30 hour stopover in Oslo, Norway
As the capital of Norway, Oslo is a maritime city that sticks to its roots.
During my trip to Norway in July of 2018, I flew into Oslo, Norway before flying west to explore the west Norwegian fjords (read about that adventure here).
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Oslo.
But was pleasantly surprised by the dashes of art & culture, with a strong emphasis on familial & cultural responsibility sprinkled throughout.
So while Oslo doesn’t necessarily fall into the must-see European cities bucket for me, I’d recommend it as a stopover on your next adventure.
And in the summer months, the days are long and there’s plenty of sunlight to spend exploring during your stopover (sun doesn’t set until 11PM and the sun rises again at 4AM)
If you’re interested, Norwegian Air has some great deals flying from Oakland, CA (and anywhere from the states, really) into Oslo, Norway.
Read on for my favorite sights & bites in Oslo.
Table of Contents / Map
- Transportation: getting to and around Oslo (orange on map)
- Sights: what to see in Oslo (blue on map)
- Bites: what to eat in Oslo (purple on map)
Enjoy!
1. Transportation
To and from the airport
To travel from the Oslo Airport to Oslo’s city center, I took a quick 25 minute train ride from Oslo Lufthavn to Oslo Central Station, via the Regional NSB (line L12).
- After leaving the baggage turntables, follow the signs that say Express Trains, Trains
- There will be a sign that says Oslo Lufthavn Gardemoen Stasjon and underneath you’ll see NSB kiosks
- At the NSB kiosk, purchase a ticket to Oslo S (adults ~101 NOK)
- Go down to the track the kiosk tells you to go to. It will also tell you which line to get on, and how long until the train will arrive. Also, trust google 😊
On the way back, do the same, but in reverse 🙃
Note: the other option is to purchase tickets for an express train (line F2), which comes more frequently, but the train itself is only 5 minutes faster and it’s 2x more expensive.
Getting around the city
Around the city, there’s a convenient tram system, but I opted to walk and explore instead because I find it a pity to miss the beauty above ground.
If you prefer to not walk, consider purchasing a 24 hr tram pass for 90 NOK, available for purchase at kiosks in any convenience store. Single ride tickets are 32 NOK ahead of time (also supposedly available at these kiosks) and 50 NOK on board.
If you’re considering visiting a few museums and also using the transit system, you might consider the One Day, Two Day, or Three Day Oslo Pass, which grants you access to museums, public transports, and heavy discounts to many restaurants. I didn’t look into this option, so consult google for most updated pricing.
2. Sights: what to see in Oslo
☑ Visit the Vigeland Sculpture Garden within Frogner Park
This park houses some 200 of the coolest sculptures (in bronze, granite, and cast iron). And it’s the largest sculpture park in the world where all the work is created by a single artist, Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943).
In the sculptures, Vigeland explores the human form, human relationships, and different stages of human life.
The garden itself is split into 5 parts: the main gate, the bridge with the children’s statues, the Fountain, the Monolith plateau (carved out of 1 single block of granite over the course of 14 years!!), and the Wheel of Life. And it’s all in 1 straight boulevard as you walk through the park, so there’s no chance you’ll miss anything.
Try to go in the morning, and budget at least 2 hrs to fully explore.
No entrance fee (budget-conscious folks rejoice!!) But it’s about 1.2 km west of the other sights, so you can either pay for the tram (line 12 or 19) or be prepared to walk.
☑ Scale the sloping roof of Oslo Opera House
Home to both the Norwegian National Opera and the Norwegian National Ballet, this landmark is angled like waves crashing into an iceberg. Idk I just made that up, I have no idea what the architectural inspiration was.
Although it looks like it could be inspired by Norway’s natural beauty, it’s certainly reminiscent of Sydney Opera House and Iceland’s Harpa concert hall, merged into one. Very contemporary.
Unfortunately there weren’t performances during our stay in Oslo, but it was still fun to climb across its sloping roof and enjoy the interior wood paneling. Also, free restroom ✌🏼
☑ Experience the history of Oslo in Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle that was built to protect the capital of Norway. There’s sweeping views of Akker Bryge from the fortress itself.
