So you're planning to spend some time in Oslo when most of the locals are off work? Worry not, closed shops and quiet streets won't prevent you from having a great time getting to know this calmer and more peaceful version of Oslo.
Here's how to make the most of it.
Preparations: before everything closes
Do a quick run to the grocery store before it closes for the holidays. Have you got enough tampons? Tissues? Snacks? Diapers? Take some time to purchase necessities so that you're all set for the next day.
When and where to buy beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages
- On Sundays and public holidays, you will not be able to purchase any alcoholic drink anywhere, unless you purchase it at a bar or at a restaurant for on-site consumption.
- You can buy wine and other alcoholic beverages above 4,75% at Vinmonopolet between 10:00 and 18:00 on weekdays and between 10:00 and 16:00 on Saturdays.
- You can buy beer and other alcoholic beverages below 4,75% in grocery stores between 08:00 and 20:00 on weekdays and between 08:00 and 18:00 on Saturdays.
- Did you just miss the time window by a minute? Don't blame the staff – the registers lock out any alcohol purchase automatically, and they can't override it.
- Some days directly preceding a holiday will have different alcohol-purchasing times than regular days. Make sure to check the times at your nearest shop if you plan to purchase alcohol on the Wednesday before Easter, the day before Pentecost, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Morning
Enjoy a nutritious and filling hotel breakfast if you can. This is not the day to rush, take the time to enjoy your coffee or tea and perfectly cooked eggs, pancakes and any other breakfast staples of your choice.
Hotel breakfasts are the easiest way to fill up for the day ahead, especially during holidays, when some regular cafés might be closed. Breakfast is included in most of the hotels in Oslo. Wake up, head downstairs and spoil yourself with the ultimate morning treat.
Hotels with great breakfasts
10:00 – Museum visits
Take the time to learn about Norwegian culture and history, or to see some world-class art while most locals are spending time with their families. One of the perks of visiting museums during the holidays, is that you won't have to endure cramped conditions on public transport during the morning or afternoon rush!
Oslo Pass
If you're planning on visiting several museums during your stay, it might be a good idea to purchase an Oslo Pass. The Oslo Pass includes public transport in Ruter's zones 1, 2, 3, 4V and 4N – this includes everything within Oslo's city limits, travel to Oslo Airport Gardermoen and much more – as well as entrance to most museums and discounts on selected activities and in selected restaurants.
Make sure to check the opening times of the museums you wish to visit.
You may purchase the Oslo Pass in the app, on Google Play and in the App Store.
13:00 – Time for lunch
Have a break with some good food. Here are some holiday-friendly restaurant options near popular museum areas in Oslo.
Holmenkollen
If you've been visiting the Holmenkollen Ski museum and The Rose Castle, we can recommend Frognerseteren Restaurant, either the sit-down dining area Finstua, or the more casual Kafé Seterstua.
Bygdøy
While dining options on the Bygdøy Peninsula are limited, several museum cafés do offer tasty and convenient meals that complement you cultural visit.
At The Fram Museum, Framheim kafé lets you enjoy traditional Norwegian waffles in reconstructed cabin interiors that will make you feel like you're part of the crew aboard the great polar ship.
Kafé FJORD at the Maritime Museum is the place to go for fish and chips, and Café Arkadia at Norsk Folkemuseum serves a variety of open-top sandwiches and sweet buns.
City centre
Hungry after your visit to The Viking Planet, MUNCH, The National Museum or The Nobel Centre? Many restaurants close on major holidays, so check ahead –though some do remain open.
Try these places:
15:00 – Outdoor sightseeing
Enjoy the peaceful and quiet atmosphere that surrounds Oslo during public holidays, and enjoy one of the great outdoor attractions available. Plenty of the most popular sights in Oslo are outdoor and open to all.
18:00 – Dinner
For your evening meal, you could scroll back up to the list of restaurants from lunchtime, but we would like to suggest an alternative that lets you get in some more sightseeing while you enjoy a delicious meal.
Enjoy a five-course meal aboard Brim Explorer's Dinner Cruise, with panoramic views of Oslo's harbour areas and of the Oslo Fjord from large windows or from the sun deck.