Planning a visit to Scandinavia without breaking the bank is a real challenge. That’s especially true in Norway and its capital city, Oslo, where the high local cost of living and 25% sales tax drives up the cost of most goods and services.
While it’s difficult to avoid bills for accommodation and dining out, you don't have to splash out on pricey entrance fees to enjoy the city. Some of Oslo’s best attractions are completely free of charge and require just a public transit ticket to reach.
Sculpture parks
In an ordinary year, the Vigeland sculptures at Frogner Park attract more than one million visitors. The 212 bronze, iron and granite sculptures examine the human form, ranging from the beautiful to the bizarre. While it’s a must-see place in Norway, it’s far from the only sculpture park in the city.
Perched on a hill away from downtown Oslo, Ekeberg Sculpture Park attracts locals and dog-walkers more than international tourists. Internationally-renowned works including Venus Milo aux tiroirs by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí are among the 31 sculptures spread over a vast wooded area. Visitors should also be aware that several of the sculptures do have somewhat adult themes.
Downtown, the Royal Palace attracts thousands of tourists every day but far fewer walk around the palace and into the gardens to discover Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park. If these fairytale-inspired sculptures appear childish that’s because the park is for—and designed by—children.
Akershus Fortress
Since the Middle Ages, Akershus Fortress has been a landmark of Oslo. The medieval castle was originally built to protect the city and provide a royal residence, but it’s also been used as a military base and prison.
Today the castle grounds are a popular recreational area and offer great views across the city waterfront and Oslofjord. A small free-to-enter visitor center lets you discover some of the fascinating and gruesome stories from the castle’s past.
Modern architecture walk
If you visited Oslo more than about 10 years ago, you’ll be shocked by the transformation of the waterfront area. Formerly a highway and industrial area, the Bjørvika neighborhood is now a pedestrian-friendly business and cultural hub worthy of a capital city.
The angular lines of the Opera House are almost universally popular but more recent additions have split opinion. The new Deichman library has been criticized for its lack of books while the architecture of the new Munch museum is not to everyone’s tastes. Together with the emerging Sørenga residential neighbourhood and Barcode business district, this compact part of Oslo holds plenty to interest keen architects.
Explore the forests
As with most Norwegian cities, Oslo’s number one attraction is the nature available on the city’s doorstep. From the peaceful islands of the Oslofjord to the forest that envelops the city, Oslo is surrounded by nature’s playground.
The easiest way for foreign visitors to experience the forests of Oslo is to take the metro (T-Bane) to Frognerseteren, where several hiking trails begin. The atmospheric Frognerseteren lodge is the perfect place to grab a warming cup of coffee while admiring the top-down view of Oslo.
Another option is the metro to Sognsvann, where you’ll find a two-mile trail around a lake.
Relax on a beach
Outside the realm of niche pursuits like Arctic surfing and northern lights photography, Scandinavia isn’t exactly known for its beaches. Yet there are several beaches in Oslo worthy of attention if the weather is kind.
Small beaches at Tjuvholmen, Sørenga and in front of the new Munch museum are all downtown, but Oslo’s best choices require a short trip on a bus or a ferry. Huk beach at Bygdøy is hugely popular with locals in the summer, while the islands Hovedøya and Langøyene also offer great sandy bathing spots.
Oslo City Hall
The dual-towered brick City Hall is one of Oslo’s most distinctive buildings. But few tourists realize the doors are open to the public and the interior doubles as an art gallery.
Inside the city hall you’ll find an impressive collection of artworks, including several murals that depict Norway’s history from fishing and forestry to the occupation during World War II.
Entrance is free year-round and free guided tours are usually offered in the summer months.
Free days at museums
Entrance to most Oslo museums runs around $15 but savings can be made if you visit on specific days. At the time of writing, both the Natural History Museum and National Museum of Architecture open their doors for free on most Thursdays—outside of school holidays.
Run by the University of Oslo, the Natural History Museum showcases nature’s diversity, both in Scandinavia and much farther afield. The rare fossil exhibition Stones & Bones is a highlight, while Klimahuset presents important educational material on climate and climate change in a sensory exhibition. The museum is located in Oslo’s Botanical Gardens, a living museum in itself and free to explore.
