OsloNorway · Ferry Destinations

All About Oslo

The capital of Norway is the largest city in the country. Situated in the southeast region, Oslo holds a key position at the top of the Oslofjord. Founded by King Harald Hardrada in 1050, a fire completely burnt down the city in 1624. Following the devastation, Christian IV ordered Oslo’s reconstruction. The new location was to the west of the original town. Taking the ferry to Oslo is very easy. Simply go to Ferryscanner’s website, compare prices, routes, and ferry companies and book your tickets!

Oslo has had a few name changes over the centuries. It was known as Christiana in the 17th and 18th centuries. From 1877 to 1928, it was called Kristiana. The present-day town is home to environmentally conscious friendly locals and several political, commercial, and cultural institutions. Tourists planning on purchasing ferry tickets to Oslo can expect a laid-back city holiday starring fabulous architectural sites, culinary hotspots, retail therapy, and insight into Oslo’s maritime heritage through its fantastic museums.
 

Routes and Ferries to Oslo

Purchasing ferry tickets to Oslo from Ferryscanner is like booking a mini cruise to Norway. Boats from Copenhagen take about 14 to 16 hours to cross Kattegat and Skagerrak before reaching the end of the Oslofjord. The voyage from Frederikshavn is shorter, clocking in at 4 hours. DFDS vessels all have modern-day accommodation, entertainment, and dining comforts that cover these routes daily. Return tickets from Copenhagen start at €108 while from Frederikshavn they cost €34. Prices vary depending on the season, the type of cabin, and whether you are traveling by car or not. Many tourists also buy ferry tickets to Oslo from Kiel in Germany. Operated by Color Line, their boats take roughly 20 hours to complete the journey.

Oslo Train Station is a central railway hub, connected with the rest of the country and other Scandinavian nations. Trains arriving here from Gothenburg and Stockholm take 4 and 5 hours respectively.

Additionally, there are two airports around Oslo. Trop Sandefjord is about 110km from the city and welcomes both domestic and international airlines. However, Oslo Airport is the largest in the country. Situated 47km from the center, it receives flights from 140 destinations, including direct connections from Asia and Noth America. Upon arrival, passengers can take a 20-minute train, a taxi, or the shuttle service to downtown Oslo.
 

Port of Oslo

Oslo Havn is Norway’s most prominent harbor. Officially regularized in 1735, there was much maritime activity in this strategically important region for decades prior. Today, cruise liners, cargo ships, and ferries arrive here frequently from different parts of the world. Situated on the northern tip of the Oslofjord, it caters to over 7 million passengers annually. Due to Oslo Port’s increasing fame, the harbor authority has plans to expand it further and aim to make it a zero-emissions port in the future.

Over the past few years, the Port of Oslo has been instrumental in developing its neighboring areas. Bjørvika, Grønlikaia, Filipstad, Byhavna with its 9km long promenade, and Fjordbyen have or will see massive investment in commercial, business, and entertainment activities thanks to the Port Authority of Oslo.

The port further welcomes close to 2 million international travelers annually who arrive holding ferry tickets to Oslo. The ferry terminal has basic conveniences, shops at a nearby pier, and parking. The city center is 15 minutes away on foot. Alternatively, passengers can take a 5-minute bus to Oslo Central Train Station.

Besides having guest harbors for yachts, there are also local ferries leaving the port, including the one to Nesodden that is fully electric powered. Island ferries leave Rådhusbrygge 1 for Hovedøya, Lindøya, Nakholmen, and Bleikøya. Some of the ferries function all year round, while others operate only in the summers. During the warmer months, tourists can charter boats from the port to sail around the fjord.
 

Best Beaches of Oslo

Beaches in Oslo aren’t always big and wide. However, they have an inimitable aura that makes them the ideal location for a fun day by the water. In true Scandinavian fashion, locals visit beaches not looking for that perfect seaside spot but to savor a moment with friends and family in the warmth of the summer sun.

Huk Beach

Tourists looking to visit the most popular beach in Oslo should head over to Huk, situated on the southern coast of the Bygdøy peninsula. Reachable via a short bus ride from Oslo downtown, it is a convenient beach to visit with the family. For those driving, parking is not an issue as there is ample space near the beach. An all-encompassing area, Huk has a grassy park and a sandy stretch that accommodates everyday beach-goers as well as naturists. Crowded during summer, locals often come here to sunbathe even when the water is not warm enough for a swim. Toilets, showers, and barbecue pits are some of the facilities available on the beach.

Storøyodden Beach

A vast grassy area with a sandy strip, Storøyodden is a quiet beach in the Greater Oslo region of Storøya. The views from the shoreline, of the fjord and islets, are stunning and reason enough to drive here. More peaceful than some of the other city beaches, Storøyodden has grills, showers, four volleyball courts, toilets, and a kiosk selling ice cream and snacks. The kid-friendly beach has calm shallow waters and plenty of scenic spots to spend a lazy day.

