One Day in Oslo (Exactly How to Spend It)

Norway really shines in its islands, mountains, and fjords, but don’t forget about Oslo! Even if you just have one day in Oslo to explore, trust me that it’s worth it to spend time here.

Below is my one day in Oslo itinerary, which I’ve perfected through multiple visits to this city. I was lucky enough to spend my first-ever visit to Oslo with Norwegian friends, who showed me all the best bits of the city (you can see the walking route we did here).

Here’s what you need to know!

But First… Is One Day in Oslo Enough?

Yes, I surprisingly do believe that one day in Oslo is enough. At least, enough to get a good feel for the city, and an intro to Norway.

I’ve visited Oslo a few times now, but on my most recent trip I planned a one-day layover before we flew up to the Lofoten Islands. It was a great way to break up the long journey to northern Norway, whilst also giving our trip some contrast with city explorations and culture alongside all the nature.

I wouldn’t normally recommend spending just one day in any European city, or suggest that one day is “enough.” But Oslo is a relatively small and compact city, and it’s possible to get a good feel for it in one day.

Where to Stay in Oslo for One Night

If you only have one day in Oslo, then you need to be strategic about where you stay. I have two suggestions.

Oslo Airport Hotel

There are several hotels around Oslo Gardermoen Airport, and these are a great choice if you have an early or late flight.

On my most recent trip to Norway, we stayed at Quality Airport Hotel Gardermoen, and I was really impressed—rooms are spacious and clean, and the hotel has restaurants and even fun games like shuffleboard, darts, and cornhole!

Our flight got into Oslo very late on Friday, and we took a quick airport shuttle over to our hotel and were tucked in bed by midnight.

The next morning, we grabbed a shuttle back to the airport, and then took the express Flytoget train into Oslo Central Station.

After spending the day in Oslo, we just reversed that route to get back to our hotel, which was super convenient for our early morning flight on Sunday!

Browse Oslo airport hotels here.

Clarion Hotel — Near Oslo Central Station

The Clarion Hotel is my recommendation if you prefer to stay in Oslo city itself.

This hotel is only a six minute walk from Oslo Central Station, which is the train station you’ll connect through to get to and from the airport (or to take trains elsewhere in Norway).

The hotel is modern, perfectly located, and has a wonderful breakfast included.

Book your stay here.

How to Spend One Day in Oslo, Norway

During this one day itinerary you’ll see Oslo’s major sites, eat some delicious Norwegian food, and even participate in Norwegian sauna culture. Let’s go!

Eat Cinnamon Buns for Breakfast

8am

Your first stop in Oslo is going to be a famous Norwegian cinnamon bun for breakfast!

You could also try skolebrød (“school bread”) which is another iconic Norwegian bun—filled with vanilla custard and dusted in shredded coconut—that children frequently take to school.

Or… why not both?

Baker Hansen is a cozy bakery and one of Oslo’s oldest, with multiple locations across the city. It’s Norwegian family-owned, and you’ll only find it around Oslo, so consider it both convenient and authentic.

Another bonus? Baker Hansen also serves gluten free cinnamon buns (you can check out my gluten free Oslo guide for more info on that!).

Urban Sauna and Fjord Swimming

9:30am to 11:30am

Next up is one of my very favorite things we did in Oslo: urban sauna and fjord swimming.

I was a bit worried about fitting an activity like this into just one day in Oslo. It turns out, it’s not only possible but was easily the highlight of our day.

Dan and I booked our morning sauna session at Oslo Badstuforening, and specifically their Langkaia location. This is a floating sauna village right on Oslo harbor, opposite from the opera house.

The public sauna costs 260 NOK per person (about $27 USD) and includes access to six different saunas, and of course platforms and ladders to plunge into the cold fjord water!

I honestly never considered myself a big cold plunge person before this trip to Norway, but I loved it.

