What Is Olso Famous For? Facts About Norway’s Capital

Last Updated: December 4 2023

Oslo is the capital of Norway and one of our favourite European cities. Although we only visited for a couple of days, we fell in love with everything this amazing destination has to offer!

But, what is Oslo famous for? Well, Norway’s capital is famous for many things, from its stunning natural scenery (including the Oslofjord) to the variety of museums, and Viking history. Of course, there are also plenty of fantastic things to do here.

This guide is going to cover some interesting facts about the city, as well as some of Oslo’s top attractions. So let’s dive right in!

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What is Oslo Famous For?

1. The Oslofjord

Quite possibly, the Oslofjord is one of the best things this amazing city is known for. It’s a large inlet that surrounds the city and extends out for around 100 km (62 miles).

Often referred to as Oslofjorden, the inlet is part of the Skagerrak straits so connects the North Sea and the Kattegat Sea (it also leads to the Baltic Sea). Offering some of the most scenic views in Norway, you can’t visit Oslo without exploring it.

There are plenty of islands located within the Oslofjord. However, the most popular islands (Hovedøya, Langøyene, Gressholmen, Lindøya, Bleikøya, and Nakholmen) are connected to Norway’s capital via regular ferry routes (from Aker Brygge).

To see this incredible natural formation, check out our guide to the best fjord tours from Oslo. In this article, we discuss the top options, as well as the tour we chose (which we highly recommend).

2. Modern architecture

When discussing what is Oslo famous for, we just couldn’t leave out the city’s modern architecture. No matter where you visit in the city, you’ll come across breathtaking buildings.

Many of these are very unique in their design, which makes them stand out against Oslo’s more traditional coloured buildings. To admire the architecture, why not take yourself on a self-guided tour of the city? Trust us, it will be worth it.

We’d recommend checking out these fantastic buildings:

• Oslo Opera House – Home to the Norwegian Opera and Ballet, this building is a highlight for sure.

• MUNCH – A vibrant art museum dedicated to the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch.

• The National Museum – Home to the largest collection of art, design, and architecture in Norway.

• Astrup Fearnley Museet – One of the best museums for contemporary art in Scandinavia.

• Barcode – Here, you’ll find twelve high-rise buildings, which are built to resemble a barcode.

3. The variety of museums

To make the most of your Oslo itinerary, you need to visit at least one or two of the city’s museums (preferably more). There are over 50 museums in Olso, ranging from art and culture to natural history so there’s a lot of choice.

The Fram Museum is one of the city’s highlights for sure, where you’ll get to learn all about polar expeditions. It’s also home to the strongest wooden ship ever built and offers a polar simulator.

Another popular option is The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. It documents the country’s history, from 1500 until the present day, and is one of the largest open-air museums in the world.

The MUNCH Museum is another must-visit, especially if you’re an art lover.

Other fantastic museums in Oslo include the Natural History Museum, The National Museum, and the Viking Ship Museum. However, the latter is currently closed for renovations until 2026/2027.

4. Viking history

Are you still wondering what is Oslo famous for? Well, the city (and Norway in general) played an important role during the Viking Age, which began in the year 793 and ended in 1066. By 1066, almost all the Scandinavian kingdoms had become Christian.

However, you can still see remnants of the Viking culture in Olso. The Viking Ship Museum offers you the chance to witness three preserved Viking ships which were found right here in Norway. Unfortunately, it’s closed until 2026/2027 for renovations.

However, there are plenty of other places you can visit in the meantime. The Viking Planet is a fantastic attraction for sure, allowing you to learn all about the Viking culture through virtual technology.

The Historical Museum also has a great Viking exhibit (home to the only helmet that remains from the Viking age). Don’t forget about the Viking Garden either, where you’ll find a 33-metre (108-foot) long Viking ship.

5. Oslo is home to the world’s largest sculpture park

Visiting Vigeland Sculpture Park is one of the best things to do in Oslo. Located in Frogner Park, it’s the largest sculpture park in the world made by a single artist (every sculpture was made by Gustav Vigeland).

Here, you’ll find over 200 sculptures, all of which are made from bronze, cast iron, or granite. There are so many to see as you wander through, however, there are a few that stand out above the rest. These include ‘The Angry Boy’, ‘The Monolith’ and ‘The Wheel of Life’.

Not only that, but Gustav Vigeland also designed the architectural layout for the park. It sounds like he was quite the man, making this place a must-visit.

Vigeland Sculpture Park is open 24 hours a day, all year round. Attracting over a million people every year, it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Norway. Better yet, it’s free to enter.

6. The Royal Palace

In the Norwegian capital, you’ll find The Royal Palace. Located at the end of Karl Johans Gate, this gorgeous palace is one of the top things to see in Oslo.

Dating back to the 1800s, The Royal Palace is one of the most important buildings in Norway. It’s the official residence of King Harald V and Queen Sonja and is where the king holds official dinners and grants audiences.

The Royal Palace is open to the public during the summer months. For those who are visiting out of this season, we’d still recommend heading to the building to appreciate its splendour.

Palace Park is also here, so you can spend some time wandering around the lush gardens too. Just be aware that this area gets very busy, so you may want to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Otherwise, you may be fighting the crowds to get a photograph!

