Fjords and Munch! 10 Must-Visit Tourist Spots to Fully Enjoy Oslo, Norway’s Capital

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is one of the largest cities in Scandinavia and attracts many tourists each year.
Norway is famous for its majestic fjords, and even in Oslo, you can experience the natural beauty of these landscapes. The city is also known as the place where Munch spent his later years and for hosting the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony. Oslo is a fascinating city where traditional Nordic architecture blends with modern buildings, offering a variety of tourist spots to enjoy.
This time, we will introduce 10 recommended tourist spots in Oslo. Use this as a guide for sightseeing in Oslo.

1. Oslo City Hall

The Oslo City Hall is a major tourist attraction in Oslo, famous for hosting the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in its grand hall. It’s also appealing because entry is free.
In the grand hall, visitors can marvel at the murals by Norwegian painter Alf Rolfsen and Henrik Sørensen’s largest oil painting in Europe. There are also numerous rooms displaying various paintings, ensuring there’s no shortage of sights to enjoy.
On the second floor, the “Munch Room” displays Munch’s 1910 oil painting Life. This room is used for press conferences, luncheons, and dinners, and it’s even available once a month for weddings. It’s a rare chance to see Munch’s work for free, making it a must-visit spot for tourists in Oslo.

2. Oslo Fjord

Norway is known for its numerous fjords, and Oslo itself is located at the innermost part of Oslo Fjord. Technically, it’s not classified as a fjord by geological standards, but the peaceful, beautiful scenery stretching about 20 km to the bay’s mouth is a popular sight among tourists.
The views of Oslo Fjord are often depicted in Munch’s paintings, including The Scream. Although not as vast as the fjords on Norway’s western coast, such as Sognefjord, the beautiful landscape of sea and land dotted with charming Nordic houses is worth seeing.
During summer, boat cruises offer popular day tours around Oslo Fjord, which take about two hours. In winter, while cruises aren’t available, the snow-covered fjord view from the Oslo Opera House is a famous viewpoint where you can feel the essence of the Nordic landscape.

3. Munch Museum

Painter Edvard Munch, born in Norway, spent his later years in Oslo. His works, donated to the city per his will, are now housed in the Munch Museum, making it a popular tourist attraction.
Located just a 3-minute walk from Tøyen Station, this museum is next to a vast botanical garden, creating a pleasant, scenic atmosphere for visitors. The museum holds about 20,000 works, including Munch’s major pieces, as well as childhood drawings, letters, and writings that offer deeper insights into Munch’s life. There’s also an open café where you can relax and enjoy the botanical garden views during summer.
Additionally, you can find some of Munch’s works in the National Gallery and Oslo City Hall, so combining these sights with a visit to the Munch Museum makes for a rich cultural experience.

4. Royal Palace of Norway

Completed in 1848, the Royal Palace is the current residence of Norway's king and a popular spot for tourists visiting Oslo. It’s located at the end of one of the main streets, Karl Johans Gate, on a small hill straight from Oslo Central Station.
While the interior of the palace is generally off-limits, guided tours are available during summer, allowing visitors to explore inside. The beautiful exterior, gardens, and the changing of the guards can be viewed throughout the year. The bronze statue at the front of the palace is of King Karl III Johan, who commissioned the palace’s construction. During that time, Norway was united with Sweden, and King Karl Johan was also Sweden’s King Karl XIV Johan.
The Royal Palace offers a glimpse into Nordic history, making it a worthwhile spot to stroll around while visiting Oslo.

5. Akershus Castle

Akershus Castle, located about a 10-minute walk from Oslo Central Station, is a Renaissance-style fortress on the waterfront. It was originally built around 1300 to protect Oslo and remains a Norwegian military site today.
Recently, Akershus Castle has attracted global attention, as it is said to be the model for Elsa and Anna’s castle in Disney’s Frozen! This has made it a popular destination for Frozen fans from all over the world. If you visit in winter, you can see the castle blanketed in snow, which brings a touch of the Frozen magic to life.
Entry is free for areas outside the castle interior, and the views of Oslo’s waterfront and City Hall from the castle walls are stunning. Both the castle itself and the scenery from it are must-see tourist attractions.

