Can one city mix ancient history with modernism, minimalism, and amazing views in a walkable space with less than 1 million population? Yes, Oslo can. In Oslo, Vikings and new architecture live together. It’s a city full of history, art, and nature for everyone to enjoy. If Oslo is in your 2025 travel plan and you are looking to create the perfect Oslo travel itinerary – you are in for a feat. There is just too much stuff to do and not enough time. You can use the Oslo vacation planner, like an app or something, but I don’t find those effective. It’s not personalized enough.
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I felt like after doing a travel itinerary for Norway, doing one only for Oslo is a no-brainer. Mostly because a perfect Oslo travel itinerary is different for everyone. You have to find the right Oslo travel guide to find all the gems that you may like. If you are into history, museums, old streets, and the great Viking ships are for you. If nature is your thing, Frogner Park, Opera House, or fjords are the place to go. There is something to do for everyone, and you can also combine several of these in your Oslo itinerary.
Oslo is perhaps not like Trondheim or Tromso where you are filled with natural wonders like seeing the nothern lights on a normal day. It’s a city with a lot of history and things to try (I have to admit, there aren’t a lot of things that can beat whale watching and seeing northern lights at the same time but Oslo has a few of those that do). You can also see the entire city on public transportation, visit museums, parks, and other important things with Oslo Pass. You can also do day trips from Oslo to nearby areas whenever you feel like it. These small cities (Northern Norway) doesn’t offer these options. They are best one or three day trips. The Greater Oslo region can cover you for a whole week or even more! See my Top Things to Do in Oslo article for that.
Introduction to Oslo: A Blend of History and Modernity
Oslo is a city where the past and present live side by side. You can walk along cobblestone streets in the morning and stand beneath modern architectural wonders by afternoon. It’s a place that feels both cozy and exciting—small enough to explore in a few days but too much history to digest. This city has a rich past, dating back over a thousand years. It started as a Viking settlement and played a key role in Norway’s fight for freedom in 1814.
Imagine standing at the harbor, the crisp sea air in your face, with views of the modern Oslo Opera House sloping down like an iceberg into the water. Behind you, you might hear street musicians near Karl Johans gate or see locals sipping coffee outside cozy cafes. Oslo’s blend of modernism and history always amazes me whenever I go there. You can easily walk through Oslo and visit places like Grünerløkka and the Oslo City Hall to get a sense of the real downtown.
Brief History of Oslo
Oslo’s story goes back over a thousand years. It was founded in 1049 by King Harald Hardrada, though people had settled here long before. Walking through the medieval ruins near Gamlebyen (the Old Town), you can almost picture the Viking traders and craftsmen who once lived here. The city wasn’t always called Oslo. After a massive fire in 1624, it was rebuilt closer to Akershus Fortress and renamed Christiania in honor of King Christian IV. It went back to Oslo in 1925. Locals still love to tell stories of this transformation. Today, Oslo stands as a symbol of Norway’s resilience. From the preserved Viking ships at the museum on Bygdøy to the modern Royal Palace gardens where families picnic, the city’s history is alive everywhere you go.
Pro tip: Stop by Akershus Fortress at sunset. The views over the fjord are amazing.
Oslo Travel Itinerary: How to Spend Your Days in Oslo
Planning your time in Oslo can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming with so much to see and do. There are numerous top things to do in Oslo – and that’s not even getting started on little things. Also, since you have limited time, you need to figure out the best way to divide those ways.
Whether you are making a one-day trip to Oslo or a one-week trip to Oslo, you can somehow try to balance your Oslo travel itinerary and hit the Oslo city highlights easily. There is an itinerary for everyone! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’ll give a breakdown of different Oslo itineraries and give you an idea. Of course, in the end, it boils down to what you like. Feel free to change the places you see, but you can keep the basis.
One Day trip to Oslo
If you only have one day in Oslo, focus on the highlights. Start your morning at the Oslo Opera House—walk up to the roof for panoramic views of the city and fjord. Stroll along Karl Johans gate to see the Parliament, National Theatre, and the Royal Palace. Next, head to Bygdøy to visit the Viking Ship Museum (you can’t go in here because it’s closed for a complete renovation until 2027 – so you can go around to see the building) and the Fram Museum.
You may be able to finish all this before lunch if you start early. Then, for lunch, try some traditional Norwegian dishes like salmon or reindeer stew at a harborside restaurant in Aker Brygge. In the afternoon, take a walk through Vigeland Park, home to over 200 unique sculptures. Wrap up your day with a sunset view at Akershus Fortress and dinner at a cozy spot like Lofoten Fiskerestaurant.
Oslo in 3 days: 3-day Oslo Travel Itinerary
With three days, you can explore Oslo in more depth, but you’ll still be in Oslo and will not be taking any day trips. I don’t suggest it if you are exploring Oslo in 3 days -it’s a limited amount of time. Spend your first day on historical landmarks, including the Akershus Fortress, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. You can blend in the other stuff I mentioned above here.
Day two is perfect for art and culture—visit the Munch and National Museum and stroll through the trendy Grünerløkka district. On the third day, take a scenic boat trip through the Oslofjord or visit the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower for incredible views of the city and surrounding forests.
5-day Oslo Travel Itinerary
Five days in Oslo is great in two ways: you can either explore Oslo at a slower pace and hit all the best places to visit in Oslo easily or still see Oslo faster but also make some day trips from Oslo. I suggest the latter because 3 days is perfect to see Oslo and you can add more to that by taking day trips.
In Oslo, in your first few days, start with the main attractions like the Opera House, Royal Palace, and museums on Bygdøy. Then, on day three or so, take a day trip to the charming town of Drøbak, known for its Christmas House and picturesque marina. Perfect to chill and see a new area.
