Dave Matthews Band is playing at the Spektrum in Oslo on April 7, 2024. Fans that are traveling to these shows are making a quick trip out of it before the Stockholm show the next day. Luckily, Oslo is a compact and walkable city, making it perfect for exploring in a short amount of time. Here’s how to maximize your 24 hours in the Norwegian capital:
- Explore the Vigeland Sculpture Park (Vigelandsparken). Start your day with a visit to Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park dedicated to a single artist. Over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland depicting the human form from infancy to old age are spread across a vast green space. It’s a great place to wander around and admire the art or even have a picnic.
- Changing of the Guards at the Royal Palace (Slottsplassen). Make your way to the Royal Palace for the daily changing of the guards ceremony, a short but colorful tradition that takes place at 1:30 PM.
- Walk down Karl Johans Gate. After the ceremony, head down Karl Johans Gate, Oslo’s main street, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. This is a great place to soak up the city’s atmosphere and do some people-watching.
- Take a boat trip on the Oslofjord. In the evening, enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Oslofjord, a beautiful inlet that cuts through the heart of Oslo. Several boat trips are available, from short sightseeing tours to longer cruises that take you out to the islands.
- Explore Aker Brygge. After your boat trip, spend some time in Aker Brygge, a trendy waterfront district that was once a shipyard. Now home to shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, it’s a great place to enjoy a meal or drinks with a view.
This itinerary allows you to experience some of Oslo’s must-see sights, while also giving you a taste of its culture and history. If you have more time, you could also visit some of the city’s many museums, such as the Viking Ship Museum or the Fram Museum.
In terms of food, Oslo offers a range of dining options, but if you’re looking for classic Norwegian flavors, here are some must-tries:
- Seafood: Norway is known for its fresh seafood, and Oslo is no exception. Sample some of the delicious smoked salmon, prawns straight from the Oslofjord, or try a fried mackerel dish.
- Kjøttkaker: These are savory Norwegian meatballs, typically made with a blend of beef and lamb. They’re often served with mashed potatoes, peas, and brown gravy.
- Brunost: This unique cheese is a caramelized brown whey cheese with a sweet and tangy flavor. Norwegians enjoy it on its own or on bread.
- Open-faced Sandwiches: A popular lunch option, these are slices of rye bread piled high with various toppings like meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spreads.
- Waffles: Norwegians love their waffles, which are typically thicker and heart shaped compared to American waffles. They’re often enjoyed with brunost, sour cream, and berries.
In addition to these classic dishes, Oslo also has a thriving scene for international cuisine, so you can find all sorts of restaurants serving food from around the world.
If you want to take some tours to help guide you through the city, here are a few suggestions:
Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour
Oslo Combo Tour: Grand City Tour and Oslo Fjord Cruise
Oslo City Highlights with Fjord Cruise
And if you want to do something totally unique and unexpected, you can take a cold plunge into the sea then use these self service saunas (must book ahead).
Self-service Floating Sauna Experience – Public Session “Bragi”
