How to Plan Your Art and Museum Tour in Oslo

If you’re planning a trip to Oslo and you’re interested in art, a museum tour is a great way to dive into the country’s rich art history. This walking tour, led by a professional art historian guide, gives you the flexibility to choose which museums you want to visit and which other historic attractions you want to see. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect art and museum tour in Oslo:

Overview of the Tour

The Art and Museum Tour in Oslo is a walking tour that takes you to some of the city’s best museums and cultural attractions. Led by a professional art historian guide, the tour is flexible and can be tailored to your interests.

What’s Included

The tour includes a Blue Badge guide, a professional guide, and a professional art historian guide. You have the option to choose which museums you want to visit and which other historic attractions you want to see. The tour also includes visits to top attractions such as Aker Brygge.

Meeting and Pickup

You have the option to head directly to your preferred meeting point or request pickup. The tour offers several meeting points for you to choose from and also offers pickup from your hotel in central Oslo or at your cruise ship.

What to Expect

During the tour, you can expect to visit some of Oslo’s top museums and cultural attractions. You’ll have an expert guide by your side to provide insight into Norwegian art history and answer any questions you may have. The tour is flexible, so you can adjust the itinerary to your interests.

The Museums

There are several museums to choose from on the Art and Museum Tour in Oslo. Here are some of the top options:

The National Museum – Nasjonalmuseet

The National Museum displays Norway’s largest collection of art, architecture, and design. The museum features works from the 19th and 20th centuries as well as contemporary art. The museum also has a collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 19th century.

Munch Museum

The Munch Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. The museum has the largest collection of Munch’s works in the world and houses over 28,000 of his drawings, paintings, and prints.

The Vigeland Museum

The Vigeland Museum is dedicated to the works of Gustav Vigeland, a Norwegian sculptor. The museum features a collection of his sculptures, illustrations, and other works.

The Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum is home to three Viking ships that were discovered in Norway in the 1800s. The museum also features displays on Viking culture and history.

Other Historic Attractions

In addition to the museums, the Art and Museum Tour in Oslo also includes visits to other historic attractions. Here are some of the top options:

Aker Brygge

Aker Brygge is a waterfront area in Oslo that features shops, restaurants, and bars. The area is also home to a marina and several beautiful buildings.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Norwegian monarch. The palace features beautiful architecture and beautiful gardens.

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle that was built in the 1200s. The fortress has played an important role in Norwegian history and is now home to several museums and exhibits.

Booking Your Tour

To book your Art and Museum Tour in Oslo, head to the following link: book the tour here. The tour is an excellent way to dive into Norway’s rich art history and explore the city’s top museums and cultural attractions. We hope you enjoy your trip to Oslo!

FAQ about Oslo, Norway

Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a city that is filled with rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Located on the southern coast of the country, it is a popular tourist destination for both locals and foreigners. In this FAQ, we answer the most common questions people have about Oslo.

1. How do I get to Oslo?

Oslo is easily accessible by air, land, and sea. The city has a major international airport, Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL), which is located about 50 km north of the city center. You can also reach Oslo by train from other parts of Norway and neighboring countries such as Sweden and Denmark. If you prefer travelling by car, it is best to use the E6 motorway that connects Oslo to other parts of Norway.

2. What is the best time to visit Oslo?

The best time to visit Oslo is during the summer months (June to August), when you can experience the city’s pleasant weather and long daylight hours. However, this is also the peak tourist season, which means the city can get crowded and accommodation prices can be high. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting in the shoulder season (May or September) when the weather is still good, but there are fewer tourists.

3. What are the must-see attractions in Oslo?

Oslo has a wide range of attractions to offer. Some of the most popular ones include:

a. The Viking Ship Museum

Located on the Bygdøy peninsula, the Viking Ship Museum houses three Viking ships that were excavated from burial mounds in the Oslo fjord. It is an excellent place to learn about the Viking Age and the history of Norway.

b. The Oslo Opera House

The Oslo Opera House is a stunning piece of modern architecture that offers breathtaking views of the Oslofjord. You can take a guided tour of the building or enjoy a world-class performance in one of its venues.

c. The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Norwegian monarch and is open to visitors for guided tours during the summer months. It is an architectural masterpiece and also has a beautiful garden that is open to the public.

d. The Munch Museum

The Munch Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, who is famous for his painting “The Scream”. The museum contains a large collection of his paintings, drawings, and prints.

4. What are the best outdoor activities in Oslo?

Oslo is blessed with stunning natural scenery, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Some of the best things to do include:

a. Hiking in the Nordmarka

The Nordmarka is a vast forested area that surrounds Oslo and offers endless possibilities for hiking and exploring. You can also go skiing, fishing, or biking in the area depending on the season.

b. Exploring the Oslofjord

The Oslofjord is a beautiful body of water that stretches from the city center to the open sea. You can take a boat tour, go island hopping, or even swim in the fjord if the weather is warm enough.

c. Visiting Vigeland Park

Vigeland Park is the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland. The park contains over 200 bronze, granite, and wrought iron sculptures that depict the human form in various poses.

5. What is the traditional food in Oslo?

Norwegian cuisine is known for its hearty dishes that use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Some of the most popular traditional dishes in Oslo include:

a. Gravlaks

Gravlaks is a type of cured salmon that is served cold with a mustard-dill sauce. It is a popular appetizer in Norway and is usually eaten on rye bread.

b. Fårikål

Fårikål is a lamb and cabbage stew that is considered the national dish of Norway. It is usually served with boiled potatoes and is a hearty meal that is perfect for cold weather.

c. Kjøttkaker

Kjøttkaker are Norwegian meatballs that are made from minced beef or pork and are usually served with brown gravy, mashed potatoes, and lingonberry jam.

