1. Places to visit
  3. Things to do in Oslo

Things to do in Oslo

Oslo is Norway’s lively capital, set on the Oslofjord and surrounded by forests and islands. The waterfront at Aker Brygge, the Oslo Opera House, Akershus Fortress, and fjord cruises through the Oslofjord are some of the best ways to experience the city.

Discover and book the best activities in Oslo.
Already in Oslo?
Check availability for all activities
Fjord Cruise Oslofjord
Couple cycling at Munch Bridge Oslo taking selfie on sunny summer day in Norway's capital
+ 15
Scroll to:

Experience the fjords by train – directly from Oslo

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

Popular tours that start or end in Oslo

Oslo is a train ride from the fjords. Board the Bergen Railway to the famous fjords, like the Nærøyfjord and the Aurlandsfjord. Combine train rides with fjord cruises to see the fjords up close.
Boat on Sognefjord with flag flying, wake trailing behind on calm water.
The complete fjord journey
Sognefjord in a Nutshell™
A deeper Sognefjord experience
-
Cruise Norway’s longest fjord & the Flåm Railway
-
From 1 day
-
Available April – October
From 2745 NOK
Grass-roof cabins on hillside overlook fjord, waterfall, peaks.
UNESCO fjord adventure
Geirangerfjord in a Nutshell™
Norway's most dramatic fjord landscapes
-
Geirangerfjord, spectacular mountains & Trollstigen
-
From 2 days
-
Available June – September
From 3337 NOK
Havila coastal cruise ship sailing through scenic Norwegian fjords between Trondheim and Bergen
Cities and Coastal Cruise
Discover cities and fjords by rail & cruise
-
Ålesund, Trondheim & Flåm via rail and cruise
-
Includes Norway in a Nutshell®
-
From 4 days
-
Available year-round
From 11931 NOK
Turquoise fjord with cruise ships, forested mountains and snow.
Geirangerfjord and Norway in a Nutshell®
Norway's greatest fjords in one full journey
-
Norway's UNESCO fjords and scenic trains
-
Includes Norway in a Nutshell®
-
From 3 days
-
Available June – September
From 8459 NOK
Woman in yellow sweater leans from green train window, gazing at autumn forest landscape.
Norway's classic route
Norway in a Nutshell®
The iconic fjord and train journey
-
UNESCO Nærøyfjord cruise & famous train journeys
-
From 1 day
-
Available year-round
From 2698 NOK
Winter Fjords & Flåm from Oslo
See Norway’s winter fjords & Bergen Railway
-
The full Flåm journey without the summer crowds
-
2 days
-
November – March
From 5626 NOK
Fjord cruise boat approaching Balestrand through the Sognefjord
Sognefjord Cruise & Balestrand Stay
Slow down on the shores of Sognefjord
-
Fjord cruise, glaciers & 2 nights in Balestrand
-
Hotels, transport & activities included
-
3 day tour
-
Available May – September
From 9096 NOK
Hikers standing on Preikestolen plateau during a scenic hike, overlooking the Lysefjord far beneath in Norway.
Active adventure
Lysefjord in a Nutshell™
Cruise Lysefjord & hike Preikestolen
-
Explore Stavanger, Lysefjord and the famous Preikestolen rock
-
From 1 day
-
Available May – September
From 3660 NOK

Why choose Fjord Tours?

Home of Norway in a Nutshell®
Since 1982, we've connected scenic trains, fjord cruises and iconic sights into journeys that showcase the essence of Norway.
Self-guided freedom
Travel with the confidence of expert planning by local experts. All connections are handled; you just enjoy the journey.
Flexible adventures
Customize your journey when booking; add extra days, hotels, and guided experiences to create your perfect trip.
Sustainable travel
Explore Norway using trains, boats, and electric buses, reducing your footprint while maximizing your experience.

Essential one-day Oslo itinerary

A practical itinerary for first-time visitors to Oslo, wanting to make the most of a day in the capital.

Travel information about Oslo

Everything you need to plan your trip to Oslo, from how to get here to when to book.
Oslo Opera House rooftop with visitors enjoying sunny weather - iconic Norwegian National Opera architecture

Getting to Oslo

  • Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL) is Norway’s main international airport
  • The airport is just 20 minutes from Oslo Central Station by train, with frequent departures in both directions
  • Oslo Central Station is the main entrance point if you’re traveling between Bergen and Oslo by train

Getting around Oslo

Oslo is a larger city, with neighborhoods sprawling in each direction, but the compact city center puts the Royal Palace, Akershus Fortress, and Aker Brygge all within comfortable walking distance
Oslo is well-connected by trams and buses. The Oslo Pass gives you unlimited access to public transport and free entry to 30+ museums, including the National Museum of Art and Munch Museum.
Colorful kayaks paddle by Barcode and MUNCH Museum under bright blue sky.

Best time to visit Oslo

Oslo has unique experiences in every season, from summer fjord cruises to Christmas markets. Here's when to visit based on your interests:
  • Summer (June-August): Long days for Oslofjord cruises, outdoor dining at Aker Brygge, and vibrant cultural festivals.
  • Autumn (September-October): Golden colors in Vigelandsparken, fewer tourists, and comfortable temperatures for city walks.
  • Winter (November-March): Christmas markets near Akershus Fortress, skiing at Holmenkollen, and cozy café culture.
  • Spring (April-May): Blooming Royal Palace Gardens, reopening outdoor cafés, and ideal conditions for exploring Oslo's architecture.
Oslo locals are known for sauna sessions followed by a plunge into the fjord — even in winter.

Where to stay in Oslo

Oslo has many accommodation options, but we recommend staying centrally in the city center, especially if you’re short on time and want to make the most of your time in the city.
  • City center hotels: Wake up to Oslofjord views at luxury hotels near Aker Brygge or at the Oslo Opera House
  • Grünerløkka hotels: Experience Oslo like a local in curated boutique hotels in Oslo's trendiest neighborhood
  • Oslo Central Station hotels: Rest easy at our selected hotels, perfectly positioned for departures on the Bergen Railway
  • Budget-friendly hotels in Oslo: Enjoy quality accommodations near Oslo's National Museum and Royal Palace without stretching your budget
We recommend booking your accommodation 4-6 months ahead. Are you planning on visiting Oslo during Christmas? Book at least 6-8 months out.

When to book your tour

For summer city visits (June–August), book day trips and activities 3–6 weeks ahead.
Outside peak season, more last-minute availability is usually possible, but booking ahead gives you a better chance of securing your preferred dates and departure times.

How many days do you need in Oslo?

  • Half a day to see the highlights on foot. Walk along Aker Brygge, visit the Palace’s gardens, and walk along Karl Johans gate to do some shopping.
  • Full day to see the highlights + join a fjord cruise out onto the Oslofjord.
  • 2 days to see Oslo + a fjord cruise + a day trip. Explore the city on day one. Take a full-day Nærøyfjord tour on day two.
  • 3+ days for the full experience. Add a kayaking tour, food tour, and the Norway in a Nutshell® route at a relaxed pace.

Frequently asked questions about Oslo

Ready to explore Oslo?

Discover Oslo’s bustling, urban, and lively atmosphere. From the mellow Oslofjord, authentic islands to big squares and the Royal Palace.
Browse the full list of activities in Oslo, check availability, and book your experience today.
See all activities in Oslo