The Best Things To Do in Oslo in 2026

One of the best parts of traveling is planning all of the things you're going to do!

There are the normal things, like getting travel insurance and constantly checking ticket prices to get the best deal on your flights.

But then, there are the really exciting things, like looking up unique or unusual things to do, and which museums to get tickets for.

Oslo, the capital of Norway, has no shortage of things to add to the itinerary, whether you prefer indoor activities or want to enjoy the fresh Nordic air.

We've put together a list of ideas that, together, are well-rounded and memorable, making the most of your time up north.

Oslo's Fram Museum

The Fram Museum is a must-visit.

At the museum, you can learn everything you've ever wanted to know about polar exploration (and then some). There are travel routes, ships, and memorabilia about what daily life was like for a northern explorer.

You can get tickets online, and museum guides are available in several languages, including English.

See "The Scream" in person

Perhaps Edvard Munch's most famous painting, The Scream, is in Norway at the Munchmuseet: The Munch Museum.

You may not have realized that Edvard Munch was a Norwegian painter. In fact, he was born not far from Oslo, in a small town just north of the city.

At the Munch Museum, you won't just see the Scream, you'll also see more of Munch's work and learn about the artist's life.

In addition to that, the museum itself has a really unique architectural design and is right on the bay. Tickets for the museum can be purchased online ahead of time, where you can also see which temporary exhibits are currently on display.

The "She Lies" Sculpture

Oslo is known for its waterside views, and one of those holds this gem — a sculpture created by artist Monica Bonvicini.

"She Lies" is a permanent art installation made out of glass and metal that can be seen on the water's edge of Oslo's famous opera house.

It's worth walking by at different times during the day to see how the light reflects off the glass depending on the hour.

Explore unique sculptures in an extravagant garden

The Vigeland Installation (or Vigelandsanlegget) is a sculpture garden located in Oslo's Frogner Park (in Norwegian, it is called Frognerparken).

The sculpture garden is 80 acres and has over 200 works in different mediums, including iron, granite, and bronze. It also currently holds the title of the largest sculpture park ever created by a single artist (Gustav Vigeland).

Frogner Park is one of the most beautiful places in the entire city. Its landscaped gardens house the largest rose collection in Norway, with over 14,000 bushes. It's also home to thousands of trees, some as old as 250 years.

With walking paths, fountains, and even a café on-site, you can easily spend a long afternoon exploring all that Frogner has to offer.

The park is free to visit and open at all hours.

Oslo Fjord

Oslo has a well-known inlet called Oslo Fjord that you can see via boat or from various points on land.

Depending on the time of year, several different activities are possible. Travelers can swim, hike, or take a boat out depending on the time of year and the weather forecast.

Cafés, saunas, and fjord cruises are available depending on when you visit, which can be a special way to experience the fjords.

Akershus Fortress

While its exact construction dates aren't known, the Akershus Castle was first mentioned in literature in the year 1300, from what we can tell. Since then, it has continued to develop and change over time.

Inside its walls, you will find a dungeon, decorated halls, and furnished rooms with decorations through time.

Tickets can be purchased on-site, but pay attention to the hours, as they may change from season to season.

The Minibottle Gallery

Easily accessible in the city center, the Minibottle Gallery is one of the more unique things that you can do during your trip.

You'll be able to look at over 53,000 miniature bottles, all presented in creative ways, such as on a chandelier and a slide. While inside, make sure you look up, down, and all around. It's 3 floors of bottles everywhere you look!

At the last update of this article, the Mini Bottle Museum is open every weekend to the public, and tickets can be purchased onsite.

The Sunday Market

On Sundays, you'll find the Søndagsmarkedet at Blå. This is a second-hand and craft market where you'll find everything from clothing and shoes to home decor and knick-knacks.

Also open on Sundays, the Birkelunden "Bric Brac" market has vintage and antique things from pretty much every decade. You'll find vintage clothing, vinyl, kitchen utensils, small pieces of furniture, and so much more.

Make sure to check online whether or not the markets are up and running, as there may be seasonal hours.

Try the local food

No matter where you're traveling to, it's always an experience to try the local gastronomy. While in Oslo specifically, you can get a true taste of the culture (no pun intended) by sampling the local cuisine. Here are some Norwegian classics to keep an eye out for:

Waffles. A popular treat in Norway is waffles with raspberries, blueberries, and cream.

Fårikål. For those with a "when in Rome" mindset, try the local Fårikål. This stew is sometimes called "Norway's national dish" and contains mutton, cabbage, and whole black pepper.

Pinnekjøtt. While it's traditionally a Christmas dish, Pinnekjøtt is a must-try if you can find it. This main course is air-dried and salted, then rehydrated sheep rib.

Brunost. While we usually think of cheese as being French, Spanish, or Italian, Norway is home to its own cheese too, and that's Brunost, a brown cheese made with whey, cream, and either goat or cow milk.

Lefse. A traditional flat bread that is usually rolled up and eaten with butter and sugar.

Akvavit. An herbal Schnapp that is a potato-based clear spirit and can be drunk neat or used as a cocktail mixer.

Lutefisk. A white fish (typically cod) cured in lye. Because of the rehydration process, the meat takes on a gelatinous texture.

Kjøttkaker. Norway's version of meatballs. Unlike other takes, Norway's meatballs have a sweetness to them that comes from adding nutmeg and ginger.

Additional resources

Need a visa for Norway? Learn how to apply in our Norway Schengen Visa Guide.

ETIAS (the European Travel and Authorisation System) is launching soon. Learn whether you need ETIAS for Norway yet.

Moving to Norway? You might find our Norway Resident Permit Guide helpful.