So you’ve been to the big cities in Europe and are looking for something a little more special this time round.
Oslo sounds familiar yet exotic at the same time?
Great, we have a 5D4N planned itinerary for you.
Day 1
Okay, it’s your first day in Oslo. You have to go big or go home. March all the way to this badass-looking castle.
Akershus fortress and castle
Built in the 1200s, this medieval castle was one of the most important castles in Norway during that period.
However, it was only in 1308 that the fortress was first used in a battle.
Inside the castle you will see banquet halls, the Royal Mausoleum and the government's reception rooms.
The entry fee is 100kr (S$15.20) for an adult.
If you feel a little ache for your wallet from paying S$15.20 for the castle entrance, this will make you feel better: Entry to the nearby Armed Forces Museum is free.
Featuring Norwegian military history dating back to the Viking era, the Armed Forces Museum also holds special exhibitions from time to time.
Almost like buy-one-get-one-free entry to the attractions.
Address: 0150 Oslo
How to get there:
Bus: 250, 60, 70, 74, 84E Train: L1, L13, L2 Light Rail: 13
New Munch Museum
You’ve probably seen The Scream by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch.
It looks like this:
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Currently, there’s a museum dedicated to Munch located at eastern Oslo, which houses about 1,150 paintings, almost 18,000 prints, and 13 sculptures by the artist.
However, due to the increase in donations of Munch’s artworks, Oslo’s city council decided to build a new (and really huge) museum opening in Spring 2020.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2y6sNtAIkk/
At 13 floors high, the museum will be one of the world’s largest museums devoted to a single artist.
The new building will be located in Bjørvika. Follow its social media page for updates on the address and opening hours.
Stand-up comedy at Latter restaurant & bar
Latter, which translates to “laughter”, is Norway’s biggest comedy club. The restaurant/bar also has a nice, large space with outdoor seating in the summer.
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It has an à la carte food menu that features all types of cuisine, from tacos and sashimi, to pork belly bao.
Check the schedule for English shows here.
Address: Holmens gate 1, 0250 Oslo
How to get there:
Light Rail: 12
Day 2
Waffles at Haralds Vaffel
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3C4UzVHhor/
Don’t be fooled by the light brown slices seen above. It’s not caramel, it’s actually brown cheese.
Brown cheese is a Norwegian cheese made from goat's milk or a blend of goat and cow's milk.
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If brown cheese isn’t your thing, there are also other toppings available, like ice cream and hot dogs.
Address: Olaf Ryes Plass 3, 0552 Oslo
How to get there:
Bus: 37, 401 Train: 71, R11
Waterfall in the city
So your friend posted a photo of some waterfall in some mountain range?
Pfffft.
Wait till your friend sees your photo of a waterfall in the middle of civilisation.
This natural wonder runs along the Akerselva river, which is about 8km long.
To get to this nice viewing point, head to a small red house named Hønse-Lovisas hus and the Beier Bridge at Grünerløkka.
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Address: Nedre Vøyenfoss, Grünerløkka, 0150 Oslo
How to get there:
Bus: 34, 54 Subway: 3, 5
Viking ship museum
Most famous for its Oseberg ship, which is still completely whole and excavated in 1904 - 1905 from the largest ship burial in the world, the Viking Ship Museum is definitely a place you need to check out.
Inside, you can also catch the film The Vikings Alive, which is screened on the ceiling and walls throughout the day.
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The entry fee is 100kr (S$15.20) for an adult BUT you can use your ticket from the Viking Ship Museum to get free entry to the Historical Museum within 48 hours.
And trust us, you will want to see the Historical Museum. It has a huge collection of historical artefacts dating back to the middle ages, and even Egyptian mummies and items from Arctic expeditions.
Another two for one thing. Huat.
Address: Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo
How to get there:
Bus: 150, 250, 401 Train: L1, L13, L21
Fish and chips at Fiskeriet Youngstorget
What used to just be a small fishmonger has now expanded into an eatery. Fiskeriet is allegedly one of the best fish restaurants in Oslo.
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But of course, it has other types of fresh seafood as well, such as mussels and bluefin tuna.
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Address: Youngstorget 2b, 0181 Oslo
How to get there:
Bus: 160, 37 Train: L13, L3, R11
Day 3
TusenFryd Amusement Park
Get your heart pumping on your third day at Oslo’s largest amusement park.
Just a heads up, you’ll probably want to save the SpinSpider ride till after your food has been digested.
