One Day in Oslo: Ultimate Itinerary for Norway’s Capital

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When Bjornstjerne Bjornson dubbed Oslo Tigerstaden (literally, the City of Tigers) in 1870, it was seen as a cold and dangerous place. 150-years on, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Oslo is still Tiger City, but these tigers are burning bright.

Norway’s cosmopolitan capital sums up the country nicely. It’s trendy, modern and exudes wealth. Oslo has moved with the times, if not ahead of them, but one thing it will never do, is forget its past. Founded by Viking King Harald Hardrada in 1049, it was his son, King Olaf III who put Oslo on the map.

Today, Oslo is the embodiment of the suave sophistication Scandinavia is renowned for. Hip coffee shops, trendsetting bars and high-end boutiques go hand in hand with centuries old townhouses, immersive museums and regal palaces.

With our ultimate guide to one day in Oslo, you can unravel this captivating city’s many layers.

Best time of year to visit Oslo

Late spring and summer are ideal times to spend one day in Oslo. May to August bring the best weather and long daylight hours. As is the norm this far north (Oslo sits at 59°N), nights around the summer solstice never get truly dark. Warm, sunny days are perfect for ferry hopping between Oslofjord’s islands, al-fresco dining and evening wanders. July is usually the warmest month; temperatures hover around 18°C (64°F).

Winter is no bad time to visit Oslo either. You’ll want to wrap up warm, the sea breeze brings a chill even on sunny days, but temperatures rarely drop much below freezing. Even in January, the coldest month, the average temperature only falls to -2°C (27°F). Spending one day in Oslo in early or mid December is particularly special. The Christmas Markets will quickly ease you into the festive spirit.

Getting to Oslo

As the Norwegian capital and one of Scandinavia’s major transport hubs, getting to Oslo is easy no matter where you’re coming from. Most travelers will arrive at Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), 35 miles north of the city. There are direct flights to almost 200 destinations across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East.

The quickest way to reach central Oslo from Gardermoen is by high-speed train. Trains leave every 10-20 minutes and the journey takes just under 25 minutes. Alternatively, Flybussen Connect operate frequent coach services to the city center. The journey time is longer, taking just over an hour, but the price reflects this.

Oslo’s secondary airport, Sandefjord Torp (TRF) is some 110 kilometers from the city. Primarily served by low-cost airlines from several European cities, along with a handful of domestic routes, it’s worth bearing in mind that the journey to the center can take up to two hours.

If you’re a fan of slow travel, including one day in Oslo as part of a longer Norway trip is a great idea. Intercity trains connect Oslo with all of Norway’s major cities. The Bergensbanen between Oslo and Bergen is often hailed as one of the most scenic railway journeys in Europe. Kristiansand, Stavanger and Trondheim are also just a train ride away.

A more leisurely, romantic way to reach Oslo is by ferry. DFDS sail daily between Copenhagen, Denmark and Oslo. Color Line operate Oslo’s other international ferry service. Departing from Kiel, Germany, the crossing takes 20 hours. Both ferries offer comfortable cabins, shops, cinemas and onboard restaurants.

Is one day in Oslo long enough?

One day in Oslo is the ideal amount of time to get acquainted with the city. Sure, you won’t see everything, but central Oslo is compact and walkable, so you won’t waste time waiting for buses or taxis.

If you’re able to add an extra day, you’ll have time to get out of the center and visit the serene Bygdoy peninsula, home to the Fram Museum, dedicated to the strongest wooden ship ever built, and the Norsk Folkemusuem. In my opinion, a private tour is the best way to explore this sprawling outdoor museum.

If you do choose to spend a night in Oslo, we highly recommend spending it at The Thief in Holmen, a short walk from Aker Brygge. For a slightly more central location, check out Bob W Sentralen near Central Station.

One Day in Oslo: Ultimate itinerary

9 am: Coffee in Aker Brygge

Norwegians take their coffee seriously. With that in mind, the only way to kick off your one day in Oslo is with freshly ground beans. Head to Kaffebrenneriet in Aker Brygge. The coffee is amazing and their croissants and Danish pastries are the perfect, flaky way to start the day.

10 am: Prizes for Peace

In his will, Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel dictated that his fortune was to be used to fund prizes for the greatest achievements in science, literature and peace. Whilst Nobel is most commonly associated with his birthplace, Stockholm, home to the Swedish Academy who select Nobel laureates, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held in Oslo.

Make the Nobel Peace Center the next stop on your one day in Oslo itinerary. Opened in 2005 by King Harald, the building once served as Oslo West railway station, which closed in 1989. Open daily except Mondays, the museum celebrates the achievements of some of the world’s most dedicated peace activists. From organisations including the European Union and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to politicians such as Barack Obama and John Hume, all 111 laureates are showcased.

