The Best of Oslo in One Day (Guide + Itinerary + Map!)

If you're followed my Norway in a weekend guide you'll either start or end your trip in Norway's capital city, Oslo. For more on how to DIY Norway in a Nutshell check out my guide. Also, don't forget to visit Norway's second largest city, Bergen.

1. Visit and climb the Oslo Opera House

Visit time: 30 minutes (depending on how long you relax on top of the Opera House)

Suggested start time: 9am

Oslo Opera House was opened in 2008 and is known for its unique design which allows visits to walk on top of it. The building’s landmark design and architecture give the impression that a white granite glacier is sliding into the Oslofjord.

Walk up the large walkway to the roof and take some time to relax on top of it while enjoying a scenic view of Oslo Fjord.

2. Walk along the Harbour Promenade towards Akershus Fortress

Visit time: 15 minutes

Suggested start time: 9.30am

Oslo has been a major shipping and maritime centre since the earliest days of its existence. Walk along the Harbour Promenade to get a taste of the city's buzzing shipping industry.

3. Wander Akershus Fortress grounds

Visit time: 45 minutes or 1.5 hours if you visit the castle

Suggested start time: 10am

Towards the end of your walk you'll see the Akershus Castle and Fortress, a medieval castle that was built to protect Oslo. You can walk the grounds of the Fortress for free. We were lucky enough to visit on a beautiful, sunny day so we decided against visiting the Castle.

Visiting the castle costs about kr100 (£8.50) and is one of the most popular attractions in Oslo. It dates to the 13th century and consists of a medieval castle, historic buildings, and museums.

The castle once served as a royal residence and is now used for state functions.

4. Visit Oslo City Hall

Visit time: 45 minutes (depending on how long you hang around inside)

Suggested start time: 11am

City Hall is one of Oslo’s main government buildings, and the home of the Nobel Peace Prize, hosted every year on 10 December. The buildings exterior is underwhelming (to say the least) but the interior is incredible (and is free to enter)

The main hall was decorated by two of Norway’s most highly acclaimed artists; Henrik Sørensen and Alf Rolfsen. On the second floor you'll find rooms decorated with tapestries and paintings.

If you would like to learn more about the Nobel Peace prize you can visit Nobel Peace Centre down the street (entry is Kr. 140 or £12 each)

5. Watch the Changing of the Guards at the Royal Palace

Visit time: 30 minutes

Suggested start time: 1.15pm in time for the Changing of the Guards at 1.30pm

Oslo's Royal Palace is the home of the Norwegian royal family. Its lush park is also a welcome breath of green in the dense city center. The palace is only open to visitors during summer so we couldn't go in however the gardens are quite beautiful.

Tip: Oslo (and Norway in general) is big on micro-mobility. I highly suggest renting electric scooters to get around. It's cost effective, efficient and a really lovely way to see the city. There's plenty of bike lanes so it's a safe place to learn how to ride a scooter if you've never done it before.

6. Make your way to Vigeland Park

Visit time: 30 minutes

Suggested start time: 1.15pm in time for the Changing of the Guards at 1.30pm

Vigeland Park is the largest sculpture park in the world where a single artist (Gustav Vigeland) created every single work of art. The gardens contain over 200 bronze, granite and cast iron sculptures. The sculptures are naked human figures, depicting the human condition. Vigeland Park is inside Frogner Park which itself is quite beautiful.

A few key things to see:

1. The Bridge which is lined with 58 bronze sculptures dating back to 1925

2. The Angry Boy: One of the sculptures on The Bridge

3. The Fountain: One of Vigeland’s earliest sculptures and a focal point of the park. You will see people intertwined with trees, representing the relationship between humans and nature.

A Handy Map