11 Things To Do in Oslo in Winter (That Aren’t Just Museums)
If you’re trying to figure out the best things to do in Oslo in winter, this ultimate guide has got you covered!
Winter in Norway can look a bit intimidating at first, with short days, cold temperatures, and the worry of running out of things to do, but Oslo has so much more going on than you might think!
(And I say this as someone who’s explored Oslo solo in winter myself: walking the quiet, snowy streets, climbing the iconic Opera House roof, and joining a wild fjord boat trip with just five other brave passengers!)
So I know exactly which top Oslo tourist attractions are worth your limited daylight hours.
But I also know where the doubts creep in. Will Oslo feel dead in winter? Will everything close early? Will I miss something amazing, just because I didn’t know it existed?
Ready? Let’s get into the moments that make winter in Oslo absolutely unforgettable!
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Is Oslo Worth Visiting in Winter?
Yes, Oslo is absolutely worth visiting in winter!
During my trip, winter in Oslo felt very peaceful, safe, and also (surprisingly!) easy to navigate, even though the days were short and cold, the ground was covered in snow, and the weather was not cooperating!
But what I loved most is that the city didn’t shut down or go gloomy (despite the best attempts of the weather). There were still plenty of locals and tourists alike, out and about, making the most of the daylight.
The city felt alive, just in a quieter, more local way.
Plus, when it snows, Oslo becomes even more beautiful and magical, with white roofs, frozen parks and moody skies over the Oslofjord!
Katie’s Top Tip: Just make sure you pack proper winter shoes with grip. Speaking from my experience in Oslo in February, the pavements are very icy in places (despite being well-maintained). I wore these insulated snow boots from KEEN. And while they definitely aren’t attractive, they did keep me warm (and upright!)
11 BEST Things To Do in Oslo in Winter
1. Climb the Oslo Opera House
There are so few places where you can literally walk up the roof of a building from the pavement below – and that’s exactly why climbing the Oslo Opera House is one of the best things to do in Oslo in winter!
The Oslo Opera House is a striking, modern building that sits right on the edge of the fjord. It is without doubt one of Oslo’s most well-known, iconic buildings.
Plus, the panoramic views over Oslo’s waterfront are well worth the visit in their own right! Under a moody winter sky, the view of the fjord feels authentic and very Norwegian.
And it’s also a completely free Oslo tourist attraction to visit!
To walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House is easy. You simply walk up the steps of the sloped roof until you reach the top, cross the building, and walk back down the other side.
The only thing to be aware of is that the roof gets slippery after snow, ice or frost.
So take your time, especially with going up and down. (When I climbed in February, I did notice several people slip).
Katie’s Top Tip: I absolutely love the photo opportunity on the right-hand side of the Opera House (as you look out at the fjord from the top). Here, you can get the perfect shot with the reflection in the glass and the fjord beyond:
2. Step Back in Time at Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress feels extra atmospheric and moody in winter, and honestly, I think this is my favourite of all of the best things to do in Oslo in winter!
The medieval walls of the imposing fortress, the snowy courtyards, and the Aker Brygge and Oslofjord views from the walls all make Akershus a beautiful spot to explore.
When I visited in February, it was really quiet as I explored the spacious grounds.
And, as a solo traveller, I really enjoyed being able to wander around at my own pace, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by summer crowds.
The fortress is another free tourist attraction in Oslo, and is open all day (even in winter).
But if you want to join a guided tour for a small fee, these are hosted on Saturdays and Sundays (currently at 12pm and 2pm in English).
Again, in snow and ice, this area does get incredibly slippy (especially when walking the ramparts), so take it slow and wear shoes with good grip.
Katie’s Top Tip: Walk all the way to the outer rampart walls. The best fjord photos are definitely from the very edge of the fortress!
3. Admire Oslo Cathedral
Oslo Cathedral often gets overshadowed in these kinds of Oslo travel guides, but it is absolutely worth visiting!