6. Karl Johans Gate

Karl Johans Gate, which connects Oslo Central Station to the Royal Palace over about 1 km, is a bustling main street in Oslo that every tourist must visit.
Along this street, you’ll find significant historical buildings, including the Parliament, National Theater, and Oslo Cathedral, as well as numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops to keep you entertained. At night, the street is beautifully illuminated, and during the colder months, an ice skating rink is set up, making it a fun destination for everyone from couples to families.
The Grand Café on the first floor of the iconic Grand Hotel, located along this street, is famous for being a gathering spot for artists like Munch and Ibsen in the late 19th century! While exploring Oslo, take a break and relax at the café that Munch and others once loved.

7. Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

Located on the Bygdøy Peninsula, southwest of Oslo’s city center, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is Norway's largest open-air museum. It’s about a 30-minute bus or ferry ride from central Oslo.
The museum is set within a beautiful, green park, and its “Old Town” outdoor exhibit area recreates traditional Norwegian streetscapes with houses collected from various regions across Norway. Staff in traditional costumes demonstrate crafts and share insights into historic ways of life. With diverse types of buildings, from raised wooden structures to grass-roofed houses and white-walled homes reminiscent of Swiss styles, visitors will surely stay captivated.
One of the most precious attractions here is the stave church, a wooden structure made from barrel boards. These types of buildings are mostly found in Northern Europe, and few remain, making it a must-see historical site in Oslo.

8. Oslo Cathedral

Located along Karl Johans Gate, Oslo Cathedral is a popular site for tourists. As Oslo’s most significant church, it is used not only for regular worship but also for official ceremonies of the Norwegian government and royal family, including the wedding of the Crown Prince in 2001.
The cathedral is also renowned for its artistic value, with stained glass by Emanuel Vigeland, brother of sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Inside, there are numerous baroque religious artworks and pieces by Norwegian artists. The pipe organ’s decoration is particularly impressive, with warm wooden tones creating a gentle ambiance. Don’t miss the cathedral’s large ceiling painting, one of the largest in Norway.

9. Frogner Park (Vigeland Sculpture Park)

Frogner Park, located about 3 km northwest of Oslo's city center, is a must-see spot for visitors.
Accessible by tram and other transport, this park features around 200 sculptures by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, all inspired by the themes of humanity and life.

A popular statue among tourists is the “Angry Boy,” a sculpture of a baby stomping his feet in anger. The expression is so lifelike, visitors are often tempted to snap a photo. The Monolith, a tower of intertwined human figures in the park's center, took 13 years to complete and includes 121 figures of men, women, and children.
The park also has an outdoor restaurant, pool, tennis courts, and is bustling with people strolling or barbecuing. Unlike other tourist sites in Oslo, Frogner Park is a beloved destination for locals.

10. Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum, located on the Bygdøy Peninsula along with the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, is a bit further from Oslo’s center.
The Vikings, Scandinavian seafarers who invaded parts of Western Europe from 800 to 1050, are well-known in Norwegian folklore, and the Viking Ship Museum draws many visitors.

The museum displays three burial ships believed to have carried bodies and grave goods to sea, as was Viking funeral tradition. Visitors can view both the ships and the artifacts buried with them.
One of the ships is about 2 meters in length, 5 meters at its widest point, and 2 meters tall, built to be rowed by 32 people—a typical Viking ship. Its spiraling bow is beautifully decorated and looks like something out of a storybook.
This is the best place in Oslo to learn about Viking history.

◎ Summary

How did you find our list of 10 tourist spots in Oslo? These highlights showcase Oslo's culture, art, and natural beauty, offering a glimpse into the depth of this vibrant city.
With its short summers and long winters, Nordic culture in this region has flourished with many indoor activities to enjoy during colder months. Recently, Scandinavia has grown in popularity as a safe and exciting travel destination. Why not explore the beautiful streets of Oslo, Norway’s capital?

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Fjords and Munch! 10 Must-Visit Tourist Spots to Fully Enjoy Oslo, Norway’s Capital