Norway’s breathtaking and expansive. We’d visited Oslo previously and wanted to see more of the country. That desire took us on an adventure by train and sea.
Over the past few summers we’ve spent extended time in Europe. With the high cost of flights, and my kids’ limited travel availability during the school year, it makes sense for us to maximize our time and money with longer stays.
We’d already booked a week in Iceland and wanted to add an additional week somewhere in Europe. I started researching options that would require little planning on my part. I was also looking for low-key experience knowing that Iceland would be a more active adventure.
I came across an option to “Sail and Rail Norway” with Hurtigruten, an established Norwegian cruise line that’s been sailing since 1893. The weeklong itinerary visited three Norwegian cities: Oslo, Trondheim, and Bergen. The package included transportation via train and ship, hotel stays, and a night on-board the MS Polarlys. My teenage daughter and I were joined on the trip by her cousin, and my mother-in-law.
KidTripster Tip: We utilized the Icelandair Stopover program. Passengers can spend up to 7-days on a stopover in Iceland before continuing on to their next destination. We booked a round-trip, multi-city ticket that took us from Portland, Oregon (PDX) to Keflavik, Iceland (KEF), then to Oslo, Norway (OSL).
[ Related: No It’s Not Crazy to Visit Iceland in Winter ]
Day 1: Arrive in Oslo
The Hurtigruten itinerary has guests arriving in Oslo on Day 1. Depending on your arrival time, that could mean limited time to explore this interesting city.
However, you can arrive in Oslo any time prior to your train departure to Trondheim. When booking with Hurtigruten, you can request to extend your hotel stay (at an additional cost).
There’s a lot to do in Oslo. With limited time on this trip, we could only squeeze in a few activities, here are some ideas for your visit:
Things to Do in Oslo
Take the Hop On Hop Off Bus
Oslo’s downtown is very walkable, but some of the city’s museums and attractions are a bit beyond walking distance. We got around via the Hop On Hop Off bus. The bus makes more than a dozen stops at key sites around the city. Be sure to grab a map and a set of free headphones when you board. Plug in at your seat for a narrated description of the city. The Hop On Hop Off bus costs more than your average bus ticket, but provides a sightseeing experience along with transportation. A 24-hour ticket cost about $44 per adult, or $22 for kids ages 5-15.
KidTripster Tip: We were traveling with older teens, but they let us pay the child rate for them. Be sure to ask if any discounts are available.
Stroll Vigeland Park
The bus stops at Frogner Park, which is the site of Vigeland Park. This is a top attraction in Oslo. The park houses 200 sculptures (all nudes) by the artist Gustav Vigeland.
Upon exiting the bus, and entering the wrought iron gates, you can see Vigeland’s iconic Monolith statue. It towers 55 feet above ground. Remarkably, it’s carved out of one stone block and features 121 human figures. Follow the monolith and you’re headed in the right direction. The setting is lovely, and the statues are fascinating in their depiction of humanity.
Entrance to the park is free, and it’s open 24-hours a day. Should you wish to learn more about the artist, there’s also the Vigeland Museum which does require an admission fee.
KidTripster Tip: If traveling with younger kids, Frogner Park also has a large playground. Head there when the kids get tired of looking at the statues. The playground’s located near the entrance gates.
Check Out a Museum
There’s no shortage of interesting museums in Oslo. A couple we’ve enjoyed visiting are:
Norsk Folkemuseum
The Norse Folkemuseum is an engaging open-air space demonstrating how Norwegians have lived from the Middle Ages to modern day. 160 historical buildings were moved from around Norway to create the museum, including a stunning Gol Stave Church, built in the 1200s. We visited when my kids were younger and they loved walking into the old buildings and looking around. The outdoor setting made it feel like we were at a playground, rather than a stuffy history museum.
Kon-Tiki Museum
The Kon-Tiki Museum honors the greatest sea voyages in modern history with displays of the famous vessels used by the Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl. He was on a quest to discover how Polynesia was settled. There’s a film playing in the museum’s basement that was recorded during the journey. It was incredible to see what the crew experienced on their long journey.
KidTripster Tip: Be sure to check out the Museum of the Viking Age, formerly named the Viking Ship Museum, when it reopens in 2027. It’s located near the Kon-Tiki Museum. The collection of historic ships were carefully moved into the new space, as the old Viking Ship Museum building was no longer suitable for safely preserving them. That includes the Gokstad Ship, the world’s largest preserved Viking ship. The ship was used as a burial ship and dug up in the 1800s. It’s been on display ever since. The ships in the Museum of the Viking Age tell the story of Norway’s seafaring history and tradition of boat burials.
MUNCH
MUNCH displays the work of Edvard Munch, painter of The Scream. Three versions of The Scream are on display here, in a rotation to preserve the art. Other pieces of Munch’s famous works are on display including some of his large scale art.
KidTripster Tip: These museums are located in different areas of Oslo, but are all accessible by the Hop On Hop Off bus. Check your bus map to ensure you get off at the correct stop.
Climb the Opera House
You’re allowed to walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House. It’s a beautiful building, situated right on the fjord. Walk up the building to the roof for great views of the city.
Go For a Swim
Swimming culture is huge in Norway. People swim year-round. There’s a public beach next to the opera house. On a summer night in July during our visit, there were a few dozen people in the water. There’s a small floating dock with a diving board that drew quite a crowd. Restrooms and changing rooms are nearby. There’s also several food carts here.
Rent a Floating Sauna
An experience we won’t forget was renting a floating sauna. The Fjord Cruise with KOK departs from two locations in downtown Oslo. The floating saunas leisurely take passengers into the fjord. The captain will stop the boat when you’re ready to jump in. Between swims, you can warm up in the wood-oven sauna. The fjord cruise is a private sauna experience that can hold up to 10 people. It has a changing room, and a rooftop area. My daughter loved jumping off the roof into the water. The cruise lasts about two hours. The price ranges from $200-$450 USD depending on dates and times.
You need to bring a towel with you, for sitting on and for drying off. You can purchase one at the dock. We borrowed towels from our hotel room. You’ll want to bring water. We recommend wearing your swimsuit under your clothes so you’re ready to go when you arrive, as there’s just a small changing area available on the dock and no restrooms.
[ Related: 48 Hours in Oslo with Kids]
Accommodations in Oslo
Our tour package included one night at the Thon Hotel Opera. We added one additional night to our stay for a little more time to explore Oslo.
The hotel’s in an ideal spot, located just outside the train station and across the street from the Oslo Opera House. You can walk to many places, or easily utilize mass transit from this location. Trains and buses run frequently.
Our rooms were modern and spacious enough for two people. Hotel stays include a breakfast buffet with a huge array of both hot and cold food choices.
Keep Reading: Click on page 2 to read about the next leg of our journey, the train to Trondheim.
