We flew into Oslo from Copenhagen and were amazed at how easy the journey was. With plans to take the iconic Oslo–Bergen train, we based ourselves right by the central station. It was the perfect spot for exploring the city and ensured a stress‑free departure when it was time to board the scenic railway.
Day 1 – Exploring the City
After checking in at our station‑side hotel, we set out to discover Oslo’s urban highlights. Our first stop was the striking Opera House, where we joined locals walking up its sloping roof to enjoy sweeping views over the Oslofjord.
From there we wandered to Akershus Fortress. The medieval ramparts offered great vistas of the harbor and a sense of Oslo’s centuries‑old history.
We continued to Aker Brygge, the lively waterfront district. Cafés and restaurants lined the boardwalk, and we stopped for a coffee while watching boats bob in the marina.
Next we strolled up Karl Johans gate towards the Royal Palace, passing street musicians and boutiques along the way. In Slottsparken we watched the palace guards change and enjoyed the peaceful green space.
In the afternoon we visited the Vigeland Sculpture Park in Frogner. The whimsical and evocative sculptures were a highlight, and we spent time admiring Gustav Vigeland’s work under the autumn trees.
We wrapped up our first day with dinner at Mathallen Food Hall, sampling Norwegian specialties like reindeer stew and fresh salmon before heading back to our hotel near the station.
Day 2 – Museum Peninsula by Ferry
For our second day we hopped on a small ferry from the city center across to the Bygdøy peninsula, home to several of Oslo’s best museums. The boat ride itself was a treat, offering views back towards the city’s skyline.
Our first stop was the Viking Ship Museum, where the beautifully preserved Oseberg and Gokstad ships left us in awe of the craftsmanship of the Vikings.
A short walk away, the Fram Museum told the story of Norwegian polar exploration. Standing beneath the massive polar ship Fram gave us chills—both figuratively and literally.
We also visited the Kon‑Tiki Museum, learning about Thor Heyerdahl’s daring expeditions across the Pacific on balsa‑wood rafts. The original Kon‑Tiki raft is on display and still looks seaworthy.
Before catching the ferry back, we wandered through the Norwegian Folk Museum, an open‑air collection of historic buildings from across Norway. The stave church, with its intricate woodwork, was especially memorable.
Back in the city, we took a final evening stroll along the harbor promenade, savoring our last views of the fjord and the Opera House glowing in the twilight. Knowing that the Oslo–Bergen railway awaited us the next morning made the anticipation even sweeter.
Our two‑day stay in Oslo was the perfect blend of urban exploration and cultural immersion. Staying near the train station made logistics simple, and splitting our time between the city’s highlights and the museum‑rich peninsula gave us a well‑rounded taste of Norway’s capital. We can’t wait to relive it all again on the train ride west.
