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Home » Travel » Cruising » Cruise Ports » Oslo in One Day: Ski Jump, Vikings, Artwork, and Cruise Port Options

Oslo in One Day: Ski Jump, Vikings, Artwork, and Cruise Port Options

Last Updated: May 24, 2023 // by Rhonda Albom // 8 Comments
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Cruising into Norway's capital means we had to see Oslo in one day

Attempting to see the highlights of Oslo in one day, we disembarked our cruise ship in the capital of Norway. This is not the optimal way to see this beautiful city.

However, for us, it was our only option as it was the final port of our cruise through the majestic Norwegian Fjords before heading back to our starting point.

Unlike the other Norwegian cruise ports, Oslo is the country’s capital city and is loaded with options from historical to modern.

Honestly, attempting to see the highlights of Oslo in one day, we walked away wanting more.

Oslo cruise port – highlights of Oslo in one day

With limited time and lots of great options come some tough choices. Here are what we believe are the highlights you’ll have to choose from if you are trying to see Oslo in one day.

  • Vigeland Sculpture Park
  • Ski Jump and Museum (Holmenkollen)
  • Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuse) – closed until 2026
  • Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum)
  • National Museum
  • Munch (Museum)
  • Vigeland Museum
  • City walking tour

Vigeland Sculpture Park

Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo Norway
Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo Norway
Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo Norway
Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo Norway
Maze in Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo Norway
Mosaic labyrinth at Vigeland Park entrance

A must-see, Vigeland Park is the world’s largest sculpture park with works made by a single artist. There are over 200 sculptures by the famed Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, all themed around the circle of life.

To preserve an air of timelessness, Vigeland chose to carve each of the sculptures (except one of himself) without clothes.

An enjoyable place for a stroll, the park itself is loaded with creativity. Even the mosaic tile pattern at the entrance creates a large labyrinth. As a result, the park is popular with both tourists and locals, and even the rainy day which we visited didn’t keep people away.

Entry is free.

Ski Jump and Museum (Holmenkollen)

Holmenkollen Ski Slope Museum in Oslo, Norway
Looking down the Holmenkollen ski jump

This is the real thing, the ski jump used in the 2011 world championships. On a clear day, visitors are rewarded with a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Unfortunately for us, we visited on a rainy and overcast day. We did get the exciting view of looking down and imagining what it would be like to do a jump. I assure you; this is NOT a sport for me! The attached museum offered history and was interesting, even with the language barrier.

Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuse) – closed until 2026

Viking Ship Museum in Oslo Norway
Viking Ship Museum in Oslo Norway
Viking Ship Museum in Oslo Norway

Historically, Viking ships remained with their royal owners on their passing to carry them to “the other side.” The Viking Ship Museum is home to the best-preserved Viking ships ever found, all buried more than 1,100 years ago in one of three royal burial mounds nearby the Oslo Fjord. Currently closed, the museum will reopen in 2026 as the Viking Age Museum.

More museums (attempting Oslo in one day, we choose to skip these)

Gol stave church in Folks museum Oslo, old wooden church
Gol Stave Church
The Scream by Edvard Munch
The Scream by Edvard Munch
  • Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum)
    Often called the Norwegian Folk Museum, the highlight here is the Gol Stave Church, restored in the 1800s as a replica of the original built in the 1200s.
  • National Museum
    This is the largest art museum in the Nordic countries. I am sure it will quickly be on every Oslo highlights list. As the National Museum’s grand opening was on June 11, 2022, we didn’t see this museum.
  • Munch
    A museum focused on the life and art of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. His most well-known painting is “The Scream”.
  • Vigeland Museum
    If you still want more after exploring the park, the museum houses both his apartment and workspaces.

Oslo in one day allows time to stroll past many fascinating sites

Royal Palace of Norway in Oslo
The royal palace
Parliament buildings in Oslo Norway
Parliament
Oslo Opera House shine at dusk, morning twilight,  Norway
Oslo Opera House
Tall ships in the harbour with the town of Oslo in the backgroun
Harbour
Nobel Peace Center in Oslo Norway
Nobel Peace Center

Don’t forget to walk around town and spot some of the fascinating and eclectic architecture. We strolled past several key buildings as well as walked along the dock admiring some of the tall ships.

