What To See in Oslo Norway

Oslo, Norway’s gorgeous capital city, ranks among the world’s largest capitals in terms of land size. If you’re wondering what to see in Oslo, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Surprisingly, developers have built on just 20% of this geographical mass. The rest consists of parks, protected forests, hills, and hundreds of lakes. Furthermore, parks and open spaces form an important element of the Oslo landscape, and visitors can reach them easily from practically anywhere in the city.

Let’s have a look at the greatest things to see in Oslo:

What to See in Oslo – Frogner Park

Frogner Park

Frogner Park, in Oslo’s eponymous neighborhood, welcomes visitors free of charge at any time of year. It delights visitors with 212 bronze and granite sculptures by 20th-century sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Vigeland’s works follow a Realist style, with odd topics ranging from a man battling newborns to a lady riding with her platted hair as reins. Moreover, many pieces like Angry Boy (Sinnataggen) have become symbols of Oslo. Specifically, The Bridge – a 100-meter-long installation – connects the eastern Entrance Gates to the Fountain. Learn more at the official Vigeland Museum website.

Opera House in Oslo

The Opera House stands as a 21st-century masterpiece and one of Scandinavia’s most famous contemporary structures. Architects designed it to mimic a glacier emerging from the fjord, while its primary function hosts opera and ballet performances. Indeed, this structure marked the beginning of a new era for Oslo and sparked the revitalization of its waterfront. Additionally, don’t miss a walk on its roof for a fantastic architectural experience with breathtaking city views. Find out more at the Oslo Opera House official website.

Norsk Folkemuseum – A Must on Your Oslo Sightseeing List

Opera House

The Norsk Folkemuseum sits in Oslo’s Bygdy district and offers an exceptional open-air museum experience. It presents permanent displays spanning 500 years of Norwegian folk culture. Furthermore, curators organize the museum’s buildings into sections reflecting different eras and situations. The rural “Countryside” section stands as one of the biggest, featuring typical farmhouses from various periods, including re-creations of goahti, a traditional Sami construction. Visit the Norsk Folkemuseum website for opening times.

Sculpture Park in Ekeburg – Top Oslo Sight Worth Visiting

This woodland park overlooks the city and sits about 30 minutes’ walk from central Oslo. It holds 31 stunning sculptures and inspired Munch to create The Scream. Moreover, the park stays open and free to the public year-round. It also showcases works by artists such as Salvador Dali and Damien Hirst. Additionally, the top-notch restaurant Ekebergrestauranten makes it a perfect spot for a full day out.

What to See in Oslo – The Viking Ship Museum

Norsk Folkemuseum

The Viking Ship Museum is a branch of the University of Oslo’s Cultural History Museum. It houses jaw-dropping artifacts from four separate Viking burial sites around the Oslo Fjord. The museum sits on the Bygdy Peninsula and highlights the remarkable Oseberg Ship. Archaeologists excavated this 9th-century burial ship in 1904–05. Impermeable and airtight mud preserved it perfectly throughout the entire period. Similarly, ships from Tune and Gokstad also impress visitors. Furthermore, artifacts buried alongside them – beds, small boats, a full wagon, wood carvings, textiles, and other treasures – make this museum truly unforgettable. Plan your visit at the Viking Ship Museum website.