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Oslo Opera House
Oslo
Though Oslo is the smallest of the Scandinavian capitals, this brisk little city offers more sightseeing thrills than you might expect. Prowl through the remains of ancient Viking ships, dive into the traditional folk culture at the Norwegian open-air folk museum, get stirred up by the country's heroic spirit at the Norwegian Resistance Museum, and take a peek at sculptor Gustav Vigeland's people-pillars. Between stops, enjoy the flourishing, people-friendly urban spaces of a metropolis that simply has its act together.
At a Glance
▲▲▲ City Hall Oslo's artsy 20th-century government building, lined with vibrant municipal-themed murals, best visited with included tour.
▲▲▲ National Museum Norway's grandest and newest museum — with the country's cultural and natural essence, captured on canvas.
▲▲▲ Frogner Park and ▲▲ Vigeland Museum Sprawling park with works by Norway's greatest sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, and the studio where he created them (now a museum).
▲▲▲ Fram Museum Captivating exhibit on Norway's greatest Arctic-exploration ships.
▲▲ Norwegian Resistance Museum Gripping look at Norway's tumultuous WWII experience.
▲▲ Norwegian Folk Museum Norway condensed into 150 historic buildings in a large open-air museum.
▲▲ Museum of the Viking Age New museum set to open in 2027 on the site of the now-closed Viking Ship Museum (until then you can see a real Viking boat at the Norwegian Maritime Museum).
▲▲ Kon-Tiki Museum Adventures of primitive Kon-Tiki and Ra II ships built by Thor Heyerdahl.
▲ Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen Oslo's harborfront promenade and nearby arty neighborhood with Astrup Fearnley Museum, upscale galleries, shops, and cafés.
▲ Akershus Fortress Complex and Tours Historic military base and fortified old center, with guided tours, a ho-hum castle interior, and the excellent Norwegian Resistance Museum (listed above).
▲ Oslo Opera House Stunning performance center that's helping revitalize the harborfront.
▲ Munch Museum Massive, state-of-the-art gallery dedicated to Norway's famous Expressionistic painter.
▲ Norwegian Maritime Museum Briny voyage through Norway's rich seafaring heritage.
▲ Nobel Peace Center Inspirational exhibit celebrating some 800 Nobel Peace Prize winners.
▲ Grünerløkka Oslo's trendy former working-class district, bustling with cafés, pubs, and shops.
▲ Ekeberg Sculpture Park Hilly, hikeable 63-acre forest park with striking contemporary art and city views.
▲ Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Ski Museum Dizzying vista and a schuss through skiing history, plus a zip line off the top.
