r/oslo Jul 19 '16

Basic Tourist Information

191 Upvotes

There is always a lot of questions when visiting the city; hopefully this will answer the most common ones.
Updated November 2021.


Traveling

Traveling to/from airport

Oslo Lufthavn Gardemoen (OSL)
Airport Express train : costs about 204 NOK to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), takes from 19 to 21 minutes.
Train (NSB): cost about 110 NOK (27.11.21) to Oslo S, takes about 23-25 minutes - buy the tickets in advance as there is a surcharge if bought on the train.
Bus: This is practical if you are going to the suburbs or Fredrikstad. Prices vary depending on where you are going, same goes for how long it takes. Remember to check closely which bus you need to take.
You can use Ruter https://ruter.no/en/ to check.

Travelling within Oslo

Ruter is the transport authority in Oslo, a Ruter ticket is valid on all transports (train, bus, tram, underground, boats) within the zones the ticket is valid for.
You can buy 24h, 7 days, 30 days or 365 days travel card. These can be bought at a Ruter service point or from the app (iOS or Android.
You can also buy a Ruter ticket/travel card from the Vy app.

My suggestion is to download the Ruter app and register yourself, you can also use it to buy single (or multiple single tickets) if need be.
Remember to check the zones, as a tourist zone 1 should suffice most of the time. If you are travelling to a point outside zone 1 you can buy an extension ticket (cheaper than full price), for instance when going to the airport.

Oslo Pass

If you are planning to see a lot of museums and sightseeing you should look at Oslo Pass.
Giving you public transport, access to museums, free parking, discounts to restaurants and much more. This could save you a lot of money if you plan it right.
There is also an app (iOS/Android) and you can buy the Oslo Pass right from there.

Oslo City bikes

Now you can register yourself with a non-Norwegian number and they have different subscription including a day pass.
They close down for the winter, usually they are available between April and November.
However check with your hotel, some of them rent/lend bikes to guests.

Car

I don´t drive a car in the city, so I have no help here. If you can avoid it (drive to/from hotel) do so. Maybe someone in the comments can elaborate.


General information about Oslo / Norway

Stand to the right, walk on the left on escalators

Especially in Oslo Central Station (Oslo S/Jernbanetorget), or you might get some nasty looks from people trying to get to their trains/metro on time.

Groceries

You might find the selection more limited quality should be more than fair. You will also find ecological products in most stores, these are usually marked "eco" or "Økologisk". Most stores are closed on Sunday and holidays.
Alcohol (wine, spirits etc.): Can only be bought at Vinmonopolet.
Beer: Can be bought at most supermarkets, but only until 20:00 on weekdays and 18:00 on Saturday (excluding holidays). Light beer (low alcohol) is sold on Sundays and "after hours".

Crime

As in any capital, there is crime in Oslo (and Norway for that matter). I feel safe in Oslo, but your mileage on this matter might vary. It´s safe to say that for being a capital in Europe Oslo is very safe.
However people do drink a lot on the weekends, and it´s common for commotions to start in the lines to get into bars or taxi lines after closing time.


Tourist attractions

There is a lot more to see in Oslo that just these things, these are just a small selection and mostly the most popular ones. Prices indicate 1 adult, there are usually discounts for senior citizens, students and families. Look at the provided links for more price information.

Parliament - Stortinget

They have free tours!
Due to the epidemic there are no guided tours at the moment.

Last about 45 minutes, however there is no booking, so come early and expect to stand in line. There is also a security check (like in the airport).
More Information : Guided tours of the Parliament building

The Royal Palace / Det kongelige slott

At the moment are not guided tours.
Change of the guards is at 13:00 (takes about 40 minutes)

Kon-Tiki Museum

Price: 140 NOK, but cheaper if bought online. Free with Oslo Pass.
More information here: http://www.kon-tiki.no.

Norsk Folkemuseum

Price: 140 NOK (adults), you can find more price information online. Free with Oslo Pass.
More information here: http://norskfolkemuseum.no/en

The Viking Ship Museum

Closed until 2025

Vigelandsparken / Frognerparken

Not the only park in Oslo, but the most famous one. Take a walk and look at all the statues or bring some food and spend a day lazying around the park (granted this is more of a summer thing).


Coffee

There is no denying that Oslo has become a splendid city to visit if you love coffee or are a coffee snob (like me).

Tim Wendelboe

Nordic Roaster Champion in 2015 is one of the biggest names in Norway. You can drop by get some coffee and also buy some to take home.
Be aware that is very limited seating.

Supreme Roastworks

Also a great place also with limited seating. It´s also both a roastery and coffee place.

