If you are considering a trip to Norway, one stop you will want to make is Oslo. Located on the Bygdøy Peninsula, Oslo is a city full of beautiful architecture, scenic landscapes, and rich history. One day in Oslo won’t allow you to do everything, but it will give you time to see some of what makes it so special.
First, if you are traveling alone or with your family, you should know that Norway is one of the safest countries in the world.
You will have a better chance of falling off a cliff than being murdered in Oslo.
This makes Oslo a top destination for both solo female travelers and those traveling with children.
Oslo is very easy to navigate on your own.
While you can book a private tour to take you around to different destinations, your one day in Oslo might be better spent going at your own pace.
You will find it pedestrian-friendly and easy to get from one place to another with public transportation.
Our Oslo one-day itinerary will give you a great overview of the city and allow you to experience some of the best attractions.
Day Trip to Oslo Itinerary
- Harbor Promenade
- City Hall
- Nobel Peace Center
- Akershus Castle & Fortress
- Viking Museum
- Norwegian Folk Museum
Harbor Promenade
We suggest beginning your day at the Harbor Promenade.
Here you can walk along the water and enjoy the beautiful views, and visit some of Oslo’s greatest treasures.
Oslo City Hall
City Hall is one of Oslo’s main government buildings and is also a great example of their beautiful architecture. Don’t just admire this building from afar.
While it is a government building, it is open to the general public.
Take a walk inside & you will find the interior walls lined with frescoes created by Henrik Sørensen, Edvard Munch, and other famous Norwegian artists.
Take time to walk around outside as well to see the sculptures & fountains.
Nobel Peace Center
The Nobel Peace Prize is an award given annually to someone who has “done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses.”
The recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize is selected by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
Inside the Nobel Peace Center is a permanent exhibit about Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize, and the award recipients.
Akershus Castle and Fortress
From the harbor, you will see the Akershus Castle and Fortress, a medieval castle that was built to protect Oslo.
If you are going to Oslo on a budget, you can walk the grounds of the Fortress for free. Akershus Castle, on the other hand, will require a ticket (unless you have the Oslo pass).
The Viking Ship Museum
This is one of my favorite Viking Ship museums in Scandinavia.
When you think about Vikings, you probably know that they were experienced explorers, but did you know that they were gifted craftsmen?
The Viking Museum will show you just how beautiful artistry was during the time Vikings sailed.
In the Viking Museum, you will find real Viking vessels that were unearthed in Gokstad, Oseberg, and Tune from as early as 820 AD.
You will get to see them up close and notice the details and amazing craftsmanship that went into creating these vessels.
You will also find other small Viking boats, carts, clothing, and other items used during the time period, along with the skeletal remains of the man buried with his ship!
If you enjoy Viking history, this museum is an absolute must-see during your day in Oslo. It isn’t very big, so it won’t take you long to go through it.
But what makes it special are the actual artifacts that it showcases and the condition that they are in.
Download the free app to get a complimentary audio guide:
Admission to the Viking Museum is FREE with the Oslo Pass
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History requires you to be outdoors as you stroll past 155 traditional Norwegian houses and a stave church from the year 1200.
Be prepared for the weather in Oslo and dress in layers & wear comfy walking shoes.
You will be able to explore traditional Norwegian homes from the past and may even find locals dressed in traditional Norwegian attire showcasing typical Norwegian customs, like music, tapestry, and tool-making.
One of the main things to do in Oslo is to visit a Stave church.
You will be able to go inside one while in the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History to see all the intricate carvings and murals.
This open-air museum is a great way to get immersed in the rich history of Norway, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Admission to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is FREE with an Oslo Pass.
Other Great Museums in Oslo
- The Kon-Tiki Museum
- Nasjonalgalleriet (National Gallery)
- Frammuseet (Fram Museum)
- Historisk Museum (History Museum)
Oslo has so many wonderful museums, and you will find them to be an easy (and picturesque) ride across the Oslofjord on the Bygdøyfergene (Ferry).
Because you only have one day in Oslo, you won’t be able to visit all of the museums in this city. Choose the ones that interest you the most.
The two museums that I prioritized for our one day in Oslo were the Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum (Norsk Folkemuseum) because they were interesting to explore and provided a glimpse into Norwegian culture we might not otherwise have experienced.
Do You Need to Buy the Oslo Pass for a Day Trip to Oslo?
We are BIG FANS of getting city passes whenever we travel.
The Oslo Pass offers free entry to over 30 museums and attractions, complimentary travel on all public transport, and other great perks.
They offer a 24-hour pass, which is perfect when all you have is one day in Oslo.
While there are many free things to do in Oslo, if you plan to visit museums or use public transportation, you may find it more cost-effective to purchase the Oslo Pass in advance of your trip.
Best Time to Visit Oslo
While Oslo is great to see year-round, we found it best to travel to Oslo during the summer months, when you can really enjoy the outdoors.
The weather from May through August is between 70 and 77 degrees, and with the days being the longest of the year, you will be able to enjoy being outside more than any other season!
And while you can get by with a short-sleeved shirt during the summers in Oslo, be sure to carry a lightweight sweater or jacket because you will find the breezes cooler by the water.
Summer in Oslo means more outdoor events.
You will find street food vendors, art & music festivals, and rooftop bars popping up as soon as temperatures begin to rise above 70.
There are so many things to do in Oslo that you could easily spend a few days here! If you can spend 2 days in Norway, you will be able to see even more!
We hope that our one-day Oslo itinerary helps you have as wonderful a time as we did during our trip.