Things to do in Oscarsborg

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Norway

Munch

Munch is one of the must-visit attractions in Oslo. The museum houses a vast collection of Edvard Munch's paintings, sketches, letters, notes, photos, and other precious materials, offering you a comprehensive understanding of Munch's life. Interestingly, the reason Munch has been able to preserve and display so many of Munch's works and historical materials is that he was not a best-selling artist during his lifetime. As a result, many of his works remained unpublished until his death. Munch had a habit of keeping his works with him during his lifetime, and upon his death in 1944, he bequeathed all the works in his possession to the city of Oslo. The museum was established in 1963 and moved to its current seaside location in 2021. The museum houses three versions of "The Scream" — oil painting, sketch, and print — which are rotated for display due to the light sensitivity and fragility of the paper-based works, with at least one version usually on view. Masterpieces such as "Madonna," "The Sick Child," and "Puberty" are also part of the collection, and the combinations of works in different galleries are regularly changed, offering new arrangements with each visit. For large-scale works, don't miss the two-story gallery showcasing monumental pieces like "The Sun." The upper floors also feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the fjord and the opera house, perfect for a rest or photo opportunity.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Norway

Oslo City Hall

Oslo City Hall is situated by Pipervika bay, facing the Oslo Fjord. It is a red-brick building with twin towers and serves as the seat of the Oslo City Council and the city government. Designed by architects Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson, construction was halted during World War II, and it was later officially completed to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the founding of Oslo. Its two square brick towers, one taller than the other, are its signature feature. The carillon at the top of the east tower plays on the hour, with a repertoire ranging from classical to pop music. Rather than an office building, it is more like an open art gallery, with the furnishings in each hall and room created by various Norwegian artists over many years. In the Main Hall, massive murals by painters Henrik Sørensen and Alf Rolfsen cover the walls, depicting industries that Norwegians rely on for their livelihood, such as fishing, forestry, and manufacturing, while also recording the city's memories of the World War II occupation. The second floor features a room displaying Edvard Munch's painting "Life," as well as a ceremonial gallery decorated with tapestries and portraits of past royal family members. The colonnade facing the square is decorated with a series of colorful wood reliefs based on Norse mythology. The exterior details are also worth a close look: on the seaside, there is a statue of St. Hallvard, the patron saint of the city; on the west wall, there is an equestrian statue of Harald Hardrada; and above the main entrance is a large astronomical clock. Every year on December 10, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held in the Main Hall, attended by members of the Norwegian royal family. Standing in the square in front of Oslo City Hall to see the red-brick twin towers framed by the fjord and cruise ships, and then following the hourly chimes to explore the murals and furnishings in the various halls and rooms, you can learn about the history and life of Norway over the past century.

No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Norway

The Vigeland Park

The Vigeland Park is located within Frogner Park in the west of Oslo. It is the result of nearly 20 years of dedicated work by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland: 192 bronze and granite sculptures, featuring over 650 figures in various poses, were all created by him alone. They are arranged around the theme of "life," covering birth, growth, love, and aging. Such a complete set of sculptures created independently by a single artist is rare in scale worldwide. The tour follows the central axis from east to west: first, cross the bridge, which is about 100 m long. Among the life-sized bronze figures on both sides of the bridge, the "Angry Boy" stomping his foot is a must-see for almost everyone to take a photo with. Next is the large circular fountain, where the bronze reliefs around the rim and the black-and-white granite inlaid ground are worth a close look. Further ahead, the "Monolith" on the high platform is carved from a single block of granite and stands 17.3 m tall. The column features 121 figures lifting each other up, climbing layer by layer toward the top. It took three stonemasons 14 years to complete. The circular steps below the column are surrounded by dozens of granite sculpture groups. At the end of the axis, the "Wheel of Life," featuring a ring of figures holding onto each other, concludes the tour, echoing the theme of the cycle of life throughout the park. The park itself has open green spaces, with lawns, woods, and ponds. Locals often come here to walk, picnic, and jog. If you want to learn more about the sculptor's life and the plaster casts of the "Monolith," you can also visit the museum adjacent to the park, which was converted from Vigeland's former home and studio.

