Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital, is a fantastic destination for solo travelers who want a mix of nature, culture, and modern city life. Compact and easy to navigate, Oslo offers safe streets, reliable public transport, and plenty of opportunities to explore at your own pace. You can spend your mornings strolling along the scenic Oslofjord and your afternoons visiting world-class museums like the Munch Museum or enjoy the floating sauna.
With its blend of urban charm and surrounding forests and fjords, Oslo is perfect for solo adventurers who love both city energy and the great outdoors.
Getting Around
Oslo is one of the safest capitals in Europe, making it a stress-free destination for solo adventurers. Public transport (metro, buses, trams, ferries) is reliable and easy to use with one ticket system across all modes. Best is to directly use the #Ruter App. The city is compact, so most of it is in walking distance.
Where to Stay
Oslo is a very expensive city – especially the city center. My accommodation was in the area of Grünerløkka with direct connection via tram to the city center.
Eating Out
Oslo provides easy possibilities to eat alone. One is Shopping for meals at bakeries or local supermarkets. What I did a lot and you also save a lot of money. Markets or food halls are also good options like the Mathallen Food Hall. And of course, as in most large cities, there are lots of cafes and well-known restaurants.
Budget Tips
- Using public transport passes (starts at 24h).
- Do not use the express train from the airport (almost double price).
- Shopping for meals at bakeries or local supermarkets.
- Taking advantage of free attractions, like Vigeland Sculpture Park.
- Stay outside the city center and/or in a budget hostel.
- Visit the Fjords with public ferries.
Practical Tips
- Currency: The currency in Norway is the Norwegian krone (NOK), but cards and contactless payments will cover almost everything.
- Socket types: Type C, E, or F (https://plugs-and-sockets.org/by-country/norway)
Things to Do
There are many things to do in Oslo. In addition to numerous sights, Oslo offers many museums and parks. The highlight is, of course, the Oslofjords, which you absolutely must visit.
Langøyene, 0150 Oslo, Norway
Vigeland Park + Frogner Park
Nobel Peace Center
Oslo Cathedral
Town hall
Norwegian Parliament
Botanical garden
Akershus castle
Norwegian Nationel Opera
Munch Museum
National Museum
Aker Brygge
Royal Palace
Oslo Central Station
Royal Palace
The Palace is located at the end of Karl Johans gate, the city’s main boulevard and is a symbol of the country’s monarchy. It was completed in 1849 and serves as the home of the Norwegian monarch and hosts important state ceremonies, official dinners, and the daily changing of the guard, which is a popular attraction for visitors. It is also surrounded by beautiful gardens open to the public.
Norwegian Parliament
The Norwegian Parliament, known as the Storting, is the heart of Norway’s democracy and the place where national laws are debated and passed. Located in central Oslo, the Parliament building is a distinctive yellow-brick structure completed in 1866, combining elements of French and Italian architectural styles. It stands on Karl Johans gate, the city’s main boulevard, just a short walk down the same street that leads directly to the Royal Palace.
Oslo Cathedral
Located near Karl Johans gate and just a short distance from both the Royal Palace and the Parliament, Oslo Cathedral is the main church of the Church of Norway and a central landmark in the city’s history. Consecrated in 1697, it has long served as the setting for royal weddings, state funerals, and important national ceremonies. The cathedral, built in baroque style with later additions, features a richly decorated interior, including a beautifully painted ceiling and stained-glass windows.
Oslo Central Station (Oslo S)
Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) is the largest railway station in Norway and the main hub for travel in and out of the capital. Opened in its modern form in 1980, it connects regional, national, and international train lines, as well as the city’s metro, trams, and buses, making it the busiest transport center in the country. Located at the eastern end of Karl Johans gate, it serves as the gateway to central Oslo, just a short walk from major landmarks like the Opera House, Parliament, and the Royal Palace.