It’s one of the oldest buildings in the city, and it’s right in the heart of Oslo city centre, making it one of the easiest Oslo tourist attractions to visit.
And this beautiful cathedral also has historical significance, as the church for the parliament and the Royal Family of Norway.
Oslo Cathedral is open to visitors on Saturdays to Thursdays throughout the year, between 10am and 4pm. And on Fridays between 4pm and midnight.
Inside, you’ll find baroque architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and a peaceful atmosphere away from one of the busiest streets in the city, just outside.
This is also a great place to warm up out of the winter chill and take a quiet moment for yourself, away from the busyness of sightseeing!
Katie’s Top Tip: Entry is free, which is perfect if you’re visiting Oslo on a budget! This makes Oslo Cathedral an absolute must-see things to do in Oslo in winter, especially if you time your visit for one of the organ recitals (currently Wednesdays at 12pm and Fridays at 5pm).
4. Take an Oslofjord Winter Cruise
My experience of the Oslofjord Cruise in winter was wild, to say the least! But I absolutely still recommend it as one of the best things to do in Oslo in winter.
When I went, it was awful weather, with sideways rain and freezing wind. (In fact, I was one of only five passengers who actually braved the conditions and showed up!)
But it was still absolutely stunning and well worth the experience to be out, sailing through such a beautiful stretch of water.
On a clear day, you’ll get the classic postcard views of little islands, colourful cabins, and the surrounding hills covered with snow.
Whereas, on a stormy day (like I experienced), you get a more moody, cinematic version of this, with rolling waves, lit cabins, and the contrast of dark clouds against white snow.
Both are equally magical experiences and so deserving of a spot on your Oslo itinerary!
Plus, I actually loved that the Oslofjord boat tour was so empty! I had space to take photos, move around and really enjoy a peaceful, more local feeling experience out on the fjord.
Katie’s Top Tip: Be prepared for the cold, no matter what kind of weather you have. The wind off the fjord is brutal in winter. But, no matter how cold it is, step outside for at least a few minutes. The photos are definitely worth it!
5. Visit the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget)
If you love learning more about the functioning and human history of the city you’re visiting (because same!), Stortinget is one of the top Oslo tourist attractions you shouldn’t skip.
First of all, the building itself is absolutely gorgeous and so unique to admire from the outside, with its beautiful curved architecture.
Plus, it sits right in the heart of the city centre (very close to the Oslo Cathedral), so you’ll almost definitely pass it at some point during your walks around Oslo anyway.
But, once you’ve admired the unique façade, it is also worth a visit inside.
Unfortunately, tours don’t run in the winter like they do in the summer, but you can visit inside during parliamentary sessions. This allows you to get a glimpse of history in the making, from the public gallery, and is a totally unique experience, if that interests you.
Or, if you are ever in Oslo during the summer, you can join a free tour in July or August, which takes you through Norway’s fascinating political history.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re taking photos of this iconic building, you’ll want to visit the small, public Eidsvolls Plass park at the front. Especially from the left-hand side, it’s one of the prettiest angles for winter shots of this incredible building!
6. Find Comfort in Oslo’s Cosy Cafés
One of my favourite things to do in Oslo in winter was café hopping.
Oslo (and Norway in general) does café culture so well, with amazing coffee and hot chocolate, plus cinnamon buns that are just out of this world delicious!
And, in my experience, visiting a cosy café in Oslo in winter is the perfect way to warm up during a long day of chilly, winter sightseeing.
These are the cafés I recommend in Oslo in winter:
- Kaffistova
- Kuro
- Supreme Roastworks
Katie’s Top Tip: Cafés are also a great escape from the harsher weather conditions that Oslo experiences in winter. So make sure you keep a list handy for when the forecast turns, so you always have somewhere warm and dry to head for!
7. See The Royal Palace of Oslo
The Royal Palace is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Oslo, Norway!
Sitting at the top of Karl Johans gate, this striking yellow palace looks extra magical in winter, when the snow blankets the building and the guards stand outside in their dark uniforms.
