Top 10 Best Things to Do in Oslo (that are actually worth your time)
Oslo is quietly elite: world-class architecture and museums, but also water, islands, and nature right in the city. Here is our best things to do in Oslo itinerary, which mixes in a couple of iconic “musts” with one proper outdoor experience (that’s where the city really comes to life!). Oslo is a city surrounded by nature, the fjord and the forests. No matter which direction you choose you will end up at the water or the forest – that is why most people love Oslo! Whether you are planning to move to Oslo or just visit there are many great reasons to do both – here are a few!
Here are 10 things worth your time — with practical tips and a few local “do this, not that” notes.
1) Walk on the Oslo Opera House roof (free)
This is the easiest win in the city: you can walk up onto the roof for views over Bjørvika and the fjord, no ticket needed for roof access. You can also access the Munch museum which is right beside the Oslo Opera House and has free public toilets – something which is unfortunately lacking in Oslo. In the Bjørvika area you also have lots of restaurants, swimming areas and of course Mad Goats guided sea kayak tours and rental on Oslo fjords. Keep reading to learn more, Goat! You can read more about Bjørvika here.
Local tip: Go early or late to the Opera House for better light and fewer people. Oslo has absolutely epic sunsets which are incredible when viewed from the top of the Opera House.
Beautiful sunset from the Oslo Opera House Roof
2) Go island hopping in the Oslofjord (with public ferries)
This is the most “Oslo summer” day you can do – but is fun any time of the year! Public ferries take you from the city centre to islands in the inner fjord such as Hovedøya, Langøyene and more — plus normal public transport tickets are valid on the ferries as well as Oslos buses, trams and underground tube. All you need is a zone one public transport ticket that you can buy in the Ruter app, or at the ticket machines near the ferry piers in Akerbrygge. See the exact location here to catch the Oslo public ferries.
Local tip: Pack a picnic, swim stuff and shoes you can wear in the water as there can be sharp rocks and oyster shells at some beaches. Ready for island exploration!
The new Oslo electric public transport ferry (Ruter)
3) Paddle the Akerselva River through the heart of Oslo city
Most people walk Akerselva but Goats like to paddle it. Very few people realise you can experience Oslo’s “green corridor” as a proper water adventure, even though Mad Goats have been operating kayak tours on this wonderful river for over 10 years now! Maeeeeh. Note, this tour is suitable for absolute beginners and most ages, from 5 years and above. You can join alone and meet new people or bring the family or your better half. Would probably also be one of the coolest activities in Oslo to do as a date!
If you want the most unique “only-in-Oslo” activity on this list, this is it: Akerselva River Tour (Mad Goats)
Local tip: Pair it with food at Mathallen/Vulkan before the trip as it is right beside the start point and a floating sauna session afters on the fjord.
Oslos most popular kayaking experience – The Akerselva River Tour
4) Eat your way through Mathallen (Vulkan)
Oslo’s best “one-stop” food mission. Perfect if it’s raining, perfect if it’s sunny, perfect if you’re hungry (which you should be). You also have Oslo street food which has a wide array of food stalls! Read more on their website here.
Local tip: I personally recommend the chicken burger from Stange, as it is all natural ingredients and at a reasonable price – which is not always easy to find in Norway!
A busy Mathallen food hall in central Oslo
5) Do a guided Oslo Fjord Kayak Tour
Seeing Oslo from the water is a different city: islands, skyline, calm paddling, and that “I can’t believe this is a capital” feeling. Although biased we do recommend doing a kayak tours any day over a boat cruise. The experience is just on a different level in so many ways from being much closer to nature, using your body, interacting with others and learning a cool new skill. Mad Goats sea kayak tours are also suitable for absolute beginners and for ages from 5 years and above meaning you can take the whole family. As we like to say “Oslo is best viewed from the seat of a kayak” – come let us show you why!
If you want the guided version: Oslo Fjord Kayak Tour (Mad Goats)
Mother and child in a double kayak on a kayak tour on Oslo fjord.
6) Rent a kayak and do your own fjord mission
If you’d rather move at your own pace, a kayak rental is one of the highest value “mini adventures” you can do in Oslo.Simple plan: rent → paddle along the waterfront → stop somewhere scenic → paddle back. You do need to know how to rescue yourself and others if you rent a kayak in Oslo and have prior kayak experience. If you do not have kayaking experience then we recommend you jump on a kayak tour.
