What's Actually Open in Oslo on a Sunday? Your 2025 Guide to Fun, Food & Museums

Forget the myth that Oslo shuts down on Sundays - the Norwegian capital offers plenty of activities for weekend visitors. While Norway's Holiday Act closes most retail stores and the state-run Vinmonopolet, museums, restaurants, and parks generally remain open, with small convenience stores also open but often with limited hours.

TL;DR

Museums and attractions are open: Major cultural sites like MUNCH and the Norwegian Folk Museum operate normal Sunday hours, with other attractions requiring verification
Restaurants and cafes stay open: Norway's Holiday Act doesn't apply to food service, so dining options remain plentiful throughout the city
Small shops operate legally: Convenience stores under 100m² can open, and some Joker locations fall under this exception, with kiosks and gas stations also generally open
Vinmonopolet is closed: You cannot buy wine or spirits from the state alcohol monopoly on Sundays, so plan ahead

What's Open: Museums, Culture & Outdoor Attractions

Oslo's cultural scene thrives on Sundays, making it an ideal day for museum-hopping and sightseeing. Major attractions including the MUNCH museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum maintain regular Sunday operating hours. The Sunday operating hours for the National Museum and Fram Museum should be verified. The iconic Holmenkollen Ski Jump and museum also welcome visitors throughout the weekend.

Outdoor attractions provide excellent free options for Sunday exploration. Vigeland Sculpture Park remains accessible daily, offering 200+ sculptures by Gustav Vigeland in a beautiful park setting. The grounds of Akershus Fortress provide historic exploration and harbor views, while Oslo's Botanical Garden offers peaceful walks among diverse plant collections.

The city's extensive park system, including Frogner Park and the Royal Palace grounds, stays open for joggers, families, and anyone seeking green space in the urban environment.

"Top 20 Things to do in Oslo, Norway | 2025 Travel Guide"

Sunday Shopping: What's Legal Under Norwegian Law

Understanding Norway's 100m² Exception Rule

Norway's Holiday Act creates specific exceptions that allow certain stores to operate on Sundays, helping visitors navigate the city's retail landscape.

Store Type	Sunday Status	Examples	Legal Basis
Large retail stores	Closed	H&M, Zara, electronics stores	Holiday Act mandate
Small convenience stores (<100m²)	Open	Some Joker locations	Legal exception for kiosk goods
Gas station shops (<150m²)	Open	Gas stations up to 150m²	Extended size limit for fuel locations
Restaurants & cafes	Open	All dining establishments	Not covered by retail restrictions
Vinmonopolet	Closed	All alcohol monopoly stores	No Sunday operations permitted

The 100 square meter rule allows grocery or kiosk-like outlets to remain open if they primarily sell convenience items. You'll find these smaller Joker or Bunnpris locations throughout Oslo neighborhoods, perfect for picking up snacks, drinks, or basic supplies during your Sunday adventures.

Food & Dining: Your Best Sunday Options

Sunday dining in Oslo rivals any other day of the week, as restaurants and cafes operate without legal restrictions. The city's food scene comes alive with brunch spots, traditional Norwegian restaurants, and international cuisine options throughout neighborhoods like Grünerløkka, Majorstuen, and the city center.

Restaurants and cafes are open on Sundays in Norway, taking advantage of the relaxed weekend atmosphere. Coffee culture thrives on Sundays, with local roasters and cozy cafes providing perfect spots to rest between museum visits or park walks.

The absence of retail shopping crowds often makes Sunday dining more pleasant, with shorter wait times and a more leisurely pace at popular establishments.