Citytrip Oslo
Citytrip Oslo: Things to see and do
Oslo was one of our stops during our Interrail trip through Scandinavia and Finland. We came from Gothenburg, a journey of about six hours. Normally, there’s a direct train between the two cities, but during our trip in the Corona period, we had to take the bus because of stricter border controls.
Once we arrived in Oslo, we took our time exploring the city. The capital lies beautifully along the Oslofjord and combines nature, culture, and architecture in a very accessible way. Here are our top tips for things to see and do during a city trip to Oslo.
Opera House: Picnic on the roof
The Oslo Opera House is a modern architectural highlight and one of the city’s most famous buildings. It opened in 2008 and was designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta. The unique thing about this building is that you can walk on its sloped marble roof. From the top, you get great views of the water and Oslo’s skyline. We brought some food and had a picnic with a view—a fun and cheap activity in the city.
Aker Brygge: Eat and walk by the water
Aker Brygge is a lively area on the waterfront, built on an old shipyard. Today it’s full of restaurants, cafés, shops, and art galleries. It’s especially nice on sunny days when locals and tourists stroll along the promenade or sit on a terrace by the harbour. From here, you can also visit the Astrup Fearnley Museum for modern art or take a ferry to one of the islands in the Oslofjord.
Rådhuset: Oslo's city hall
The red building with two towers might not look impressive from the outside, but inside it’s worth visiting. Rådhuset is free to enter and is famous for its murals and wall art depicting Norwegian life and history. Every year on 10 December, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held here, making the building even more special.
Karl Johans Gate: Oslo’s main street
This wide main street connects the central station with the Royal Palace and is the heart of the city. Here you’ll find shops, cafés, street performers, and historic buildings like the parliament (Stortinget) and Oslo Cathedral. It’s a great place to walk, shop, or just watch people. Along the way, you’ll pass pretty parks and fountains, making the walk even more enjoyable.
Akershus Fortress: Medieval castle with views
This well-preserved fortress from the 13th century is by the Oslo harbour and offers stunning views of the fjord. You can walk around for free and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere inside the old walls. The fortress has a rich history: it was once a royal castle and later a military base. Today, it also houses a museum, and you can picnic on the grassy areas around the fortress.
Walk along the Akerselva River
The Akerselva river flows through Oslo and offers a surprisingly green route through the city. Along the river, you’ll find waterfalls, bridges, old factories converted into creative hubs, street art, and cafés. The walk starts in Maridalen, north of the city, and ends in the centre. It’s a great way to see Oslo quietly and like a local.
Our takeaway: Citytrip Oslo
Oslo is a compact and accessible city with a unique mix of nature, modern architecture, and culture. Whether you like museums, walking by the water, or relaxing in parks, Oslo has it all. With efficient public transport and a calm atmosphere, it’s perfect for a relaxed city trip.
Tip: Travelling with Interrail or exploring Scandinavia? Oslo is easy to reach by train and makes a perfect stop on the way to Bergen, Stavanger, or towards Sweden and Finland.