I thought it was really cool to walk around the grounds, which is free btw. Specific portions of the fortress require a fee.
☑ Learn about the history of past nobel peace laureates at the Noble Peace Center
The Noble Peace Center showcases the history and ideals of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Although the other 4 nobel prizes are awarded in Sweden, this one’s solely Norway. This was a great interactive exhibit that calls for reflection on what we as a world have accomplished in the area of conflict resolution, and what we have yet to do. 10/10 would recommend.
Student entrance: 80 NOK; Adult entrance: 120 NOK (guess who waved her grad school ID around? 🙋🏻♀️)
☑ While you’re at it, visit Oslo City Hall, where the Nobel Peace prize is presented every December 10th
While the offices of government officers are on the sides of this red brick building, the grand hall is open to visitors.
It’s most famous for being the venue of the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony on December 10th.
Also of note, on the upper level, there’s a painting by famous Norwegian painter Edvard Munch (entitled Life, and depicting… well, life). There’s also super contemporary (like SUPER contemporary) oil-painting portraits of the king and queen of Norway… I have no wish to ever be painted like the Norwegian monarch.
No entrance fee. Also there’s a free restroom too ✌🏼
☑ Swing by the Oslo Cathedral as you walk down Karl Johans Gate
Certainly not as grand as cathedrals in Italy, we only briefly stopped in to pay our respects. It’s actually quite interesting that this cathedrals sits amongst all the shops and materialistic hustle and bustle.
☑ End your walk down Karl Johans Gate at the Oslo Royal Palace, the official residence of the Norwegian monarch
During the summer months, you can enter as part of an organized tour. I opted not to because I’ve visited living quarters of other royal families around Europe and didn’t feel the need to do so in a country where I still don’t know the names of the owners of the estate.
Like, who are the king and queen of Norway? And do I really need to know what their dining room looks like?
Not positive your answer will be in the affirmative either.
☑ Head 20 min north to the Grünerløkka neighborhood for coffee from infamous Tim Wendelboe
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city life is this cute little neighborhood called Grünerløkka.
And nestled within Grünerløkka is this quaint coffee shop by Tim Wendelboe.
Tim Wendelboe was the 2004 World Barista Champion, 2005 World Cup Tasting Champion, and multiple-time winner of the Nordic Roaster Competition — all things I (a coffee noob) was unaware of before my trip to Oslo.
He imports beans from Africa/Latin America, and roasts them in Norway. They offer coffee tastings (first that I’ve heard of such a thing) and also classes on Saturday. Something to check out if you’re incredibly into coffee.
3. Bites: what to eat in Oslo
I’m going to be perfectly frank here.
Expect to spend a pretty Krone (or a few hundred) on any given meal. Everything in Norway is expensive!!
And tbh, none of the food in Oslo blew me away.
In fact, I was more impressed by the fact that they had bread cutting machines in their supermarkets, which I frequented aggressively during my time in Norway…
But since one must eat, below are some of my recommendations (depending on your scenario):
- Kiwi market — grocery store chain sprinkled throughout Oslo (and Norway) perfect for produce, snacks, etc. My favorite stop!
- Mathallen — international food court, great if you and your group are looking for options
- Alex Sushi — world class sushi 🍣 (CAVEAT: I did not actually try this place since I forgot to make a reservation online beforehand. So can’t speak from firsthand experience)
- Illegal Burger — burgers 🍔 & fries 🍟
- Den Glade Gris — pork knuckle
- Herald’s Vaffle — Norwegian waffles
- Paradis gelato — gelato, because for some, that’s a meal 🍨
Instagram for my fellow basics ✌🏼
Thanks for stopping by and reading about our adventure in Oslo!
If you enjoyed this, feel free to 👏🏼 and share with friends and family interested in traveling to Norway.
And feel free to read more of my family’s adventures through Norway below:
- Exploring the fjords in west Norway: 6 days from Ålesund to Bergen
- 8 things to do (and eat) in charming Bergen, Norway
Travel on, friends.
