Oslo is a fantastic city with plenty of things to do and see all year round. But if you’re visiting during the winter, there are some unique activities that you won’t want to miss. From outdoor adventures to unique experiences, here are our top five recommendations for Oslo, Norway, during the winter.
1. Floating Sauna in the Oslo Fjords!
The Floating Sauna in Oslo is a unique experience. Located on the Oslo harbor, this is a traditional wood-fired Sauna, but it floats in the water. Visitors can take a dip in the cold water of the fjords, then warm up in the sauna while enjoying the beautiful views of the city and the surrounding area. The sauna is open year-round, and visitors can rent it for private events. Norway is known for its natural beauty, and a Floating Sauna in Oslo is a great way to experience it. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing experience or an exciting adventure, a Floating Sauna in Oslo is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Personal: When visiting Oslo, we decided to book a floating sauna experience through KOK Oslo. We did a public sauna for 2 hours; the sauna could fit 10 people. Our time with KOK Olso was our first floating sauna experience, and we loved it! You are able to relax and detox in the sauna and then jump into the ice-cold Oslo Harbor. This experience can be booked as a public Sauna or a private Sauna to enjoy with friends. We highly recommend trying a floating sauna experience!
2. Hiking Outside of Oslo
Norway is a stunning place for winter hiking. During the winter months, Norway’s outdoors can be enjoyed in a unique way. The cold weather and snow make for a perfect winter hike. With its many hiking trails, Oslo offers a variety of outdoor activities. From short day hikes to longer overnight trips, Norway has something for everyone. The terrain varies, with mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. When hiking in Oslo, it is paramount to dress appropriately and bring the right gear. You should wear layers, waterproof boots, and a hat and gloves. With its stunning scenery and fresh air, winter hiking in Oslo is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors.
Personal: When visiting Oslo, we set aside one morning to go on a hike to experience the beautiful outdoors of Norway during the winter. We planned to do an easy 2-hour trek to Vettakollen. Unfortunately, we got lost and ended up on a trail to Fuglemyrhytta. This beautiful hike ended at a mountain top with an overnight hut. This hike was made a bit more difficult due to the winter snow, but if we come back, we would love the chance to do this hike again and stay in the mountain hut overnight.
Some useful websites we used to find hiking trails in Oslo include:
https://www.alltrails.com/norway/oslo/oslo
https://worlderingaround.com/en/travel-blog/oslo-hiking.
3. Christmas Market and Lights Tour
Visiting the Oslo Christmas Market is a must-do during the holiday season. Experience the festive atmosphere as you browse through the many stalls selling traditional Norwegian foods, crafts, and decorations. The Christmas festival features an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and many other fun attractions for kids. The streets of Oslo are also adorned with Christmas lights, creating a beautiful and festive atmosphere.
Personal: We visited Oslo in early December 2022. The city looked ready for Christmas, with every hotel and building adorned with Christmas lights. Downtown Oslo already had its Christmas market set up in the middle of the city center. The market centered around an ice skating rink and a Ferris wheel. They offered a Christmas village for kids, with plentiful food and drink options. Oslo is a great city to visit to get into the Christmas spirit and celebrate the holidays.
4. Climb the Oslo Opera House for Sunset
Visiting the Oslo Opera House to watch the sunset is an experience like no other. The building is a work of art. Its sleek, modern design of glass walls allows for gorgeous views of the city. Walking up to the top of the Opera House is a breathtaking experience. The view from the top is spectacular, with a stunning panorama of the city and the surrounding area. As the sun sets the city slowly fades into darkness, providing a truly magical experience. The Opera House has become a popular destination for locals and tourists, providing a unique and unforgettable view of the city.
Personal: We visited the Oslo Opera house following our floating sauna experience. It was right across the harbor from where we soaked. It is truly a building worth checking out when you visit Oslo. You can climb to the top of the building and have full range to roam around up top. The building’s architecture is truly remarkable, once up top you have a great view of the whole city!
5. Food and Shopping
Oslo is a great place to explore both food and shopping. With a variety of restaurants and cafes, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for traditional Norwegian dishes or international cuisines, you can find it all in Oslo. Shopping in Oslo is also a great experience. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, clothes, or electronics, there are plenty of stores to explore. The city also has many malls and markets that offer a wide range of goods. From high-end designers to local boutiques, there is something for everyone. With its unique culture and incredible scenery, Oslo is the perfect place to explore food and shopping.
Personal: Like any big city, Oslo offers a variety of shopping and eating options. While visiting, we stopped at Adidas and H&M to pick up some items we forgot to bring on our trip. The city offers a full range of shopping options, from high-end designers to typical department stores. Oslo had many great food choices. We got Indian food one night during our visit. We visited Der Peppern Gror and can confidently say that we highly recommend it. We got Butter Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, and Dahi Puri. Der Peppern Gror was some of the best Indian food we have had anywhere in the world. We highly recommend stopping by if you are in Oslo!
Oslo is a city full of culture and beauty. The city has something for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, trying out some of the area’s great restaurants, or taking in its vibrant art scene. With so many options, visitors are sure to find something that suits their interests and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an exciting adventure in a bustling city, Oslo has something for everyone to enjoy.
Personal: We visited Oslo in early December of 2022 on a stop from Amsterdam, Netherlands going to Tromsø, Norway. We were there for two full days and can reccomend adding any of these activities to your itinerary. We did each of these activities, which made for a great visit to Oslo!