Activities when visiting Oslo & more!
Ok, hello my fellow goats! And maybe a few sheepies as well? Yes yes, you can join too, we’re pretty much the same species, right? Lolololol. This blog post is about Oslo, Sweden’s capital city, and some recommendations of top activities when visiting Oslo. Also, famous Oslo landmarks you should visit, a brief history brush up, and the general weather patterns throughout the year of the goat.
History – straight from a goat’s mouth
Oslo is Norway’s capital (did I fool ya?) and most populous city, with a whooping 600k+ population. It was founded in the year 1040 and established as a trading hub in 1048 by Harald Hardarda. From 1397, Norway came under Danish rule twice, and then under Swedish rule from 1814 to 1905 – some say this reduced the influence of Norway. This depends on if you see Scandinavia as many competing countries or more as one whole. Ironically, when Norway was granted its “freedom”, they were given a Danish king, as Norway had no royal family…why even need a king in the first place? Since then, Oslo has thrived, due in large part to Norway’s substantial oil profits and influential shipping industry. Oslo is an important centre for companies within the maritime sector, and is home to some of the world’s largest shipping businesses. Oslo is also a pilot city of the Council of Europe and the European Commissions “Intercultural Cities Programme”. Oslo is considered a Beta World City, and is ranked near the top in terms of quality of life among large European cities.
Weather
Don´t forget to pack your jacket and thermals, even in the summer. Yes, temperatures can reach 30 degrees, but Norway is by no means a tropical paradise. Well, since I am editing this blog post since it was last written in 2018 then I might have to go back on my word, due to darn climate change – as in it getting pretty dang tropical up in this biiiiiitch!
Spring
Spring is always a random time of year, due to the seasons getting a little bit confused and having to brainstorm, before figuring things out. This season rears its head anytime between early April to the beginning of May, although snow in late May is not unusual. Anyway, as soon as it gets above 10 degrees, most Norwegians take this as the onset of summer, and can be seen walking around in very unseasonal clothing, then catching a mild cold and being off work for two weeks. Beautiful crisp and clear days will “hopefully” characterise this time of year.
Summer
“Summer loving, it happens so faaaast, dun-dun” – yeah, it is fast. During the summer months, the sun doesn’t really like to leave the sky. which is plainly just annoying and not romantic or nice in any way like some with try and tell you. It might take a quick nap behind a hill, but just like an energetic baby goat, the sun will be bouncing around the sky in no time – fuck off!! So what I’m saying is, bring your eye-patch! The first summer I spent in Norway wasn’t exactly easy on my sleeping patterns. Thunderstorms, sun showers, and even hot clear days are commonplace in the summer.
Autumn
Autumn can be a fantastic time of year in Oslo; beautiful leafy colours and days so clear and sharp that you feel as if you could reach out a touch the sky. On these days it can be cold in the morning, as all the heat has escaped into the atmosphere during the cloudless nights. Around midday, it reaches a comfortable temperature, which is well suited to all kinds of activities. Remember, that when you live in Norway, anything over 10 degrees is warm, so keep that in mind and get outside as much as you can. It can take a while to acclimatise, but once you do, you will be subject to the infamous “heat-grumpiness syndrome” anytime temperatures rise above 25 degrees. Our advice is to remain calm, and jump in a kayak!
Winter
Cold as heck and not recommended; unless you are a shaggy mountain goat with a body of ice and iron, a will as strong as the roots of an ancient oak and the strength of a Norwegian mountain troll. Oh, and even if you meet these criteria, bring vitamin D and omega 3 supplements.
Temperature rating chart – Norwegian winters
Mild winter:
Eyelids frozen shut 10x
Icy/painful breaths taken 300x
Fell over by slipping on ice 15x
Cold winter:
Eyelids frozen shut 20x
Icy/painful breaths taken 500x
Fell over by slipping on ice 25x
Very cold:
Eyelids frozen shut 30x
Icy/painful breaths taken 750x
Fell over by slipping on ice 50x
Now that you are aware, you will think twice before moving to this desolate corner of the globe or if you do you will adopt a lifestyle that includes going to the sauna regularly – the best sauna is of course ours in Tjuvholmen!