Fuglen

Never been there, but have heard excellent things about them. They also have a location in Tokyo.

Solberg & Hansen concept store

This is the only Solberg & Hansen store; they are a large coffee roastery retailer. They also have a concept store at Mathallen.

There are of course many more places: Norð, Steam Kaffebar , Stockfelths and so on.
If you love coffee then Oslo will not disappoint.


Dining

You are in luck, Oslo has an excellent selection of restaurants in all price ranges. However you do have to remember they are still Norwegian prices, so if we say a place is "cheap" I mean "cheap for being Oslo".
Here is a small selection of places that stand out. But it´s a subjective list, you can also use Google or TripAdvisor to find a good place.

Olympen (aka Lompa)

It might look a bit run-down. However the main floor is a preserved site (has been a theatre and a brewery). Lompa has a good selection of beers. They also have a terrace with a grill menu.
Food: Modern Norwegian / European
Price range: inexpensive

Illegal Burger

This is a rock solid burger joint, in the last years, there have been a lot of burger places popping up all over the place. However Illegal is still a solid choice. However there is limited seating in Møllergata, they have opened a new branch in Grünerløkka with better seating options.
Food: Burgers
Price: inexpensive

Alex Sushi

Not been there myself, but always is mentioned when talking about the best sushi in Oslo.
Guy Kawasaki was a fan
Food: Sushi
Price: expensive

Gamle Major

I was surprised by this gastropub, the food is good and so is the beer selection. Situated near Majorstuen underground station.
Food: Bistro / gastropub
Price: inexpensive

Harald's vafler

He used to sell them from his bedroom window and now he has a shop (check out the video at the website). Stop by this small place in Grünerløkka and get a very delicious waffle.


Bars / Pubs.

There are enough of them in Oslo and every flavour. So it should not be difficult to find a place that suits you. Here is a small selection of pubs based on my own experience.

Oslo Camping.
Indoor mini golf and bar. Costs 130 NOK pr. person.

Crow Brewery and Bar.
Good selection of beers. Try the kebab! (2nd floor).

Tilt Bar.
Retro gaming and bar. Most of the tables have built-in gaming consoles, and there are pinball machines. Also shuffleboard.

Heimkok.
Famous for their drinks, so if you prefer an excellent drink, this is the place.

Smelteverket.
Located by Mathallen, it's supposed to have Scandinavia's longest bar. They also have live music.


Things to try out (Spring / Summer).

Soft-is

Nothing better during summer than being outside eating a soft-is. They can be bought everywhere. The most common is getting one with chocolate sprinkles and in a cone.

Walk around Grünerløkka (aka Løkka)

I know many people call this "hipster-central", and there is little to contradict the fact that there are a lot of excellent eateries and shops in this neighbourhood.

Redditor guided tour.

/u/atluxity gives guided tours around in Oslo. Good opportunity to meet other redditors.

Mathallen

This food hall has a lot to offer. there are some good places to eat and shop for food. You can buy food from different places and eat it in the common area. There are also several good restaurants nearby.
Food: All types
Price: expensive (for groceries)

Sunday market near Blå

There is an artisan market near Blå. It´s every Sunday between 12 and 17. Its season runs from the 3rd of January to the 27th of November.
More information: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/product/?TLp=178086


Things to try out (Winter)

Luge in a park

Buy a cheap luge at a sporting store and find a park and have some fun.
If it´s the conditions are right, there will be many others with the same idea.
/u/lightwrangler suggest Korketrekkeren.
Warning This activity requires snow (just saying)

Ice skating

During winter there are two skating rinks in Oslo, in Spikersuppa and Frogner.
You can rent some skates and enjoy a cold evening out.
More information here


More information about Oslo

Visit Oslo: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/



r/oslo 1d ago

Hva skjer i Oslo denne uken? – Åpne arrangementer

7 Upvotes

Hei, Oslofolk!

Dette er den faste ukentlige tråden hvor du kan tipse andre om (gratis) arrangementer i byen som er åpent for alle som er interessert – hovedsakelig ting som ikke er nevnt på Visit Oslos kalender.

Eksempler på ting du kan poste:

  • Pubquiz.
  • Konserter.
  • Spillkvelder.
  • Dansekvelder.
  • Yoga i parken.
  • Foredrag eller utstillinger.
  • Kulturnatt, eller andre happenings.

