Oslo – Norway's vibrant and charming capital
Norway's capital offers all visitors a rich and charming piece of Norwegian history. Oslo is also a vibrant urban city that knows how to sell itself!
If you travel with Fjord Line from Hirtshals to Langesund, it only takes about two hours by car before Oslo reveals itself. Those extra hours in the car are a good investment, whether you're travelling on as a couple or are on a family holiday or with friends. For Oslo is truly one of Norway's richest cities, with all the history, culture and experiences that entails.
Norway's largest city, for example, has a rich and interesting history, which you can relive by following in the footsteps of the Vikings, famous polar explorers and the country's most talented artists. While you're in Oslo, we also recommend checking out the many great parts of the city, such as the vibrant main street Karl Johan with lots of shopping and fun, the always lively and hip Grünerløkka and TusenFryd – Norway's largest amusement park.
Oslo is a great mix of city and relaxation – here are five musts from Fjord Line:
1. Vigeland Park Sculpture Park
Vigelandsparken is one of Norway's most visited attractions – more than one million people visit the 80–hectare park in western Oslo every year. Here you can see 212 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943).
2. The Opera House
Oslo's Opera House offers unique experiences both indoors and out. The Opera House hosts a wide range of world–class opera and ballet performances, and is a popular attraction in its own right: the building is open to the public, and it's especially popular to take a walk up to the roof to enjoy panoramic views of the city and fjord.
3. The National Gallery
The Norwegian National Gallery has a large number of masterpieces in painting, drawing and sculpture. Here you can discover great works by Cézanne and Manet, for example.
The youngest members of the family can enjoy a special art experience in the museum's Fairy Tale Room, where they can meet princesses, goblins and other fairytale creatures or try out their artistic skills in the studios.
4. Holmenkollen
The iconic Holmenkollen ski jump is three attractions in one place: the state–of–the–art ski jump is also home to the world's oldest ski museum, where you can discover more than 4,000 years of ski history, and the viewing platform at the top of the ski jump hill offers a unique panoramic view of the capital.
5. TusenFryd
Some 20 kilometres south of Oslo is Norway's largest amusement park, TusenFryd. There are more than 30 rides, including Scandinavia's most spectacular roller coaster, SpeedMonster, thatgoes does 0–90 km/h in two seconds! The park also has plenty of rides for the little ones and a water park.
Staying at the modern Thon Hotel Slottsparken
In Oslo, you can look forward to staying at one of the Thon chain's wonderful hotels, Thon Hotel Slottsparken, located right in the city centre. This means you have plenty of Oslo's sights, experiences and eateries within a short walk.
Your guide to a great holiday in Oslo
Below you can read more about things to do, see and do in Oslo and find inspiration for your holiday in our travel articles about the area.
Travel articles
Oslo's top 10 attractions
Norway's capital, Oslo, is a bustling metropolis that has retained its close contact with the surrounding countryside and the country's fascinating history. Here is a list of Oslo's 10 most popular attractions.
Train journey at the top of Europe
Take a ride on the world's most beautiful railway and be transported through some of Norway's most spectacular scenery while relaxing in a comfortable train carriage. The journey with the Bergensbanen between Oslo and Bergen and includes magnificent mountain landscapes, deep gorges, waterfalls and Europe's highest railway station, Finse.
Unique golf experiences in the Norwegian countryside
Sandy beaches used as natural bunkers. The sea used as a water barrier. Challenging courses that take full advantage of the hilly Norwegian landscape. And a spectacular backdrop of imposing mountains and forests to one side and rugged cliffs along the coast to the other. These are just some of the elements that make Norwegian golf courses special!
The Norwegians' own favourites
Listen to the Norwegians themselves when choosing what to experience on holiday – Here are the 15 most popular attractions and destinations among Norwegians in 2013 (Source: Visit Norway):