Oslo Activities

Norway boasts a number of attractions for the entire family. The city is home to some lovely beaches, which while not sandy, they offer green lawns and play areas for children. There are also a number of parks and gardens located across the city offering places where kids can expel any excess energy left over from a day’s sightseeing. For some fun and adventure, head to TusenFryd Amusement Park where you will find a number of hair-raising rides as well as plenty of other attractions. Many hotels also offer kids clubs which provide daily entertainment and will keep children busy while you relax.

Beaches
When most people think of Oslo, beaches are not the first thing that springs to mind; but if you are travelling in the summer with children, you will find that several beaches are easily accessible from the city centre. While most of the beaches are rocky, you will find some with green lawns and smooth rocks on which you can set up base.

One of the more popular beaches is Huk, which can be found on the Bygdoy Peninsula. This beach often gets crowded during the peak summer months, so if you would rather head somewhere quieter, try Paradisbukta, a secluded beach found just 10 minutes away.

TusenFryd Amusement Park
This theme park is regarded by many to being the country’s best. It boasts a number of rides as well as 74 games and 23 restaurants. The most popular rides include the Roll Over, Super Splash, Thunder Coaster and Space Shot. There is a separate area for water sports in which the whole family can participate and there is also a designated children’s area for young ones. Phone: +47 64 97 64 97.

Viking Ship Museum
The Vikings were the first people to settle on Norway, and this is the place to come to learn all about the country’s colourful past. You will find three Viking burial ships as well as a number of sailing boats. The most impressive vessel is the 9th century Oseberg, an intricately detailed 19-metre long dragon ship and the burial chamber of a Viking queen. Kids and adults are guaranteed to enjoy the exhibits and will be impressed by some of the sights. Phone: +47 22 13 52 80.

Oslo boasts a number of fascinating museums and stunning churches which are suitable for people across all age groups. One of the most popular family museums is the Historical Museum which exhibits artefacts from the country’s history dating back to Viking times. For lovers of art, there are a number of galleries as well as the famous Munch Museum.

Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
This is a private museum which opened in 1993 and has since earned an international reputation for its collection of Norwegian modern art. In a small gallery, world-famous artist Damien Hirst displays his controversial Mother and Child Divided showpiece. There is also a permanent international collection as well as a sculpture garden and a restaurant. Phone: +47 22 93 60 60; website: www.af-moma.no.

Fram Museum
The Norwegian polar ship Fram is renowned throughout the world for being the strongest vessel ever made and has advanced the farthest north and south than any other ship on our planet. Built in 1892, it made three artic journeys as well as countless other voyages. It is possible to climb onboard this legendary ship and have a glimpse at the captain’s quarters as well as other areas of the ship. Many artefacts which would have been used during the different journeys are on display. Phone: +47 23 28 29 50; website: www.fram.museum.no.

Historical Museum
This museum is part of the University Museum of Cultural Heritage, which focuses on national archaeological finds including everyday items as well as coins, religious icons and architectural remains. The museum also provides visitors with an in-depth look at Norway's Viking heritage through artefacts. Phone: +47 22 85 99 00; website: www.ukm.uio.no.

Munch Museum
Edvard Munch is Norway's most famous artist and when he died in 1944, he left his collection of artworks to the city. The museum is a tribute to his artistic talent and offers changing exhibitions as well as permanent collections, while it also displays his most famous painting, Scream. Much of his work is fairly dark, reflecting his troubled life, although some of his later work appears more optimistic. Phone: +47 23 49 35 00; website: www.munch.museum.no.

Old Aker Church
This historic church dates back to 1100 and is Oslo’s oldest. It is still used as a parish church today as well as being host to a number of annual concerts. It is a stunning medieval stone construction which makes for some great photos. Phone: +47 21 93 81 85; website: www.orgnett.no/kor/gak.

Oslo boasts a number of worldwide cuisines and restaurants throughout the city, which ranges from traditional Norwegian fare to Japanese and Caribbean. A popular choice for restaurants is to offer fusion menus, which combine traditional Scandinavian cooking techniques with those from Asia and the Mediterranean. This has become known as ‘New Scandinavian’ cuisine.

Despite the new-found menus, many traditional dishes still appear on most restaurants’ menus. Lutefisk (cod prepared in a clear sauce), pinnekjott (smoked lamb ribs served with potatoes and swede) and slices of dried meat are extremely popular with both locals and visitors. The city is also one of the few paces in the country where cloudberries can be found in abundance. These berries make their way into many desserts and should definitely be ordered when in Oslo.

The harbour is the place to head for seafood. Bags of freshly steamed shrimp can be bought here as well as fish and other shellfish. Seafood features prominently in many dishes, along with lamb and potatoes.

Oslo is the best place in the country for buying traditional products. Popular souvenirs include trolls, wooden spoons, silver jewellery, knitwear, caviar, chocolate and goat’s cheese. Established Norwegian companies include Hadeland and Magnor glass, Husfliden handicrafts and Porsgrund porcelain. Norwegian fashion designers are also popular, and Oslo offers many fashions in the latest styles.

Prices in Norway are however much higher than in other European countries. Prices for certain items are controlled, which means that you are unlikely to find bargain shops offering discounted prices. Many tourists are eligible for a refund of the Norwegian Value Added Tax; fill out the relevant forms before collecting the refund on your departure from the airport. When you buy something, it is important that you clearly state your country of residence so that the relevant export document can be filled in.

In the winter, Oslo is home to cross-country ski trails as well as many downhill ski runs. In the summer, you may like to enjoy one of the many hikes the city has to offer or partake in some fishing, bird-watching or sailing.

Parks
Oslo is home to a number of parks within the city limits. These offer peaceful areas where you can enjoy a stroll, bird watch, sunbathe or have a game of football. The city is also surrounded by a thick forest, known locally as the Marka. In the summer, the Marka offers a number of hiking trails and with up to 18 hours of daylight during the summer months, it is possible to enjoy a hike late into the night. One of the most popular hikes leads to Sognsvannet, a stunning lake which is bordered by a walking path and thick green forests. If you don’t enjoy hiking, there are many areas to sit and enjoy the countryside as well as picnic sites, lawn areas for sports and lakes for swimming in.

One of the best things about the forest is that it is easy to get to. Trams make their way here every 30 minutes and it is also possible to hire a taxi to take you the 20-minute journey. The area boasts over 24 mountain huts which offer accommodation and shelter from the changeable winter weather.

Winter sports
During the winter months, the Marka transforms into a haven for keen skiers. There are over 2,579kms of ski trails as well as a number of ski schools and instructors. The forest boasts 14 slalom slopes as well as ski jumps and cross-country courses. Other activities suitable for winter days in the Marka include sleigh rides and snowshoe trekking.