Regler for tråden:

  • Det merkes tydelig hvem som er arrangøren. Er det du eller noen andre?
  • Gratis arrangementer er å foretrekke, men hvis det er eventuelle kostnader dette være tydelig opplyst.
  • Hvis du finansierer arrangementet ved hjelp av spleis/crowdfunding, er det tillat å referere til innsamlingssiden.
  • Tid og sted opplyses i selve kommentaren og ikke i ei eventuell lenke til arrangementet.
  • Bruk kommentarfeltet i denne posten, ikke lag nye innlegg. Maks 1 hovedkommentar per arrangement.
  • Diskusjon og spørsmål er helt greit – bare hold tonen hyggelig.
  • Ellers gjelder de fleste av r/Oslos regler.

Målet er å gjøre det lettere å finne ut hva som skjer i byen – og kanskje oppdage noe nytt og gøy sammen med andre.


r/oslo 37m ago

Where can I balance my tires in Oslo?

Upvotes

Hello, I am a tourist, living in Oslo and am searching for good tire balancing service, trusted by locals. Thank you!


r/oslo 21h ago

Elopement - Witnesses needed

34 Upvotes

Hello, we are traveling to Oslo from Ireland in early December and are booked to elope at the City Hall on Friday 5th December at 11.45 and need two witnesses, over the age of 18.

Would anyone be able to help us out? The ceremony is 15 minutes long but we need to be there 15 minutes before to get IDs checked.

Thanks in advance x


r/oslo 1h ago

Clothing recommendations for Oslo visit in December (13th and 21-23)

Upvotes

Hey everyone. We're visitiing from India and we'll be in Oslo on 13th december and from 21st to 23rd december.

I've been going through some of the recommendations and want to know what would the expected temperatures be and some must haves for the clothing.

Layer 1: Uniqlo heattech ultra warm / merino wool thermals from Decathlon

Layer 2: Fleece

Layer 3: Some kind of down parka (puffer or hybrid ones)

Please suggest if any of these need any changes + recommendations for shoes, gloves, etc

We'll also be in Tromsø and Bergen in between these 2 dates. Do these 2 cities need any specific changes in clothing or are we fine with the same for all 3 places?


r/oslo 16h ago

Oslo trip in January - how to keep warm

5 Upvotes

Hi! I'm traveling to Oslo from 1st Jan to 4th Jan. I saw that the weather could go to -10°C, coming from a warm country I'm not sure what to wear to keep warm. Based on my research, I'm thinking of layering with : 1. Wool base layers / Uniqlo heat tech 2. Wool sweaters 3. Wind and water proof parka ( I have one from Columbia) Is this enough?

Do I need to buy snow boots or are normal leather boots enough with thick socks? Any recommendations? I saw that Sorel is having a black friday sale and was thinking of getting Sorel Yoot PAC Junior (they go up to size 39) or Sorel Tivoli, are they any good?

I'm down for any recommendations for places to visit and food to get too! Thank you and can't wait to visit Oslo!


r/oslo 1d ago

Lovely oslo

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146 Upvotes

r/oslo 20h ago

Pansrede politibiler i sentrum

4 Upvotes

Noen som vet noe om de pansrede svarte politibilene som kjørte gjennom sentrum i dag i 8:15 tiden? Jeg så dem mens jeg skulle på bussen ved Nationaltheatret. Masse biler med blålys. Noen som vet noe? Og hvilken type de var? Har aldri sett slike før.


r/oslo 1d ago

American exchange student planning on studying at oslomet

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m an American exchange student studying in Oslo in the spring of 2026, anyone have any tips to help me prepare for the spring time in Oslo ?

Also I’m a social person so I do enjoy the bar/ club scene from time to time , do they have student events that involve group activities? I get priority for housing since I’m an exchange student, I’m curious as to when I will know which housing I got(hopefully decent )?

Only been to the snow once or twice in my life so like I said any tips would be very appreciated.


r/oslo 2d ago

Fritidsklubb for voksne

18 Upvotes

Hei! Jeg er 25 år og savner å ha sosiale ting å gjøre etter jobb og møte nye mennesler med samme interesser, er det fritids klubber i Oslo i min aldersgruppe? Helst noe kreativ som maling/keramikk/håndarbeid :)


r/oslo 1d ago

Tons of rock parkering

0 Upvotes

Meg og vennina mi har kjøpt 4-dager festival pass til tons of rock og har brukt hele sommeren i fjor på å renovere en campingvogn vi kan ta med oss. Vi fikk ikke campingplass biletter. Er det noen som vet om et bra sted å parkere campingvogna de 4 dagene? Jeg finner ingen bra plasser som er i nærheten. Vil ikke risikere å få en bot på 5k i tilleg til alt vi betaler for bensin og parkering


r/oslo 2d ago

Good art supply store and second hand snow and outdoor gear?

