Top 6 things to do in Oslo

Travelling to Norway means discovering another aspect of Mother Nature that you didn’t know existed until now: enjoying the spectacle of the glittering Northern Lights; going on numerous hikes where you can admire magnificent animals; strolling along waterfalls; wandering through the narrow streets of the cities… If you opt for the country’s capital, which is none other than Oslo, then you’ll be delighted to combine “adventure and nature” together! Find the perfect balance between fun and relaxation, thanks to the activities we suggest below…

What to do in Oslo

1. Play an unusual sport

Category: €€/Sporty/Insolite

Description: On the snow or on the grass, you’re bound to find an unusual activity for you and your family, or with friends. Our advice? Climbing and mountaineering. That’s right! Climbing is a sport rarely practised in Europe, but Norway is a country particularly rich in mountains and other similar wonders, so it’s the perfect place for you to discover a new passion! In the city of Oslo, there are several different itineraries, some quite simple, others extreme. Accompanied by a good guide, enjoy the experience of “taming” this wilderness… And if you’re not a fan of sports on dry land, why not opt for a kayak trip? This will give you the chance to explore Norwegian waterways and learn a little more about the country.

2. The Oslo Fram Museum

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Very often, the only image we have of the ocean and sailing is the one we discover in American films such as “Pirates Of The Caribbean” (yes, we at Navaway love these cult films too). But here in Oslo, we’re offering to take you to the mythical “Oslo Fram Museum”, on the “Bigdøy Peninsula”. There, you simply won’t believe your eyes: this is home to THE strongest ship the world has ever known, having gone as far north and south as possible. Built in 1892, the Fram is a wooden ship that has forever marked the history of the city of Oslo, as well as leading to the conquest of the poles. Don’t forget that your visit won’t be limited to admiring this immense building from the outside. You can also climb aboard to explore the interior: your guide will tell you all about how the Fram worked, the daily lives of the passengers on board, how the engine rooms functioned, the architecture of the bridge… Open from 10am to around 6pm, discover a little more about the men who came before us, and their daring and adventurous nature.

3. Stroll around the city and visit its trendy districts

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Oslo city centre? It’s the perfect place to take your family and go shopping! You’ll love spending a day wandering the streets, admiring the buildings and sipping a delicious drink on a café terrace. Our top tip is to head for the historic Kvadraturen district, where some of the oldest buildings still stand proudly in your path. It was also in this very district that former king Christian IV decided to found the city of Christiana, following the terrible fire of 1624. There are so many stories, anecdotes and things to see in this district that you won’t know where to turn! We also recommend the ‘Aker Brygge’ district, which is considered by many to be the soul of the city: many events are organised here; the restaurants are among the most delicious in the capital; people enjoy coming to walk by the water, and the temperatures are generally better than in the rest of the city. Enjoy your stay!

4. The Cathedral (Domkirke)

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: The cathedral we like to call the “Church of Our Saviour” is Baroque in style and was built in the 17th century. A stroll around this huge, imposing building will allow you to admire Norway’s oldest clock dating from 1718. When you enter, you’ll be immediately captivated by the three magnificently decorated bronze doors that open to let you into an absolutely unique place, whose enormous frescoes painted on the roof give it a unique and singular style. As you walk along, you can admire the “altar”, one of the elements that has best withstood the ravages of time. Isn’t it magnificent? Just outside the cathedral is the city’s historic cemetery, where some of Norway’s most important figures are buried. Domkirke Cathedral is located at 11 Karl Johans Gate, and is open daily from 10am to 4pm, except on Fridays when it is only open in the afternoon.

5. Opt for a sailing cruise

Category: €€/Insolite

Description: Didn’t you know? The Norwegian Sea borders the Arctic Ocean. As a result, fishing and boat trips are extremely popular here. Why not leave the mainland behind, feel the wind in your hair and set off to discover the coastline of Oslo? This trip will allow you to see the city from a completely different angle: with a bird’s eye view. There’s no doubt that you’ll be able to moor for a while on the picturesque little islands in the striking landscape of the “Oslofjord”, while taking the opportunity to relax and take some splendid photos. Admire the sunset over the water, as its peaceful rays of red, gold and yellow brush against your skin, before disappearing to make way for the magnificent silver crescent moon. Enjoy the silence, broken only by the rustle of the water and the twinkling of the stars…

6. Oslo Opera

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: If you ever take a stroll down the street “Kirsten Flagstads Plass”, you’ll come face to face with the great “Oslo Opera House” made of marble, which seems to emerge from the North Sea. Built less than 20 years ago, in 2008, the opera house is considered to be the capital’s main cultural centre: its auditorium can easily accommodate around 1,360 guests, and its location above the sea meant that a stage could be built 16 metres below sea level. Just imagine what a spectacle that must be! The marble and glass façade of the opera house catches the eye of visitors, who don’t hesitate to pull out their cameras to immortalise the moment. Inside, the oak wood used to clad the walls takes pride of place. In the evening, after enjoying a magnificent ballet, why not head to the terrace on the roof of the opera house to sip a delicious drink, while admiring the view over the ‘Norwegian fjord’? Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 9pm, this is a unique experience waiting for you!