Things to Do: Culture, Shopping & Iconic Attractions

When I created my first travel itinerary to Norway (Oslo), here are the list of things that I wanted to do, to which I have added a lot more since my actual visit:

• Stroll the Oslo Opera House rooftop

• Wander Vigeland Sculpture Park in Frogner

• Take a boat trip through the Oslofjord

• View Munch’s masterpieces at the MUNCH Museum

• Explore Akershus Fortress’ medieval walls

• Discover modern art at the Astrup Fearnley Museum (free entry for guests of The Thief Hotel)

• Visit the colourful houses and streets at Damstredet & Telhusbakken

• Walk around the Var Frelsers Graveyard, and see the gravestone of Edvund Munch

• The Historical Museum

• Visit The Royal Palace

• The Oslo Konserthus

• The National Theatre

• Try a fjordside sauna and fjord bathing at Oslo Badstuforening

• Book a floating sauna with Kok

• Visit the island of Hovedoya

• The City Hall

• National Museum

• Nobel Peace Centre

• Summer or Winter, the ski areas of Holmenkollen and Frognerseteren

• The museums at Bygdoy

• Check out the Dyna Lighthouse

• Huk - beaches (naturist optional)

• Nakkholmene and Lindoya island homes

• Gressholmen

• Vippetangen

• Bjorvika

In terms of shopping, many of the main shops are along the main street, Karl Johans Gate, everything from local tourist shops to department stores and international chains. There are also a few shopping centres Oslo City (next to the Central Train Station), Arkaden, and Paleet. The largest department store (Glasmagasinet) dates back to the 1700’s, just off Karl Johans Gate in Stortorvet Square. Nearby, on the main street itself, was Steen & Strøm, but I found this to be really clothing, cosmetics, and technology/camera equipment particularly, nothing homewares. The best design store (and traditional stationers in the basement) was Norway Designs (Est. 1957) on Lille Grensen.

Do look out for my upcoming Travel Diaries series of Norway and Oslo - for lots more detail!