Fortress Akershus
Akershus Castle and Fortress is a medieval stronghold overlooking the Oslo Fjord, offering one of the city’s most beautiful waterfront views. Built in the late 13th century to protect Oslo, it later served as a royal residence and military base. Today, the fortress is both a historic monument and a cultural site, housing museums and hosting events within its ancient walls.
Oslo town hall (Radhus)
Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset) is known for its distinctive twin towers and functionalist architecture. Completed in 1950, it serves as the administrative center of the city and the venue for the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. All other Nobel Prizes—i.e., physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and economics—are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Norwegian National Opera
The Norwegian National Opera in Oslo is a modern architectural masterpiece located on the city’s waterfront. Opened in 2008, the striking building is known for its angled, white marble and glass design, which appears to rise directly from the harbor. A unique feature of the opera house is its sloping roof, which is accessible to the public, allowing visitors to walk up and enjoy panoramic views of the Oslo Fjord and the city skyline. This combination of world-class performing arts and innovative design makes it both a cultural and architectural highlight of Oslo.
Museums
Munch Museum
The Munch Museum in Oslo is dedicated to the life and work of Norway’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch. Opened in 1963 and recently relocated to a modern waterfront building, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of his paintings, prints, and drawings. Munch is best known for his iconic masterpiece The Scream, a haunting expression of human emotion and anxiety that has become one of the most recognized works of art worldwide. The museum offers visitors a deep insight into his life, artistic evolution, and the emotional intensity that defines his work.
The National Museum
The National Museum in Oslo is Norway’s largest art institution, showcasing a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and design from both Norwegian and international artists. Opened in its new, modern building in 2022, the museum brings together works from several former institutions, including the National Gallery, providing a comprehensive view of Norway’s artistic heritage. Highlights include masterpieces from Edvard Munch and other key figures.
Nobel Peace Center
The Nobel Peace Center is a museum and cultural center dedicated to showcasing the Nobel Peace Prize and its laureates. Opened in 2005, it presents the history of the prize, the achievements of its recipients, and the ongoing global efforts to promote peace and human rights.
Parks
Vigeland Park + Frogner Park
Vigeland Park, located within Frogner Park, is the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland. The park features over 200 sculptures in bronze, granite, and wrought iron, depicting the human experience in all its stages and emotions. It is easily accessible from Oslo city center and offering beautiful green spaces for walking, picnicking, and enjoying art in nature.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden in Oslo, located in the Tøyen area of the city, is part of the University of Oslo and one of Norway’s oldest botanical gardens. It features a wide variety of plants from Norway and around the world, including alpine, tropical, and medicinal species. The garden serves both as a place for research and education, and as a peaceful public space where visitors can enjoy nature, seasonal blooms, and beautifully landscaped areas throughout the year.
Fjords
Aker Brygge
Aker Brygge is a lively waterfront area in central Oslo, known for its restaurants, shops, and vibrant atmosphere. Located along the Oslofjord, it is a popular starting point for exploring the fjords by boat.
Hovedøya
Hovedøya is a scenic island in the Oslofjord, just a short ferry ride from central Oslo. It is known for its beautiful sandy beach, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking during the summer. The island also features walking trails, historic monastery ruins, and lush greenery, offering a peaceful natural escape from the city.
Lindøya
Lindøya is a small, charming island in the Oslofjord, easily reachable by ferry from Oslo.
What makes it special is its preserved maritime character, with charming wooden houses.
Gressholmen
Gressholmen is a small island in the Oslofjord, part of the islands often visited together with Lindøya and Hovedøya. It is known for its peaceful, natural setting, with walking trails, beaches, and birdwatching opportunities. Historically, it was used for herring processing.
Langøyene
Langøyene is one of the largest islands in the Oslofjord, located a short ferry ride from Oslo. It is famous for its long sandy beaches, open grassy areas, and recreational facilities. The island also has a history as a former lime production site, which adds an interesting historical dimension to its natural appeal.
Sauna
Scandinavia has a deep-rooted sauna culture, especially in Finland and Norway. What makes it so special in Oslo are the floating saunas all around the waterfront.
Oslo badstuforening
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