One day in Oslo

Posted by halfdozmom (Vancouver, WA) on 01/07/25 08:39 PM

We have one full day in Oslo (arriving the night before, staying 2 nights, roughly 10 hrs of daylight) on Tuesday, March 19th. Here is our plan:

Breakfast and explore around Akerhus Fortress, swing past Rådhaus to Pier 3

Oslo sightseeing cruise 10:30 - 12:30

Tram to Frogner Park for an hour or so to see statues

Back to city center, Oslo Domkirke (closes 4pm)
Opera house, Christiana Square, Karl Johans Gate

We have opted to forgo Bygdoy and the museums this trip. Back in a few years when the Viking ship museum is open again.

Would love any thoughts to our plans.

Posted by vandrabrud

Ohio

01/07/25 08:50 PM

1636 posts

One of the top highlights of my 9 years of travel is Frogner park. If you enjoy sculpture, I wouldn't miss it over everything else Oslo has to offer. I would want to spend more than hour, however, I think an hour is enough given your tight schedule. I suggest reading about the inspiration behind some of the exhibits to increase your enjoyment.

I was pleased to see it on your list.

Posted by mml

01/07/25 09:35 PM

464 posts

Agree with @vandrabrud that the Frogner Park sculpture garden is the crown jewel of Oslo! You will likely wish for more than an hour there. But, however long, your visit will be a memorable visual feast. Enjoy!

Posted by Cyn

Colorado Mountains, USA

01/07/25 09:38 PM

8096 posts

Frogner Park is an uphill walk, about a half mile, longer than I expected, and can take much more than an hour if you want to study the sculptures at all. Going up and then back down to the tram stop entrance/exit in an hour might mean brisk walking (maybe that’s a given in March), and just some glances at some statues. The museum in the park, sculptor Vigeland’s home/studio, would add to the time needed.

At the opera house, I really enjoyed seeing the costuming rooms, where clothing, wigs, and masks were created, through the windows from the walkway along the south side. We took the Opera House tour, and it didn’t include them, so seeing though the windows was the only chance.

I take it that the Munch museum just wouldn’t be of interest? If it is, they’re open until 9:00 PM that night. There will be a couple of temporary exhibits of other artists, too, in addition to lots of Munch’s paintings and lithographs.

Posted by halfdozmom OP

Vancouver, WA

01/07/25 10:17 PM

396 posts

Vandrabrud - great idea to read about the inspiration foureach of the sculptures before we go. My husband studied his last year of architecture in Copenhagen, 30+ years ago and had visited the sculpture park. He’s excited to be able to take me to see it. Looking forward to it.

Posted by halfdozmom OP

Vancouver, WA

01/07/25 10:18 PM

396 posts

Cyn - thanks for the info about peeking in the windows at the Opera House. If we end up having extra time, we will definitely be spending more time at the sculpture park. Not sure we’re gonna do any museums this trip since we have such a short amount of time. Will return and spend more time down the road.