Situated on the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo, the Viking Ship Museum forms an integral part of the Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo. Within its walls lie three burial ships from the Viking era, unearthed as significant archaeological discoveries from sites like Tune, Gokstad (Sandefjord), Oseberg (Tønsberg), and the Borre mound cemetery.

The museum gains its greatest renown for hosting the remarkably intact Oseberg ship, extracted from the world's largest documented ship burial. Alongside this, the Viking Ship Museum boasts the Gokstad ship and Tune ship as its main draws. Expanding the experience, the Viking Age exhibition presents an array of artifacts, encompassing sleds, beds, a horse cart, wood carvings, tent components, buckets, and various grave goods.

In 1913, Swedish scholar Gabriel Gustafson put forth a dedicated architectural concept aimed at housing Viking Age discoveries that had surfaced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The University of Oslo had previously offered temporary refuge to the Gokstad and Oseberg ships. An architectural competition was organized, ultimately won by Arnstein Arneberg.

The construction of the Oseberg ship hall received funding from the Norwegian Parliament, leading to the relocation of the ship from the university's provisional shelters in 1926. Subsequently, the halls for the Gokstad and Tune ships were finalized by 1932. Nonetheless, the completion of the last hall faced delays, partly due to World War II, reaching its conclusion in 1957. This final hall accommodates the majority of the other findings, primarily sourced from the Oseberg site.

Why You Should Visit:
The best place to see real Viking ships in a great conservation state and other pieces of Viking history.
The building is a wonderful setting for the ships. Pretty cheap entrance ticket as well.
Outside café and pleasant sitting out area, weather permitting.

Tip:
There's a locker you can use for free where you can put your bags, since they only allow small purses.
Your ticket also covers free entry to the Museum of Cultural History nearby within 48 hours.

The Gol Stave Church finds its home within the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, situated in an open-air 'skansen' or dynamic living museum, showcasing a collection of historic structures from all corners of the nation. Originating from the early 13th century, this church embodies the architectural style of a stave church, characterized by its intricate timber-framed design with multiple tiers. While stave churches were once prevalent in medieval Scandinavia, only a handful remain unspoiled through time.

Initially erected in the quaint village of Gol in Southern Norway, the church's fate took a fortunate turn when the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments intervened in 1880. They acquired the structure, rescuing it from imminent demolition. Its journey led it to its current abode within the Museum of Cultural History. This relocation was facilitated by King Oscar II, who not only procured the church but also integrated it into his open-air museum. Over time, this merged with the church's present location.

As one of the finest-preserved timber churches in the entire country, the Gol Stave Church stands out as a remarkable highlight within the museum's offerings. Its popularity is such that a modern replica was established in its original hometown of Gol. This replica, constructed in the 1980s, pays homage to the original church that was displaced a century earlier, replaced by a new structure.

Why You Should Visit:
Great to start your learning about Norway's old churches in an intimate atmosphere.
Numerous runic inscriptions & carvings dated to the early Middle Ages can be seen inside!

Situated at the foot of the Holmenkollen ski jump in Oslo, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum stands as a testament to skiing heritage. Established in 1923, it proudly claims the title of the world's oldest ski museum. The brainchild of architect Hjalmar Welhaven, this museum owes its inception to his visionary drive. Its remarkable collection of antique and historic skis finds its origins in Welhaven's personal assortment.

Initially housed within a building nestled in Oslo's Frognerseteren neighborhood, the museum underwent a significant shift in 1951 during the reconstruction of Holmenkollbakken. This transition saw the relocation of the museum's collection to new and improved quarters at Holmenkollbakken.

Within its walls, the museum unveils an astounding panorama of skiing history spanning over 4,000 years. This journey begins with ancient rock carvings hailing from the Stone Age and meanders through time to encompass the skiers and skis of the Viking Age. Notably, it showcases the gear that played pivotal roles in the polar expeditions led by Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen.

The Ski Jump Tower plays a vital role in defining the identity of Oslo. Within the panoramic view of Oslo, its distinctive silhouette stands out as a prominent icon. From its summit, the breathtaking panoramic vista of the fjord unfolds in a fantastic display. This architectural marvel defies conventions, and it's no surprise that it ranks among Oslo's most frequented tourist destinations.

Why You Should Visit:
Museum, coffee shop, souvenir shop, ski simulator and view from ski jump tower all in one!

Tip:
Go all the way up as the views are amazing and you have a greater appreciation of ski jumping.
If you go when the museum first opens or about 1.5 hours before it closes, the line is shorter.
For thrill seekers, there's a zip line going down from the top, which is expensive but exhilarating!

