Oslo is the epitome of “Scandi Cool.” From its stunning natural scenery and scenic location to the eye-catching modern landmarks and thriving Scandinavian culture, Oslo is sure to thrill. While Norway’s capital city may be smaller and slightly more understated than its Scandinavian neighbours Copenhagen and Stockholm, there are many incredible reasons it deserves a spot on your travel bucket list!
Expat Explore has put together a list of the top reasons to visit Oslo, Norway. You’ll be planning your trip to Northern Europe ASAP!
Oslo is a riveting mix of modern and traditional architecture and is home to the royal family and Norway’s government. This cool, compact and cultured city is surrounded by wonderful natural destinations. The combination of being an urban hub and being so close to nature creates an exciting mix of things to see, do and experience. Better yet, the variety of activities and attractions will appeal to a diverse range of travellers. And the best part? Simply strolling through the heart of Oslo will make you feel cool by association!
Top 6 Reasons to visit Oslo, Norway:
1. The natural beauty
Oslo’s location is unrivalled! Scandinavia is well known for its rugged landscapes and charming scenery. Oslo definitely has its own unique magic. The city sits at the northern end of Oslofjord and is bordered by the sea, fjords and the Nordmarka forests. Just off the coast of the city, you’ll find numerous fjord islands of different sizes and environments that invite people to explore their shores! The various landscapes offer exciting things to do which brings us to our next point…
2. The outdoor activities
If you love the outdoors, you’ll love a trip to Oslo! The city is beautiful in all seasons. For example, summer is the best time to enjoy swimming, walking, hiking and cycling. Basically, anything which will allow you to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air! Island hopping is also a top summer activity in Oslo. Several islands are a short ferry trip away from Oslo’s waterfront. Visit Hovedøya for its lush forests and medieval ruins. Lindøya is one of the best places to go swimming near the city! Langøyene has a great beach and a few scenic hiking trails too. Head to Nordmarka to enjoy walking, hiking and more.
When winter arrives, it’s time for skiing and snowboarding! Enjoy these winter activities in the nearby mountains or visit the Holmenkollen Olympic-sized ski jump in the city! There is also a ski museum on site which is the oldest of its kind in the world!
Related: Enjoy Norway’s breathtaking scenery on an Expat Explore tour to Scandinavia.
3. The rich culture
History buffs, culture enthusiasts and art lovers are in for a treat during a visit to Oslo. There are dozens of incredible museums in the city; many of which double as incredible landmarks! The most iconic is the Oslo Opera House – the design resembles a glacier rising from the water. Nearby you’ll find the strikingly designed Munch Museum which is dedicated to the life and artworks of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, creator of “The Scream”.
View more incredible artwork at the National Gallery and at the Ekeberg Sculpture Park. The park is a 30-minute walk from central Oslo and is said to be where Munch found inspiration for “The Scream”. Additional fantastic museums to visit include the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (home to a fascinating open-air museum!) depicting Nordic life from the 1500s to the present.
Did you know? Oslo is also a city of music. It hosts up to 5,000 concerts a year and famous festivals include Øya Festival, Inferno Metal Festival and Oslo World.
Oslo has a rich history dating back to 1,000 AD! More historic landmarks to explore include the Akershus Fortress, the Oslo Cathedral and the Royal Palace.
While it may not seem like the typical place to go partying, Oslo also boasts fantastic nightlife that is often described as wild and edgy! Explore the waterfront and unique neighbourhoods after the sun sets for an unforgettable evening.
Related: Our Northern Explorer tour offers two nights in Oslo with a free day to explore the city as you wish!
4. The cuisine
Similarly to the city itself, Oslo’s cuisine scene needs to be experienced first-hand to be fully enjoyed! You can discover the best of Norway’s Scandinavian dishes as well as sample “New Nordic Cuisine” in Oslo. Here, you’ll find Maaemo which is Norway’s first three Michelin-starred restaurant – and it is also the most northerly three Michelin-starred restaurant in the world! A great place to enjoy a variety of dishes is at Mathallen “The Food Hall” which is a vibrant indoor food market. Due to Oslo’s location, seafood is a must-try and traditional Norwegian waffles are sure to tickle your taste buds.
In Oslo (and all over Norway) coffee is a big deal. In fact, it’s a huge deal! Norway ranks second in the world for having the most coffee drinkers by coffee consumption. As such, the Oslo coffee culture scene is thriving! You’ll find many coffee shops, espresso bars and cafes around the city.
5. It’s eco-friendly
A huge draw for travellers visiting Oslo should be the city’s “green-first” approach. Oslo is one of the most eco-friendly cities in Europe and its citizens prioritise being eco-conscious. The city was named the European Green Capital in 2019 and boasts car-free districts, multiple green spaces in the city and eco-friendly options for public transport, accommodation and activities. A huge plus is that despite the steadily growing city, you still feel close to nature in Oslo!
6. It’s compact
One of the best parts about Oslo is that you can discover the highlights of the city in one or two days thanks to its compact size! It’s also easy to navigate. This makes Oslo an excellent option for a weekend break or short stay.
With a population of just under 700,000, it is not likely to feel overcrowded or overwhelming. The cool Scandi vibe and laid back atmosphere make it a super enjoyable city to visit. In fact, you can forget the hustle and bustle of sprawling major European cities! While it’s small – there is plenty to do. Begin in the harbour and vibrant waterfront area and discover the unique charm of this wonderful destination.
Are you ready to experience the capital of “Scandi Cool” first-hand? Start planning your next trip to Norway on one of our unforgettable Scandinavia tours today!