Winter joys in Oslo

It is still a well-kept secret, but few other cities do winter as well as Oslo. With vast opportunities for downhill, sledding, skating and cross-country well inside city limits, there's no shortage of traditional winter fun. And then there's so much other great stuff you can do here during the cold season.

Magic winter cruises on the fjord, nice urban hikes, steamy fjord saunas, attractions with plenty of space and high season for live culture: Here's some inspiration for a winter jaunt to Oslo, with room for relaxation as well as enriching adventures.

The suggestions below can easily be combined with a day in the slopes or snow-covered forests – but feel free to keep your Oslo winter adventure completely urban.

Winter on the fjord

Many may associate the Oslo Fjord with summertime and sunny days, but truth is, it is there for you even when covered by a thin layer of ice! Dress warmly, and enjoy magical winter landscapes with a view of the city centre.

Imagine boarding a boat that takes you out on the icy fjord. You feel the gentle waves while getting a panoramic view of the cityscape and the surrounding islands. You can experience this while island hopping with public ferry, or aboard Båtservice's, Brim Explorer's, The Fjords' or Trollcruise's sightseeing vessels.

Oslo's new harbour promenade looks great under a white blanket of snow. Along the way you'll pass the floating saunas that have appeared as a relatively new addition to Oslo's fjord life. A visit to one of them easily becomes a winter adventure for the books: Enjoy the warm steam before jumping into the icy cold water!

City hiking

Good news for those of you who don't fancy skiing: It's easy and fun to enjoy that crisp winter air in Oslo with only regular shoes on your feet.

If you'd like to stay close to the city centre, explore Oslo's street art or go for a walk along the Akerselva river, which is lined with great experiences along the banks.

Perhaps you'd like to learn something new about Oslo along the way? You may choose between several guided city walks throughout the winter, with topics that span from alternative Oslo to local food and city development.

Bygdøy is famously known for its many museums and summer beach life, but the peninsula is actually a nice area for relaxing walks all year round, with its paths through the forest and closeness to the fjord.

If you'd like to get even closer to nature, a hike to Grefsenkollen comes recommended. The walk up the steep hills is rewarded with an unbeatable view of the sun setting over the snow-covered city. For some true winter cosiness: Rent your own cast iron fire pit at Grefsenkollen restaurant.

Snow-covered attractions

Winter being the off-season for Oslo's tourist attractions, it is also the perfect opportunity to explore and enjoy the city's great sights in peace and quiet. 

If you'd like to check out something completely unique, jump on the metro and pay a visit to The Rose Castle. This large-scale art installation is surrounded by mighty trees in the hills above the city, and consists of outdoor paintings and sculptures that tell moving stories from the Second World War. They look particularly beautiful covered in snow.

Timeless Oslo attractions such as the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Akershus Fortress, Botanical Garden and Ekeberg Sculpture Park are also worth exploring in the winter. 

You may of course enjoy indoor attractions as well: MUNCH for instance, will certainly warm your body and your soul. Or how about taking a tour of the brand new National Museum – the largest art museum in the Nordic countries?

Indoor relaxation

Speaking of getting warm: After active days with lots of fresh air, you deserve a few relaxing hours indoors. With a whole city to choose from, it's easy to plan your own unique after {ski*} (*insert your preferred outdoor activity).

A spa visit is a perfect addition to your winter itinerary, whether you are feeling sore all over after a long day on the slopes or just looking for a relaxing diversion. Check out Thief Spa right in the city centre, or treat yourself to a whole day at The Well, which gathers spa traditions from the whole world under its unusually large roof.

Oslo is a coffee capital of international standing, with numerous corporate coffee shops and more exclusive, independent coffee places that will warm you up. Are you more of chocolate lover than a coffee enthusiast? Make sure not to miss Cocoa, a café dedicated to hot chocolate in many different forms.

If you still have some energy left, the city's many game bars invite you in for an evening out of the ordinary. The selection ranges from dart and chess to indoor mini golf and slot car race tracks: Bring your best game and play your way through the winter night!

Winter shopping

Shopping is always fun! On cold days you might prefer to do all of your shopping under one roof.

If you are looking for something exclusive in the city centre, head to the department store Steen og Strøm or the shopping centres Paleet and Aker Brygge Shopping.

If you prefer a larger selection of shops, Storo Storsenter is only a short metro ride from the city centre, with lots of space and lockers for storing large and bulky winter coats while you shop. 

But if you prefer to keep your shopping local, walking through snowy streets on the hunt for rare books, vintage gems or Nordic design can be quite an experience as well! Oslo's many niche shops are open and welcome you inside.

Culture highlights

If you enjoy live culture, the winter season is truly the best time to visit Oslo. Venues and theatres are filled to the brim with top-notch concerts, shows, dance shows and festivals. Whether you like it funny, serious, moving, thought-provoking, alternative or entertaining, it is easy to spice up your winter break in Oslo with some great cultural events.

Swipe through the highlights below for inspiration, or explore the selection in our updated event calendar.

Winter sports

Oslo is an ideal location if you want to experience winter sports. During winter, the city hosts championships and top-level competitions in cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, and many other winter sports. A perfect opportunity to experience elite sport up close – whether it's fast-paced hockey on the ice or intense duels on the ski trails.