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There are tons of attractions, games, roller coasters, and even kiddy rides for children. You’ll get to enjoy views of the surrounding greenery while on the rides.
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The entry fee starts from 329kr (S$49.80) for an adult.
Address: Fryds Vei 25, 1407 Vinterbro
How to get there:
Bus: 500 Train: L2
Holmenkollbakken Ski Museum and Tower
There’s a building in Kongeveien that has an unmissable exterior.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ1T1TVBB3Q/
This outstanding infrastructure is actually a famous ski jumping hill.
Just imagine skiing down the slope:
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If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch a skiing competition when you’re there.
But if not, you can also check out the museum, which is located underneath the jump.
Admission ticket for an adult costs 140kr (S$21.10), with special prices for groups and family.
Address: Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo
How to get there:
Bus: 32, 46; Subway: 1
Pepper fried King Crab at Vulkanfisk
Think Singaporean black pepper crab with a Norwegian twist.
And instead of fried mantou, this dish comes with bread and a small salad.
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The plump and juicy crab meat is cooked in an Asian-style black pepper sauce, which is not as dry as the Singaporean version.
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But if you’re not in the mood for crab, there’s also beef and other types of fresh seafood on the menu.
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Get the fish soup when you’re there as well. It is cooked with three different types of fish -- Halibut, Cod, and Turbot -- which results in a super flavourful stock.
Address: Vulkan 5, 0178 Oslo
How to get there:
Bus: 34, 54 Subway: 3, 5
Day 4
Mathallen food hall
Unlike outdoor Pasar Malams, this is an indoor food market that has plenty of seating.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3B0Rptnr7e/
Mathallen features more than 30 food stalls and specialty shops. You can get things like cured meats, grilled cheese, homemade pies, pastries, and even Hungarian food and wine at the market.
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After eating, you might want to do some grocery shopping at the market for fresh produce.
However, certain shops have different opening hours so you should check the website for individual shop timings.
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Address: Vulkan 5, 0178 Oslo (If this address seems familiar to you, it’s because Vulkanfisk is also located there.)
How to get there:
Bus: 34, 54 Subway: 3, 5
Flea market shopping at Søndagsmarkedet i Ingensgate
Continue the market streak at this Sunday market, where you can find kitschy things like vintage clothes, ceramics, jewellery, LPs, and more.
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Even if you don’t end up scoring good deals, you can still take nice Instagram pictures against the graffiti walls.
Address: Brenneriveien 9, 0182 Oslo
How to get there:
Bus: 34, 54 Train: L1
Day 5
Potato dumplings and meatballs at kaffistova
Since it’s your last day, you need to end it with some traditional Norwegian food.
Kaffistova prides itself in serving authentic Norwegian food like meatballs with lingonberry sauce, and potato dumplings.
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Different from IKEA meatballs for sure.
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The potato dumplings, also known as Raspeball, is made with grated potatoes and varying types of flour. In some places, the dumplings are also filled with meat.
Address: Rosenkrantz gate 8, 0159 Oslo
How to get there:
Bus: 160, 250, 37 Subway: 3, 5
Royal palace
The Royal Palace is only open to the public in the summer, but you can still peep at it from the outside during other seasons.
C’mon, look at this.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRHNy3jh1KS/
Plus you can take a photo with the palace guards, which won’t look as mainstream as the palace guards outside London’s Buckingham Palace.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOuONd7F-aO/
The admission fee is 135kr (S$20.40), and all visitors must follow a guided tour.
Inside, you’ll see cool stuff like the King’s suite, the Great Hall, Cabinet Cloakroom, and other state rooms.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRDZhfwBgAP/
Address: Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo
How to get there:
Bus: 23, 500, 81 Subway: 3, 5
City hall
As a municipal building in Oslo, the city hall is a grand structure with red bricks and overlooks the city.
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Head inside the building (it’s free!) and you’ll be hit with 1900s Norwegian art and motifs.
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Here’s a fun fact: The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held at the city hall on December 10 every year.
Address: Rådhusplassen 1, 0037 Oslo
How to get there:
Bus: 500 Subway: 3, 5
We’ll end this article with another fun fact: Raw salmon sushi was invented by the Norwegians, not the Japanese. (Gasp.)
As a way to promote their seafood industry, the Norwegians introduced raw salmon to Japan in the early 1990s by selling farmed, parasite-free Atlantic Salmon to them.
Cool. Now you’re ready to go to Oslo.
Top image from @fiskeriet and @yqsgenius on Instagram
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