Oslo

Overview

Norway's capital of cool and culture is overflowing with hip cafés, trendy clubs, restaurants, boutiques, world-class museums, parks, and protected forests. In fact, Oslo is one of the most forested cities on the planet. Ranked as a global city, Oslo is also the economic center of Norway. It boasts innovative architecture, such as the National Museum of Norway, as well as historic structures, including Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle and former royal residence. Some of the city's top attractions include iconic Vigeland Sculpture Park, which contains hundreds of sculptures by Gustav Vigeland; the Folk Museum of Norway, an open-air museum with more than 150 buildings relocated from towns and rural districts of Norway; and the Munch Museum, which pays homage to the life and work of Norway's greatest painter, Edvard Munch. 

What to See

Munch Museum is dedicated to the life and works of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, painter of “The Scream,” one of the most iconic images in the world of art. The museum is home to three versions of “The Scream” – a painting, drawing and print – as well as a vast collection of other Munch works.

Akershus Fortress was completed in the 14th century and today consists of banquet halls, the Royal Mausoleum and the government’s reception rooms. This well-preserved medieval castle has survived many sieges and today is one of the city’s most-visited attractions. 

The National Museum of Norway contains the country’s biggest collection of art, architecture, and design. It is also the largest museum in the Nordic region. Here you will find Harald Sohlberg’s iconic “Winter night in Rondane” and works by Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Henri Matisse.

Skiers won’t want to miss the Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower. This ski jump and museum also boasts the best panoramic views of Oslo, a ski simulator, one of the oldest skis ever found, and a souvenir shop. 

When to Go

The best time to visit Oslo is during the summer months when the weather is the warmest, and when the midnight sun usually appears in June or July. Furthermore, in June and July Oslo can see almost 19 hours of daylight per day. 

Grünerløkka

Grünerløkka, aka Løkka, is widely considered the hippest neighborhood in Oslo. Here you will find a cornucopia of cool cafés, bars, restaurants, vintage shops, and art galleries.