Oslo, norway
Attractions Guide

The Norwegian capital city of Oslo is well-known for its sleek contemporary architecture set amongst many historic buildings and great museums.

One of the city's most famous structures is the harborside Oslo Opera House, with its slanted roofs you can climb for amazing panoramic views over the area. The Opera House sits next to the Barcode neighborhood of Oslo, which consists of stunning ultra-contemporary high rise buildings, which are best viewed from atop the Opera House.

Another popular attraction is the 12th century seaside Akershus Fortress that you can explore, which hosts historic buildings, museums, and great coastal views. The fortress sits adjacent to the Sentrum City Center of Oslo.

Within the Sentrum City Center you can admire the beautiful baroque Norwegian Parliament building and visit the National Gallery of Norway containing a wealth of Norwegian fine art.

Be sure to visit the historic Radhuset City Hall building with its elaborately detailed interiors. Around the City Center you'll also find the impressive 17th century Oslo Cathedral and its spire-topped clocktower.

Adjacent to the City Center is the newer Aker Brygge waterfront neighborhood, where you'll find many great shops and restaurants amongst impressive contemporary buildings.

Two museums in this area you might visit are the Nobel Peace Center museum with exhibits on the Nobel Peace Prize, and the Astrup Fearnley Museet, a modern art museum.

To the north of Aker Byrgge and the City Center you'll find Oslo's Royal Palace, which is surrounded by a beautiful lush park. Be aware that if you'd like to tour the palace you must make reservations in advance.

On the western side of the city is the expansive Frogner Park (also known as Vigeland Park), which has many sculptures spread out across its well-manicured gardens. Here you'll also find the Vigeland Museum hosting many sculptures created by the famous Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland.

Viking Ship Museum

To the south of Frogner Park on the city's Bygdoy Peninsula are four fantastic museums, including the renowned Viking Ship Museum which houses three 9th century viking ships alongside artifacts.

Gol Stave Church

Adjacent to the Viking Ship Museum is the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, a large open-air museum featuring historical structures throughout history including medieval buildings and a stunning traditional wooden stave church, as well as many furnished traditional homes.

Fram Museum & Kon-Tiki Museum

Also on the peninsula is the Fram Museum, which houses a 19th century ship used for polar expeditions. Next door is the Kon-Tiki Museum dedicated to Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, who constructed highly-accurate models of ancient boats and sailed them across oceans, with these boats and related exhibits on display.