7 Sensational Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway

7 Sensational Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway

Oslo Norway is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Dining out is really expensive—$25 burgers are the norm. The quantity and quality of free things to do in Oslo Norway however impressed me. We visited Oslo for a few days after our Viking cruise Into the Midnight Sun.

Put on your walking shoes and explore this great European city. Spend a couple of days enjoying these free things to do in Oslo. Use the money you save to buy a burger.

1. Oslo Opera House

Climb up to the roof of the Oslo Opera House for remarkable views and fun people watching. Visit inside the Oslo Opera House to view the amazing interior design, watch a quick movie, and use the free restrooms. Visit Norway even says please walk on the roof.

one of the top Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway is to visit the Oslo Opera House
Oslo Opera House view
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
on the roof of the Oslo Opera House
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
roof of the Oslo Opera House
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
inside the Oslo Opera House

2. Vigeland Sculpture Garden at Frogner Park

Vigeland Sculpture Garden is the world’s largest sculpture garden containing works from only one artist. Gustav Vigeland created all of the over 200 sculptures in the park and he also designed and outlined the park.

Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
monolith at Vigeland sculpture garden
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
Vigeland sculpture garden in Frogner Park

3. University of Oslo – Munch Restoration

Edvard Munch, most known mostly for his painting The Scream, provided 11 paintings to the new University of Oslo Assembly Hall (Aula) in 1916. The Aula is the only place to view Munch works in their original context. The paintings are currently being refurbished but it is a magnificent venue. And free.

Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
The Sun by Edvard Munch at University of Oslo
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
Munch artwork at University of Oslo
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
Edvard Munch artwork at University of Oslo

4. Harbour Promenade Walk

The Oslo Harbour Promenade is a 9 kilometer waterside trail which meanders past the Nobel Peace Center, the harbour, by the fort, the Barcode district, and the Oslo Opera House.

Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
Oslo Norway Promenade walk (Sorenga beach)
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art along Oslo promenade

5. Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a popular place to walk around during lunches. Portions of the fort extend back to the 13th century. Visit the Visitor Centre for great exhibits about prisoner history and clean restrooms (no charge!).

Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
Oslo Fort – Akershus Fortress
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
Akershus Fortress – Oslo Fort entrance
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
sign from 1633 at Oslo Fort – Akershus Fortress

6. Oslo Street Art

Have you figured out yet that Oslo loves art? In addition to the formal art at University of Oslo and Frogner Park, find creative and lively street art all over the city.

Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
seeing the creative street art is one of fun free things to do in Oslo Norway
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
Oslo Norway street art
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
colorful street art in Oslo Norway
Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
full wall street art in Oslo Norway

7. Oslo Public Art

Walk around Oslo and see hundreds of public art statues. One nickname for Oslo is “Tiger City” which certainly explains the famous tiger statue in the square outside the train station. Rub the nose, ears, and teeth for good luck.

Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
did you rub the nose or teeth of the tiger statue outside Oslo train station?

Along Karl Johans Gate, looking at University of Oslo, is a statue of Gunnar Sønsteby (a Norwegian war hero) standing with his bicycle.

Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
Gunnar Sønsteby statue in Oslo

Hope you enjoyed our look at some of the fantastic free things to do in Oslo Norway.

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20 thoughts on “7 Sensational Free Things to Do in Oslo Norway”

  1. What an interesting assortment of free things to do in Oslo. I think i’d enjoy every single experience you’ve highlighted.

  2. Thanks for these great ideas. Norway is on my list of places to go. I will use your advice. Your pictures are great. Thanks for sharing.

  3. Thx for introducing us to the art and sculptures of Oslo, Charles. I’ve not yet had a desire to visit Norway. But I can see that changing …

  4. Nice to have some options that are free! It’s been a long long time since I was there – looks like it is time to return!

  5. I love those rooftop views! Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed her winter visit to Oslo – but summer is certainly more appealing!

  6. Oslo is so vibrant. I love all the artwork and that stunning architecture – old and new. One day…

  7. That Oslo Opera House looks pretty interesting, and I really like the street art. Some of the best things in life are free.

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