Oslo is a city known for its modern architecture, its viking history and for being the largest city in Norway. Oslo makes for an incredible gateway to the natural wonders in the rest of Norway and it’s worth spending at least a day here to explore. Keep reading for the perfect one day itinerary for visiting Oslo in the winter!
I spent time in Oslo after spending the majority of my trip in Tromso (in Northern Norway). It was cold in the winter, but there were plenty of indoor activities to enjoy. Whether you’re visiting Oslo for just a day, or spending longer, I hope this guide gives you some ideas about all of the best things to do in Oslo!
How Cold is Oslo in the winter?
January is the coldest month of the year in Oslo. Average temperatures tend to be between 23°F (-5°C) and 32°F (0°C). And the wind chill can make it worse! This might have just been luck, but I thought that Oslo was colder than Tromso (which is much further north in Norway, located above the Arctic Circle).
Make sure to dress warm for a winter trip to Norway! Check out my Tromso winter packing guide for tips and recommendations.
The Perfect Oslo One Day Itinerary
Here is a one day itinerary for exploring Oslo in the winter! At the bottom, I've also listed some additional ideas of what to do in Oslo.
Take in the Views from the Roof of the Oslo Opera House
The Oslo Opera House is not only an important landmark, but the accessible rooftop offers a wonderful view of the city.
The building opened in 2008 and has a modern design featuring huge windows and white marble. The structure is meant to mimic an iceberg rising out of the water, and I think it does a great job of that.
The rooftop is open to the public and offers a 360-view of Oslo and the water. You can literally walk right onto the slanted roof.
While the view is great on its own, you can also take a guided tour of the Opera House that will take you backstage and teach you all about the architecture, the ballet and more.
This is a great place to start your day and get acquainted with Oslo as a city.
Board a Viking Ship at the Fram Museum
The Fram Museum is a great place to visit to learn some history and context of the early explorers of the arctic.
The museum is literally built around the Fram Ship. The Fram was used in several arctic exhibitions in the late 1800’s, including trips to Antarctica, the North Pole, Greenland, and more. Inside the museum, you can walk on and explore inside the ship!
Along with the main section of the museum with the Fram Ship, there is another ship in an additional wing of the building.
Overall, this is a great place to learn about some of the famous Norwegian explorers and their trials and triumphs along the way.
Take a Walk in The Vigeland Park
If it’s not too cold, spend some time exploring The Vigeland Park, a giant sculpture park featuring 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.
The sculptures are made of cast iron, granite and bronze, and range from quirky to absurd. It’s a beautiful, well maintained park and a wonderful place to walk around on a nice day.
Learn the History of Skiing at Holmenkollen
A visit to the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Ski Jump is a great activity on a winter day. The museum has the largest collection of skis and winter gear in the world!
Right away, you’ll notice the giant ski jumping hill, which is 58 meters (190 feet) tall. While the hill itself has been rebuilt many times over the years, the arena has been used in many world events, including the Winter Olympics in 1952, multiple years of the Nordic World Ski Championships, and more.
Inside, there’s a museum that details the history of skiing, the early polar explorers from Norway and more. There is even an exhibit dedicated to climate change and sustainability.
Fun Fact: Oslo is often regarded as one of the most sustainable cities in Europe.
The Oslo Ski Museum also has a children’s area, a cafe, a ski simulator and more. It’s a great indoor activity in Oslo!
Pro Tip: It’s not the best deal for this specific itinerary, but if you’re staying in Oslo longer, or hoping to squeeze in another museum or activity, check if the Oslo Pass will be a good deal for you! The pass includes public transportation around the city, admission to 30 museums and sights around the city, and more (for $47 per adult in 2024).
Indulge in Food Around the World at Oslo Street Food
Oslo Street Food is one of my favorite food halls of all time! From Hawaiian poke to Korean street food to plant-based dumplings, there is a huge variety of delicious foods here.
I enjoyed samosas from Der Peppern Gror (a staple for Indian food in Oslo) and delicious stir-fried noodles from Tunco.
Not only are there amazing food options from around the world, but the environment of Oslo Street Food is quite the vibe. The food hall is vibrant and colorful, and each vendor has their own unique decor and personality. It’s a cool atmosphere and a great place to try a new cuisine or enjoy an old favorite.
Centrally located downtown, Oslo Street Food is one of the best places to eat in Oslo and makes a great addition to your Oslo itinerary!
More Things To Do in Oslo
Here are a few other idea of winter activities to enjoy in Oslo:
- Visit a sauna! The KOK Oslo Sauna is a floating sauna centrally located near downtown.
- Visit Oslo City Hall, which is full of incredible artwork.
- Get out on the water on a cruise of the Oslo Fjord on a silent catamaran.
- Take a Norwegian food tour and discover hidden gems.
Getting Around Oslo
Oslo has a wonderful public transportation system that includes underground trains, trams and buses. The city is divided into zones, meaning you’ll pay more or less depending on where you’re going. The easiest way to buy tickets is on the Ruter app.
Good To Know: During my visit in 2023, we couldn’t create an account on the Ruter app because it would not verify foreign phone numbers. However, we were still able to use the app to purchase tickets.
I recommend using public transportation for most of your needs, including to and from the airport. However, you can also use Uber and Bolt to get around. And of course, walking is a great way to get to many areas!
Where to Stay in Oslo
I had a wonderful experience staying at Clarion Hotel The Hub. This massive hotel is centrally located in downtown Oslo and has a beautiful lobby, a rooftop bar and wonderful views from the upper floors.
The best part? The breakfast buffet is incredible! It’s a giant buffet with an amazing selection and variety of foods, from breads to omelets to fruit, and more. Plus, breakfast is included in every room rate.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you plan an epic trip to Oslo! This modern city is a hub for sustainability, architecture and food, and a great place to learn about Norwegian history. It’s also probably the first or last place you’ll visit if you’re taking some time to explore Norway. Whether you’re taking a weekend getaway to Oslo, or just visiting for a quick stopover, it’s easy to discover some of the best of Oslo in a short amount of time.
For more European travel guides, check out these guides:
- A Guide to Visiting Tromso in the Winter
- What to Pack for Tromso in the Winter
- A Guide to Norway vs Iceland in the Winter
- The Top Things To Do in Madeira, Portugal
- How to Spend 2 Days in Lisbon, Portugal
- The Perfect Iceland Winter Itinerary
- A Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland
- A Review of the Tromso Ice Domes
Thanks for Reading!
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