6. How do I get around Oslo?

Oslo has an excellent public transportation system that includes buses, trams, trains, and a metro system called the T-bane. The easiest way to get around is by using the Ruter transport app, which allows you to buy tickets and plan your journey. You can also rent a bike or a car if you prefer.

7. What is the nightlife like in Oslo?

Oslo has a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to all tastes. The city has numerous bars, nightclubs, and music venues that offer everything from jazz to techno. The Grunerløkka and Grünerløkka neighborhoods are particularly known for their trendy bars and restaurants.

8. How much should I budget for a trip to Oslo?

Oslo is known for being an expensive city, but with careful planning, you can still have an affordable trip. You should expect to spend around $150-$200 per day on accommodation, food, transportation, and activities depending on your travel style. It’s worth noting that alcohol and tobacco products are heavily taxed in Norway, so expect to pay high prices for these items. Overall, Oslo is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From its rich history to its natural beauty and vibrant culture, it is a destination that is worth visiting.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Oslo: A Comprehensive Guide

Norway’s capital, Oslo, is a beautiful and lively city with much to offer. As a tourist, you may want to maximize your time there by exploring the city’s many attractions. From historical sites to museums, parks, and urban experiences, Oslo has something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll take you through a step-by-step exploration of the city’s must-see attractions, activities, and places to unwind. So if you’re planning a trip to Oslo, read on for an unforgettable experience!

1. Visit the Royal Palace – Feel Like a King or Queen

The Royal Palace is the residence of the Norwegian Royal Family and sits in the heart of Oslo. The palace opens its doors for public visits during summer, and the best time to be there is during their changing of the guards ceremony. This event happens every day at 1.30 pm, and you may want to arrive earlier to secure a good spot.

2. Experience a Vast Collection of Art at the Oslo Museum of Art

Oslo Museum of Art, also known as the National Museum, boasts an extensive collection of works, including the country’s most significant collection of art. Its permanent collection is home to nearly 400,000 works of art from the Viking era to present day. The museum’s Norwegian art collection spans from the 19th century to the current, and you can enjoy a guided tour or explore it yourself.

3. Take a Boat Ride Around Oslo’s Inner Harbor

Oslo’s waterfront is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, and for a reason – its bustling pier, trendy restaurants, and bohemian bars. The harbor is lined with vibrant boats, and you can hop on one for a relaxing ride around the city’s innards. A boat ride around the harbor will give you an opportunity to admire the city’s different faces from a different perspective.

4. Explore Oslo’s Historical Landmarks

Oslo is rich in history and has many landmarks on offer. Visiting these landmarks will help you get a sense of the city’s cultural identity. Oslo is home to many historical sites, including the Viking Ship Museum, the Oslo Cathedral, Akershus Fortress, and the Nobel Peace Centre, which most visitors find interesting.

5. Have Fun and Learn at the Munch Museum

Norwegian painter and printmaker, Edvard Munch, became famous for his iconic painting, “The Scream.” You can explore his works at the Munch Museum and get a deep insight into his life and work. The museum houses more than 26,000 works by Munch, including paintings, drawings, prints, and the largest selection of Munch’s notebooks.

6. Enjoy the Vibrant Opera House

The Opera House in Oslo is famous for many things. Its unique design, including the sloping roof that doubles as a public space, is one of its highlights. Constructed from marble and decorated with granite, the Opera House is a work of art designed to provide an immersive theatre experience. Visitors may explore the stage or take in the stunning views of the Oslo Harbour from the rooftop.

7. Visit the World’s Oldest Open-Air Museum – The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is a chronicle of Norwegian history from the middle ages until today. The museum sits on Bygdøy Peninsula and showcases Norway’s breathtaking landscapes and historic buildings. As the world’s oldest open-air museum, it houses an incredible collection of traditional houses, cabins, and farmhouses from around the country.

8. Take a Walk in the Frogner Park

The Frogner Park, also known as the Vigeland Park, is the largest public park in Oslo. Out of its 80 acres, 40 are devoted to Norway’s most considerable sculpture park. The park features the works of Gustav Vigeland and gives visitors the opportunity to walk around and admire different sculptures and fountains.

9. Discover the Edvard Munch’s House

Edvard Munch’s House, located on the outskirts of Oslo in Ekely, was once the artist’s artistic retreat. Today, it is a museum that gives visitors a glimpse into Munch’s life and workspaces. The museum houses more than 3000 works and artifacts, including paintings, notebooks, letters, and photographs.

10. Enjoy a Relaxing Time in the Nature

Oslo has many green spaces that offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Nordmarka Forest, located just outside the city, has miles of hiking trails, ski runs, and cycling routes. Other green spaces include Ekebergparken Sculpture Park, St. Hanshaugen Park, Tøyen Park, and so much more. These parks offer visitors peace, serenity, and breathtaking views of the city.

Book Your Tour Now

Oslo is a city that is rich in history, culture, and nature. This guide has taken you through a step-by-step journey of the city’s must-visit attractions, activities, and places to unwind. From museums to historical landmarks, parks, and urban experiences, Oslo has something for everyone. You now have the tools to create an unforgettable experience in Oslo. So grab your bags and get ready to explore Norway’s capital city!