Bring:

In late autumn, winter, and early spring, temperatures can dip into the teens (or lower), so be sure to bring thermal layers. Even in the summer, it’s wise to carry a jacket.

Getting Around:

Oslo is best appreciated by bike or on foot, but tram and bus lines also traverse the city. It is also worth hopping on a ferry to explore another side of town.

When to Visit:

Oslo blooms during the summer months, making it a great time to visit because its waterfront and green spaces come alive with activity. The number of planned tours and activities skyrockets in May, June and July with people booking about a month in advance. Oslo’s cold winters also attract snowsports lovers and those seeking a winter-wonderland escape.

Local Customs:

Scandinavian drinking laws are notoriously strict, and Norway is no exception. Drinking in public spaces is illegal, and a bottle of wines can only be purchased at the state-run Vinmonopolet.

Trending Experiences

Percent Increase in Bookings from 2017-2018