The Royal Palace (Slottet) in Oslo was constructed in the first half of the 19th century as the residence for King Karl III Johan of Norway. Originally from France, the king (also known as Karl XIV Johan of Sweden) reigned over Norway and Sweden from 1818 to 1844. Today, the palace serves as the official residence of the Norwegian monarch (whereas the Crown Prince resides at the Skaugum estate in Asker, west of Oslo).

Situated at the end of Karl Johans Gate, the palace is surrounded by Palace Park (Slottsparken) and is fronted by Palace Square (Slottsplassen). Before its completion, Norwegian royalty resided in Paléet, a grand townhouse in Christiania (now Oslo). The construction of the Royal Palace began in 1824 and lasted for nearly 25 years, based on the designs by Danish-born architect Hans Linstow.

Despite adopting a simpler three-story neo-classical design, the palace remained unfinished when King Karl passed away in 1844. His son and successor, Oscar I, and his wife, Queen Josephine, became its first residents five years later.

The Royal Palace Chapel, consecrated in 1844, is used for religious services and various events of the Norwegian royal family, such as baptisms and confirmations.

Following the dissolution of the Union with Sweden in 1905, the palace became the permanent royal residence of Norway’s new monarch, King Haakon VII. Significant renovations were undertaken during the reign of King Harald V to address structural issues and modernize the building. Public access to the palace began in 2002, and the daily changing of the guard has since become a popular attraction for visitors.

Moreover, in 2017, the former palace stables were renovated and converted into a versatile art venue called The Queen Sonja Art Stable (Dronning Sonja KunstStall). Open to the public, this building serves as an art gallery, museum, and concert hall.

Guided tours of the palace, predominantly in Norwegian, are offered throughout the afternoon during the summer months. However, English-language tours are also available daily at 12 pm, 2 pm, 2:20 pm, and 4 pm. Tickets for these guided tours can be purchased online starting from the 1st of March each year.

Tip:
Changing of the royal guards is at 1:30 pm daily. You can always politely approach one of the guard soldiers and take a nice photo or have a chat with them :)
The garden is peaceful and freely accessible – you can have a picnic there and quietly enjoy nature.

Karl Johans Gate, or simply "Karl Johan" (as the locals colloquially refer to it), is named after King Karl III Johan and is considered the main street in Oslo. Popular with tourists, it gets particularly vibrant on Norway's Constitution Day, May 17, with parades and royal appearances. Street performers, including jugglers and musicians, add to the lively atmosphere from May to October, making it a cultural hub in the city.

Karl Johans Gate stretches 1,415 meters from Oslo Central Station to the Royal Palace. A section between the station and the Storting building is fully pedestrian. Lining the street are a number of landmarks such as the Oslo Cathedral, the Bazaars, the Fire Brigade, the National Theater, the Hotel Continental, and the University of Oslo.

Palace Park (Slottsparken) at the east end of Karl Johans Gate is home to the Royal Palace (Slottet). Originally built for King Karl III Johan, the palace continues to function as a residence for the present King of Norway, Harald V.

The street is made up of two distinct sections with unique histories. The eastern section, between Egertorget to Jernbanetorget squares, was originally part of King Christian IV's old city, near the ramparts. It wasn't fully developed until the 1690s when the Oslo Cathedral was built. The western section was developed in the late 1830s, as part of an urban expansion. Designed as a parade route, it was named Karl Johans Gate in 1852 after King Karl Johan’s death. The distinctively wide western and narrow eastern sections were merged in 1860.

In 2005, to mark the centenary of the dissolution of the Union between Sweden and Norway, the western part of Karl Johans Gate was narrowed and the pavements extended, aligning with the midpoint of the Royal Palace’s facade. New lampposts (modeled after 1920s designs) were installed, and the street was repaved with large stones. Also, to honor the 100th anniversary of Henrik Ibsen’s death in 2006, quotes from his works were embedded in the pavement between Frederiks Gate and the Grand Hotel, replicating the famous writer's daily route from the 1890s.

Heimen Husfliden stands as a remarkable enterprise dedicated to crafting distinctive and precious Norwegian and Scandinavian traditional attire, handicrafts, knitting and weaving threads, and needlework embellishments. Their creations are imbued with the richness of time-honored patterns and techniques.

Within their offerings, you'll find an array of garments including sweaters, cardigans, dresses, and jewelry, alongside cozy slippers, blankets, exquisite tapestries, and elegant tablecloths. The collection also extends to encompass floral paintings, intricate wrought iron pieces, and finely crafted tin and wood articles.

A true highlight is the inclusion of the bunad, Norway's national costume. With a legacy spanning 128 years, Heimen Husfliden has firmly established itself as Norway's premier source for bunads. Boasting an impressive selection of over 150 distinct bunads hailing from various corners of Norway, Heimen Husfliden has also assumed the role of the nation's foremost supplier for both bunads and their accompanying accessories.

