1. Places to visit
  3. Plan your perfect Oslo experience

Plan your perfect Oslo experience

Oslo isn't just Norway's vibrant capital - it's your gateway to spectacular fjord adventures. Start your journey with urban exploration and world-class culture, then venture into dramatic fjordscapes on day trips or longer excursions. Whether you choose a fjord cruise from the harbor or combine Oslo with our popular Norway in a Nutshell® tour, the city offers the perfect blend of metropolitan comfort and natural wonders.

Quick facts

  • Best time to visit: May to September for outdoor activities, November to February for winter experiences
  • Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
  • Language: Norwegian, but English is widely spoken
  • Getting around: Efficient public transport with buses, trams, metro, and ferries

Popular tours from Oslo

Norway in a Nutshell® from Oslo

Experience the best of Norway in one unforgettable journey. Combine Oslo's urban charm with spectacular fjord and mountain scenery on the Bergen Railway and Flåm Railway.
Book Norway in a Nutshell®

Oslo fjord cruise

Discover the stunning Oslofjord on our most popular cruise. Sail silently past charming islands, historic lighthouses, and impressive coastal villas - all in just 3 hours.
Book Oslo Fjord cruise

Oslo discovery tour

Get to know Oslo's highlights with our expert local guides. Visit the Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland Sculpture Park, and the iconic Opera House.
Book Oslo discovery tour
"A truly magical experience! Well coordinated and easily accessible even for me with mobility issues. If you have the time available you would make a big mistake not to do Norway in a Nutshell®"
Arthur, Spain

Nutshell tours from Oslo

Explore our selection of tours departing from Oslo. Each tour has various routes to choose from, and all tours can take you back to Oslo if you prefer.

The best things to do in Oslo

Book an exciting activity as part of your Nutshell tour or as a stand-alone booking. Check out our exciting collection below!
See all things to do in Oslo

Practical information

Access, transport and parking

  • By air: Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL) - 20 minutes to city center by express train
  • By train: Central Station connects to major Norwegian cities and serves as a hub for fjord journeys
  • City transport: Purchase an Oslo Pass for unlimited public transport and museum access
  • Parking: Several public garages available in the city center, but public transport is recommended

Accommodation in Oslo

Choose from:
  • Luxury hotels in Tjuvholmen with harbor views
  • Boutique options in Grünerløkka for a local feel
  • Budget-friendly stays near Central Station, ideal for early fjord tour departures

Preparation and packing

Things to do in Oslo - Street food tour in Oslo, tastes of Oslo, Norway
  • Summer: Light layers and rain jacket
  • Winter: Warm coat, boots, and winter accessories
  • Year-round: Comfortable walking shoes for city exploration
  • Don't forget: Camera for fjord views, reusable water bottle, and power adapter

Travel when it suits you

Tips for high and low season

High season (June-August) brings vibrant street life and long days perfect for fjord cruises, while low season (October-April) offers fewer crowds and winter activities like ski trips from the city.
Dinner with friends - A summer evening on the Oslofjord - Oslo, Norway
Oslo Winter Park - Oslo, Norway
View of Oslo , Norway
Oslo by night - Oslo, Norway

The seasons

  • Summer: Long days, festivals, and perfect conditions for fjord cruises
  • Fall: Beautiful colors, fewer tourists, and comfortable temperatures
  • Winter: Christmas markets, nearby skiing, and unique winter fjord experiences
  • Spring: Blooming parks, gradually warming temperatures, and less crowded attractions

When to book

For summer visits, book fjord tours and premium accommodations 3-6 months in advance. Winter visits offer more flexibility, but holiday periods (Christmas/New Year) require early booking. Shoulder season (May and September) offers excellent value with good availability.

FAQ Oslo

Explore more of Oslo

Explore more in Oslo and uncover the city's rich culture, history, and culinary delights! Visit world-class museums, iconic attractions and the cities many food courts.
Akershus Fortress - Oslo, Norway

Akershus fortress in Oslo

When you visit Oslo on one of our roundtrips, make sure to see Akershus Fortress. Its central location makes the fortress grounds a popular recreational area for tourists and locals alike.

Oslo Street food -Oslo, Norway

Oslo's food courts

When looking for the best places to eat in Oslo, you should definitely consider the cities bustling food courts. In a nation of potato lovers, Norway has never really featured on the foodie map...but now we think it should! Oslo has enjoyed a food renaissance over the last couple of years inspired by a host of homegrown talent and international imports.

Activities in Oslo - Oslo Panorama Bus Tour - The Vigeland Park

Vigeland park in Oslo

Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park is the largest sculpture park in the world created by a single sculptor. The sculpture park is a part of the Frognerparken park, which is located 3 km north-west of Oslo city centre.

Barkode - Oslo. Norway

Oslo-European Green Capital 2019

For many years, Norway has been considered one of the greenest countries in the world. This is due to the fact that it takes on so many environmentally-friendly initiatives that are aimed at significantly reducing the country's carbon footprint.