The Royal Palace in Oslo is still to this day the official residence of Norway’s royals, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway.
Unfortunately, as with the Norwegian Parliament, guided tours run in summer only (from June to August), but visiting the grounds of the palace itself is still well worth it.
Plus, because it’s located right in the centre of the city, it fits easily into any Oslo itinerary without the need for a long detour.
And one event at the Royal Palace that does still run in the winter is the daily changing of the guard (you absolutely shouldn’t miss this!), at 1:30pm.
The guards march from Akershus Fortress at 1:10pm, so you can either follow the procession from there or make sure you have a good spot outside the palace at 1:30pm.
Katie’s Top Tip: For the best photo spot of the Royal Palace, approach from Henrik Ibsens gate and follow the tree-lined path to the left, stopping around halfway for an iconic view of the palace framed by trees. Also, directly in front of the palace is one of the best panoramic views looking back down Karl Johans gate.
8. Admire the Slottsparken Sculptures
Slottsparken is the large park wrapped around the Oslo Royal Palace, and is so beautiful when covered in snow in the winter (although again, be careful of the ice here!)
There are lots of winding, tree-lined paths to walk, and even though you’re technically walking through the grounds of a royal residence, it doesn’t feel overwhelming or intimidating. (Especially in winter when it’s so quiet and peaceful).
Further into the park, to the right of the Royal Palace, you’ll also spot a series of sculptures and statues.
Some are more traditional, dedicated to kings, queens, princesses, and historical figures who have shaped Norway’s proud and impressive history.
But others are more personal and child-like, with a collection of 12 sculptures designed by Norwegian children, as part of the Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park.
Katie’s Top Tip: Statues like the “Rabbit in Trouble” and the brightly coloured rainbow installation have a fun, magical atmosphere and are so fun to spot as you walk through the park. My favourite was definitely the rainbow – it looks particularly beautiful against the snow!
9. Explore Oslo City Hall
Oslo City Hall, home to the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, is truly fascinating to visit.
From the outside, the architecture is blocky and severe (described by some as “Nordic brutalism”), but it is still an impressive building and is well worth a photo stop.
I especially love the way the two towers reflect in the pond below, best seen and photographed from the park “Kronprinsesse Märthas plass Rådhushagen.”
But the Oslo City Hall is most fascinating from the inside – and the good news is that, unlike other important buildings in Oslo, it is open in winter, every day between 9am and 4pm!
Inside, you’ll see huge murals that celebrate Norway’s proud history and culture, information about the iconic annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, detailed artworks, and even a unique carillon concert.
The carillon has 49 bells that play hourly, with music ranging from classical pieces to the latest pop songs! It’s a truly unique experience in Oslo in winter!
Plus, it’s also completely free to visit, which is a huge win in a city as notoriously pricey as Oslo (and Norway in general).
Katie’s Top Tip: Because it’s indoors, this is the perfect activity for the days when Oslo’s weather has other plans, so be sure to schedule your visit for when you need a break from the cold!
10. Join the Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway is an incredible choice for a trip from Oslo, as it’s known as one of the best and most scenic train rides in the world.
But I’m going to be controversial here and say I actually preferred the Oslo to Myrdal part of the journey more than the famous Flåm Railway itself!
Don’t get me wrong, the Flåm Railway is absolutely stunning, but that stretch between Oslo and Myrdal is the bit that really surprised me. I wasn’t expecting it to be so beautiful!
The landscapes are like a winter wonderland, with dense forests, frozen lakes, snow-covered hills and tiny, picturesque villages.
I spent the entire 5-hour train journey between Oslo Central and Myrdal Station with my camera pressed up against the glass, snapping shots of the scenery that just seemed to get more beautiful as time passed.
And I’m not kidding when I say that the long journey I was initially dreading went by so fast!
Most travellers do the classic Myrdal–Flåm round trip (usually from Bergen), but I would absolutely recommend starting your journey from Oslo to see that incredible scenery.
