Oslo: A Must See List of Unique Sites And Museums

Oslo is not your typical European capital. It doesn’t have the grand, ornate palaces of Vienna or the centuries-old boulevards of Paris. Instead, it has fjords, cutting-edge architecture, Viking history, and an obsession with outdoor living that sets it apart from anywhere else.

Let’s put things in perspective: Oslo is one of the fastest-growing capitals in Europe, yet nearly two-thirds of the city is covered in forests and green space. One moment, you’re admiring Edvard Munch’s The Scream in a world-class museum, and the next, you’re standing on top of a ski jump or sailing through the Oslofjord. It’s a city where you can start your morning in a historic fortress and end your evening in a floating sauna.

This guide isn’t just about listing the usual “must-sees.” You’ll get insider tips, unique attractions, and smart ways to experience the city beyond the surface. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend trip or an extended stay, you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for Oslo’s mix of tradition, innovation, and raw Nordic beauty.

Oslo’s Sites

Oslo | Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle built in 1299, which during the 17th century, was converted into a royal residence. It is located on a hill overlooking the Oslo Fjord, providing beautiful harbour views from its walls. Moreover, the castle houses the Norwegian Resistance Museum and the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum.

Akershus Fortress | Oslo

Oslo | Vigeland Sculpture Park

Vigeland Sculpture Park is Oslo’s most popular tourist attraction. A total of 650 sculptures are arranged in five thematic groups and are made of bronze, granite and wrought iron. The most famous is the fountain group, which symbolizes the cycle of life.

Vigeland Sculpture Park | Oslo | Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo

Oslo | Opera House

Oslo’s Opera House is located right at the harbour. This building is considered one of the most iconic buildings in Scandinavia, with its angled, white exterior that appears to rise from the water. Also, it invites visitors to climb its roof and enjoy panoramic views of Oslo and the fjord all year round.

Opera House | Oslo | Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo

Oslo | Bygdøy Peninsula

The Bygdøy Peninsula is a suburb west of Oslo and is significant because it is home to many tourist attractions, such as museums, beaches, and various leisure activities. The Bygdoy Peninsula is also easily accessible by public transport.

Bygdøy Peninsula | Oslo | Source: “Bygdøy” Wikipedia

Oslo | Fram Museum

One of the most famous museums on the Bygdoy Peninsula and Oslo is the Fram Museum, which showcases Norwegian polar expeditions. Furthermore, the ship Gjøa is notable for being the first to cross the Northwest Passage.

Fram Museum | Oslo | Source: “Fraam Museum” Wikipedia | Bygdøynesveien 39, 0286 Oslo

Oslo | Norwegian Maritime Museum

The Norwegian Maritime Museum (Norsk Maritime) is recommended for those interested in history and sailing. The famous museum showcases the role of fishing and maritime activities in Norwegian life.

| Oslo | Source: “Norwegian Maritime “Museum” Wikipedia | Bygdøynesveien 37, 0286 Oslo

Oslo | Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum is the largest Viking-themed museum in Norway. Here you will find a scarce, perfectly preserved Viking helmet and three surviving Viking ships from the 9th century. In its best condition, the 21-meter Oseberg ship has survived, which was used for the funeral of the wife of a contemporary archbishop. Additionally, the vessel is the most significant pre-Christian artefact in Scandinavia. Nonetheless, the Gokstad and the Tune boats are also impressive, 23 meters long.

Viking Ship Museum | Oslo | Source: “Viking Ship Museum Oslo” Wikipedia | Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo

Oslo | The Royal Palace

The Norwegian Royal Palace is located at a high point in the city. Built-in 1825, the 173-room building already dominates the exterior. The luxurious palace is open to visitors, and you can sign up for guided tours into the palace’s significant rooms. In its garden, you are free to roam all year round and watch the change of the guards. Finally, the south part of the palace is the famous Norwegian Nobel Institute, notable for awarding the Nobel Peace Prizes.

Royal Palace | Oslo | Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo

Oslo | Aker Brygge

Aker Brygge is a popular tourist destination built around a former abandoned shipyard. Today, it is also the heart and soul of Oslo, full of life day and night. It presents the stunning natural beauties of Norway with a beautiful combination of new and old architectural elements. Further, it is visited by 12 million people every year as it has an excellent seafront promenade where you can find shopping opportunities and cosy cafes and restaurants.

Aker Brygge | Oslo

If you want to experience modern Oslo at its best, head to Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen. Once an old shipyard, Aker Brygge is now a bustling waterfront district filled with high-end restaurants, lively bars, and stylish shops. Stroll along the harbor promenade, grab a coffee at one of the trendy cafés, and soak in the maritime atmosphere.