Kayak rental in Oslo (Mad Goats)
Local tip: If it’s your first time, choose a shorter out-and-back route so the return is easy. An example of this would be to paddle from Bjørvika to Tjuvholmen or from Bjørvika around Hovedøya and back.
Off on a kayak adventure on Oslofjord
7) Get your Våttkort (kayak course) — unlock kayaking all over Norway
If you live in Norway (or you’ll be back), this is one of the smartest upgrades you can do. Våttkort training gives you skills and confidence that carry over to fjords, islands, lakes, and future rentals. This course is only 2.5 hours and you will learn basic paddle strokes, how to get in and out of the kayak and to rescue yourself and others. Mad Goats provides all the equipment and a place to store your belongings while on the water.
Våttkort course in Oslo (Mad Goats)
Beginner sea kayak course in Bjørvika central Oslo
8) Vigeland Park (the Monolith is genuinely iconic)
Even if you’re not a “museum person”, Vigeland Park (also known as Frogner) Park is a must + it is outside and very scenic. The Monolith sculpture depicts 121 human figures and is one of Oslo’s most famous sights. There are also tranquil parks and lush gardens to walk through and river running through the middle of the park. It is totally worth your time if you haven’t been! Read more about Vigeland park here on Visit Norway.
Local tip: Weekday mornings are calmer (and better for photos).
The frogner parks epic human monolith
9) Holmenkollen: the view that explains Oslo
Holmenkollen’s jump tower delivers one of Oslo’s best panoramic views over the city, fjord, and surrounding forests. While you are up there and if you have time, we recommend taking a quick train (tube) ride up to Frognerseteren and taking a quick hike though the woods. It is truly amazing that we have access to pristine nature right at our doorstep where you can go from a bustling city to a tranquil forest in the span of less than an hour! Here is the exact location to the Holmenkollen ski jump.
Local tip: If you’ve got time, add a short forest walk in Marka afterwards.
Holmenkollen Ski Jump
10) Book a private group activity (bachelor parties + corporate team building)
If you’re organising a group, Oslo gets way better when you do something together that’s active and outdoors — not just another restaurant booking where half the group can’t hear each other.
Mad Goats runs private events for:
- bachelor / bachelorette groups
- corporate team building
- visiting friend groups
Private group events in Oslo (Mad Goats)
Why it works: it’s social, memorable, and everyone shares the same story afterwards.
Akerselva kayak and packraft tour
Quick “choose your Oslo” suggestions
If you only have 1 day: Opera roof → island hopping → Mathallen
If you want the most unique experience: Akerselva River Tour
If you want nature without leaving the city: Oslo Fjord Kayak Tour or kayak rental
If you’re here longer / live here: Våttkort course
Catch the tube up to Sognsvann or Frognerseteren at go for a walk in the beautiful Norwegian woods.
FAQ
What are the best things to do in Oslo for first-time visitors?
Walk the Opera House roof, do island hopping in the Oslofjord, visit Vigeland Park, and spend time around Bjørvika.
Is the Oslo Opera House roof free?
Yes — walking on the roof is free and open to the public.
How do the Oslofjord island ferries work?
Public ferries run from the city centre to the islands, and public transport tickets are valid on the ferries (Oslo Pass also works).
What’s a really unique outdoor activity in Oslo?
Paddling the Akerselva River through the city is one of the most unique “urban nature” experiences Oslo offers.
Is kayaking in Oslo beginner-friendly?
Often yes — guided tours include instruction and a safety briefing, and routes are typically adapted to conditions.
What is Vigeland Park’s Monolith?
A famous sculpture depicting 121 human figures, carved and stacked into a single column.
Is Holmenkollen and Frognerseteren worth it?
Yes — it’s one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Oslo, with views over the fjord, city, and forests.
What are the best things to do in Oslo for groups (bachelor/corporate)?
Private outdoor experiences like guided kayaking, river tours, and team-building paddling sessions tend to be the biggest win because everyone shares the same experience and memories.
Hope this blog helped you decide on what to do in Oslo when you visit. Remember, be a goat and do the activity that pushes you outside of your comfort zone, maximises fun, and is out of the ordinary. Life is long, go do lots of cool stuff! Baaaeeh.
