10 Free Things To Do In Oslo: Save More And Experience More!

Oslo is the most cheerful and budget-friendly Norwegian capital with distinct sights to vibe with and activities to engross yourself during your entire vacation. Honestly, Norway is not a cheapest destination, but, on the other hand, Oslo will let you do so many things for free or cheap without compromising on the quality of the experience. An array of attractions from parks to museums and fjords will be open to visitors for free of cost, especially in shoulder season. Check out this list of 10 Free Things To Do In Oslo” so that you don’t discourage yourself from visiting this enigmatic capital of Norway.

10 Free Things To Do In Oslo

Oslo is a stunning city that will surprise you with its cultural beauty and architectural heritage around every corner of the street. Ending your vacation without visiting Oslo during your Norway trip will be regretful as it has so many activities that allow you to save money from your pocket. Without waiting anymore, take a peek at the 10 top free things to do in Oslo for your Norwegian trip.

1. Visit Royal Palace
2. Explore Oslo Cathedral
3. Wander around the Vigeland Sculpture Park
4. Discover the beauty of Harbour Promenade
5. Cycle around Oslo
6. Relax in the Oslo Beach spot
7. Travel in time at Free Museums
8. Partake in Winter Activities
9. Take a healing hike in the Mountains
10. Enjoy In Opera House

1. Visit Royal Palace

When we talk about saving money without compromising the rich and lavish experience, the place that comes to mind first is the Royal Palace. Taking a stroll around the fragrant, colourful and largest park in Oslo inside the palace is bliss. Besides, you can get a clear picture of Oslo’s history here without spending money. Also, don’t forget to witness the guard changing and band marching up Karl Johans Gate.

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2. Explore Oslo Cathedral

Oslo Cathedral is a spectacular monument to look around in Oslo for free. Despite its long history of being the only remaining architecture from the Middle Ages, this Cathedral is well maintained and still host many events, celebrations and Norwegian royal weddings. Built-in 1697, Oslo Cathedral is the main Church of Norway Diocese of Oslo. As you can look around it without paying a penny, make sure to look around this attraction without fail.

3. Wander around the Vigeland Sculpture Park

When in Oslo, you don’t have to empty your pockets to admire its art and culture. So, head to Vigeland Sculpture Park to observe the 200 eccentric sculptures and art of Gustav Vigeland. He used cast iron, granite and bronze to make all the sculptures you see around. Each sculpture reflects different emotions and expressions, out of which “the angry boy” is the most renowned sculpture. 

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4. Discover the beauty of Harbour Promenade

You cannot miss taking a free walk along the enchanting Harbour Promenade to enjoy the refreshing view of Oslo’s waterfront. Taking an evening walk along this 9KM long stretching boulevard will allow you to admire the golden hour, architecture, lifestyle of Nordic people, and aesthetic Cafe’s where you can rest a bit and indulge in an aromatic affair with pastries and a hot cup of coffee. If you are lucky, you will also encounter temporary art installations and events happening along the way. So buckle up for more fun.

5. Cycle around Oslo

 Oslo is a city with the best infrastructure that makes it a paradise for those who loves to explore the city on a bicycle. Pay a small fee and rent a bike from a rental place or unlock using a phone. You can travel inside the city or go to the nearest countryside using separate cycle lanes. You can go along with many tourists just like you who are taking the roads to embrace the beautiful views of Oslo by cycling.

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6. Relax in the Oslo Beach spot

When it comes to experiencing the beauty of the waterscape in Oslo, it doesn’t cost much. Being surrounded by fjords and fountains, Oslo enchants the world tourists by its beaches that emit their breathtaking beauty without resting. If you are visiting in winter, you can swim in its icy fjords or head to the main square by parliament that will become the Spikersuppa ice skating rink. You don’t have to pay an entry fee, but don’t forget to carry your skates. If you are heading to Oslo in the summer, visit the pleasant beaches in Hovedoya or Bygdoy. 

7. Travel in time at Free Museums

Oslo’s intriguing histories are safely stored and showcased in some of the stunning museums of the city. Even though many museums require you to buy tickets, there are also museums and art galleries that let you learn and appreciate the history of Oslo for free of cost on certain days. While Historical Museum allows free entry for visitors under 18, Intercultural Museum and Labour museum allows free visitation for everyone. The Museum of Oslo allows you for free only on Saturdays. If you get an Oslo Pass, you can visit most museums without paying an entry ticket at each site.

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8. Partake in Winter Activities

Winter in Oslo will be the right time to partake in various ventures that don’t put a hole in your pocket. Naturally, you can experience the Nordic beauty covered in snow with ease. From cross country skiing on the Oslomarka forest trail to sliding in the Koretrekkeren toboggan run, you can do many activities that will pump up your adrenalin. There will also be many skiing events where you can partake without spending money. Or head to Holmenkollen Olympic-sized ski slope to ski a little and admire the panoramic view more. Other than that you can also visit Christmas markets and have fun exploring. 

9. Take a healing hike in the Mountains

Rejuvenating your mind, body and soul in the mountains of Oslo doesn’t require a lot of spending except for taking transport to reach the foot of the mountains. Holmenkollen, Vettakollen and Ekebergparken are some of the best mountains in Oslo to go hiking and trekking all you want while admiring its lush green forest covers, gleaming streams and tranquil lakes that you encounter all along the way. 

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10. Enjoy In Opera House

Though it is not the only last way to enjoy Oslo for free, visiting Opera House should be an activity that you should add to your bucket list. Opera House is an architecturally elegant place to explore in the bustling neighbourhood of Oslo. Built-in 2008, close to the refreshing waterscape of Oslo, Opera House welcomes every visitor for free to explore its interior. You need to buy tickets if you want to see the performance. But, you don’t have to pay to walk around this beautiful contemporary monument or climb to the rooftop to admire the city lights and to take Instagram worthy pictures.

If budget is the concern that keeps you off from visiting Oslo, this post is a reminder to keep your worries aside. While these 10 top free things to do in Oslo is just a beginning, there are even more activities that don’t require so much spending that you can experience the beauty of Oslo as per your budget. Look out for Norway tour packages in Pickyourtrail or customise your Norway itinerary so that you can reach Norway’s charming capital at the earliest.