Activities and places to see when visiting Oslo
Frogner Parken (Frogner Park)
Frogner Park is nothing short of amazing. Hundreds of life-like statues are doing weird stuff – It just doesn’t get better than this. Frogner Park is a perfect place to hang out on a summer’s day. You have Frognerbådet, an outdoor swimming area, lots of trees and a lake in the middle. Take your time, breath in the beauty and replenish your travel beaten soul.
Slott’s Parken (The Royal Palace Park)
If you’re into excessive displays of wealth and the lingering but still substantial effects of monarchy, then this is the place for you. No, but seriously, it’s a lovely park with bright flowers and magnificent old trees. Again, drink in the serenity and lay back while looking at the golden rays of sunlight filtering through the leaves. You’re on holiday – Namaste. Note, this park is only for royal people so if you don’t come from a line of royalty then there is surcharge at the gate called “the peasant fee”. More on Slott.
Edvard Munch Museum
Edvard Munch was a famous Norwegian painter. He is well known for his intensely evocative treatment of psychological themes, which went on to influence significantly late 19th-century Symbolism and German Expressionism in the early 20th century. One of his most famous works is called The Scream. If you’re an arty type, then this is probably already high on your agenda, but also if you just like seeing meaningful colours splashed on canvas, then this will probably get your pulse above 60bpm.
Aker Brygge
Just west of downtown Oslo, Aker Brygge is a funky place to visit. There is an old navel fortress called Akershus Festning, that you cannot miss, and I would definitely recommend checking it out. Other than that, you have the ferries that can take you on a tour of Oslo fjord and the all the islands – I cannot over-rate this service! Since the ferries are part of the cities public transport system, they are cheap and operate almost around the clock. Aker Brygge is also known for its upscale bars and restaurants. Note: if you´re not from Norway, you will be outraged at the price of beer, so please refrain from throwing a massive tantrum and running out of the facility – even though it is well justified. The fanciest yet trashiest place in Oslo, errrmm sorry.
Vulkan
The Vulkan area used to be an industry-intensive area located on the banks of the Akerselva River. In recent years, you could say it has given up its old dirty habits and embraced a more sustainable way of life.
Innovative and environmentally friendly buildings now characterise this area. An energy company have dug 300-metre geothermal wells and built offices that have extensive solar energy systems. To top that off, a group of architects have designed two large beehives in the area.
Vulkan is definitely a place to check out. It is also known for its food hall (Mathallen), and various bars, restaurants and cafes.
Mad Goats Oslo
If you only do one thing, be sure to jump on our Akerselva kayak tour (Akerselva kajakktur). It is legit the most legit thing to do in Oslo! Or rent a SUP and explore Oslo’s waterfront yourself. Unfortunately, the river freezes over in the winter (yes really!) but we still offer our Oslo Fjord Kayak Tours all year round. We started with just paddling activities in the summer but over the years have added more and more winter activities in Oslo. The very best of which is to experience a wood-fired nordic sauna in the city. It is truly where time stands still! For more inspiration check out our Instagram and YouTube channel.
Categories
- Akerselva kayak tour (3)
- Camping (4)
- Heidal / Sjoa (2)
- Hiking and Biking (2)
- Oslo (19)
- Oslo kayak tours (2)
- Sauna (8)
- Sea Kayaking (16)
- Stand Up Paddling (1)
- Våttkort course (5)
- Whitewater Kayaking (13)
Book now Our most popular activities
Private Guided Kayak Tours of Oslo Fjord from the Munch Museum
All equipment included and no experience or våttkort needed to join this Oslo kayak tour. We start from the Munch Museum, learn some basic paddling skills and then either head out to the Oslo islands or along the Oslo waterfront. This tour is an amazing activity to celebrate a birthday or for a team building event.
