Oslo Norway 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Oslo Itinerary: A Taste of the Capital

This itinerary balances iconic attractions with local experiences, giving you a well-rounded taste of Oslo!

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: Oslo Backpackers, Anker Hostel
  • Mid-Range: Scandic Hotels (various locations), Thon Hotels (various locations)
  • Luxury: The Thief, Grand Hotel Oslo, Oslo Plaza

Things to Know:

  • Currency: The Norwegian Krone (NOK) is the currency in Oslo.
  • Language: Norwegian is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Transportation: Oslo has an excellent public transport system with buses, trams, and a metro (T-bane). Purchase a travel card for unlimited rides during your stay.

Day 1: Viking History & Cultural Exploration

  • Morning: Start your day at the Viking Ship Museum, home to three original Viking ships: the Oseberg ship, Gokstad ship, and Tune ship.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in history at the Oslofjord Museum. Explore the fascinating world of the Vikings through their artifacts and stories.

Things to Eat:

  • Lunch: Grab a traditional Norwegian hot dog (pølse) with all the toppings (løk, brunost, ketchup, mustard!) from a street vendor near the harbor.

  • Dinner: Enjoy fresh seafood at Fiskeriet, a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

  • Dessert/Drinks: Indulge in a sweet treat like “kransekake” (a traditional Norwegian almond cake) or a refreshing Norwegian beer at Grünerløkka for a vibrant local experience.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the historic Aker Brygge waterfront area, enjoy the views of the Oslofjord and visit one of the many restaurants and cafes.
    • Stroll through the streets of Grünerløkka, a trendy neighborhood with charming cafes, boutiques, and street art.

Things to see:

  • Oslofjord Museum: Learn about the history of the Oslofjord, from the Viking era to modern times.

Where to stay:

  • Day 1 Evening: Stay in a cozy Airbnb in the Grünerløkka neighborhood known for its charming atmosphere and affordable options.

Day 2: Exploring the Heart of Oslo

  • Morning: Visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park, home to Gustav Vigeland’s unique sculptures and a must-see for any art enthusiast.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Oslo Opera House and enjoy the stunning architecture and views. Afterwards, visit the nearby Oslo Fjord for a scenic walk.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Oslofjord: Enjoy the beautiful waterfront with a walk along the promenade, taking in the sculptures and the panoramic view of the fjord.

  • Visit a local market: The Mathallen Oslo food hall is a great place to find local delicacies and experience the city’s culinary scene.

  • Eat at a cafe or restaurant:

    • Dinner: Enjoy traditional Norwegian cuisine with a modern twist at Restaurant Schrøder.

  • Explore the city center:

  • Visit the Oslo Cathedral: This iconic landmark is worth a visit for its stunning architecture and historical significance.

  • Explore the Oslo Fjord:

  • Oslofjord Museum (optional): Learn about the history of the Oslofjord at the museum, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty with a walk along the waterfront.

Day 3: Art, Architecture & Viking Views

  • Morning: Enjoy the unique experience of swimming in the Oslofjord at the Oslofjord Swimming Pool.
  • Afternoon: Spend time exploring the architecture and design of Oslo Opera House, a modern masterpiece with a stunning facade.

Stay Options:

  • Budget: Hostels in the city center, like the Generator Hostel Oslo or the Anker Hostel, offer affordable accommodation and convenient access to attractions.
  • Mid-Range: Many hotels in central Oslo are located within walking distance of the Oslofjord.

Things to see:

  • Oslo Opera House: Enjoy a final breathtaking view of the city from this architectural gem.
  • Aker Brygge (optional): Explore the waterfront area and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Food & Drink:

  • Taste of Oslo:

    • Lunch: Fish Market (Fiskeplassen) offers fresh seafood, sandwiches, and pastries.

  • Norwegian cuisine: Try some traditional “lefse” (a potato flatbread) or sample modern takes on Norwegian dishes at a local eatery in the Grünerløkka district.

  • Enjoy a coffee break: Relax and indulge in a cup of coffee and “kanelboller” (cinnamon buns) from a bakery in Oslo’s trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.

Food for every budget:

  • Fine Dining: Maaemo, Kontrast, or The Kontrast are Michelin-starred options with unique tasting menus.

  • Casual Restaurants:

    • Oslofjord Swimming Pool (optional): Offers a variety of food options, from sandwiches and salads to pizzas and pasta.

  • Explore the city’s parks and gardens: Enjoy a picnic in one of Oslo’s many green spaces.

Food & Drink (cont.):

  • Explore the local food scene: Try a “fiskesuppe” (fish soup) or “fiskeboller” (fish balls) at a traditional restaurant.
  • Enjoy a “fika” break: Experience the Swedish tradition of enjoying coffee and pastries with friends and family.

Things to note:

  • Oslo is a city where you can find something for every taste, from casual to fine dining. The Oslofjord is the location of the Oslofjord Swimming Championships.
  • Enjoy a picnic in the Oslofjord: The Oslofjord is a beautiful setting for a relaxing picnic.

Things to do (cont.):