72 Hours in Oslo: Everything to See In a Weekend

Norway’s capital is the ideal place for a weekend break. Whether you want to hang out at coffee houses with the locals, visit fascinating museums, or head out onto fjord waters, Oslo has you covered. Here are some of the top spots you should check out when you get the chance to spend a couple of days in beautiful Oslo.

Oslofjord

When in Oslo, you simply must take a trip on the Oslofjord. Among the miles of waters, you’ll discover tranquil bays and little wooden islands, and get a fabulous view of Oslo city. There are all sorts of tours available. Some cater for scenery lovers while others take trippers on fjord safaris. If you’re into fishing, you can also go on a boat fishing trip that you’re sure to never forget.

Tim Wendleboe Coffee House

If you enjoy going to casinos, you’re out of luck, as there are none in Oslo or the rest of Norway. However, there are some fabulous independent coffee shops where you can relax and play roulette live and other live casino games on your phone while relaxing with your choice of coffee. It may surprise you to learn that Norwegians are the second-biggest drinkers of coffee in the world. If you don’t stop for a cup of soothing roasted beans, you’re missing out on a big part of daily Norwegian life. The best coffee houses in Oslo are the ones run by the world champion barista Tim Wendleboe.

Vippa Food Court

There are also plenty of excellent restaurants and eateries in Oslo. But if you want to try somewhere off the tourist route, visit the city’s new food court, where you can sample Norwegian favorites like Pølse, which is a sort of Norwegian hotdog. The beef and pork sausages are cooked in beef stock and come wrapped in lompe flatbread, which is made from milk, flour, and potato. The Vippa food court also features plenty of international culinary delights. You can find tasty treats like crab sandwiches and pulled pork tacos, all among a very friendly atmosphere.

Ibsen Museum

There are all kinds of museums in Oslo. So, whether you’re into science, art, or history, you’re in luck. If you’re a fan of literature and theater, you’ll want to stop off at the Ibsen Museum, which is the home where playwright Henrik Ibsen spent his last eleven years. The Norwegian playwright was one of the most influential writers of his time. Today, his plays are the most frequently performed dramatic works in the world after Shakespeare. Ibsen’s most famous plays include Peer Gynt and A Doll’s House. This museum was founded in 1990 and is basically a very detailed recreation of the home where Ibsen and his wife Suzannah lived.

The Holmenkollen Ski Jump

If you love skiing, you’ll want to head to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. But even if you don’t ski, the site is worth visiting. By climbing to the top of the hill on which the ski-jump perches, you get to see one of the best panoramic views of Oslo. There’s also an interesting museum. Concerts are held at the Holmenkollen Ski Jump throughout the year, too, so you might be lucky and catch one.

SALT

There’s nothing like sizzling in a sauna on a weekend break, and Oslo has some of the best and hippest saunas around. There are numerous saunas around the harbor where you can sweat beside hot coals, and then if you’re feeling adventurous, you can plunge into the fjord. SALT is arguably the best. You can relax in water-filled barrels and then explore its café, market, and art exhibitions. SALT even holds concerts and other events, too.