Private Sauna Rental – Oslo & Moss
Waterside self-service floating saunas in Oslo & Moss! A perfect activity for birthdays, bachelor parties and team building events. Shared adversity, fun and excitement is guaranteed. Jumping into ice cold water, followed by warming up in a hot sauna with a beautiful view out onto the fjord?! - happiness and health awaits you!
Private 3hr Våttkort Introduction (introkurs) to Sea Kayaking Course – Bjørvika, Oslo
3-hr NPF Våttkort Introkurs in central Oslo, an ideal activity for team building. If you are looking for a team building activity that is active, engaging, and fun then this is it! Get your team out of their comfort zone and working together - that is where the magic happens! It also makes for a better story at the office than a night out drinking!
3hr Våttkort Introduction (introkurs) to Sea Kayaking Course – Bjørvika, Oslo
3-hr NPF Våttkort Introkurs in central Oslo with fun and experienced instructors. This is a beginner kayak course (nybegynner kajakkurs), so you will learn to kayak in a safe, slow-paced and fun environment. Bring your friends or come meet new ones! Once you get your våttkort you can rent kayaks from us from our locations along the Oslo waterfront. All our våttkort kayak lessons (våttkort kurs) can be bought as gift cards and booked for private events (privat gruppe).
Prepaid Gift Cards
Looking for the perfect gift for adventure seekers? Look no further than our value gift cards, which can be used towards unforgettable sauna and kayaking experiences. With gift card values ranging from 300 to 5000 nok, you can give the gift of adventure without breaking the bank.
Private Sauna Rental – Jeløy, Moss
Self-service floating sauna on the central Moss waterfront. Our sauna sessions are 2hrs during weekdays and 2.5hrs in the weekends. Hiring a floating sauna is an awesome activity for team building or any type of celebration, whether that is for teambuilding, an utdrikningslag or a birthday. There is nothing more thrilling and refreshing that jumping into the fjord, followed by warming up after in a beautiful nordic sauna!
Akerselva River Kayak Tour
Our Akerselva River Kayak Tour “Akerselva kajakktur” is a one of a kind experience, paddling through the heart of Oslo, and out onto the Oslo Fjord. A fun adventure for the whole family or group of friends, that you can laugh about for years to come! No kayaking experience is required on this beginner friendly kayak tour. We guarantee fun and excitement on the river, seeing Oslo from a completely new perspective, followed by big smiles once back on land - and this is why it’s known as the best kayaking trip in Oslo - “Catch you on the water!”
Self-service Kayak Rental – Bjørvika, Oslo
Self-service kayak rental (kajakk utleie) in central Oslo. Book online, get a code and pick up a kayak and all equipment - it is that easy! Remember that at least one person in the group needs their våttkort. You can get your våttkort with us on our 3hr introduction to kayaking course held in central Oslo.
5hr Whitewater Kayaking or Packrafting Våttkort Introduction Course (introkurs) – Sjoa, Norway
This is where your whitewater adventure begins! Try our 5hr whitewater kayaking or packrafting beginner våttkort course in Sjoa, Heidal - one of the worlds most famous whitewater rafting and kayaking destinations! On this våttkort course (våttkortkurs) you can choose to be in a kayak or a packraft. Packrafts are more stable and lighter to carry, making them the ultimate adventure watercraft, whereas kayaks are more agile on the river, making them better for playing on waves and for paddling harder whitewater. However, the techniques used to paddle both are very similar, which is why we can combine the two courses! - “catch you on the water!”
14hr Private Beginner Course (Grunnkurs) in Sea Kayaking – Lysaker, Oslo
2-day NPF Grunnkurs Våttkort Kayak Course in Oslo/Bærum (kajakkurs i Oslo). A great activity for team building and kickoff events in Oslo. If you are looking for an activity that will push your team out of their comfort while having lots of fun a working together! A team building activity that includes kayaking always a good investment!