See and Do in Oslo
Located at the heart of a Norwegian fjord, Oslo combines the advantages of a European capital with the benefits of a small city.
The urban centre boasts a great variety of services and products without the long commutes common to big metropolises. Not to mention, Osloites are friendly and helpful, and almost everyone speaks English.
Expats will find plenty to do during a weekend in Oslo; and as one of the safest cities in the world, whether you choose to do a bit of sightseeing, absorb some of the surrounding natural beauty, or indulge in the café culture; you can count on a pleasant experience.
One of the first signs that the summer has arrived is the smell of BBQ. In Oslo, you can BBQ in any park, but first, you need to get your official “BBQ-Kit” (Norwegian Style!)
►Vigeland Sculpture Park, or Frogner Park as the locals call it, is a very popular destination both because of its size and its countless intimate spots. Not to mention, the park is home to the statues of Gustav Vigeland, a very passionate Norwegian sculptor. He believed that sculpting was his destiny: had he done anything else, life would have brought him back to it. His “real life” statues are scattered all over the area, most of them being on the bridge in front of the entrance gate. In summer, the park hosts many festivals for grown-ups and children; and you can have a picnic, visit the museum or have a drink at one of the two cafés. It’s open all week.
Alternatively, the centrally-located Royal Palace gardens provides a peaceful location for barbecuing . During tourist season it can be crowded, but the back of the castle is very nice and quiet, and it has a small artificial lake.
Another great spot is the Oslo fjord islands. Plan a day-trip or half-a-day trip, as it will take a bit of time to get there and find a spot. Leave early to avoid long lines, and remember to check when the last boat leaves if you plan to enjoy the evening sun.
Winter skiing is a great way to spend a weekend in Oslo. Slopes are everywhere, and many companies own cabins that they rent to employees for a "symbolic" price. Most Norwegians have one in the family so don’t be afraid to ask around. Do ask if it’s a traditional cabin (no electricity, water and sometimes even no bathroom!)
Cross-country skiing is by far the most popular sport in Norway, but you can also find down-hill skiing slopes.
If you’d like to go for a run, a walk or a bike ride, Sognsvann lake is an accessible option (metro line 3), perfect for a sunny weekend day.
Otherwise, spend some time meandering alongside the Akerselva, the river that splits the city in two: west side (posh) and east side (bohemian, popular). Take the tram up to Grefsen, find your way to the river and walk down-stream.
It won't be long before expats realise that weekends in Oslo that pass without a drink or a coffee are few and far between.
As a city with one of the world's highest cost of living, both locals and expats alike drink mostly before going out (called “Forespill”). After dinner there is usually a pre-drinks gathering at someone’s place, and once everyone is warm enough (around 11pm), the party moves to a club. You can go to Frogner on the west-side (Champagneria, Stravinsky) or Grünerløkka on the east-side (Aku-aku, Qba, Kaos). Karl Johan and Youngstorget (downtown) are also nightlife hubs!
Norwegians love coffee. They drink it all the time; at home, at the office and on the go. Kaffebreneriet, a shop akin to the Norwegian Starbucks minus the big comfy chairs, has a great selection, including home-made pastries and sandwiches.
Expats will also find a fair share of French patisserie: Pascal, Chocolat and Åpent Bakeri are among the most famous.
Sightseeing in Oslo is entertaining and convenient. Expats will likely still have energy at the end of the day to enjoy a dinner at a nice restaurant or party with friends. Most attractions are closed on Monday, so check before you plan your day.
Directions: Metro Line 1 to “Frognerseteren”
Stop: Holmenkollen (5 min walk from the stop).
Hours: June to August 9am - 8pm; May to September 10am to 5pm; October to April 10am to 4pm.
The new Opera was inaugurated in 2007. It won the Culture Award at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona in October 2008, and the 2009 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture. The building resembles a boat, or an iceberg….and is actually located by the sea. The combination of white marble on the outside and wood on the inside evokes the same emotion you often find in passionate plays. Expats can take tours once a day, at noon or you can book a group tour.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm; Saturday 11am to 5pm; closed Sundays
Hours: vary throughout the year
The urban centre boasts a great variety of services and products without the long commutes common to big metropolises. Not to mention, Osloites are friendly and helpful, and almost everyone speaks English.
Expats will find plenty to do during a weekend in Oslo; and as one of the safest cities in the world, whether you choose to do a bit of sightseeing, absorb some of the surrounding natural beauty, or indulge in the café culture; you can count on a pleasant experience.
Barbecue
One of the first signs that the summer has arrived is the smell of BBQ. In Oslo, you can BBQ in any park, but first, you need to get your official “BBQ-Kit” (Norwegian Style!)
