Oslo

Norway's capital and largest city, Oslo combines modern architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant culture with easy access to forests and fjords. Must-see attractions include the Opera House, Viking Ship Museum, and Munch Museum housing The Scream.

Things to do

• Opera House — Walk or skate on the sloping marble exterior of this striking modern opera house, or catch a world-class performance inside.
• Viking Ship Museum — Explore a 9th-century Viking ship and burial artifacts that reveal the seafaring culture of Norway's ancestors.
• Munch Museum — See Edvard Munch's The Scream and other expressionist masterpieces in a museum dedicated to the troubled Norwegian artist.
• Vigeland Sculpture Park — Wander through over 200 bronze and granite sculptures in this peaceful park, featuring Munch's contemporary Gustav Vigeland's life work.
• Fram Museum — Board the wooden polar exploration ship Fram and learn about Norwegian Arctic expeditions from the age of exploration.
• Oslo City Hall — Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and fjords, and admire the Art Deco architecture and interior murals.
• Hiking in Nordmarka — Access extensive forest trails just 30 minutes from the city center for skiing, walking, or running with locals.

Food to try

• Rakfisk — Thinly sliced cured raw fish served with potatoes, sour cream, and onions, a traditional Norwegian delicacy.
• Brown Cheese (Brunost) — A uniquely Norwegian sweet and tangy caramel-colored cheese made from whey, often enjoyed on toast for breakfast.
• Fårikål — Norway's national dish of lamb and cabbage stew slow-cooked with peppercorns and served with boiled potatoes.
• Salmon Soup (Laksesupe) — Creamy soup made with fresh Norwegian salmon, potatoes, and dill, warming and quintessentially Scandinavian.
• Oslo Street Food Scene — Visit markets like Matbaren for contemporary Scandinavian cuisine, or food trucks for modern Nordic takes on traditional fare.

Local customs & good to know

• Removing Shoes Indoors — It's customary to remove shoes when entering homes, museums, and some restaurants in Norway.
• Coffee Culture — Norwegians drink more coffee per capita than almost any country; café culture is central to daily life and socializing.
• Friluftsliv Philosophy — Embrace 'open-air life'—locals prioritize time in nature year-round, and outdoor activities are woven into the culture.
• Punctuality Matters — Being on time is deeply respected in Norwegian culture, so plan to arrive exactly when invited, not early or late.