I personally recommend booking the tickets yourself via Vy to save money, compared to booking the Norway in a Nutshell package. (There is no difference in experience between the two, only in price.)
To do this, you will need to book:
- The F4 train from Oslo Central to Myrdal
- The Flåm Railway from Myrdal to Flåm
- Spend an overnight in Flåm before returning to Oslo
Or, book:
- The F4 train from Oslo Central to Myrdal
- The Flåm Railway from Myrdal to Flåm
- The ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen (incredibly scenic!)
- The bus from Gudvangen to Voss
- And finally, the train from Voss to Bergen
If you choose to carry on all the way to Bergen, it’s a beautiful city in its own right, with loads of incredible things to do in Bergen in winter!
Katie’s Top Tip: Sit in a window seat on the right side of the train from Oslo to Myrdal for the best winter views.
11. Wander Aker Brygge
Aker Brygge is one of those iconic Oslo tourist attractions that’s just as fun in winter as in summer, but for very different reasons!
In winter, the waterfront area feels a lot calmer, less busy and more atmospheric as you look out across the Oslofjord.
I personally found it a great spot to explore solo because the streets are beautiful and wide, located right next to the water, and lined with loads of trendy cafés, shops and restaurants to duck into to get out of the cold.
Plus, if you’re into architecture, you’ll also love the mix of modern buildings and harbour views here!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re visiting around sunset, walk to the end of the marina for a peaceful view across the harbour. I unfortunately only visited this viewpoint in the cloud (that’s Oslo winter weather for you!), but it was still stunning.
Where to Stay in Oslo in Winter
Choosing the right location to stay makes a huge difference when you’re travelling solo, especially in winter.
I personally stayed at Citybox Oslo, and I’d definitely book it again.
The hotel is comfortable, clean, affordable, modern and, most importantly, just a short walk from Oslo Central Station.
Plus, all of the best things to do in Oslo in winter are within easy walking distance. (I only had to use public transport once during my stay).
Another benefit of Citybox (and why I booked this hotel in the first place) is the shared kitchen. Norway is so expensive, so being able to make my own breakfast or a quick dinner really helped my budget!
Does It Snow in Oslo in Winter? (Oslo Winter Weather 101!)
Yes, as you will have seen from my photos so far, it absolutely snows in Oslo in winter!
In fact, I would actually say that the snowfall is one of the reasons Oslo feels so magical during the winter season!
But snow isn’t as reliable in Oslo (in southern Norway) as in say Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands (in northern Norway), so depending on when you visit, you may not see snow at all.
January to February (and into March) is peak snow season in Oslo, with temperatures often hovering around freezing.
But on the flip side, daylight hours are short, pavements can get icy or slushy, and wind chill near the waterfront or out on Oslofjord boat trips can be absolutely brutal.
So there are definitely two sides to Norway’s capital in winter!
I found that as long as I packed good layers, my trusty snow boots with insulation and grip, and my favourite winter coat, I really enjoyed visiting Oslo in winter.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I hope you take from this guide, it’s that Oslo is absolutely worth visiting in winter – and you now know the must-see things to do in Oslo in winter that make it so worthy!
The main things to remember? Prioritise your days around daylight, group attractions by area to save time, and stay flexible around the winter weather as much as possible.
Oslo is compact, safe, walkable, and genuinely easy to navigate alone, even as a solo female traveller in Norway, which makes it one of the simplest winter city breaks to plan!
As long as you’ve got warm layers, a good pair of boots, and a realistic itinerary (use this guide to inspire your own), you’re good to go!
Oslo in Winter FAQ
Is Oslo safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, I felt very safe in Oslo as a solo female traveller!
Oslo is consistently ranked as one of the safest capitals in Europe. Crime rates are low, locals are used to seeing women out exploring alone, and the public transport system feels very reliable.
Just keep in mind that, during winter, the streets are often quieter due to the cold and snow (but that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe). And also, there is less emphasis on evening activities during this season, as the days are short.
