Family-friendly Oslo - on a budget

Our Local Expert Says:

Frognerparken is Oslo's best-loved attraction!

Description:

Locals love strolling in Oslo's Frogner Park. Or walking their dogs, jogging, skateboarding, sunbathing, listening to concerts or enjoying ice cream or a beer in the cafes. Children run around, play in fountains or climb the statues of sculptor Gustav Vigeland. 212 bronze and granite nudes depicting all phases of life are displayed. In summer, Frogner Park is particularly lively. The park is open 24/7 all year; admission is free.

Description:

This building was constructed under the direction of Oslo Municipality in the early 1920s as a home and studio for sculptor Gustav Vigeland. After his death in 1943, it was rebuilt as a museum. Most of his drawings, sculptures and models are exhibited here. There is also a series of photographs from the work and construction of the central sculpture in Vigelandsparken, Monolitten. There is a small museum shop.

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Situated in the northeast corner of Frognerparken, these popular public baths offer the possibility of a refreshing swim in the summer. Families go together for a swim in one of the open-air pools, to try the water slide or just to sunbathe. It can become very crowded on sunny days. Facilities include changing rooms, showers and a café. The season goes from 18 May to 20 August. Frognerbadet is currently being restored, and this might cause a delay in this season's opening.

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The Royal Palace is the residence of King Harald and Queen Sonja. On top of a small hill, it offers great views of the city center and across to Parliament. Watch the changing of the Royal Guards - or have someone take your picture with a guard while you try to make them smile. (You won't have any luck, I'm afraid). In summer, people hang around in the Palace park, sunbathing and chatting. On May 17th (National day), all the schools parade down Karl Johan street, passing by the palace. The royal family will be waving to the children from the palace balcony for hours. Between mid-June and mid-August, you can tour some of the most beautiful staterooms.

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The National Gallery contains a stunning collection of pre-war art. Many of Norway's most famous paintings are on permanent display here, such as Tidemand and Gude's Brudeferd i Hardanger and several paintings by Munch, including The Scream (known as Skrik) and Madonna. A smaller part of the museum is devoted to French painters like Delacroix and Picasso. Admission is free.In addition to the permanent collection the museum arranges regular temporary exhibitions for an admission fee as well as seminars and guided tours. There is a small museum shop.

Description:

Karl Johans gate (Karl Johan street) is Oslo's main artery, a partially pedestrianised street leading from Oslo S (the central railway station) to the Royal Palace, with Parliament, the National Theatre and the old part of Oslo University (the present law faculty) in between. Plenty of shops and restaurants as well as a small park line this lively street. In summer, buskers and street vendors abound and people sunbathe and lounge around in the park. In winter, the park metamorphoses into Narvisen skating rink, especially pretty at night when it's illuminated.

Our Local Expert Says:

Enjoying Grand Café's extensive and delicious breakfast buffet is a treat after a very late night on the town. Open from 6:30 am.

Description:

Grand café is one of Oslo's legendary restaurants. It was a favorite haunt of the Christiania Bohemians, a band of 19th century artists and intellectuals who used to hang here, often drinking absinthe. They can all be spotted in the large mural on the back wall. To the left is pictured famous playwright Henrik Ibsen. He had his own table at Grand Café and used to come twice a day to read and have a beer. His table is still there. The central location on Oslo's main street, along with the excellent food, makes it a popular choice for business lunches. Grand Café offer a popular jazz brunch every Sunday 12:00 - 4:00 pm.

Description:

Designed by Swedish architect Emil Langlet in 1866, this historic building is home to the Norwegian Parliament (Storting). Parliamentary meetings have been open to the public since the beginning. Guided tours of the Parliament building are organized several times pr. week; admission is free.

Our Local Expert Says:

700-year-old seat of kings and government

Description:

Akershus festning was originally built as a seat for kings. Through the ages, the castle turned into a fortress overlooking the Oslo fjord. The present city center of Oslo was established below the ramparts in 1624. The fort is located on a hilltop in the center of Oslo and contains the original castle, the castle church, Norway Resistance Museum and the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum. Walking the grounds, you very much get a sense of history, from its beginning in 1299 until the present. Norway's last death sentence was administered here in 1945. (You may have heard of him: Vidkun Quisling, convicted of treason.) To arrange a guided tour, call + 47 23 09 32 12. Admission to the fortress is free.

