Norway on a Budget: Top 10 Free Things to Do in Oslo

Norway is not known for being cheap, but there are still plenty of awesome free things to do if you’re spending a day in the capital city of Oslo! Some of the following activities might require public transportation tickets, but otherwise, they cost nothing to enjoy.

If you’re looking for ways to see Oslo on a budget, the Oslo Pass might be a good option! Read more in this post.

Top free things to do in Oslo

Let’s get started on my favorite free things to do in Oslo!

Walk to the top of the Oslo Opera House 

Designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, the Oslo Opera House is probably the most famous modern building in Oslo. Its unique design calls to mind the icy glaciers of the Arctic and celebrates Norway’s legacy of polar exploration.

It’s also in the center of downtown Oslo and right on the waterfront of Oslo fjord, so the surroundings are beautiful!

Climb the ski jump at Holmenkollen

Skiing is a national pastime in Norway! Holmenkollen is home to a massive ski jump that is perhaps most famous for its role in the 1952 Winter Olympics. The ski jump can be visited in all weather conditions, and if you’re feeling energetic, you can climb the stairs all the way to the top!

There is a museum at Holmenkollen that you have to pay to enter, but just visiting the ski jump is free.

Explore Vigeland Sculpture Park 

Vigeland Sculpture Park contains more than 200 sculptures by the artist Gustav Vigeland and is one of the top tourist attractions in Oslo. It is located in Frogner Park and is open year-round, 24 hours a day. It’s a great place to go for a walk and see some art at the same time!

The centerpiece of Vigeland Sculpture Park is The Monolith, pictured in the image on the right above. This sculpture towers 17 meters above the ground and was carved out of a single stone block. It depicts 121 human figures, each representing different stages of life.

Walk along the Akerselva river

A walk along the Akerselva river will take you from Maridalsvannet lake to Vaterland Park in the center of Oslo. This 8-kilometer walk is a great way to see the variety of neighborhoods in Oslo. It passes by many scenic spots in the city of Oslo, including forests, waterfalls, and historical areas.

See the art at Ekeberg Sculpture Park

In addition to Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo has a sculpture park called Ekeberg Sculpture Park.

The art collection in Ekeberg Sculpture Park includes both classical sculptures from the 19th and early 20th centuries and more modern sculptures and installations by contemporary artists. The park is open every day year-round, and admission is free.

A fun fact about this park is that it looks out over Oslo from the perspective immortalized by Edvard Munch in his famous painting The Scream!

Visit Oslo City Hall

Every December, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held in Oslo City Hall. The rest of the year, you can tour the building where this world-famous prize is awarded for free!

The building is also home to Norwegian art from the 1900s. Oslo City Hall is definitely a must-see if you visit Oslo!

In 2023, the Peace Prize Exhibition from the Nobel Peace Center is being shown at Oslo City Hall from January 14 to March 26. The exhibition is open every day from 9 am to 4 pm, and admission is free.

Hike to Vettakollen viewpoint

Another free activity that Norway is known for is hiking! Vettakollen viewpoint is known for having one of the best views of the city of Oslo. This hike starts from the Vettakollen metro station and takes about an hour to complete (out and back).

The path is uphill and can be muddy (or icy in the winter), so make sure you bring your hiking shoes and maybe your shoe spikes! For a true Norwegian experience, don’t forget to pack a Kvikk Lunsj or an orange to enjoy at the top.

Go island-hopping in Oslo Fjord

Island-hopping in Oslo fjord is another one of my favorite free things to do in Oslo, especially during the summer!

Ferry tickets are included in the basic public transportation pass with Ruter. Exploring the islands in the fjord is a great day trip, and you can get plenty of scenic views of Oslo Fjord from out on the water.

For more information about the different islands you can visit, check out this post!

Explore Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle dating from the early 1300s, which was when its construction began under the reign of King Håkon V. It is free to walk around in, though you can also pay to book guided tours that begin at the Fortress Visitor Center. It is open from 6 AM to 9 PM every day of the week.

Stroll around the lake at Sognsvann

One of my favourite things about Oslo is just how accessible nature is by public transportation! Songsvann lake is easily reachable via the metro, and many Oslo residents regularly visit Sognsvann to run, walk, swim, or picnic, especially on the weekends. In the winter, you might just see someone ice-bathing!

Sognsvann and Vettakollen are far from the only great hiking spots in Oslo! Check out this list for more scenic hikes that you can easily reach from the city.

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I hope this list of free things to do in Oslo, Norway gives you some ideas for your own trip to the city! For more to do while visiting the city of Oslo, check out this list of museums to visit during your stay.

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