Day four or five can be all about nature—hike in Nordmarka (check out: Best Hikes in Norway: Hiking in Norway), a massive forest just a short tram ride away. Explore cultural spots like the Munch Museum and the Nobel Peace Center. For your final day, enjoy a fjord cruise or discover hidden gems like the Damstredet and Telthusbakken streets with their colorful wooden houses. Relax a little in the city and do not get tired before you go to your next destination or home. This 5-day Oslo itinerary ensures you see both city highlights and nearby gems.
7-day Oslo Travel Itinerary
A week in Oslo is the perfect number of days to see Oslo, take day trips, relax, and mix natural beauty into your trip. Spend the first few days exploring the city’s historical and cultural sites. Include visits to Bygdøy Peninsula, the Royal Palace, and the Munch Museum. Don’t miss the Vigeland Park and a guided tour of Akershus Fortress.
Midweek, take a day trip to Lillehammer or Fredrikstad to see more of Norway’s charming towns. Another option is hopping on a ferry to the Oslofjord islands for a relaxing day by the water. You can also maybe try a fjord cruise. Awesome stuff and it’s so relaxing with beautiful views.
The final days can be spent diving deeper into local experiences—join a walking tour, sample Norwegian street food, and maybe catch a concert at the Oslo Opera House. If you’re up for more adventure, try a forest walk in Nordmarka or even a short skiing session if you’re visiting in winter.
Best Areas to Stay in Oslo
Oslo is not a big city, as I said earlier. You can go everywhere by walking or public transportation in under 30 minutes. Within downtown, the maximum is 10 to 15 minutes on a walk. So, it’s pretty efficient. Wherever you stay, you’ll be close to many things. But some areas are prettier than others. From lively city-center neighborhoods to peaceful spots by the fjord, each area has its unique charm. Let’s look at some of the best districts to consider when planning your Oslo travel itinerary.
- Sentrum (City Center): Perfect for first-time visitors who want to be near top Oslo sightseeing attractions like the Royal Palace, Akershus Fortress, and the Opera House. Hotels here range from budget-friendly to luxury.
- Grünerløkka: This trendy neighborhood is known for its hip cafes, street art, and vintage shops. It’s a great spot if you enjoy a lively, youthful vibe. The food hall is also here.
- Frogner: Ideal for those who prefer a quieter stay. Frogner Park, home to the famous Vigeland sculptures, is here, and the area has beautiful old apartment buildings and upscale cafes.
- Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen: If you want waterfront views, this is the place. You’ll be steps away from great restaurants, museums, and boat tours to the fjord islands. It’s a bit expensive, though.
- Majorstuen: Close to Vigeland Park and with easy metro access to the city center, Majorstuen is a convenient choice for families and those looking to explore attractions like the Holmenkollen Ski Jump.
Top Things to Do in Oslo: Must-Visit Attractions
Yes, there are unlimited things to do in Oslo. You can’t do all of them, though, can you? That’s why the top things to do in Oslo are quite important. You have to visit some things no matter how many days you have in Oslo.
For example, Exploring Vigeland Park is a must in Oslo. It’s the world’s largest sculpture park by one artist, Gustav Vigeland. With over 200 sculptures, each tells a story of human life in stone and bronze. I’ll list three top things, but these are not all. There is much more like seeing Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” at the Munch Museum or outdoor sculptures at Kistefos Outdoor Museum. I’ll stick to the top 2 things to do in Oslo, though.
Exploring Vigeland Park
Vigeland Park is within Frogner Park and (as I said above) is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist. It features over 200 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. The park is open year-round and free to visit. It’s a budget-friendly must-see activity for everyone exploring Oslo sightseeing attractions. Walk along the central bridge, where you’ll see the famous Angry Boy statue, and don’t miss the impressive Monolith carved from a single stone.
Walk Along the Oslo Opera House Roof
The Oslo Opera House isn’t just for opera lovers. Its sloping marble roof is open to the public and has amazing panoramic views of the city and fjord. Take a walk up the roof during sunset for an unforgettable experience. The Opera House is a prime example of Oslo’s modern architecture and a must-see Oslo city highlight. There are also really nice restaurants on the side that oversees the ocean. If you are up for it, go there for a dinner or just for drinks. Although, I have to warn you, it’s extremely expensive. If you are visiting Norway on a budget, I do not recommend it. Instead, take a few drinks for a nearby grocery store and sit by the benches or right next to the water. That’s even better!
Conclusion
Oslo is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend, or a full week, the city has something. If you followed some or all of my steps here in different Oslo travel itineraries, then you perfectly mixed history, modern life, and culture. I’m hoping whether you spent 3 days or 5 days here, the city’s charm has already won you over. Next time (when you will definitely be back!), you will be a professional to create your own itinerary from your first experience.
FAQ
What are the must-visit attractions on a five-day Oslo itinerary?
A five-day trip to Oslo lets you see the city’s Viking past, cultural spots, and modern buildings. You should visit the Royal Palace, Vigeland Park, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Oslo Opera House. Also, explore Oslo’s lively areas, calm parks, busy cafes, and waterfronts.
How can I best explore Oslo in just three days?
With three days in Oslo, you can really get into its museums and neighborhoods. Start with the Royal Palace, Vigeland Park, and Oslo Opera House. Then, check out Oslo’s museums, street art, and lively waterfront.
What are the best places for history enthusiasts to visit in Oslo?
History buffs will love Oslo. The Viking Ship Museum shows off amazing ships and artifacts. The Akershus Fortress gives a peek into Oslo’s medieval times. These spots are key for anyone interested in history.
Can I use public transportation to get around Oslo’s sightseeing attractions?
Yes, Oslo’s public transport is great. The Oslo Pass gives you easy access to attractions and transport. It makes seeing Oslo’s best spots easy.