Our Local Expert Says:

Oslo's most spectacular building

Description:

The Oslo Opera House is home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. The innovative white marble building is designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta (of Alexandria Library fame) and like an ice floe, the roof gradually tapers into the waters of the Oslo fjord. This is an opera house for the people; anyone is free to hang around and walk on the roof. Fantastic fjord views from the rooftop.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bygdøy is home to Oslo's best museums, great walks and beaches.

Description:

The Bygdøy peninsula has Oslo's best museums: The Viking Ships are here, as is the Cultural History Museum, Thor Heyerdahl's raft Kon-Tiki, the Polar ship Fram and The Maritime Museum. You need a few days to see them all. Bygdøy also has great beaches and pleasant walks. During the short summer season, Oslovians use every opportunity to hit the beaches. The most famous one, Huk (clothing optional), is a at Bygdøy. Bygdøy is also an affluent residential neighborhood with beautiful old villas and the King's farm, complete with horses and apple orchards. You can also visit Oskarsborg Castle. From the city center, bus no. 30 takes you to Bygdøy all year. In summer, the best option is by ferry from the pier by City Hall. Or you could walk or ride a bike.

Description:

This museum displays the amazing vessels of world-famous scientist, explorer and early environmentalist, Thor Heyerdahl and his passion for the relationship between early man and the oceans. In 1949, he set out to prove his theories of Pacific migration by crossing from South America to Polynesia in the raft Kon-Tiki. Later, with the Egyptian papyrus vessel Ra, he crossed the Atlantic from Morocco to Barbados. His crew members comprised different nationalities, proving that people could co-exist admirably, despite differing cultures, religions and political beliefs.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're interested in Polar exploration, walking on board Fram will be a treat.

Description:

Norway has been a major force in Arctic and Antarctic exploration and the ship Fram (meaning Forward) was an integral part of this exciting era. Polar explorers Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nansen and Otto Sverdrup all used Fram on their expeditions. Most famously, perhaps, Roald Amundsen sailed Fram to Antarctica for the race to be first to the South Pole. Fram is preserved as it was, and visitors are welcome onboard. Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in summer; shorter opening hours in winter. Admission NOK 50 for adults, 20 for students and children.

Our Local Expert Says:

A captivating look at our Viking ancestors' way of life

Description:

Three Viking ships are displayed in this specially designed building, two of which are very well-preserved. Built around 900 AD, the Gokstad Ship was unearthed in 1880. The beautiful Oseberg Ship is from around 815 and was discovered in a burial mound in 1904. Both were used as boat graves. 1100-year-old skeletons found in the ships are displayed. Also on display are Viking artifacts and ceremonial objects buried alongside them. There's a small book shop selling books, cards, posters and Viking jewellery and souvenirs. Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. October - April; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in May – September.

Description:

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History was founded in 1894 as the world's first open-air museum. More than 150 buildings are exhibited, representing daily life during the last 500 years. The most famous building is the 13th-century Gol Stave Church. Several events are organizes throughout the year, including dance and music performances, as well as a great Christmas Fair every December. Open Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sat - Sun: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: NOK 70/25 adults/children.

Description:

A former ship yard, Aker brygge is a fashionable area with high-end shops, cosy pubs and restaurants, a cinema (including and IMAX-screen) and art galleries. In summer, Aker brygge is a favorite hangout for Oslovians for after-work beers. This is where people have their first utepils (meaning outdoors beer) of the year - or buy shrimps right off the boats. Aker brygge is lively at night as well.

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Stortorvet is the cobble-stoned square situated immediately in front of Oslo Cathedral, in the middle of the city. The square was officially inaugurated as the town's market square in 1736, when the annual Christiania fair was moved here. The fair took place every year until 1899. Today, only the flower stalls remain in the business here. The statue on the square is of king Christian IV.

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Torggata takes you from Karl Johan street (with Stortorvet and the Oslo Cathedral) to the area of Grünerløkka. A pedestrian street with a lot of cafes, restaurants (kebab shops and some Vietnamese restaurants), and cinema Eldorado, Torggata is divided into two by Youngstorget square with its small marketplace, bazaars and various street vendors. There is a fountain and also a monument dedicated to the memory of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Towards the end of Torggata will see Jakobs Church, which plays host many cultural activities and concerts. Then you have a choice: you can walk along the Akerselva river, or you can cross Eventyrbroen (the Fairy-Tale Bridge), with its sculptures from Norwegian fairy tales, in the direction of Markveien and Grünerløkka. It takes about ten minutes to walk from Oslo Cathedral to Eventyrbroen.

