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 (2)
- Camping (3)
- Heidal / Sjoa (1)
- Hiking and Biking (1)
- Oslo (14)
- Oslo kayak tours (1)
- Sauna (5)
- Sea Kayaking (15)
- Stand Up Paddling (1)
- Våttkort course (4)
- Whitewater Kayaking (11)
Book now Our most popular activities
14hr Private Basic Course in Sea Kayaking – Lysaker, Oslo
2-day NPF Grunnkurs Våttkort 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!
Self-service Paddle Board Rental – Sukkerbiten, Oslo
Stand-up paddleboard hire / rental (SUP padlebrett utleie) in Sukkerbiten near the Opera House- Enjoy stand up paddling on Oslo Fjord! Our SUP rental is super easy, just book your time slot online, get the code and go pick up your paddle board, life jacket and paddle. Once you are done, put the equipment back, as instructed - enjoy exploring central Oslo, Bjørvika!
Private 3hr våttkort Introduction Course to Sea Kayaking – Lysaker
3-hr private NPF Våttkort ”Introkurs i havkajakk” from Lysaker, Oslo. Join us on the water with our fun and experienced instructors and learn the basic sea kayaking skills. Bring your work colleagues on an experience they will love and find very rewarding! Once you get your våttkort you can rent kayaks from us from our locations along the Oslo waterfront. If you are looking for a longer course then we recommend you join our 2-day basic course (Grunnkurs i Havkajakk). Ideal activity for team building in Oslo.
Private Oslo Fjord Tour from Lysaker
A kayaking activity well suited for team building or an utdrikningslag, conveniently located in Lysaker, Sollerudstranda. We start the tours on the Sollerudstranda beach, learn the basic kayak skills and then paddle out towards the Bygdøy peninsula and Huk Stranda or we head towards Fornebu - up to you! The kayak trip is usually 3 hours but can be shortened or extended to meet your needs and time schedule. We have a kayak base in Lysaker, where there is room to store your belongings and park your cars.
5hr Våttkort Introduction Course in River Kayaking – Sjoa, Norway
Never paddled on a river? Try our 5hr whitewater kayaking beginners course (elvekajakk våttkortkurs) in Sjoa / Heidal - one of the worlds most famous rafting and whitewater kayaking destinations! This is a beginner river kayak course (nybegynnerkurs i elvepadling) so you will be paddling on easy whitewater and taking it slow - that is not to say it won’t still be very exciting and a lot of fun! Once you have completed the Introduction course (Introkurs Elv) you will be awarded a våttkort!
Private SUP Beginner Course & Tour
2-hour course covering the basics of stand up paddling. Perfect for parties and team building in Oslo. This is a fun loving and easy activity suitable for the whole office! Also a great activity for an utdrikningslag where will will make sure to get the bride-to-be wet!!
Våttkort Basic Course in River Kayaking – Sjoa, Norway
NPF 2-day basic våttkort course in whitewater kayaking in the famous Sjoa valley. This is a beginner kayaking course so you do not need to have kayaked before to join. This the Norges Padleforbud “Våttkort Grunnkurs i elvepadling / elvekajakk) and you will be awarded you Grunnkurs Elv våttkort after completion. On this course you will have the opportunity to learn the kayak roll (kajakkrulle) with is a must when learning how to river kayak - it is not fun swimming down all the whitewater rapids. We have accommodation (overnatting) options if you need a place to stay overnight in Sjoa.
Public Sauna Sessions – Bjørvika, Oslo
Oslo Fjord Sauna is a community-based sauna that works on trust, respect and kindness. Sauna users are emailed self-service instructions after completing the booking process, and are then trusted to leave the sauna clean and tidy for the next person. Please remember to bring enough water, a towel to sit on in the sauna and one to dry yourself, and a kind and peaceful attitude.
Private Sauna Rental – Oslo & Moss
Self-service floating saunas on Oslofjord, located on the Oslo & Moss waterfronts in central city. Available to book for private groups (Privat Badstue Oslofjorden). Perfect activity for birthdays, bachelor parties and team building events. Shared adversity in the ice cold water, and cosy sauna vibes is a great recipe for happiness and health. Book sauna in advance on public holidays and weekends as this is the most popular time to enjoy badstu life on Oslofjorden!
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!