- A disposable grill (on sale at any supermarket)
- Meat of your choice (Hotdogs being the most popular)
- Matches
- Beer
►Vigeland Sculpture Park, or Frogner Park as the locals call it, is a very popular destination both because of its size and its countless intimate spots. Not to mention, the park is home to the statues of Gustav Vigeland, a very passionate Norwegian sculptor. He believed that sculpting was his destiny: had he done anything else, life would have brought him back to it. His “real life” statues are scattered all over the area, most of them being on the bridge in front of the entrance gate. In summer, the park hosts many festivals for grown-ups and children; and you can have a picnic, visit the museum or have a drink at one of the two cafés. It’s open all week.Alternatively, the centrally-located Royal Palace gardens provides a peaceful location for barbecuing . During tourist season it can be crowded, but the back of the castle is very nice and quiet, and it has a small artificial lake.
Another great spot is the Oslo fjord islands. Plan a day-trip or half-a-day trip, as it will take a bit of time to get there and find a spot. Leave early to avoid long lines, and remember to check when the last boat leaves if you plan to enjoy the evening sun.
Ski
Winter skiing is a great way to spend a weekend in Oslo. Slopes are everywhere, and many companies own cabins that they rent to employees for a "symbolic" price. Most Norwegians have one in the family so don’t be afraid to ask around. Do ask if it’s a traditional cabin (no electricity, water and sometimes even no bathroom!)
Cross-country skiing is by far the most popular sport in Norway, but you can also find down-hill skiing slopes.
Nature walk
If you’d like to go for a run, a walk or a bike ride, Sognsvann lake is an accessible option (metro line 3), perfect for a sunny weekend day.
Otherwise, spend some time meandering alongside the Akerselva, the river that splits the city in two: west side (posh) and east side (bohemian, popular). Take the tram up to Grefsen, find your way to the river and walk down-stream.
Play
It won't be long before expats realise that weekends in Oslo that pass without a drink or a coffee are few and far between.
►Drinks
As a city with one of the world's highest cost of living, both locals and expats alike drink mostly before going out (called “Forespill”). After dinner there is usually a pre-drinks gathering at someone’s place, and once everyone is warm enough (around 11pm), the party moves to a club. You can go to Frogner on the west-side (Champagneria, Stravinsky) or Grünerløkka on the east-side (Aku-aku, Qba, Kaos). Karl Johan and Youngstorget (downtown) are also nightlife hubs!
►Coffee
Norwegians love coffee. They drink it all the time; at home, at the office and on the go. Kaffebreneriet, a shop akin to the Norwegian Starbucks minus the big comfy chairs, has a great selection, including home-made pastries and sandwiches.Expats will also find a fair share of French patisserie: Pascal, Chocolat and Åpent Bakeri are among the most famous.
See
Sightseeing in Oslo is entertaining and convenient. Expats will likely still have energy at the end of the day to enjoy a dinner at a nice restaurant or party with friends. Most attractions are closed on Monday, so check before you plan your day.
►Holmenkollen - The ski jump
One of the main attractions is the ski jump. Take the metro and walk uphill to reach the top. The view is uncomparable, and is also the point where people actually throw themselves into the void - the top of the jump! It is a symbolic monument to Norway’s unconditional love for winter sports.Directions: Metro Line 1 to “Frognerseteren”
Stop: Holmenkollen (5 min walk from the stop).
Hours: June to August 9am - 8pm; May to September 10am to 5pm; October to April 10am to 4pm.
►The Opera House
The new Opera was inaugurated in 2007. It won the Culture Award at the World Architecture Festival in Barcelona in October 2008, and the 2009 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture. The building resembles a boat, or an iceberg….and is actually located by the sea. The combination of white marble on the outside and wood on the inside evokes the same emotion you often find in passionate plays. Expats can take tours once a day, at noon or you can book a group tour.Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm; Saturday 11am to 5pm; closed Sundays
►The Royal Palace (Slottsparken)
This is where the King and Queen live, and from their balcony they wave at the people of Norway on National Day (17th of May). It is one of the rare places that offers tours on Mondays. Tours are arranged three times per hour between June 17th and August 12th. Be aware that tickets must be purchased in advance.►Munch Museum
Home to the famous painting “the Scream”, it is a firm favourite. They have regular exhibitions that explain facets and periods of Munch’s work. Opening hours vary according to the time of year, and the museum is always closed Mondays.►Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Travel in time as you walk the streets of this open-air museum. It is built like a village, with houses and stores of different time frames in Norway. You can even go inside some of the houses to see how people used to live "back in the days” (Actually, not so long ago…). There is a store that sells old-fashioned candy, where everything looks like it’s taken out of the early 1900s. It’s great for kids too.►Ibsen Museum
Ibsen is one of the most famous - if not the most famous - of the Norwegian writers. The beauty and the eloquence of his plays have inspired some foreigners to learn Norwegian just to be able to grasp their essence. He was an avant-gardist, especially with regards to women's rights. The museum devoted to his life is small, very cute and fun; you can also visit the apartment where he used to live (if you take a guided tour)!Hours: vary throughout the year