  • Royal Palace
    Home to the current monarchs, King Harald V and Queen Sonja, the palace was commissioned by King Charles III who passed before it was completed in 1849.
  • Norwegian parliament buildings
    The Storting (parliament) building is the seat of Norway’s parliament. Its style was inspired by French and Italian architecture.
  • National Theatre
    The theatre has been Norway’s main performing arts venue for over 100 years.
  • Oslo Cathedral
    Built during the late 17th century, the cathedral is the main church for the Church of Norway Diocese of Oslo. The Norwegian Royal Family and the Norwegian government use it for their public events.
  • Oslo Opera House
    A classic theatre mainly featuring ballet and opera, its design resembles a glacier rising out of a fjord.
  • Akersush Fortress (Akersush Festning)
    A 13th-century fortress that has withstood every siege it faced. It can be seen behind the boats in the harbour photo.
  • Nobel Peace Center (Nobels Fredssenter)
    Everchanging and permanent exhibits dedicated to prior Nobel Peace Prize winners.
  • City hall plaza fountains
    An interesting brick building with two tall towers, it was the fountains in the seaside plaza that we enjoyed the most.

Save with an Oslo pass (can be used even with one day in Oslo)

While the Oslo pass is really designed for a bit more time than a cruise shore excursion will provide, we worked it out and it still would have saved us money. That’s because, for us, limited time means we spend less time in each location so we can at least see everything we are interested in.

The pass itself is available for either 24, 48, or 72 hours. It includes unlimited travel on the city’s public transportation as well as admission to over 30 museums or attractions, plus several tours.

Importantly – you need to pick up the actual pass at the Oslo visitor’s centre which is about 1.4km (0.9 miles) from the cruise port terminal or just outside the train station. Hours and rules are subject to change, so be sure to read the details before you purchase. Reserve your Oslo Pass here.

Recommended tours in Oslo

We had specific things we really wanted to see, and we couldn’t find a group tour that met our needs, so we hired a private guide.

Although Oslo is an easy town to get around with public transportation, our mistake was not hiring a guide with a car and driver as we had such limited time. In Norway, this requires a professional driver’s license.

Therefore, if we were a select a guide today, it would be a top-rated guide like Frida L from Tours By Locals. She offers several tours and is flexible to adjust to your needs. (Note that price is per tour).

If I wanted a less expensive option (in general, Norway is expensive), I would select an Oslo cruise excursion that includes the ski jump museum like this one: Reserve your shore excursion here.

Save on your trip with these resources

These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.

  • Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
  • Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels) or VRBO (self-contained).
  • Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
  • Campervans or Motorhomes: we use Campstar where Albom Adventures readers get a 3% discount
  • Private guides: we love the private guides at Tours by Locals
  • Travel Insurance: our go-to is World Nomads*.

Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.

*World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

What will you choose if you try to see Oslo in one day?

Olso is one of several Norway cruise ports we visited.

Check out these places in Europe:

Stonehenge, on of many things to include if trying to see things to do near Stonehenge

10 Things to Do Near Stonehenge: From Bath to Southampton

Dunrobin Castle seen while on a Scotland road trip

Scotland Road Trip: Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands

One of the many stunning views along the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland

Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route: Belfast to Dunluce Castle

A beefeater guard representing travel tips for the UK

Travel Tips for the UK: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Photo Credits:

All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.

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Category: Cruise Ports, Northern EuropeTag: Boats, Norway

About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Darina Confidus

    March 15, 2020 at 2:57 am

    Hello! This is a trip that definitely impressed me! Your photos are gorgeous! This is a wonderful placeIt. Norway definitely on my bucket list!

    Reply
  2. Tony Payne

    June 26, 2012 at 11:37 pm

    I would really struggle at the top of the ski jump, but I am sure the view is worth it.

    The Viking museum must have been really impressive, would love to go.

    Reply
  3. Johnnie

    June 26, 2012 at 12:14 am

    Holmenkollen is the hill you see on the north western side of Oslo, and here you’ll find one of the most popular recreational areas in the city; Nordmarka. Especially Tryvann and Frognerseteren are great starting points for hikes and trips summer and winter alike.

    Reply
  4. Lynne

    June 25, 2012 at 7:40 pm

    My brother lived in Norway as an exchange student way back in the early 80s and loved it there. Sadly I never got the chance to visit. One day maybe…

    Reply
    • Lynne

      June 26, 2012 at 8:38 pm

      I am the only member of my family (original family – parents, brothers) not to get to Norway – I am feeling left out now that I think about it… No, not really. You’re right – I have had some amazing travel experiences and memories I will treasure.

      Reply
  5. Molly Groman

    June 25, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    Wow! I always dream of settling down in any of the Scandinavian countries once we are retired, the kids are away with their own jobs and family. So far I nver had a good fortune to visit the countries, but would eventually love to..!

    Reply
  6. Joyce

    June 25, 2012 at 1:56 pm

    I’m sure this is right up your kids’ alley.

    Reply
  7. Comedy Plus

    June 25, 2012 at 11:50 am

    How cool. I’ve a couple of blogging buddies that live in Oslo. We got together last year here in California. Had a fabulous time.

    Have a terrific vacation. 🙂

    Reply

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