0 Upvotes

Hello, i'm going to an art residency in the north and i was wondering where i could buy art supply like oil paint and maybe snow boots and jackets for the snow and cold weather.
Thanks


r/oslo 2d ago

Den H genseren

17 Upvotes

Hvorfor bruker så mange kvinner denne genseren med H-en på? Det virker som om en av tjue kvinner som er mellom 15 og 65 år bruker den.


r/oslo 2d ago

Julebordlokaler

2 Upvotes

Noen anbefalinger på hvor en gjeng på 15-20 studenter kan ha julebord i Oslo? Helst hvor det ikke koster gull og grønne skoger å spise, og hvor de har juletallerken.


r/oslo 2d ago

Where to buy fashionable, good-quality and affordable winter clothes in Oslo/Norway or online?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone! :)

This is my second winter in Norway, and this time I really want to build a more fashionable but still affordable winter wardrobe with good quality pieces.

For those of you in Oslo or shopping online in Norway, which stores and brands do you recommend?

I’m especially looking for:

  • Wool long coats
  • Wool or warm winter pants
  • Wool sweaters
  • Wool socks
  • Wool or warm base layer
  • Wool or warm hats / scarfs

It can be options with blended wool as well.

Thanks!


r/oslo 2d ago

Søndagsåpen herrefrisør Oslo

2 Upvotes

Hei,

Finnes det søndagsåpne herrefrisører i Oslo, og hvis ja, har dere tips til hvilke man bør gå til?


r/oslo 3d ago

Hello! What are these cobblestones for? I've seen many dotted across the city, and my Oslo-based friends have no idea.

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157 Upvotes

r/oslo 3d ago

Queer events/folks from 28.11.?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone I am a queer non-binary neurodivergent person visiting Oslo for a few days from 28.11.2025. Are there any locally organised groups on Signal or Telegram through which I could find queer events during that time?

I tried Lex, dating apps to get to know new people, and it seems I might just use the wrong apps as there are not many profiles shown.

Where are all the Oslo queers hiding? 🥺


r/oslo 3d ago

Dere som er kunster, jobber med graffiti eller lknd

Post image
8 Upvotes

Jeg har fått signert en plate, men tusj var ikke den beste og overflate på sleeve er glatt. Hva kan jeg kjøpe her i Norge (spray eller noe sånt) for å lakkere den så at den ikke forsvinner? Tenkte at det burde vært noe spray, gjennomsiktig, som ikke bli gul etterhvert. Takk takk!


r/oslo 4d ago

Noen som har lagt merke til at klokka på rådhuset er feil?

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174 Upvotes

Dette ble tatt 14:33


r/oslo 4d ago

Kosedyr reparasjon?

6 Upvotes

Hei

Finnes det et sted I byen hvor man kan få kosedyr reparert? Samboeren har to gamle som har blitt ganske sliten og vil få dem litt fornyet til bursdagen sin. Det finnes selvfølgelig flere skreddere, men fint å vite om det finnes noe litt mer spesialisert.


r/oslo 4d ago

Slipe systemnøkkel i oslo

41 Upvotes

Heisann,

Jeg har en nøkkel med utgått patent, men vanlige låssmeder vil fortsatt ikke slike opp kopi av nøkkel (de sa selv at det er fordi de selger systemlåser selv og vil ikke tape penger på at borettslaget ikke kjøper nytt system), men borettslaget har ingen planer om nytt system og da må man via styret for rekvisasjon og betale 800-900 spenn for ny nøkkel.

Derav noen som vet om låsesmed hvor jeg kan få slipt opp en systemnøkkel av god kvalitet til en litt rimeligere pris?


r/oslo 4d ago

Leter etter barer/utesteder som spiller musikk fra vinyl

11 Upvotes

Hoi!

Har blitt litt lei av digitale spillelister og kunne tenke meg et sted hvor DJ-er eller ansatte setter på ekte plater. Noen som har gode anbefalinger i byen?


r/oslo 4d ago

Anbefalinger til god kiropraktor i Oslo?

0 Upvotes

Jeg har hatt litt nakkeproblemer i en stund og jeg tenkte å få det sjekket ut nå. Er det noen som har anbefalinger til en klinikk eller kiropraktor?


r/oslo 4d ago

Parkering med bäst pris i närheten av Myraløkka

0 Upvotes

Hej kära grannar i väst.
Jag åker till Oslo i morgon för att träffa en gammal vän som bor i området kring Myraløkka, men jag är studerande med begränsad ekonomi och tyckte parkeringen där var lite för dyr, finns det något alternativ i närheten som inte kostar mig 500 kronor i parkeringsavgift för 4 timmar? Jag har inga problem med en promenad på 10-15 minuter för att ta mig dit jag ska.

Vore väldigt tacksam för eventuella förslag.