Oslo

A metropolitan capital

The country’s largest city is a cosmopolitan hub with an abundance of world-class architecture, museums, restaurants and shopping.

As one of Europe’s fastest growing cities this decade, Oslo is buzzing with energy from new neighbourhoods and cutting-edge food, to fashion and art scenes. Captivating landmarks like the Opera House, the Astrup Fearnley Museum and Barcode are changing the face of the city, and Oslo maintains its refreshing closeness to nature that few other capitals can match.

Nestled between the Oslofjord and forested hills, Oslo was named European Green Capital 2019 for its dedication to conserving natural areas and reducing pollution. The compact city centre is easy and safe to explore on foot or by bike, and the efficient public transport system makes the entire city accessible without a car.

Oslo's restaurant scene is diverse and constantly evolving with new, innovative kitchens – many of them with a fresh approach to Norwegian ingredients and food traditions. This attitude has led to international praise, and is also central to the city's celebrated cocktail and coffee cultures.

Norway's capital since 1814, Oslo is home to many of the country's most prestigious cultural institutions. First-rate opera, ballet and theatre performances are presented throughout the year, and art lovers can see famous works at The National Museum and The Munch Museum and browse through the city’s numerous galleries.

Live music is a big part of the city’s identity, and every year Oslo’s clubs and arenas host thousands of concerts that showcase the talents of everyone from local bands to international superstars. Big outdoor festivals bring in the crowds in summer, and there are annual festivals for genres ranging from chamber music to heavy metal.

Find more inspiration on Oslo’s official website.

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visitoslo.com

Sightseeing in Vigelandsparken.
Photo: Terje Borud/Visitnorway.com/Vigeland-museet/BONO

The Holmenkollen Ski Jump.
Photo: Terje Bakke Pettersen/VisitOSLO/Normanns Kunstforlag

Relaxing at Mathallen.
Photo: CH/Visitnorway.com

The Royal Palace (Det Kongelige Slott) in Oslo

The Royal Palace.
Photo: CH - Visitnorway.com

Sun bathing at Tjuvholmen.
Photo: Torgny Gustafsson/VisitOSLO

Oslo WInter Park.
Photo: Terje Borud - Visitnorway.com

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Plan your trip

Tourist tips and insiders’ guides

Museums, art and culture in Oslo

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Getting here and around

Oslo is the main nexus in Norway for both domestic and international travel and has connections to most other Norwegian towns and cities. Get in-depth travel information at Oslo’s official website.

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By train

The airport express train “Flytoget” takes around 20 minutes to Oslo city centre. The local train takes a few minutes longer, but is the cheaper option.

From Oslo you can travel to several destinations in Norway and Sweden.

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By bus

Express shuttle services to Oslo Airport are available from 120 locations in the Oslo area. Express bus services are also available to Torp Sandefjord Airport. Find more information about travelling by bus to Oslo.

Oslo Bussterminal is the main terminal for long-distance and regional bus routes, located in the city centre near the central train station.
By ferry

Ferries arrive daily in Oslo from Kiel in Germany and from Copenhagen and Frederikshavn in Denmark. Oslo can be reached by ferry all year.

There are also several options for travelling by local ferries to the islands in and around Oslo. Check out ferry companies in the Oslo area.
By car

Oslo is the national hub for the road network, which makes it easy to reach by road from all corners of Norway.

When driving into Oslo you will pass a toll plaza. Visit the AutoPASS webpage for prices and payment options. Remember to pay close attention to parking restrictions and regulations.

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Local travel

Use the same tickets on all public transport in Oslo: bus, tram, metro, train and ferry (not the Bygdøy ferry). Plan your trip and check prices on Ruter’s webpage. You can also buy the Oslo Pass, which gives you free public transportation, entry to several museums, municipal parking, and more. Get more information on Oslo's official website.

Bicycling or walking is often the easiest way to get around the city centre. Oslo is equipped with city bikes conveniently located around the city.
By plane

Oslo Airport is Norway's main airport and serves over 100 domestic and international destinations.

From Oslo Airport you can reach Oslo's city centre by express train, express bus, local train, hire car or taxi.

Many European cities have direct connections to Torp Sandefjord Airport, which can be reached from Oslo by express bus or train. The trip to Oslo from the airport takes around 2 hours.

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Get inspired

Oslo also offers …

There is no need to wait until you’re here to find out what you’d like to do. Check out the offers below,
or read more on the official website for Oslo.

Places to go

Cities and places

Things to do

Plan your trip

Oslo

A metropolitan capital

Plan your trip

Tourist tips and insiders’ guides

Museums, art and culture in Oslo

A word from our sponsors

Oslo now: travellers’ own pictures

Getting here and around

By train

By bus

By ferry

By car

Local travel

By plane

Get inspired

Oslo also offers …

Read more