Paradisbukta Beach

To reach Paradisbukta Beach, you’ll have to take the bus from the city to Huk Beach and then walk a little in the northwest direction. A hidden gem, away from the city’s bustle, Paradisbukta is a tranquil sandy shore with a few rocky areas. The forest bordering the coast gives it a natural charm while providing visitors with excellent hiking options. Much favored by families, a day at Paradisbukta includes playing in the water, sunbathing, and relaxing while watching sailboats float around in the distance.

Katten Beach

The bus from Oslo takes about 7 minutes to reach the stop nearest to Katten. From here, a gentle 10-minute stroll brings you to this picturesque sandy beach visited mostly by locals. Located in the Nordstrand neighborhood, Katten is small but has amenities like benches, showers, WCs, and diving boards. Even with some grassy patches and stone-filled areas, the beach is excellent for children who can run around comfortably in the shallow water.

Nordstrand Bad

Once a famed bathhouse with a restaurant and theatre, built in 1890, Norsdtrand Bad is now a humble public beach. Just a small sandy strip near Ulvøya Bridge, most people lie down on the boulders by the water to sunbathe here. There is, however, a jetty with steps and toilets at the beach. Some locals often come here to fish. The region around the shore is beautiful and encourages exploration on foot or by bicycle.
 

Neighborhoods of Oslo

Every neighborhood of Oslo plays its part in making the capital an inviting holiday destination. Curious travelers ought to explore every street and corner of Oslo with keen eyes, for some of the city’s best-kept secrets hide behind the most modest of facades.

Sentrum

The central neighborhood of Oslo incorporates its ferry port and several noteworthy buildings. The biggest attraction here is the 13th-century Akershus fortress. Inside the medieval fort are two museums and loads of history to discover. Built in 1964, the Oslo Cathedral with its brick finish and painted ceilings is nearby, as is the central street of the city, Karl Johans gate. In the northwest corner of the neighborhood is the Royal Palace, where commoners can take guided tours during the summers.

Grünerløkka

Oslo’s trendiest neighborhood previously housed most of the city’s working class. Bordering the Akerselva river on its west, it is now a colorful oasis with street murals and public parks ideal for an afternoon picnic. Grünerløkka is the ultimate culinary destination of Oslo, home to hipster cafes and multi-cuisine restaurants. Among the top are Hrimnir Ramen serving Japanese-Scandinavian fusion food, Delhi Tandoori with delicious Indian dishes, and Tijuana, the best place for authentic Mexican fare. Mathallen Food Hall is another must-visit for gourmands who can pick local and foreign delicacies from 30 specialty stalls.

Gamle Oslo

To the east of Sentrum is the culturally significant neighborhood of Gamle Oslo. Here, tourists can visit the Munch Museum and see the master painter’s best works, including The Scream. It is also in Gamle Oslo that one sees the amalgamation of the old and the new. In one corner is the beautiful Old Town. Simultaneously, the neighborhood is home to a contemporary-looking housing and commercial complex called the Barcode Project. The architecturally brilliant Oslo Opera House by the water is further proof of Scandinavian avant-garde design aesthetics.

Frogner

A large, primarily residential district, Frogner lies to the west of the city center. The neighborhood has several embassies and the famous Vigeland Park. Known for its eccentric sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, the park’s main feature is the 17-meter tall Monoliten, built between 1923 and 1943. The iconic sculpture features 121 figures carved in a single block of stone. Tourists with a liking for the vintage can visit one of Frogner’s two single-screen cinemas. Both Frogner Cinema and Gimle Kino Nordisk have a bar. The former first opened in 1926 and still retains some of its old-world charms.

Bygdøy

Although a part of the Frogner borough, Bygdøy is a separate peninsula known for its museums. Special ‘museum ferries’ sail between the port and Bygdøy from March to October. In the neighborhood, tourists must visit the Viking Ship Museum. On display here are three 9th-century Viking ships and various artifacts excavated from around the country. The Fram Museum, Kon Tiki Museum, and Maritime Museum highlight Norway’s century-old seafaring legacy. They display maps, boats, and mementos from various Norwegian expeditions. Lastly, the Museum of Cultural History in Bygdøy has an open-air exhibition showcasing over 100 ancient buildings from across Norway.  
 

Transportation Around Oslo

Oslo’s center is lovely to roam around on foot. One can also rent a bicycle during the summers and go out exploring its suburbs. Oslo City Bike has 250 stations from where you can pick and drop bicycles at will. Bookable via their website or app, the first 45 minutes are free, while a day-pass costs €4.80. Taxis in Oslo are safe and easily found around town. However, they can be costly.

Ruter is Oslo’s well-oiled public transport system. One type of ticket covers everything from trams and buses to the metro and the island ferries. Remember to pre-purchase the tickets as they cost more if bought onboard. Fares on Ruter differ based on zones and duration of use. A single adult ticket for all zones is for €13.13, whereas a 24-hour one costs €25.28.

The best way to travel around the city for tourists is the Oslo Pass. Prices for the pass start at €44.58, and it is available in 24, 48, and 72-hour denominations. With the Oslo Pass, travelers can use all public transportation in Zone 1 and 2 for free. They can also take the Bygdøy Museum ferries (not included in a Ruter ticket). Additionally, the pass offers free entry into museums and discounts at restaurants, shops, and the airport express shuttle.