Things to do & places to visit in Eastern Norway, Norway

Eastern Norway #1 destination in Norway 2023. The average rating score is 4.38 based on 93.6k traveler reviews, of 240 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Oslo, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 23:37.

Top things to do (39)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Nordmarka (288 reviews)
- Fantastic nature experiences close to city centre of Oslo
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Cross-country Ski Areas

Oslo is unique for everyone who enjoys the nature and being outdoor. The whole year round the different forest areas surrounding Oslo (of which Nordmarka is the largest) offer everyone tranquility, active hiking/biking/swimming/skiing, wonderful scenery and places where you can't hear a sound other than birds, the wind and your own breath. It's magic. Buses, trams and metro take you to a variety of starting points. There are gravel roads and smaller trails for every purpose, whether you have 10 minutes or 10 hours to spend - or more (sleep underneath the stars). There are several lodges and huts offering something to eat and drink, and some also offer an overnight sleep. Tourists who want to explore the forest areas more thoroughly are recommended to get information at the Turistforeningen shop in Storgata or the regular Tourist information offices. See more..
5.0 Oslomarka (287 reviews)
- A sense of well being
Historic Walking Areas • Nature & Wildlife Areas

The term Oslomarka is usually used for all the recreational areas around Oslo. Marka is the administrative name for the part of it that lies inside the city limits and contains hiking trails, recreation facilities, forests and lakes. See more..
5.0 Byfergene (241 reviews)
- Fast, frequent and free
Spent < 1 hour Ferries

After arriving by train from Oslo it was a treat to have to take the ferry to reach the grand Old Town. Just a short walk from the Station we had only a few minutes wait for the next departure. It’s a great service, fast frequent and free. After a delightful few hours exploring the Old Town it brought us back again in the evening. See more..
5.0 Visitor Centre Hardangervidda National Park (226 reviews)
- Unforgettable trip to Hardangervidda
Saturday: Spent 2-3 hours Visitor Centers

The Visitor Centre, Hardangervidda National Park has a large award-winning interactive exhibition about the wild reindeer and the nature of Hardangervidda in 10 languages. In addition, we offer a cinema with several movies, a cafe with a panoramic view, hiking-trail with nature app in 10 languages and guided tours of varying length. See more..
4.5 Viking Ship Museum (9.949 reviews)
- Small but impressive
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums

Come face to face with some of the world's greatest Viking treasures! Experience the best-preserved Viking Ships in the world and unique burial artefacts from boat graves around the Oslo Fjord. These ships have been on voyages of the sea before they became the final resting place for their wealthy owners. Here you will see incredible woodcarvings, mysterious skeleton remains and an immersive film that takes you into the Viking era. This is a museum experience out of the ordinary. Two Museums for the price of one! With a ticket to the Viking Ship Museum, you also get a free pass to the Historical Museum within 48 hours. Closed: 24-26 December; 31 December; 1 January. See more..
4.5 Vigeland Museum (7.547 reviews)
- A good rain option to the outdoor versions
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

The Vigeland Park is the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist, and is one of Norway's most popular tourist attractions. The park is open to visitors all year round.The unique sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's lifework with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Vigeland was also in charge of the design and architectural layout of the park. The Vigeland Park was mainly completed between 1939 and 1949. Most of the sculptures are placed in five units along an 850 meter long axis: The Main gate, the Bridge with the Children's playground, the Fountain, the Monolith plateau and the Wheel of Life. See more..
4.5 Fram Museum (6.305 reviews) from $13.63
- Fantastic Museum
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

A number of new attractions were available for the visitors at the Fram Museum, the highlight being the continuous 270 degrees surround film shown from the deck of Fram. The Fram Museum is located at Bygdøy, a short distance from the centre of Oslo and is easily reached by bus or, in the summer season, by ferry from the City Hall quayside. We focus on polar history, our centrepiece beeing FRAM, the strongest wooden polar ship ever, dating from 1893. Our closest neighbours are the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Norwegian Maritime Museum. The Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum are within 15 minutes walk. The Bygdøy peninsula is therefore popularly known as the museum peninsula. Bygdøy is one of Oslo´s main places to go. The main exhibition in the Fram building has explanatory texts in ten languages and describes the three great Fram expeditions. We have exclusive polar souvenirs in our shop and probably the world’s biggest polar book store with 220 different titles. See more..
4.5 The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet (6.036 reviews)
- A must-see on a trip to Oslo
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Operas • Theaters