Right next door is Tjuvholmen, a neighborhood known for cutting-edge architecture and contemporary art. Here, you’ll find the Astrup Fearnley Museum, one of Scandinavia’s leading modern art museums, featuring works by Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and other global artists.

For a more relaxed experience, take a seat by the Tjuvholmen City Beach, a small but scenic spot where locals sunbathe in the summer. If you’re feeling adventurous, bring a swimsuit—yes, people actually swim here, even when it’s cold.

📍 Location: Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, Oslo

⏰ Best time to visit: Afternoon or evening for the best atmosphere

🎟 Entrance: Free (Astrup Fearnley Museum ~150 NOK)

🚆 How to get there: Tram Line 12 to Aker Brygge or walk from Oslo Central Station

Oslo | Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum

Norway is the home of winter sports. Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum is famous for its oldest ski finds, with 8-12 pieces from the 16th century. They also show skis with different functions (mountain, fast ski) and longer skis. In addition, the Hall of Fame features Norway’s most famous skiers. Still, you can also find an interactive exhibition on modern-day skiing and the expedition of the noted Arctic researcher, scientist, and statesman, Fridtjof Nansen.

Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Museum | Oslo  Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo

If you’re looking for an iconic piece of Norway’s skiing heritage, Holmenkollen Ski Jump is the place to go. This towering structure has been a symbol of Oslo’s love for winter sports for over a century. Even if you’re not a skier, the panoramic views from the top are unbeatable—Oslo, the fjord, and surrounding forests stretch out beneath you.

The Holmenkollen Ski Museum, located inside the jump, is the oldest of its kind in the world. It takes visitors on a journey through 4,000 years of skiing history, from Viking-era wooden skis to high-tech Olympic gear. There’s even a simulator where you can experience the rush of ski jumping without leaving the ground.

📍 Location: Holmenkollen, Oslo

⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM – 4 PM (seasonal variations)

🎟 Entrance fee: ~180 NOK for adults, 90 NOK for children

🚆 How to get there: Take the T-bane (Metro) Line 1 to Holmenkollen Station

Oslo | Munch Museum

In October 2021, a brand new museum, Munch Museum, will be opened in Oslo to represent the most extensive collection of art by Edvard Munch. Of course, you probably heard about his iconic masterpiece: The Scream. It has been “named “the second most known picture in art “history”, after Mona Lisa. But, besides this well-known piece of art, you can get a deeper insight into the work and life of Munch himself.

Moreover, the building has 13 floors that give space for galleries, concerts, performances, film and art talks, and workshops. In addition, an excellent restaurant operates at the top of the building, with a pleasant café at ground level and a bar with a roof terrace. Lastly, the Munch Museum will give you an unconventional and exciting museum experience.

Munch Museum | Oslo | Edvard Munchs Plass 1, 0194 Oslo

Ekebergparken Sculpture Park – Where Art Meets Nature

For an experience that blends art, history, and nature, Ekebergparken Sculpture Park is a must-visit. Perched on a hill overlooking Oslo, this park features over 40 sculptures by world-renowned artists, including Salvador Dalí, Damien Hirst, and Louise Bourgeois.

But it’s not just about the sculptures. The park is surrounded by forests, walking trails, and historic sites, including Stone Age petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. The views from Ekeberg are some of the best in Oslo, especially at sunset. If the setting looks familiar, it’s because this is where Edvard Munch found inspiration for his famous painting, The Scream.

📍 Location: Kongsveien, Oslo

⏰ Open 24/7

🎟 Entrance: Free

🚆 How to get there: Tram Line 18 or 19 to Ekebergparken

Conclusion: Leave Oslo with Stories, Not Just Photos

Oslo is a city that rewards curiosity. You can see the highlights in a day or two, but if you slow down and explore, you’ll discover the small moments that make it special. Maybe it’s the quiet hum of the Oslofjord as you sip coffee on Aker Brygge. Or the thrill of standing on the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, imagining yourself launching into the sky. Or even the simple pleasure of stepping into a traditional Norwegian sauna before taking a refreshing (read: freezing) dip in the fjord.

The best way to experience Oslo? Mix the must-sees with the unexpected. Yes, visit the Munch Museum. But also wander into a local bakery and try a freshly baked skillingsbolle (Norwegian cinnamon bun). Explore the Viking Ship Museum, then hop on a ferry to the Oslo islands and pretend you’re a Viking yourself.

This isn’t a city to rush through. It’s one to experience. Breathe in the fresh Nordic air, embrace the slower pace, and let Oslo surprise you.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your best walking shoes, an appetite for adventure, and—if it’s winter—some serious thermal layers. Oslo is ready when you are.

And if you want to see the natural beauties of Oslo with your own eyes, book a custom tour with Amitylux and let our knowledgeable guides show you the most exciting attractions in Oslo.