11.30 am: On Oslofjord

Oslo sits are the head of Oslofjord, a 75-mile long inlet of the North Sea. The 40 islands closest to the city make up the Oslofjord Islands. A popular summer escape for Oslo locals, visiting at least one of the islands has to be on your one day in Oslo agenda.

Ferries depart frequently from Radhusbrygge terminal, just across from the Peace Center. With just one day in Oslo, you’ll want to pick your destination carefully. My go-to is Gressholmen. Quieter than tourist-haven Hovedoya, it’s hard to believe this island was once home to Oslo’s first airport.

12 pm: Lunch on Gressholmen

Gressholmen is perfect for leisurely strolls. If you’re in the mood for a hike, follow the cliffs along the island’s north coast to Heggholmen lighthouse. Built entirely of wood in 1827, it is still active today, albeit fully automatic.

Trek back in land to pause at Gressholmen’s only restaurant for lunch. Gressholmen Kro will surprise you. It doesn’t look like much, but the menu is varied and the food is exceptional. Their fresh seafood is the highlight, but there’s everything from pizzas to Thai soup. Don’t miss the chance to sample one of their local beers.

1.30 pm Royal Oslo

Back on the comparatively heaving mainland, wander through the streets of Oslo’s new town to Palace Park. At its center, The Royal Palace has been the Norwegian royal family’s main home since 1849. Current King Harald V and Queen Sonja live in the palace to this day. The palace is open to visitors during the summer months, but do check in advance as opening hours and days can vary when state visits and functions take place.

Another regal highlight during your one day in Oslo is a visit to Queen Sonja’s Art Stable. Tucked away to the rear of the Royal Palace, the gallery is housed in the former Royal Stables. Converted in 2024, it now holds a collection of the royal family’s private photographs. For 2025, you can browse a magnificent selection of images depicting the family’s official meals from 1815 to the present day.

3 pm: A City of Vikings

In a city founded in the period when hardy Norse warriors ruled the seas of Northern Europe, it would seem wrong to skip over Oslo’s Viking heritage, as gruesome as it may be. The next stop on our one day in Oslo itinerary is The Viking Planet.

Situated opposite the new City Hall, The Viking Planet is one of Oslo’s newest attractions. Alongside a vast array of interactive displays, VR games and films, the highlight has to be the Viking ship exhibition. The Viking Project is open daily; to save time on arrival, I always recommend that you book your tickets in advance.

If you’d prefer to get a more thorough overview of Norwegian history, head instead to the Historical Museum, opposite Palace Park. Their collections span centuries of Norse history, from prehistoric times to the present day. Aside from Norwegian treasures, highlights include ethnographical artifacts from Ancient Egypt, Africa and Asia.

5 pm: An Afternoon Stroll

With one day in Oslo, you might think it best to pack in as many museums and attractions as possible. You wouldn’t be wrong, but Oslo is a city best explored on foot. Better still, it’s one of those places where aimless wanders uncover hidden gems street after street.

Travel tip: I always recommend starting with a walking tour of central Oslo. This way you cover the major sites alongside tales of the city’s history from an actual Oslo local.

Amble through the quiet, leafy streets of the old town passing Oslo’s 16th century cathedral to reach Akershus Fortress. Climb up to the top of the fortified walls for a stunning vista of the harbor. The Renaissance-style castle at its center was originally built during the 13th century but was heavily modernised by King Christian IV in the 17th century. It served as the King’s primary residence until the completion of the Royal Palace.

7 pm: Dinner at Dovrehallen

No one day in Oslo adventure would be complete without sampling some traditional Norwegian cuisine. There’s no shortage of it in Oslo, but Dovrehallen is a cut above. For a classic taste of Norway, order their daily special or go for the national dish- Farikal.

Whatever you choose, be sure to leave room for their caramel pudding to finish. It always tastes better with a glass of local mead. Mead-making was a local tradition across Norway until the late 18th century. Whilst the tradition died out in much of the country, mead is still produced in the Oslo region.

9 pm: An Aker Brygge Sunset

Oslo’s nightlife scene can rival any. From glitzy champagne bars to electric nightclubs, whatever your style, an evening in Oslo has something for you. Stop by Pier 42 which, misleadingly, is opposite Central Station rather than by the water, from a handcrafted cocktail. A homage to Norwegian America Line who ran ocean liners between Oslo and New York, Pier 42 takes its name from the Manhattan pier the liners arrived at.

Round off your one day in Oslo where you began, in Aker Brygge. Brygga Bar has one of the finest views in the city. This is one of those places you could patronise every evening for a year and never get bored. The wine list and selection of local draft beers are impressive, but better still is the ever changing crowd of weary travelers passing though and the clink of masts and chains from the yachts that delivered them.

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