For those seeking more than mere souvenirs, Heimen Husfliden stores offer a treasure trove of possibilities. Here, one can uncover items that are not only larger in significance but also promise a lasting and cherished memory.

If your stomach can't make up its mind-and let's face it, whose can?-Mathallen Food Hall is your deliciously trusty culinary compass in the heart of the Vulkan district. The area’s pedestrian-friendly charm pairs nicely with a walk to the nearby Vulkan Arena or a scenic wander down Oslo’s own “Trail of Love.”

With over 30 specialty shops, cafés, and eateries all tempting you with everything from Norwegian classics to global street eats, this buzzing indoor market is a full-blown flavor rodeo and a choose-your-own-adventure where the prize is always edible.

Feeling adventurous? Start with Hungarian goulash so rich, it practically sings folk songs. Nibble your way through the refined Southeast Asian plates at Atelier Asian Tapas, then give your inner Viking a nod with the wild game dishes at Helt Vilt.

And in case you're still hungry, there’s artisanal cheese that bites back, cured meats that whisper of smoke and tradition, and dreamy chocolate (which, come to think of it, should probably be illegal), not to mention enough craft drinks to wash it all down.

All of this unfolds inside a lovingly restored early 1900s industrial building perched along the scenic Akerselva River. It’s got just the right amount of rustic charm to make your Instagram jealous. Regardless of whether you're grazing now or stockpiling for later, there’s a stall ready to feed your cravings or future self.

Operating Tuesday through Sunday (because even food halls need a nap on Mondays), Mathallen is open from 10 am to 8 pm. Alternatively, you can swing by on Sundays between 11 and 6. Just be warned: once here, your taste buds may never want to leave...

Middelalderparken is a park worthy of any Oslo walking tour. The park is known as the Medieval Park, which may seem ironic in that it wasn't opened until the year 2000. It gains its name not from the history of the park itself but for the landmarks that are located within.

The 43-acre park offers 22 acres of water, plenty of green space and the Ekorn hangout wildlife refuge. Most notable within Medieval Park are the three medieval ruins: Saint Clement's Church, Saint Mary's Church and Oslo Kongsgard.

Like many of the medieval ruins of Oslo, Saint Clement's Church was excavated by Gerard Fischer. The stone church is thought to have been built around the year 1100. However, more than 80 burials were discovered beneath the church that have been carbon dated to the year 980. These burials are believed to be some of the oldest Christian burials in Norway.

Saint Mary's Church was a stone church, possibly built in the 1200s, which was preceded by wooden, stave church constructed around the year 1050. During excavation, the remains of King Haakon V and Queen Consort Euphemia of Rugen were found. Those remains were removed to Akershus Fortress.

Oslo Kongsgard was the 11th century royal residential palace. It served in this capacity until Akershus Fortress was built.

The Munch Museum, situated in Oslo, is a dedicated art institution that honors the life and artistic creations of Norwegian painter Edvard Munch. His most renowned masterpiece, "The Scream," has transcended into an iconic emblem of global artistry. While Munch's art is profoundly personalized, many of his artworks possess a universally captivating essence, leaving a significant mark on the realm of art. Within the past century, Munch has emerged as arguably the most recognizable Norwegian painter.

The museum's compilation comprises Munch's original works and artifacts, generously bequeathed to the city of Oslo following his demise. Additionally, contributions from his sister Inger Munch, along with various other artworks acquired through the exchange of duplicate prints, enhance the collection.

Presently, the museum's permanent assemblage encompasses well over half of the artist's entire oeuvre, encompassing paintings, prints, sculptures, books, and a range of other items. With a staggering count of over 1,200 paintings, 18,000 prints, six sculptures, 500 plates, 2,240 books, and assorted artifacts, the museum vividly showcases Munch's prolific output. Moreover, the institution accommodates sections dedicated to education and conservation, as well as provisions for the performing arts.

Originally established at Tøyen in 1963, the museum later relocated to its contemporary home in Bjørvika, officially inaugurated on October 22, 2021.

Tip:
Check out the coffee shop (with tables inside and outside) and the gift shop right at the entrance. As an added bonus, you also get to watch interesting videos in the downstairs.
There's a booklet which has a lot of information on many of the important pieces. You can pick it up and turn it back in when you're done.
Once you've paid for your ticket you can access to the exhibition area for the rest of the day.

Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning), also known as Akershus Castle (Akershus Slott), is a medieval fortification in Oslo, central to the history of Norway. The exact date of its construction is unknown but is believed to have started in the late 1290s under King Haakon V. The fortress is the namesake of the county of Akershus, which used to encompass most of Eastern Norway.

