Museum in Oslo

Just a stone’s throw from Rådhuskaia stands Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle from the 1300s that has guarded Oslo for fourteen hundred years. Every day, you can freely explore the fortress’s green spaces from early morning until late at night, all with views of the fjord and Aker Brygge. Akershus Fortress has served as a royal residence, prison and military base. The castle grounds and outer ramparts offer peace and reflection, and you can visit the Defence History Museum and the Resistance Museum. During the season, guided tours are available that dive deeper into the fortress’s hidden stories.

The city’s highest gathering point! Take the subway up towards Holmenkollen, and you’ll be greeted by this massive ski jump towering against the sky, casting long shadows over Oslo. Here, nature, sports and culture come together in perfect harmony. Ski jumping and cross-country skiing are Norway’s national sports, and Holmenkollen has hosted ski jump competitions since 1892. You can visit the Ski Museum and take the elevator and walk all the way up the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city, fjord and forests. Beautiful! In summer, you can even zip line down the slope for an adrenaline rush 90 meters above the ground.

Oslo’s architectural art universe stretches over 13 floors and houses 42.000 artworks and objects. This museum, dedicated to the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, lets you stand face to face with The Scream and feel the pulse of Norwegian modernism. More than 200 original Munch pieces are permanently displayed across 11 rooms including multiple versions of The Scream, Madonna, Love and Pain, and other iconic, deeply personal works. At the top, the café bar offers panoramic views of the fjord while galleries for temporary exhibitions invite you to discover new encounters between art forms. Designed by Estudio Herreros, the building is both sustainable and modern. Clad in recycled aluminum panels and constructed to save energy and maximize natural light you’ll really notice the light pouring in through the large glass walls and into the galleries.

[Closed/under renovation] On Bygdøy, you can experience three of the world’s best preserved Viking ships – Oseberg, Gokstad and Tune. Here, you get the feeling of stepping into a time machine with these magnificent ships and ancient burial treasures. You can walk around the ships, study the nails, intricate horse heads and the old woodwork that showcase Viking craftsmanship.

At Aker Brygge stands the Nordic region’s largest art museum, home to over 6,500 works of Norwegian and international art. Here, you can stroll through rooms filled with ancient Egyptian statues, marvel at iconic Edvard Munch paintings like The Scream and Madonna, and explore ever-changing exhibitions — which have included everything from Kim Kardashian’s dress to modern furniture design. The architecture is both modernist and inviting, with high ceilings, glass walls, muted tones and spaces designed to inspire reflection. When the weather’s nice, don’t miss the rooftop terrace with great views of Akershus Fortress and the Oslofjord.

Step into a time capsule where you can relive Norwegian everyday life all the way back to the 1500s, in peaceful surroundings on Bygdøy. 'Norsk Folkemuseum' is the world’s oldest open-air museum, featuring over 160 historic Norwegian buildings dating back to the 1500s. Walking through the “old town” path feels like a journey back in time. Experience old village streets and peek inside traditional log houses and craft shops. You can feel the weight of history with the Gol Stave Church from the 1200s, which was moved here over 100 years ago. The museum also offers indoor exhibits featuring traditional costumes, church art, Sami handicrafts and homes from Oslo in the 1800s and 1900s.