Definitely visit this if you are in Oslo. It's immense fun walking up on the roof, seeing the views and people-watching. Restaurants within are over-priced and over-rated with mediocre customer serice (having had drinks, snacks and a meal there) but there are plenty of other options in the surrounding area. Good accessibility, baggage storage and cloakroom areas. I loved the elegant but understated architecture both in and out. Attended Alexander Eckmans Swan Lake and did the behind the scenes tours. Both absolutely stunning. See more..
4.5 Vigeland Park (5.399 reviews)
- Worth walking! Beautiful place!
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

The Vigeland Park is the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist, and is one of Norway's most popular tourist attractions. The park is open to visitors all year round. The unique sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's lifework with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Vigeland was also in charge of the design and architectural layout of the park. The Vigeland Park was mainly completed between 1939 and 1949. Most of the sculptures are placed in five units along an 850 meter long axis: The Main gate, the Bridge with the Children's playground, the Fountain, the Monolith plateau and the Wheel of Life. See more..
4.5 Holmenkollen Ski Museum (4.367 reviews)
- Fabulous
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

A historic landmark in the Norwegian consciousness, Holmenkollen embodies more than a century of skiing tradition. Inside the actual ski jump is the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, the world's oldest ski museum. The museum presents over 4,000 years of skiing history and polar exploration artifacts. The observation deck on top of the jump tower offers panoramic views of Oslo. Open 365 days a year! See more..
4.5 Norsk Folkemuseum (3.832 reviews)
- authentic adventure
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Amusement & Theme Parks • History Museums

Norsk Folkemuseum shows how people lived in Norway from 1500 to the present through its collections from around the country. Among the highlights are the Stave Church from Gol, dating from 1200 and an apartment building with homes from the 20th Century. 160 historic buildings in the big Open-Air Museum represent different regions in Norway, different time periods, as well as differences between town and country, and social classes. Indoor exhibits present Norwegian heritage. The museum has a comprehensive activity program and is open all year. See more..
4.5 Kon-Tiki Museum (3.388 reviews) from $11.69
- One of Oslo's Best Museums - Fun - Informative - Great Exhibits
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • History Museums

Visit The Kon-Tiki Museum and be inspired by Thor Heyerdahl! See the original balsa wood raft from 1947 and the Oscar-winning film from 1951! The museum houses original boats and artifacts from Thor Heyerdahl's world-famous expeditions such as the original Kon-Tiki balsa raft which crossed the Pacific Ocean in 1947 and the original reed boat Ra II which crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 1970. Both exhibitions have separate children storylines. The Kon-Tiki Museum also houses one of the most comprehensive exhibitions about Easter Island in the world, including a replica of a family cave from Easter Island. Underneath the Kon-Tiki raft is a special underwater exhibit that is fun for kids. Cinema screening the original Kon-Tiki documentary movie (Oscar for best documentary in 1951) every day at 12:00. Great museum shop. Free with Oslo Pass. A must when visiting Oslo! See more..
4.5 National Gallery (3.252 reviews)
- sleek modern museum
Art Museums

This new museum just opened to the public in June 2022. It is a spectacular rethinking of the museum's collection. In addition to the Norwegian artists, and of course the Scream, the museum also features French late 19th century art and a nice collection of Norwegian design, The building itself has sleek modern lines and open airy spaces. I think you will spend an enjoyable two hours here. See more..
4.5 Oslo Fjord (2.834 reviews)
- Interesting and lovely sites
Bodies of Water

Lots of interesting sites to see going in and out of Oslo fjord. As you approach the city you can see the famous ski jump Holmenkollbaken to the left in the mid distance. Places like the City hall and all major tourist destinations are easily accessible from the main waterfront. Interesting architecture can be seen in and near the water. Fred Olsen Jnr's house is on the left as you leave Oslo - see picture attached. See more..
4.5 Bygdoy Peninsula (1.468 reviews)
- Plan to spend a while day on this lovely penisula with lots to do.
Bodies of Water • Biking Trails

