Oslo
I Arrived in Oslo in Norway from the United Kingdom by plane for £27. It took 1 hour 55 minutes flight time.
I arrived in Rygge Airport instead of the closer airport of Gardermoen airport as this saved me £28 in flight cost. And is just an extra 30 minutes travelling once landed.
Norway is a Scandinavian country with great mountains and glaciers. Oslo, the capital, is a city full of green spaces and museums, such as the Edward Munch Museum and the Norsk Folk museum, a collection of open- air historic buildings and next door Vikingskipshuset with preserved Viking ships on display. Norway is also known for hiking, skiing and fishing.
Oslo is a city with a beautiful harbour and full of sculptures with big open parks to enjoy.
Oslo is far from a budget country and I found hotels to be very expensive as was the price of food and drink compared to the rest of Europe. Oslo is by far the most expensive country I’ve visited.
Oslo is a city packed with things to do from museums to good nightlife. Oslo has a beautiful harbour packed full of cafe’s, bars and restaurants to sit back and relax.
The food is very expensive in comparison to other European countries and you should expect to find lots of raw meat dishes, game and plenty of fish, Oslo also caters largely towards international cuisine with a large American influence.
Oslo certainly has enough to keep you entertained for a few days and you should allow at least 3 days to see the best of Oslo.
Although Oslo is an expensive place you can cut costs by seeking some free enjoyable attractions on offer. Oslo does have a few, free attractions to keep you entertained for a couple of days.
Getting from Oslo airports to the city centre of Oslo,
Rygge Airport Oslo
Oslo’s Rygge Airport is approximately 66 km from the city centre.
A free shuttle bus will take you from the airport to the train station and then get the train R20 to Oslo. This takes 50 minutes and departs once every hour and costs 164 NOK (£14)
A bus (Ekspressen bus service) also runs From Rygge airport to city centre, and can be found just outside the departure gate. This takes around 1 hour and leaves soon after flight arrivals and costs 180 NOK (£15), this is the easiest way to get to the city centre.
Gardermoen Airport Oslo
Oslo’s Gardemoen Airport is approximately 47 km from the city centre.
Flytoget Airport Express Train departs every 15 minutes and takes 22 minutes, the cost is 180 NOK (£15)
However
Public state trains can also be used and takes 23 minutes with a cost of 92 NOK (£8) and is still a direct train.
also
Flybussen (bus) runs from the airport to the bus terminal in the city centre and takes around 50 minutes and costs 180 NOK (£15).
Travelling Around Oslo, Norway
For travel within the city, I would suggest to just walk as there are so many sculptures to see around every corner.
However, there are buses, trams, metros, trains and ferry’s, which can all be used on a travel card.
Tickets can be brought from 7/11 shops or risk double the price with a driver.
Single 1- hour ticket 32 NOK (£3)
24- hour ticket 90 NOK (£8)
7- day ticket 240 NOK (£20)
Do not forget to activate your travel card on the first journey or face a big fine.
Click Logo for the great company I used for my Oslo Pass.
Norway’s, Oslo Pass
The Oslo Pass gives you free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, free travel on all public transport, free parking in municipal car parks, free entry to outdoor swimming pools, free walking tours, discounts on sightseeing, ski simulator, Tusenfryd Amusement Park, concert tickets, climbing, ski and bike rental, and special offers in restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure venues.
24 hours: 335 NOK (£28)
48 hours: 490 NOK (£41)
72 hours: 620 NOK (£52)
If you are in Oslo for a few days I really would recommend getting the Oslo pass as each attraction itself can cost around 180 NOK (£15), 2 attractions and you’ve saved.
My perfect hostel, Anker hostel, click image for link. Highly recommended.
Accommodation, Eating and Drinking in Oslo, Norway
Hostels in a good location close enough to walk to the centre are priced around 370 (£31) you could find a little cheaper but you will be much further out from the centre, and hostels closer to the centre you’re starting to look at around 770 NOK (£65).
If you are a couple you would be better off looking at a hotel as there are a few hotels in the centre which can be found for around 950 NOK (£80) including breakfast for a double room and 2 sharing.
Or of course, if you would rather you could find a 5- star hotel for 5000 NOK (£420).
Restaurants are all over Oslo with Plenty near the beautiful harbour and compared to other European countries they are expensive.
If you were looking for a 3- course meal in a mid- range restaurant you could expect to pay 700 NOK (£58) and a beer for 100 NOK (£9)
I had a single course meal in an inexpensive restaurant along the harbour and it cost me 404 NOK, (I had a burger, chips and a coke).
Nightlife
For nightlife in Oslo, look for the Oslo crawl or ask you hostel, costs 200 NOK(£17) for free entry into a couple of pubs/clubs. Apart from the cost’s of beer’s in Oslo, it makes for a great night out.
For a great one-day itinerary that will take you all around Oslo’s best attractions see here
Museums worth a visit In Oslo, Norway
A lot of museums are free with Norway’s Oslo pass, so if you plan to see a lot of museums and sights in Oslo it’s worth getting the Oslo Pass.
The Viking Ship Museum is located at Bygdoy in Oslo. It is part of the Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo and houses archaeological finds from Tune, Gokstad, Oseberg and the Borre mound cemetery.
Norsk Folk museum in Bygdoy, Oslo, is a museum of cultural history with extensive collections of artefacts from all social groups and all regions of the Norway.
Munch Museum is an art museum in Oslo, dedicated to the life and works of the Norwegian artist Edward Munch.
The Norwegian Maritime Museum, This museum’s building won an architectural award and is located at Bygdoynesveien on the Bygdoy peninsula, on the western side of Oslo.
The Norwegian Museum of Contemporary Art is a museum in Oslo. It is a part of the National Museum of Art and Architectural Design.
Things to do and must see’s whilst in Oslo, Norway
Holmenkollbakken is a large ski jumping hill located at Holmenkollen in Oslo and from the top offers fantastic views of Oslo.
The Royal Palace in Oslo was built in the 19th century as the Norwegian residence of the French- born King Charles III of Norway.
Frogner Park is a huge public park in Oslo, Norway, and is historically part of Frogner Manor. The manor house is located in the south of the park and houses the Oslo City Museum.
Oslo Cathedral or Savior’s Church is the main church of Norway Diocese of Oslo, as well as the parish church for Oslo.
Sognsvann lake is just north of Oslo, the lake is a popular recreational area, used for camping, picnicking and bathing. Breathtaking views wondering around this lake.
Oslo City Hall houses the city council, city administration, and art studios and galleries.
The Oslo fjord boat sightseeing tour.
Also plenty of churches and cathedrals to pop in but a few have an admission fee.
Free things to do Whilst in Oslo, Norway
These are all must do’s
Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Akershus Castle is a medieval castle that was built to protect Oslo. Which has been said to also been used as a prison?
The Botanical Garden is a green space in Oslo, a place to relax and enjoy. Most of the area is designed as an Arboretum, with around 2000 different plants.
The changing of the guard takes place at the Royal Palace. an enjoyable ceremonious display.
Go walk on the roof of the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet.
