Welcome to 48 Hours in Oslo, the Ultimate Weekend Guide! The good news is that a short trip to Oslo, Norway is worth it. Whether this is your landing spot before another destination, 48 hours in Oslo will treat you just right. With my endless desire to see new places, I was finally called to Scandinavia, 😊. I didn’t know when the urge would come, but I wanted it to happen organically, so here I am!
I am currently spending 3 weeks in Copenhagen, and during this trip, I wanted to get another Scandi capital under my belt. This is a personal preference, so I can have a reference point for similarities and differences. The incredible thing about Oslo is that you are always surrounded by water, mountains and greenery. With its leisurely pace, I even forgot I was in a capital city. These 7 recommendations will get your 48 hours in Oslo started in the right direction. Even better, the first 6 places mentioned below are walkable (if you don’t mind 28k steps in a day, LOL). Let’s dive right in!
1) Grünerløkka
Grünerløkka is Oslo’s trendiest neighborhood, filled with vibrant street art, galleries and hip cafes. I couldn’t have asked for a better location during my stay. I look for neighborhoods that are a hair outside of the city center that will have a blend of locals and tourists. Grünerløkka offers just that with one-off shops, vintage stores and international cuisine. I loved my quaint walks through Kubaparken & Sofienberg parks as I went about my days. Here, you can find people exercising and even sunbathing on a sunny day. The Akerselva River runs through this neighborhood and has picturesque walking and cycling paths, plus scenic waterfalls. This kind if beauty in the middle of the city was jaw dropping for me.
Hot Spots in Grünerløkka
Don’t miss these hot spots in Grünerløkka:
• Tim Wendelboe – an incredible coffee experience, you must order their whipped cappuccino served in a martini glass (pictured above).
• 200 – perfect for a nightcap with elevated tapas, eclectic decor and cozy neighborhood vibes.
• Restaurant Kontrast – innovative Nordic cuisine highlighting the freshest finds from local farmers and fisheries. If you want to splurge and discover ‘New Nordic Cuisine’ this is your spot!
• Cultivate Food – a casual order-at-the-counter vegan spot, don’t miss their open-face Smørrebrød with beet spread, edamame and herbs.
* Smørrebrød ~ a traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwich, typically consisting of a slice of dense, dark rye bread. The sandwich is aesthetically garnished with herbs, pickles, and spreads.
2) Opera House
No trip to Olso is complete without visiting the iconic Opera House. It feels like the entire city is pulsing around this architectural wonder. You can look at a million pictures, but this structure, in person, took my breath away. It is designed to resemble a glacier floating in the fjord and offers panoramic views of the city and the Oslofjord. My favorite feature is its sloping roof, which is accessible to the public and offers panoramic city views. Here, you can find a slice of shade on a hot day, pack a picnic, or take a tour of the inside.
3) Munch Museum
Visiting the Munch Museum is a must as the building itself will lure you in. This modern 6-story establishment is dedicated to the life and work of Edvard Munch, Norway’s most famous artist. Here you can view his most popular work ‘The Scream’ among other masterpieces. Other than the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, this is the most crowded and guarded piece of artwork I have witnessed. I love a collection this large of one artist as it gives a real feel for their work and the different periods they went through. Don’t miss the Munch Museum rooftop for a refreshing drink and more stunning views.
4) Sauna
Saunas are integral to Oslo’s wellness and leisure lifestyle, offering a unique way to relax in the city center. You can choose from various sauna options along the waterfront in Bjørvika. These floating huts are the perfect way to immerse in Scandinavian culture while taking in the views of Oslo’s skyline. After a session in the sauna, it’s customary to take a refreshing dip in the cold waters of the fjord. For what it’s worth, I thought the water would be colder! SALT is a popular choice, offering music, food trucks, and events on top of its saunas.
5) Vippa
Continuing with our 48 hours in Oslo, it’s time for lunch at Vippa food court! With tons of options, this is the perfect place to take a group. Vippa offers diverse food stalls, from Mexican, Greek & Norwegian cuisine to noodles and pizza. It’s a lively atmosphere with beer garden style tables and occasional live music. The outdoor seating at Vippa offers stunning views of the waterways and boats. I opted for the vegan Moroccan plate at the MarraKech stall and loved every bite. Grab a glass of natural wine or cider, relax the legs and enjoy!
6) Vigeland Park
Next, head to the Vigeland Park. This is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist. Gustav Vigeland’s lifelike sculptures are thought-provoking and inspiring. To me, the scale of these manicured gardens and works of art are on another level. I love his timeless themes about human life, relationships and emotions. Finding statues from the early 20th century that are relatable is quite an accomplishment if you ask me. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the famous Sinnataggen (The Angry Boy) statue.
7) Paradisbukta Beach
Just 5 km outside the city center is Paradisbukta Beach, located on the Bygdøy peninsula in Oslo. You can easily get here via Uber or bus. The buses in Oslo are clean and efficient, don’t be scared. I was blown away that a spot so calm and beautiful had 8 people enjoying it on a warm summer day. Paradisbukta Beach offers a mix of sandy and rocky areas, making it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. It’s also the perfect location for a trail run or long walk, surrounded by lush forests and soft paths. Nearby museums include the Viking Ship Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Fram Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum, all easily accessible from the beach. If your 48 hours in Oslo leave you with time to kill, this side of the city is the perfect escape.
Hygge
Did you know, in Norwegian culture, ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘HOO-gah’) refers to a sense of coziness, comfort, and contentment? It encompasses simple pleasures such as enjoying a hot drink by the fireplace, sharing a meal with friends, or taking a leisurely walk in nature. Hygge emphasizes mindfulness and appreciating the present moment, creating a feeling of well-being and happiness. This concept is deeply ingrained in Norwegian lifestyle and contributes to their overall sense of happiness and community. I love finding small words with big meanings in other cultures.
This feeling sums up my quick stay in Oslo. There were many ‘pinch me’ moments I wished I could have shared with friends. Lucky for me the Danish also value hygge, so I am getting a full dose and absorbing this sentiment as much as possible. I encourage you to make an effort to visit stunning Norway even if your first strip is a quick one to the city. With a capital so beautiful, I can only imagine what hiking in more remote locations is like. Norway, I am intrigued.
Wishing you a hygge day,
Rach
PS ~ I was in Oslo during Pride Month and the city was buzzing with awesome energy and events. If you like to travel for Pride events in June, add Oslo to your list!
PSS ~ If nature in Europe interests you, be sure to check out our concise Ireland road trip guide here!