Description:

Grünerløkka might be thought of as the Greenwich Village of Oslo. A hundred years ago this was a working-class area, where people worked 14 hours a day in the local factories under severe conditions. Today the working-class people have been replaced by models, artists, students and lawyers, and the old shops have given way to fashion boutiques and cafés. Grünerløkka has a lot of charm and is the hottest spot to live outside the centre of Oslo. There are beautifully renovated houses next to run-down, old ones, with plenty of green areas and parks. This is a friendly area with a very relaxed atmosphere. Grünerløkka is like a small town in itself and offers a wide range of services: post office, banking, library, dining, theatre. Everything is close by and at reasonable prices, compared to central Oslo. Places to see are Sofienbergparken, Akerselva and Olaf Ryes plass. Walk along Torggata to get to Markveien/Grünerløkka, or take buses 20 or 30, or trams 11, 12 or 13.

Description:

The Botanical Gardens opened in 1814 and have attracted locals since. The University of Oslo's natural history museums are located within the grounds. The Botanical Gardens comprise the Systematic garden, Rock garden, Aromatic garden, Alpine garden, Herb garden and Great-granny's garden, as well as green houses for tropical plants. The Botanical Gardens are open every day from 0700 - 1700 on weekdays and 1000 - 1700 weekends/public holidays. Opening hours are longer during summer. Admission is free.

Description:

The University of Oslo's Natural history museums comprise the Geological museum and the Zoological museum. The museums are housed in early 19th century Art Nouveau buildings, surrounded by the Botanical Gardens. Since May 2009, the most famous exhibit is our 47-million-year-old relative Ida, the oldest primate ever found. More detailed information is given at the entries for the separate museums/gardens. Open Tuesday - Sunday 1100 - 1600. Admission is NOK 50 for adults and 25 for children/student/pensioners; free for children under 4. Admission covers both museums. Free admission to the Botanical gardens.

Description:

Ekebergåsen (Ekeberg hills) is a residential area of Oslo, as well a large park and recreational area. Norway Cup, a large annual international football (soccer) championship for children, is held here every summer, bringing kids from all corners of the globe together to play. On top of the hill you're afforded fantastic views of Oslo and the fjord. Walk or bike up the hill and be sure to have a look at the Stone Age rock art along the way (sign-posted); people and animals are portrayed in these 5000-year-old carvings. If you don't feel like exercising just today, don't worry. From the city center, bus 34A or trams 18 or 19 will take you right up in minutes.

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EKT rideskole og husdyrpark (EKT riding school and animal park)is located near the top of Ekeberg hill, offering fabulous views of Oslo and the fjord, as well as heaps of fun for the kids. EKT has a riding school and a petting zoo with goats, turkeys and rabbits in addition to the ponies. There's also a playground and Oslo's largest miniature golf course with 36 holes. Surrounding it all is a large park and recreational area, an excellent picnic spot. Even though it's only 3 kilometers from the city center, it feels like a day in the country. Bus no 24 from Oslo S, the main railway station, takes you to Ekeberg in minutes. No admission fee for the rec. area, but there's a fee for pony riding.

Description:

This art center was established when famous Norwegian figure-skating star Sonja Henie and her husband Niels Onstad donated their private art collection to it. Located in impressive surroundings only 30 minutes from Oslo, with a sculpture park and its own little beach, the museum invites you to view temporary exhibitions of modern art, partly based on its own collections. The museum shop has a great selection of objects, and the award-winning restaurant is definitely worth a visit.

Description:

Kalvøya is an excellent place for families to go swimming. Only 20 minutes by bus or train from Oslo, Kalvøya offers beautiful nature and fresh air. Walk the short distance from the bus stop in Sandvika, cross the bridge to the island and you are there. Close to the two sandy bays on the west side of Kalvøya, there is a large park, often used for football matches and other ballgames. Rock festivals and other events take place here several times during the summer. An alternative to the island is Kadettangen, turn left just before the bridge and find a good spot on the sandy beach. Kadettangen has facilities such as showers and a volleyball court. Many families prefer the shorter walk and stop here.