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Oslo Norway - Top 5 Sites In Norway’s Capital

  • Catherine Kelly
  • 07 Feb 20

There are a host of things to see and do in the Norwegian capital of Oslo. In Norway, you can visit ancient viking ships, explore a host of museums, relax in the city’s parks and wander along Karl Johan’s gate.

Norway, Oslo by Darya Tryfanava/Unsplash

Norway, Oslo by Darya Tryfanava/Unsplash

So, if you’re wondering what the best sites are in Oslo Norway, we have provided our top 5 picks for your stay. Read on.

 

Overview:

  1. The Viking Ship Museum
  2. Vigeland Park
  3. Holmenkollen Ski Jump
  4. Karl Johan’s Gate
  5. Oslo Opera House

 

Top 5 sites in Oslo Norway

1.  The Viking Ship Museum

Large viking ship at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo Norway

Large viking ship at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo Norway

The Viking Ship Museum is home to several impressive examples of 9th century viking ships.

One of the ships on display, the Oseberg ship, was excavated in 1904. It was a burial ship for two women of note, though their exact details are unknown. The fabric fragments found along with the burial gifts of shoes, sledges, wagons and livestock, indicated that these were prominent people within their community. The ship itself has beautiful animal carvings along the keel and the bow post.

This world class museum is also home to many artefacts from the Gokstad and Tune viking ships.

 

2.  Vigeland Park

A sculpture in Vigeland Park in Oslo Norway

Sculpture of a child on the back of a man in Vigeland Park in Oslo Norway

Completed between 1939 and 1949, Vigeland Park is a sculpture found in the centre of Oslo’s Frogner Park. Gustav Vigeland created more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron, and the installation is the largest sculpture ‘park’ made by a single artist. It is also one of Norway’s most visited attractions.

The Vigeland Museum can be found a short distance from the park. It was purpose built by the Oslo City Council in the 1920s, on the proviso that Vigeland would bequeath all of his works to the city. The museum has an extensive collection of sculptures (approximately 1,600), and drawings (12,000), along with a collection of notebooks, letters, photos and woodcuts.

 

3.  Holmenkollen Ski Jump

Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo NorwayPhoto credit: Michael Ankes, Unsplash

Sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike will enjoy a visit to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, along with the Holmenkollen Ski Museum.

The Holmenkollen Ski Jump has been home to annual ski jump competitions since 1892, when the first jump was built from branches and covered in snow. That year the longest jump was recorded at 21.5 metres. Today the current record is set at a whopping 139 metres!

Beneath this popular tourist site lies the fascinating Holmenkollen Ski Museum, which opened in 1923 and covers Norway’s 4000 year old ski history. Skis have been depicted in prehistoric rock carvings and the oldest ski in the museum dates back to 600AD.

 

4.  Karl Johan’s Gate

Karl Johan's gate, the main street in Oslo Norway, lined with colourful buildings

Karl Johan’s gate is located in Oslo’s main street, connecting the Central Station to the Norwegian Royal Palace. You’ll find plenty of cafes along the 1 kilometre stretch, providing great spots for you to enjoy the local culture and watch locals go about their business.

Oslo street comprises several older streets, including the east section, which is part of Christian IV’s original city. Here, the ancient city ramparts were removed to make way for the Oslo Cathedral. The western section was built during the 1840s, connecting the newly-built Royal Palace to the rest of the city. The street was named in 1852 after the country’s deceased King Charles III John.

 

5.  Oslo Opera House

Oslo Opera House in Oslo NorwayPhoto credit: Arvid Malde, Unsplash

The final famous place in Oslo to top off our list is the monumental Oslo Opera House. Constructed in 2007, this impressive piece of modern architecture is home to the Norwegian Opera and Ballet.

The horizontal and sloping marble surfaces of the building’s roof, clad in white marble, feature some fantastic viewing platforms, perfect for taking in Oslo and its surrounding fjord.

 

Explore Oslo Norway with Bunnik Tours

Interested in travelling to Oslo, Norway and visiting these sites for yourself? You can check out all of this and more on our Scandinavian Discovery small group tour! Contact our friendly Travel Specialists today.

 

Oslo Norway FAQs

Is Oslo worth visiting?

Yes! Oslo is a beautiful city known for its lively neighbourhoods, intriguing history and spectacular architecture. Aside from the top five sites listed above, there is plenty more to do in Oslo, Norway! Some other popular tourist destinations include the National Museum, Akershus Fortress, the Kon Tiki Museum, The Royal Palace and Oslo City Hall.

 

What food is Oslo known for?

Some of the most iconic foods that are certainly worth trying in the Capital City of Norway include:

  • Brunost (a tan-coloured ‘whey cheese' sliced thinly and paired with butter and jam on bread)
  • Smoked salmon (known as the best in the world)
  • Mills kaviar (caviar in a tube)
  • Norwegian Waffles (sweet and savoury options)
  • Aquavit liquor
  • Street hot dogs
  • Reindeer meat
  • Rye bread

 

Do they speak English in Oslo?

Most people in the Capital of Norway have decent knowledge when it comes to English. This makes it easy as you will be able to speak English at most shops and restaurants.

 

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