City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Oslo, Norway

Oslo, the vibrant capital of Norway, is a city where modern architecture, rich history and the stunning natural beauty of glaciers, mountains and fjords come together. Not to mention the charming inspiration for Anna, Elsa and Olaf’s home of Arendelle. Oslo is situated at the southern end of the country on the Oslofjord — north of Denmark and west of Stockholm, Sweden — on the Scandinavian Peninsula.

Take in the trendy shops, dining and scenic views at the Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen waterfront districts or go fishing, skiing, hiking and boating in this popular Norwegian destination. Here are some attractions to check out whether you’re staying at a resort, a marina or a private boat slip rental.

Viking Ship Museum

Would you really go to Norway without seeing a Viking ship? A treasure trove of Viking history, the Viking Ship Museum houses well-preserved Viking ships and artifacts dating back to the 9th century. Visitors can marvel at the craftsmanship and learn about the seafaring traditions of the Norsemen.

Munch Museum

Art lovers should not miss the Munch Museum, which is dedicated to the works of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch, the artist behind the famous painting The Scream. This well-known painting can be seen in several versions — as a painting, a drawing and a print.  All of the paintings were done on either paper or cardboard. This makes them much more fragile, so the museum rotates them throughout the day. At least one version is visible at all times. The museum showcases a vast collection of his masterpieces and personal artifacts.

If you’re looking for more Munch art in Oslo, head to the National Museum. Recently opened in 2022, the National Museum is the largest art museum in the Nordics. It features an extensive collection of Norwegian and international art, including one version of Munch’s The Scream (the rest are at the Munch Museum) and various works such as architecture, fashion, sculpture, contemporary and gothic modern art.

Vigeland Sculpture Park

One of Oslo’s most iconic attractions, the Vigeland Sculpture Park is an open-air sculpture park that displays more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park, which is part of Frogner Park, is a tribute to human emotions and experiences. The bronze, granite and wrought-iron sculptures make it a fascinating place to explore. 

Oslo Opera House

Are you searching for cultural attractions to visit from a private boat dock rental? A marvel of contemporary architecture, the Oslo Opera House offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop. Visitors can enjoy world-class performances or simply appreciate the building’s sleek design.

Akershus Fortress

Dating back to the late 13th century, the medieval Akershus Fortress has played a crucial role in Oslo’s history. It provides breathtaking views of the Oslo Fjord and houses museums detailing Norway’s military past. It’s an excellent place to visit from private boat lifts for rent or marinas in the area.

Fram Museum

Dedicated to polar exploration, the A-frame structure known as the Fram Museum highlights Norway’s role in Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. Visitors can step aboard the Fram, the strongest wooden ship ever built, and experience what it was like for explorers like Shackleton, Scott, Larsen and Amundsen who braved the icy waters. 

Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower

For those who love winter sports and enjoy snow skiing as much as water skiing, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum is a must-visit. This legendary ski jump offers a panoramic view of Oslo and hosts an interactive ski museum that showcases Norway’s long-standing skiing traditions.

Established in 1923 and located in Oslo since 1951, the museum has exhibits featuring 1,000-year-old skis, polar explorers and other Norwegian skiing history and traditions. You may not want to actually ski down the jump, but you can take a zipline ride over top of it. You can also check out the ski simulator for a unique and less fearful experience.

The ski arena hosts annual World Cup events in cross-country, ski jumping and Nordic combined biathlon (which combines cross-country and ski jumping). It was rebuilt for the 2011 FIS Nordic World Ski Championship.