If you want more information on Norway’s culture, crime stats, and practical safety tips, I recommend reading my guide: Is Norway Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
How many days do you need in Oslo?
For most visitors, 2–3 full days is perfect for Oslo in winter (I personally spent 2 full days in Oslo).
That’s enough time to explore the waterfront, visit a museum if you wish, enjoy a fjord boat trip, and take a winter walk to see some of Oslo’s most famous buildings.
Oslo is compact and very walkable, so you can see a lot in a short time!
But if you want to slow down your sightseeing or combine your city break with a winter day trip, then 3–4 days will be perfect for you.
I personally combined my trip to Oslo with a full 3-week tour around Norway in winter, including Bergen, Tromsø, the Lofoten Islands and taking the Norway Coastal Express with Havila.
How to get to Oslo in winter?
If you’re flying into Oslo, you’ll probably land at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, which is honestly one of the calmest airports I’ve ever been to. (Seriously, I don’t know if I was just lucky, but it was so quiet when I landed!)
Then, the easiest way to get into the city is the Vy regional train, which takes around 20 minutes. It stops at Oslo Central Station, in the heart of the city centre. And again, I found this train to be incredibly quiet and efficient in winter.
How to get around Oslo in winter?
Once you’re in Oslo, getting around is so easy! Oslo is compact and very walkable (even in winter), but also has a great, reliable public transport network.
The local trams and buses run regularly, even in the snow in Oslo in winter. Trams are a particularly great option for getting around, because they stop near most major tourist attractions in Oslo.
But honestly, most places are very walkable without public transport, and I only needed to get the tram once during my stay.
What should I wear in Oslo in winter?
Winter in Oslo is cold (usually between 2°C and -3°C) and the wind chill off the fjord can definitely make it feel colder than that.
The key is dressing in warm, breathable layers. So thermal base layers, a thick jumper, warm trousers, a proper winter coat, and thick, thermal socks. I also wore waterproof, insulated boots during my time in Oslo, as there was a lot of snow on the ground.
In terms of accessories, gloves, a hat, and a scarf are all essential. And I also swear by having a pair of slip-on crampons in my day bag, for those really icy patches. (I never had to use them in Oslo, but it did feel good knowing I had them).
Are Oslo’s tourist attractions open in winter?
Yes, most of Oslo’s major attractions stay open throughout the winter, and it’s actually one of the best times to enjoy them because crowds are a lot smaller compared to summer!
Museums like the Munch Museum, the Fram Museum, and the National Museum are open all year round. And outdoor attractions like the Opera House, Akershus Fortress, and Aker Brygge are also accessible (you just need to dress warmly and watch out for ice!)
Just make sure you always check opening hours in advance, as winter schedules for attractions are less reliable than in the summer.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Oslo?
Technically, yes. It’s possible to see the Northern Lights from Oslo, but it’s incredibly rare and you absolutely should not plan your trip here hoping to see them.
Oslo sits too far south and has too much light pollution, so you’d need a strong solar storm, clear skies and a lot of luck to see them here. (Even most locals have never seen the Northern Lights from Oslo!)
If seeing the aurora is a priority for your Norway trip, you should travel north to Tromsø to see the Northern Lights. Or even to the Lofoten Islands, or join the Norway Coastal Express in winter, where aurora activity is a lot more reliable.
Read More About Travel in Norway:
- 11 Things To Do in Oslo in Winter (That Aren’t Just Museums)
- 12 Magical Things To Do in Bergen in Winter (Cosy & Fun!)
- Norway Coastal Express in Winter: Solo Travel Guide + Review
- Svolvaer Travel Guide (+ 7 Things To Do in Svolvaer, Norway)
- The BEST Northern Lights Tour From Tromsø (Review + Tips!)
- Is Norway Safe For Solo Female Travellers? (+ Safety Tips)
- 15 BEST Things to Do in Tromsø in Winter for First-Timers