There’s something special about the anticipation as you warm up in the sauna, then the thrill and excitement of dipping into the cold water, and then the full-body tingles and pride in yourself (Yes! You actually did that!) as you heat back up in the sauna.

Walk on the Oslo Opera House Roof

11:30am

It’s a short walk over to Oslo Opera House, which is a sight to see. The ultra-modern design is meant to look like a glacier bobbing in the fjord.

It’s also designed so that you can walk up its slanting walls and onto the roof, for views over Oslo and the fjord. So fun!

NOTE | At this point in your Oslo itinerary, especially if it’s raining, you could add in the MUNCH, an art museum dedicated to the works of Edvard Munch (famous for The Scream). The museum is located next to the Oslo Opera House, and tickets start from 200 NOK per adult. 

For Lunch — Something Classically Norwegian

12pm

Hungry again after all that sauna, swimming, and walking? This is a good time to grab a quick lunch.

You have quite a few options for a quick lunch in Oslo (and remember, you can always pop into a grocery store for a salad bar lunch as a budget travel hack!).

For something with a good story behind it, head to Syverkiosken, which is Oslo’s last remaining independent hotdog stand. Expect a tiny kiosk, a long line, and a boiled hotdog served in a potato-based flatbread. 

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then don’t miss Haralds Vaffel, a beloved Norwegian waffle restaurant. For the most traditional experience, order your waffle with jam, sourcream, and brown cheese. (What is brown cheese, you ask? I’ve heard it described as having flavors of “barn,” and I couldn’t put it better myself LOL).

And finally, if you’re gluten free like me, then I recommend Glutenfrihuset, which is a lovely bakery and cafe serving traditional Norwegian buns and sandwiches.

Explore Oslo’s Famous Sculpture Park

1:30pm

After lunch, take a bus over to Frogner Park, on Oslo’s west side. This sprawling park is 450 acres, and Oslo’s largest. Inside it, though, you’ll find something more special than just trees, lawns, and gardens.

Vigeland Sculpture Park makes up the heart of Frogner Park, and is home to over 200 sculptures by renowned Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland.

Wandering the sculptures, picking out our favorites and making up stories for each one, was one of my most memorable experiences from my first-ever visit to Oslo, when my Norwegian friends guided me around.

I couldn’t wait to experience it again with Dan, and I’m happy to report that it definitely lived up to the memory.

You can easily spend an hour or more just wandering through the sculptures and park, and if you need a spot to escape the rain, then the park’s cafe is a cozy spot to grab a hot drink.

Walking, Sightseeing, and Shopping Through Oslo

3:30pm

Next up, you will spend the afternoon on an ambling walking route back toward central Oslo, strategically stopping at some of the city’s best sights along the way.

If you’d prefer to travel on wheels, then I recommend this 3-hour electric biking tour. It hits up most of the spots I recommend below, plus a few extras (since you’ll travel faster by bike!). You also get the knowledge of a local Norwegian tour guide.

With just one day in Oslo, you won’t have enough time to do justice to every single spot I’ve recommended above, so pick and choose your favorites. (Or, opt for the biking tour for speed and efficiency!).

Finish With a Special Dinner and Drinks

7pm

Finally, end your day in Oslo with dinner and drinks, before heading back to your hotel (or to catch a train at Oslo Central Station).

You have so many options when it comes to a good dinner in Oslo. For something really unique, book this Oslofjord cruise, which includes a dinner of fresh-caught Norwegian shrimp.

If you’d rather stay on land, then the chef-driven restaurant Spor av Nord is my recommendation for simple yet delicious Norwegian food that uses seasonal ingredients.

For non-Norwegian cuisine, I can also recommend Dinner, which is an upscale Chinese restaurant near Oslo Central Station that serves a mouthwatering crispy duck. 

Final Thoughts on How to Spend a Day in Oslo

I don’t mean to brag… but I think I nailed the perfect itinerary for one day in Oslo. I hope that this gives you some inspiration and guidance, and that you, too, fall in love with Norway’s capital city!