No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Norway

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress features an exquisite Renaissance style. Inside, you can visit various halls and royal chambers, with furnishings that retain an ornate, vintage atmosphere. The castle church still serves ceremonial functions, and several monarchs and royal family members are buried in the crypt. The site occupies a commanding position, and climbing the ramparts offers a panoramic view of the fjord and the harbor on the opposite bank. The surrounding lawns are spacious, making it a great place for walking and taking photos. As an important historical fortress, the changing of the guard ceremony is a long-standing feature. The fortress area also contains several exhibition venues, which are rich in cultural and historical atmosphere and provide visitors with excellent views and a great walking experience.

Tusenfryd

The Thundercoaster is one of the park's iconic attractions, stretching nearly 1 km in length and reaching heights equivalent to a 10-story building with speeds exceeding 100 km/h. Constructed entirely of wood using millions of bolts, its critical sections are reinforced with Nord-Lock washers to ensure permanent stability. Visitors experience 12 moments of weightlessness during the intense 2-min ride, featuring a maximum drop of over 30m and a near-60-degree incline. Renowned for its thrilling intensity, the Thundercoaster is a must-ride for rollercoaster enthusiasts.

No. 15 of Best Things to Do in Norway

The National Museum

The National Museum was formed by the merger of several art and design institutions. It is a renowned comprehensive art museum in Northern Europe, with a rich collection that traces the development of art, architecture, and design in Norway from ancient times to the present day. The dedicated Munch Room is a highlight for many visitors, where original works such as Edvard Munch's masterpieces "The Scream" and "Madonna" are on permanent display. The painting and sculpture exhibition area focuses on masterpieces of National Romanticism and the tradition of landscape painting. The design and craft exhibition area displays everything from ancient Greek vases and East Asian artifacts to contemporary Nordic furniture, as well as historical costumes, silverware, glass, and ceramics, providing a complete overview of the evolution of Nordic design. The building itself is also quite distinctive: the exterior walls are clad in dark slate, and the "Light Hall" on the top floor features a large glass ceiling that allows natural light to filter in, making it a highly recognizable space within the museum. Head to the Light Hall and the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy distant views of the Oslo Fjord on a clear day.

No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Norway

Oslo Opera House

Oslo Opera House is the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. It was designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta and took approx. 5 years to complete. Located in the Bjørvika waterfront area, it is within walking distance of Oslo Central Station. The building faces the Oslo Fjord, with its sloping white roof rising gently from the water, resembling a floating iceberg from a distance, and is often described as a massive ship standing against the waves. The exterior walls are paved with white marble and granite, complemented by tall glass curtain walls, and it is considered one of the most significant cultural buildings in Norway in centuries, following the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Walking on the roof is a signature experience here: you can walk all the way to the top along the gentle white ramp, where you can take in panoramic views of the fjord, passing ferries, and the city skyline. Inside the building, the foyer is decorated with oak, and an oval chandelier made of 5,800 handmade crystals hangs above the horseshoe-shaped main auditorium. On the water in front of the opera house, a steel and glass sculpture named "She" floats year-round, slowly changing its posture with the wind and tides, and has become a striking sight at the mouth of the bay.

Oscarsborg Fortress

Here you will find historic fortress buildings, underground tunnels, and museums, where you can learn about many historical stories or take a stroll around the area to enjoy the island's beautiful scenery.

2026 Global 50 - Ski Resorts

Holmenkollen National Ski Arena

Located in Oslo, Norway, Holmenkollen National Ski Resort is one of the oldest ski resorts and is famous for its modern ski jumps and spectacular views. The ski resort is not only a mecca for winter sports, but also a popular destination for year-round tourism. Visitors can visit the ski museum to learn about the history and development of skiing, or take the elevator to the top of the jump to enjoy a panoramic view of Oslo. There are many hiking and cross-country skiing trails around the ski resort, suitable for sports enthusiasts of different levels. For family tourists, there are also activity areas suitable for children near the ski resort. Every winter, many international ski competitions are held here, attracting many ski enthusiasts and spectators. The ski resort is about 20 minutes' drive from the center of Oslo and is easily accessible by public transportation, with direct access by subway and bus. Visitors are advised to wear warm and comfortable clothing and check the weather forecast in advance to arrange activities reasonably.

Drøbak Akvarium