Throughout its history, Akershus Fortress has withstood numerous sieges, including those by Swedish and Danish forces between 1308 and 1532. Despite these attacks, the fortress was never captured by a foreign enemy. However, during World War II, it surrendered to Nazi Germany without a fight and later became a site for executions by the German occupiers and post-war trials. The fortress was liberated in 1945 by the Norwegian resistance.

Akershus Castle also served as a royal residence during the Middle Ages, playing a key role in the shift of Norway's capital from Bergen to Oslo. Several notable Norwegian royals, including King Haakon V, resided there. After a significant fire in 1624, King Christian IV ordered the relocation of Oslo closer to the fortress, subsequently renaming the city Christiania. The fortress was modernized into a Renaissance-style castle and continued to function primarily as a palace until the 19th century.

In addition to its military and royal functions, Akershus has also been used as a prison, holding many rebels and criminals throughout its history. Some prisoners were famous, like the notorious criminal and writer Gjest Baardsen, who served there 18 years after being given a life sentence; the legendary bank robber Ole Høiland, who committed suicide at Akershus upon his second internment; and Lars Haetta, who was sentenced to death for rebellion but was later pardoned when he began translating the Christian Bible into Sami.

Today, Akershus Fortress is still a military area but is open to the public daily. Visitors can explore the castle, the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum, and Norway's Resistance Museum. The fortress also houses the Royal Mausoleum, the final resting place for several Norwegian monarchs. The Office of the Norwegian Prime Minister is temporarily located near the fortress, and the site is still guarded by His Majesty the King’s Guard.

Aker Brygge in Oslo is a vibrant neighborhood known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Once an industrial area with a shipyard that operated until 1982, it underwent significant redevelopment starting in the mid-1980s, transforming into a commercial and residential hub.

This redevelopment involved a mix of demolishing old industrial buildings and repurposing workshop halls into shopping areas, culminating in a modern district completed in 1998. The area now features shops, restaurants, a cinema, offices, residential apartments, a small boat harbor, and a ferry terminal. Further reorganization between 2010 and 2014 enhanced public spaces and added a new district.

Today, Aker Brygge attracts around 12 million visitors annually and is a leader in waterfront development in Norway. It combines public areas with cultural sites, such as the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, and various artworks like the 'Sundial for Spatial Echoes' by Tomás Saraceno and the 'South Oslo' sculpture by Jacqueline Donachie.

The local pier is a popular spot for people-watching, dining at food trucks, and relaxing. The Aker Brygge Marina offers boat rentals, kayaking, and saunas, making it a great place to experience the Oslo Fjord.

Still, the most popular activity at Aker Brygge is strolling along the promenade, which offers abundant outdoor seating-estimated at around 2,500 seats-allowing visitors to enjoy the blend of old-world and modern architecture. The wharf frequently hosts pop-up shops, fashion shows, concerts, and art exhibits, ensuring a lively atmosphere. Aker Brygge provides enough entertainment for a visitor to easily spend an entire day enjoying the sights and activities.

Frogner Park (Frognerparken) resides in the Frogner borough of Oslo, and holds historical ties to Frogner Manor. Situated in the southern part of the park, the manor house now hosts the Oslo City Museum. Both the park and the entire borough draw their names from the aforementioned Frogner Manor.

At the heart of Frogner Park stands the renowned Vigeland (Vigelandsanlegget) installation. This enduring sculpture collection was crafted by Gustav Vigeland throughout the 1920s to 1943. Despite occasional misidentification as the "Vigeland (Sculpture) Park," it's essential to clarify that the Vigeland installation isn't an independent park but rather the name attributed to the sculptures within Frogner Park. These sculptures coexist with substantial structures like bridges and fountains, forming a cohesive artistic landscape.

The earlier version of Frogner Manor's park, established in the 18th century by its proprietor, the distinguished military officer Hans Jacob Scheel, was comparatively smaller and concentrated around the manor house. This park followed baroque design principles. In addition to the sculpture collection, the area accommodates the manor house, an adjacent pavilion, Frognerbadet (the Frogner Baths), and Frogner Stadium. Dominating the park's center is the Frogner Pond.

Encompassing a sprawling 45 hectares, Frogner Park earns the distinction of being the largest park within the city. Notably, the sculpture installation within it holds the distinction of being the world's most expansive collection of sculptures crafted by a single artist. With its annual footfall ranging between 1 to 2 million visitors, Frogner Park ranks as Norway's premier tourist attraction. It remains accessible to the public throughout the year.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the most unique artistic experiences imaginable. Even if you're not into art, Vigeland's opus is amazing.
Each of the five areas offers a different experience and the walk in the park suddenly becomes something totally different and memorable.

Tip:
Check out the rose garden, and if you have time, the Oslo City Museum in the old farm buildings (also free to enter).
If the weather is suitable you could even take a swim in the open air swimming pool.