One of most delightful, romantic two-wheel rides in Oslo. Lush woods, park-like countryside, view of the sea, swimming areas, historic buildings and the royal cows are some of the sights to see along the way. Arrive from Aker Brygge via the 3-km cycle route along Frognerstranda to Hengesengveien, Bygdoy. Continue to Holsts vei - Rideveien - Huk - P.T. Mallingsvei - Langviksvei - Huk Aveny - Museumsveien - Wedels vei - Dronning Biancas vei Distance: 7 km Incline: insignificant Roadway: primarily fine gravel roads See more..
4.5 Norges Hjemmefrontmuseum (1.145 reviews)
- Great stories in a dated museum
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Military Museums • History Museums

There are so many amazing stories told in this museum about the lives lived in Norway during the Nazi occupation of World War II. The museum covers the whole war from many perspectives and has tons of original documents and artifacts. Unfortunately a lot of the exhibits are older and dated. At times it is hard to follow the thread of what is being shown. Still, even with those drawbacks this museum is well worth a visit by anyone interested in Norwegian history. See more..
4.5 Frogner Park (1.116 reviews)
- A place to reflect
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Frogner Park (Vigeland Park unofficially with tourists) is one of those places I’ve been meaning to visit over the years but finally did it this trip. It’s a location to take your time with, to wander and ponder as you expolore the statues. It’s worth going first thing before the various coach tours unload and try and avoid those desperate to get photos on a 15min whistle stop tour. It’s also a great park to wander away from the statues and enjoy some quiet in the city and don’t miss the views over to Holmenkollen. The cafe near the front gates also a good place to rest and also has a small gift shop. See more..
4.5 Aker Brygge (960 reviews)
- A popular entertainment and shopping district on the banks of Oslofjord
Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls

A shipyard that has been turned into a shopping center. See more..
4.5 Botanical Gardens (Botanisk Hage og Museum) (671 reviews)
- Grand walking trails in sylvan surrounds
Speciality Museums

It’s a delightful green space with many attractions. Particularly the rich precious variety of plants and trees. Lovely walking trails are numerous and strolling along is a terrific way to enjoy a couple hours. All surrounded by sylvan tranquillity. Three divisions of the superb Natural History Museum contain absorbing exhibits and informative exhibits. See more..
4.5 Maihaugen Open-Air Museum (661 reviews)
- Open air museum worthy of visit
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Children's Museums • History Museums

Maihaugen offers activities and experiences for the whole family. Enjoy the idyllic surroundings and experience life like in the old days. The museum has more than 200 historic houses from as far back as the 13th Century to homes of the different decades of the 1900s, including Queen Sonja’s childhood home. Grazing animals in the open-air museum in the summer season. All year you can look into historical houses and visit great exhibitions, the museum shop and café. Don't miss our popular Christmas Market in November/December. See more..
4.5 Ekebergparken (626 reviews)
- Scandinavian break
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks

Here you can take part in experiences that contain art, history and nature. The park is large, with woods, wooded trails and art.The collection is of high quality and representative of European art history for the past 130 years.With the combination of Ekeberg’s long history, the beautiful scenery and the beautiful sculptures, everything is set up for for a wonderful experience for the whole family. See more..
4.5 The Well Spa Resort (589 reviews)
- Perfect chill & relax
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Hammams & Turkish Baths • Onsen Resorts • Roman Baths • Spas • Thermal Spas

Welcome to The Well Spa Resort! The Well is an internationally acclaimed and prize-winning spa. From June 2021 we finally can invite our guest to prolong their stay and spend the night in our beautiful hotel. The Well Spa Resort aims to become Europe's premier spa resort facility and puts Norway firmly on the international wellness map. There are century-long traditions for how to utilize heat and water for relaxation and wellbeing. The Well brings a plethora of these traditions together under one roof. See more..
4.5 Sognsvann Lake (565 reviews)
- Great walking place at beautiful lake
Bodies of Water

