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I chose to take a day trip to Oslo to wander around and see what the city had to offer. Norway’s capital city is a perfect balance and mix for both the nature lover and the social butterfly. The city is nestled between the Oslofjord and hundreds of acres of greenery, making it easily accessible and navigated by foot. Although Oslo is one of Europe’s fastest growing cities and home to many world class restaurants, museums and unique architecture, it still manages to have a small town vibe to it.
Read more: The trip that opened my eyes to solo travel
Read more: How to travel through Norway on a budget
Read more: Why Norway needs to be your first solo travel destination
Getting There
Arriving into Oslo is very simple, considering the airport is in very close proximity, just under 50km away. The Flytoget Airport Express Train departs from Oslo Gardermoen Airport every 10 or 20 minutes. Duration to and from the airport is 19–22 minutes and goes directly to Oslo Central Station. For more information regarding schedules and prices for the Airport Express Train, click HERE.
Things To Do In Oslo
Being the hip, cosmopolitan hub that Oslo is, there are a ton of things to do and see here. Whether you are into art, music, or architecture, you will definitely find an activity suiting your needs. And if you aren’t into hanging out with the artsy crowd, there are many parks to take long, leisurely strolls in, as well as a beautiful harbour front area to sit and people watch for hours.
Take A Stroll Along Karl Johan Gate
Karl Johan Gate is the main pedestrian walkway in Oslo. Located close to Sentralstasjon (Central Station) and the Royal Palace, it is a main hub that connects to most of the main tourist spots in the city. Pretty, colourful buildings housing coffee shops, restaurants and clothing shops line the way to the Palace at the end of the street.
Vigelandsparken (Vigeland Park)
As soon as I knew I was visiting Oslo for the day, I made it my mission to find this crazy, yet awesome sculpture park. It took me two hours of searching and wandering to find it. I was quite literally asking locals where the “naked statue park” was. They knew exactly what I meant and pointed me in the right direction. Vigelandsparken is a massive, gorgeous park filled with 212 sculptures by the Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. Open year round, the park contains 650 human sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Vigeland was in charge of the design and layout of the park, which was finished in 1949. The 55 foot high Monolith has 121 intertwined human bodies. If you ever find yourself in Oslo, this park is a must see!
Read more: Wandering around Vigelandsparken – Oslo’s quirky sculpture park
Visit The Akershus Fortress
The Akershus Fortress rises over the Oslo waterfront and was once a big, massive structure. Make sure you are wearing sturdy walking shoes, as the cobblestone pathway up was pretty rough. The fortress was finished in the 13th century and was a key structure for the city’s defense as well as a prison for the city’s most notorious criminals. The fortress has gone through many reconstructions over the years with most parts dating from the 13th century. Take an hour or so and wander the grounds. You can sit along the edge, have a snack and admire the views of the Oslofjord below.
If you ever want to get more info regarding what to do, where to eat, or where to stay in Oslo, I’ve put some helpful links below! xo
