You know I love a city trip. And whenever I have a stop-over somewhere for work, I try my best to see as much as possible. My recent trip to Oslo was no exception. Although I would only be staying for one night, I was determined to see it all. After all, Norway’s capital has plenty to offer. To make the most of the limited time I had, I put together a two-hours in Oslo walking tour. I knew I wouldn’t be able to see it all. But two hours in Oslo would be sufficient for a nice overview.
This wasn’t my first trip to Oslo. I had been twice before. Always for work, and always with limited time. Also, the last two times were in the middle of winter, so I was looking forward to seeing Oslo in summer this time.
I had it all mapped out. My flight was due to land into Oslo Gardermoen shortly after 6pm. All going well, that means I should be at my hotel (near Oslo Central) around 7. With sunset at 21.45 in early August, this would give me plenty of time for my two hours in Oslo walking tour.
Unfortunately, my plans were shattered when my flight ended up with over three hours of delay, due to a technical fault with the aircraft. I arrived at my hotel after 10pm. By which time I really didn’t fancy walking anywhere, other than to the nearest fast-food place for a very very late dinner.
Keen to see at least some of Oslo, I set my alarm for crazy early the next morning. Meaning, I managed to complete my two hours Oslo walking tour before breakfast. Whilst the rather short night wasn’t my preferred option, the early hour meant I had Oslo almost to myself. A throwback to the days, when I would go for an early morning run through Paris before work. There is something rather special about exploring a city this early in the morning, before all the hustle and bustle starts (and before most of the tourists get out of bed).
How to get from the airport to Oslo centre
Unless you visit Oslo as a stop-over during a Nordic cruise, chances are, like me, you’ll start your trip by landing into Oslo Gardermoen airport.
From Oslo Lufthavn station (the airport station) to Oslo city centre, the quickest way is the Flytoget Airport Express train. It departs every 10 minutes and takes just 22 minutes to Oslo S (the main train station in the centre of Oslo). However, it does come with the hefty price tag of 240NOK one way (approx. 20 EUR).
Alternatively, you can take the local train, which will only cost you 124NOK one way (approx. 9 EUR) and is only marginally slower. But the local trains run less frequently, so you might have to wait a little longer.
Two hours in Oslo walking tour: the Route
I’ve put together this self-guided two hours in Oslo walking tour as a round course, so you can start wherever you want. However, for ease, I will start my Oslo walking tour at Oslo Central Station.
Good news, if you are only in Oslo for a couple of hours before a connecting flight to somewhere else in Norway: Luggage storage is available at Oslo Central. Meaning you don’t have to drag your suitcase all over town during your two hours in Oslo.
Overall, my self-guided two hours in Oslo walking tour is approx. 7km long, but can be shortened to 6km, if you skip the detour to the Museum of Modern Art.
As always with my two-hour itineraries, the Oslo walking tour does not really include entry into any of the sights. But if you have more time, you can obviously stop the walking tour at any time, go and explore a little more and come back to it once you ready.
Two hours in Oslo walking tour: Part 1
For ease, we will start our walking tour at Oslo Central station. The original station was built in 1854 But these days you are more likely to arrive in the new part of the station, which is nestled behind and beside the original station building. But as you exit, you will see the old station building to your left.
Head straight on and the first Oslo sight will be directly in front of you.
Mounted onto the wall above the Helly Hansen shop is the Oslo Astrological Clock. Unveiled in 2010, the clock is almost 3.5m in diameter and weighs approx. one ton. It comprises of copper rings, bronze cast astrological signs and 22ct gold leaf in the centre.
From here, we’ll head down Karl Johans Gate, Oslo’s main shopping street that leads directly to the palace. But before we get to the Royal Palace, we will stop a few more times along the way.
After a few minutes, you will see the Domkirke (Cathedral) to your right.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t open when I visited, so I was unable to go in. The church is usually open from 10am to 4pm (and until 11.30pm on Fridays) and entrance is free of charge. So, if you are visiting Oslo during the day, why not pop in and have a look around. Built in the 17th century, Oslo Cathedral features a 1500 square metre ceiling painting by Norwegian artist Hugo Lous Mohr, that covers the entire ceiling of the church.
But even if, like me, you don’t get a chance to go inside the cathedral during your two hours in Oslo walking tour, you can check out the ‘Devil of Oslo’, a small statue on the outside corner of the cathedral.
From the Domkirke, we continue further along Karl Johans Gate, until we get to the Stortingsbygningen (Storting Building) on the left. Built in the 19th century, the Storting Building is home to the Norwegian Parliament.
If you have the time, you can get a free tour in English or Norwegian. They take place daily at 11.45, 13.30 and 15.00 and last about 60 minutes. The tours are open to everyone and are on a first come first serve basis. Unfortunately, you cannot book a ticket, so you’ll just have to ensure you show up early. Each tour takes a maximum of 30 people.
Only a short walk later, you will see the Nationaltheatret (National Theatre) to your left. Opened in 1899, the theatre is celebrating its 125th birthday this year.
Before we continue our walk, take a look at the University of Oslo opposite the theatre. When putting my Oslo in two hours walking tour together, I did not even add it to the itinerary. But the University Square with the surrounding buildings does look rather picturesque, so you might as well check it out.
