If you are considering a trip to Norway, one stop you will want to make is Oslo. Located on the Bygdøy Peninsula of Norway, 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 allow you 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 at 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.
Our Oslo one day itinerary will give you a great overview of the city and allow you to experience some of the best attractions.
Do You Need to Buy the Oslo Pass for a One Day in Oslo?
We are BIG FANS of getting city passes whenever we travel.
The Oslo Pass gives you free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, free 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 a lot of FREE things to do in Oslo, if you are planning to go to museums or take public transportation, you might find it much cheaper to go ahead and get the Oslo pass in advance of your trip.
Things to See During Your One Day in Oslo
- 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.
There 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.
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 is chosen 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).
Entrance Ticket Details For Akershus Castle And Fortress
The Viking Ship Museum (Currently Closed for Renovation)
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 that 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 Viking Museum is FREE with 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.
Find out more about the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
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, craft demonstrations like tapestry and tool-making.
One of the main things to do in Oslo is visit a Stave church. You will be able to visit one while in the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.
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 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.
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 sleeve 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 of a time as we did during our trip.
Looking for other places in Norway to visit during a road trip? Check out this road trip guide to Norway.
Have you been to Oslo? What one thing would you recommend if you only have one day in Oslo?
Patti
Sunday 18th of November 2018
Looking at a trip to Norway in the next year or so. Can't imagine doing everything you did in one day. So I'll take 3-4 days. Thanks for all the ideas of places to see. I always lose weight while traveling --- some of it is not being brave enough to try all the strange food and the other part is a lot of walking!!
Sally White
Saturday 4th of February 2017
I've never been to Norway, but having Scandinavian grandparents, have always been curious about that part of the world. Thank you for the useful information. What was the food like? Thanks!
Kristi
Saturday 4th of February 2017
I'm not a huge fan of Scadinavian food in general, but their hotdogs are amazing (and I do not like US hotdogs).