Sognsvann lake is a recreation area popular for swimming and sunbathing. Walking/running path around the lake also suitable for wheelchairs. See more..
4.5 The Norwegian Museum of Science and Tehnology (543 reviews)
- Definitely Worth A Visit!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums

Museum of science and technology (Teknisk museum) is the national museum for technology, industry, science and medicine. The museum hosts over 100 interactive installations and 25 permanent and temporary exhibitions about energy, oil, industry, medicine, airplanes, cars and trains. Oslo Science Centre is a place for curious minds. Explore natural science and technological principles in the areas of energy, physical phenomena, the body, mathematics and the universe. The Robot Centre and The Planetarium are both found here. The National Medical Museum explains how people's lives have changed over the last 150 years through improvements in public health, medicine and healthcare. The museum is integrated in the Museum of Science and Technology. The museum café serves Italian and Greek specialties, hot dogs, coffee, ice cream and cakes. Remember to visit the museum shop for fun and surprising gifts and souvenirs. See more..
4.5 The Fortified Town (411 reviews)
- Charming
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Northern Europe's best preserved Fortified town, is thriving with history, shops, galleries and café's. See more..
4.5 Gaustatoppen (333 reviews)
- Day trip from Oslo
Mountains

Gaustatoppen, which many claim to be the most beautiful mountain in Norway, towers majestically above the town of Rjukan at an altitude of 1,883 metres. Around 30,000 people make the trip up to the summit every year to enjoy the fantastic views from the top. On a clear day, you can see all the way south to the coast and east to Sweden. You can see one sixth of Norway from here. No matter what the weather is like, you can still buy a cup of coffee, waffles and food at the Tourist Association's 100-year-old stone cabin on the summit. You can pick your own stone from the piles around the summit and get it stamped to prove that you climbed the mountain. A new alpine slope down Gaustatoppen is planned, but this is no new idea. Had it not been for the Second World War, the alpine disciplines at the 1940 World Championships would have been arranged here. See more..
4.5 Lom Stave church (321 reviews)
- Definitely Need to Visit
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The Lom stave church was timber dated to 1158. The church is still in use as the main church in Lom. Inside the church you will find a large collection of paintings from the 1700s and a lot of beautiful acanthus carvings. Over time the church has been rebuilt and enlarged several times, something one can see clear traces of. When the church was restored first in the 70'ies, there was an opportunity for extensive excavations. It was made several interesting findings of pilgrimage brand, rune staves, parchment documents and the largest total of coins found in Norway of 2,245 coins. See more..
4.5 Fredriksten Festning (Fredriksten Fortress) (318 reviews)
- Beautiful and historic
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Military Bases & Facilities

Absolutely fantastic place and a must see in Halden. I was here on a wedding and this was a place I will definitely remember. We might be lucky since this was a wedding and the one who arranged this did a fantastic job with all we could ever dream of. They had arranged the gards to serv and guide us to the past with a fantastic visual presentation of how they loaded their muskets and oh man it took a long time hehe. if someone is looking for a place to host a wedding then this is perfect in every way. See more..
4.5 Akerselva River (303 reviews)
- Wonderfull surprise
Bodies of Water

The river Akerselva runs from Maridalsvannet through the centre of Oslo and into the Oslo Fjord. The river is 8 km of recreation, through forests and industrial history, fishing, swimming and several waterfalls. The highest waterfall is next to Honse-Lovisas hus (a small, red house) and the Beier bridge. See more..
4.5 Korketrekkeren (287 reviews)
- A great Day out
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Ski & Snowboard Areas

Oslo's most popular toboggan run starts at Frognerseteren and ends at Midtstuen metro station. At the end of a run, you can catch the metro back up to Frognerseteren for another run. Korktrekkeren is 2000 metres long, and the elevation drop is 255 metres. One non-stop ride at full speed takes 8-10 minutes. The metro from Midtstuen to Frognerseteren takes 13 minutes. Sled rentals Sleds for rent (Akeforeningen) next to Frognerseteren Restaurant, at the bottom of the hill from the Frognerseteren subway stop. Helmet rental is free. See more..