As we continue down Karl Johans Gate, you will see the Royal Palace ahead of you. Walk up Bellevue Hill, until you get to the Palace Square. The 19th century neoclassical palace is the residence of the Norwegian King Harald V. In front of the building, you’ll see the statue of King Charles John, who was the one commissioning the palace in the early 19thcentury.
If you visit Oslo in summer (from end of June to mid August), you might be able to actually go inside the palace. Check for tickets ahead of your visit.
From the Royal Palace, we walk down towards Aker Brygge.
Oslo walking tour Part 2
Originally a shipyard, Aker Brygge has been redeveloped in the 1980s and 90s. Nowadays it is a popular waterside destination with shops and restaurants. The perfect spot to sit and have dinner.
As you walk along the waterfront, you’ll see the Aker Brygge Clock Tower by the water.
If you have enough time, head to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, just a short walk from Aker Brygge. I originally included this in my tour. But in the end had to skip it, as I was running out of time. The museum was designed by Renzo Piano (who also designed the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Shard in London) and was opened at its current location in 2012. As I really wanted to see it, I will certainly include the museum in my next itinerary. Preferably actually visiting it, not just looking at it from the outside.
The next stop on our two hours in Oslo walking tour is the Akershus Fortress.
The Akershus festning (Akershus Fortress or Castle) is a medieval fortress and royal residence, dating back to approx. 1290. Sitting on a hill overseeing the water, the Akershus Fortress was built to defend the city.
Truth to be told, since I was short on time during my Oslo walking tour and had visited the fortress before, I skipped it this time. But if this was my first trip to Oslo, I would certainly include it. Good news. You can visit most of it free of charge and it is open until 9 in the evening. Convenient, if you want to include it in your Oslo in two hour walking tour. If you want to know more, guided tours (in Norwegian and English) are offered during the summer months. Tickets costs 190NOK/adult (around 16 EUR).
Before heading to our next stop, let’s take a quick detour to look at Gamle rådhus, the old Oslo town hall from the 17thcentury. No longer in use as a town hall, it is currently housing a restaurant.
But back to our Oslo walking tour. As you continue along the waterfront, you will eventually get to Oslo Operahuset (Opera House)
This contemporary concert hall is clad with white Carrara marble and granite and its sloping roof allows you to walk up and enjoy the view across the harbour.
First time I visited Oslo, it was winter and there was snow on the ground, making it look even more magnificent, as it became one mass of white (but also making it dangerous to walk on in certain areas and the slopy bits were actually shut at the time).
Thanks to me doing my Oslo walking tour very early in the morning, the forecourt was relatively deserted. And the Opera House itself was obviously shut. But last time I visited, I had the opportunity to briefly go inside. I have yet to see a performance at the Oslo Opera House (this is definitely on the agenda, when I visit Oslo for a full weekend), but even just seeing the foyer was quite something. The architecture is magnificent, so pop in and take a quick look, if you have the time.
Walking past the Opera House, the last stop on my Oslo in two hours walking tour was the MUNCH, a sight I had not seen before.
Built by the Spanish architect Juan Herreros and opened in 2021, the MUNCH (short for Munch Museum) is dedicated to the work of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch (ok, you probably guessed that by the name already). It houses 1200 of his paintings as well as prints, sculptures and books from his private library. Edvard Munch’s most famous painting ‘The Scream’ is also displayed there.
Fun fact: Did you know that Munch produced four versions of ‘The Scream’?
Two in paint and two in pastels.
Both painted versions are displayed in Oslo. The very first version from 1893 is displayed at the National Museum of Norway, the second painted version from 1910 at the MUNCH. The MUNCH also owns one of the pastels, dated 1893 and presumed to be an early study for the first painted version. The second pastel (from 1895) was sold by Sotheby’s to a private financier in 2012.
Once you are done admiring the MUNCH, head back to the Central Station, which is just a short walk away, to complete your two hours in Oslo walking tour.
Depending how long you spend at the individual stops, you should be able to complete the loop in well under two hours. If you must. But if you have a little longer, take your time to soak in all that Oslo has to offer.
Maybe even pop into W.B. Samson, the oldest bakery in Oslo for a coffee and a Kanelbolle (cinnamon roll). Totally worth it, believe me.
With only a few hours’ time, I would focus on Oslo centrum, as you will be able to see quite a bit in a relatively short amount of time. But if you have more time, you can also venture out a bit more and explore the Bygdøy Peninsula with the Viking Ship Museum and the Fram Museum, as well as some pretty beaches.
Or head to Frognerparken, the largest green space in Oslo with over 200 sculptures. There are also several public beaches and saltwater pools, if you happen to visit in summer.
If all goes well, I will be heading to Oslo for a long weekend next summer. As this would make the perfect location for one of our annual mother-daughter weekends. We’ve postponed Oslo to next year, as we agreed we’d rather visit in summer. So instead, this year’s chosen destination is Dublin in a few weeks. Stay tuned for that (my first ever visit to Ireland, can you believe it).
Have you been to Oslo? Any suggestions what should be added to my two hours in Oslo walking tour? What is your favourite thing to see or do in Oslo?
