5 Best Sights in Oslo, Norway

Background Illustration for Sights

Karl Johans Gate, starting at Oslo Sentralstasjon (Oslo Central Station, also called Oslo S or simply Jernbanetorget ("railway square" in Norwegian), and ending at the Royal Palace, forms the backbone of downtown Oslo. Many major museums and historic buildings lie between the parallel streets of Grensen and Rådhusgata. West of downtown are Frogner and Majorstuen, residential areas with fine restaurants, shopping, cafés, galleries, and the Vigeland sculpture park. Southwest is the Bygdøy Peninsula, with a castle and five interesting museums that honor aspects of Norway's taste for maritime exploration.

Northwest of town is Holmenkollen, with its stunning bird's-eye view of the city and the surrounding fjords, a world-famous ski jump and museum, and three historic restaurants. On the more multicultural east side, where a diverse immigrant population lives alongside native Norwegians, are the Munch Museum and the Botanisk Hage og Naturhistorisk Museum (Botanical Gardens and Museum of Natural History), where you can see Ida, the oldest primate fossil ever found, our 47-million-year old ancestor. The trendy neighborhood of Grünerløkka, with lots of cafés and shops, is northeast of the center.

Vigelandsparken

Fodor's Choice

A favorite hangout for locals, Vigeland Sculpture Park, located in Frognerparken, has 212 bronze, granite, and wrought-iron sculptures by Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943). The 56-foot-high granite Monolith is a column of 121 upward-striving nudes surrounded by 36 groups on circular stairs. Angry Boy, a bronze of an enraged cherubic child stamping his foot, draws legions of visitors and has been filmed, parodied, painted red, and even stolen. Kids love to climb on the statues. There's an on-site museum for those wishing to delve deeper into the artist's work.

Bygdø Kongsgård

Part of Norsk Folkemuseum, this manor house and farm of almost 500 acres actually belongs to, and has been occupied by, Norway's royal family. It's a fully operational organic farm offering activities like horseback riding lessons and a chance for kids to pet barnyard animals. Tours are offered year-round, but you’ll need to book in advance. The manor house, the king's official summer residence, was built in 1733 by Count Christian Rantzau. Hours are erratic when the royal family is here.

Frognerparken

With more than 100 acres, Oslo's largest park is open to the public at all times. It's home to the popular Vigelandsparken (Vigeland Sculpture Park) and the Oslo Bymuseum (Museum of Oslo). There are public bathrooms and a café. 

City Park Free
Frognerparken, Norway

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Peer Gynt Sculpture Park

Located in northeastern Oslo this sculpture park is dedicated to the play Peer Gynt, by Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen. The park’s 20 sculptures depict the storyline act by act and were designed by several contemporary artists.

City Park Free
Kanonhallveien 30, 0585, Norway
Sight Details
Free

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Rådhuset

This boxy brick building is best known today for the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize, which takes place here every December 10. Inside, many museum-quality masterpieces grace the walls. After viewing the frescoes in the Main Hall, walk upstairs to the Banquet Hall to see the royal portraits. In June and July, free 45-minute guided tours are available and meet in the main hall. To visit the City Hall Gallery, enter harborside. Special exhibits are hung throughout the year. On festive occasions, the Central Hall is illuminated from outside by 60 large spotlights.