7. Norwegian cuisine

Oslo is famous for so many things, but the cuisine has to be right up there at the top! There are so many delicious dishes to try, and you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants throughout the city serving traditional cuisine.

Here are some of the best Norwegian dishes you should try in Oslo:

• Pølse i lompe – This dish is the Norwegian version of a hot dog, although the sausage is typically wrapped in potato-based flatbread. Syverkiosken is the place to visit for this tasty snack!

• Kjøttkaker/kjøttbolle – No trip to Oslo is complete without trying the meatballs, as they’re full of flavour. We’d suggest heading to Kaffistova, which has been serving traditional dishes since 1901.

• Waffles – The waffles here are something special. If you head to Harald’s Vaffel, you can pick up waffles topped with a variety of tasty foods, such as Nutella, ice cream, bacon, or brown cheese.

8. Edvard Munch

So what is Oslo known for? So far, this amazing city has got a lot going for it, ranging from the delicious cuisine to its intriguing Viking history. However, the Oslo Region was also once home to a very important man; the Norwegian painter, Edvard Munch.

This talented artist was born in 1863, and he died in a town just outside of Oslo, in 1944. Throughout his life, he created endless famous art pieces, ranging from paintings to graphical prints.

To learn all about Edvard Munch, we’d recommend heading to the MUNCH Museum. Boasting 13 floors and 11 gallery spaces, this museum is home to one of the world’s largest art collections by a single artist.

Here, you’ll find a variety of original artworks that were left to the city by the artist himself. There are 26,000 works on show at this museum, including the famous ‘Scream’ painting (which dates back to 1983).

9. Outdoor activities

Although a bustling metropolitan city, Oslo is surrounded by natural landscapes, ranging from the Oslofjord to lush green forests.

First of all, the scenic Oslojord offers plenty of water-based activities, including swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The islands found within also offer some fantastic hiking opportunities.

Just a 25-minute drive from the city centre, you’ll find Holmenkollen Ski Jump. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking city views, but the ski simulator has to be the highlight. If you have the time, we’d certainly recommend taking a visit here.

In the surrounding forests around Oslo, there are also plenty of fantastic cycling trails. You can either rent a bicycle in the city or head out on a cycling tour.

If you don’t mind heading a bit further out, Nordmarka Wilderness Area is around a 50-minute drive away. Here you can enjoy both summer and winter activities, with skiing being especially popular.

10. Freia chocolate

Freia chocolate is another thing that Oslo is famous for! This popular Norwegian chocolate brand is best enjoyed by taking a guided tour of FreiaLand, a fantastic chocolate factory.

On this tour, you’ll get to view the production facilities, learn about the history of this chocolate brand, and even make your chocolate at The Foundry. As well as tastings, you’ll be able to take your own chocolate home with you!

We’d also recommend heading to the Freia Chocolate Shop! This shop has been around since 1899, and it’s still incredibly popular. Here, you’ve got the chance to purchase a huge variety of traditional chocolates, as well as grab an extremely tasty hot chocolate.

Freia Chocolate Shop is located along Karl Johans Gate and is typically open Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm/6 pm). Just keep in mind that it’s only small, so can get really busy!

11. The Nobel Peace Prize

Every year, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place in Oslo City Hall on the 10th of December. During this event, the prize is given to an individual or organisation that has played an important role in the peace movement (for example, Narges Mohammadi won the 2023 award for her human rights efforts).

In the heart of Oslo, you’ll find the Nobel Peace Center. This is the perfect place to visit if you want to learn more about this incredible prize, including the story of Alfred Nobel.

There are some fantastic exhibitions at this centre and guided tours sometimes take place too. This way, you’ll get to learn all about this famous prize.

The opening hours for this museum change throughout the year. However, typically the Nobel Peace Center is open Tuesday to Sunday (10 am/11 am – 5 pm). During the summer, it’s open every day of the week.

12. Oslo Opera House

Lastly, the city’s Opera House is one of the most famous attractions in Oslo. As the name suggests, this building is home to the Norwegian Opera and Ballet. If you time your visit right, you can pick up tickets to watch a production which is a fantastic experience.

For those who don’t want to watch a show, but still want to look inside, why not take a guided tour?

If you’re looking for free or cheap things to do in Oslo then walk up the Opera House (yes, you heard us correctly). You can access the building’s roof by heading up a staircase, and there’s a handrail to help you up. Just be cautious if it’s been raining, as the floor can be extremely slippery.

From the top, you’ll get jaw-dropping views of Oslo and the surrounding fjord. You’ll also get a unique view of the ‘She Lies’ iceberg sculpture so make sure you’ve got your camera.

So, What is Oslo Famous For?

As you can see, Olso is known for its fantastic architecture, interesting Viking history, and outdoor activities, among many other things. Honestly, this city has so much to offer and has something for every type of traveller.

To make the most of your time here we’d recommend spending at least 3 days in Oslo. This way, you can visit all the popular attractions, take in the scenery, and learn about the city’s culture and history.

If you have any questions about visiting Oslo then be sure to get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

Here are some other Europe travel guides that you may find helpful:

• How To Spend 3 Days In Stockholm
• Free Things To Do In Stockholm
• Spending One Day In Stockholm

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