What to do in Oslo on a backpacker’s budget
Scandinavia is a hot destination at the moment. OK, maybe not literally, but backpackers are increasingly loving this special, stylish corner of the world and the natural beauty it has to offer. Take the Norwegian capital, for example. In Oslo, you can breathe in the trendy but unpretentious flair of a city that manages to be chic and modern, yet minimalist and traditional at the same time. It’s also full of culture, incredible architecture, fantastic food and a crazy nightlife. Read on to discover the 10 reasons to visit Oslo on a budget… even though it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world!
📷 @omalley
Cross-country skiing in the forest
Skiing is a religion for Norwegians, not only because they have always dominated the World Ski Championships and the Olympics, but also because it’s a favourite pastime for the population! Every year, when winter covers the mountains with snow, Norwegians strap on their skis and venture out onto the slopes that criss-cross the country.
Cross-country skiing has a special place in Norwegian culture. Originally, this activity was used to get from one place to another, but today it is purely a leisure activity and an intensive workout for the whole body! Its popularity is perhaps due to the fact that it is a sport for everyone that is very beneficial for body and mind. The Normarka forest offers several cross-country ski trails with beautiful Nordic flora as a backdrop. Along the slopes you will find strategically located restaurants and cafés that not only offer a beautiful view of the forest, but also the opportunity to defrost your nose.
🇳🇴 Oslo, what there is to see: Nordmarka Forest
🚉 Getting there: Metro (6) from the city centre to Sognsvann station
💰 Price: The slopes are free, but you have to rent skis in the city centre for about €25 per day
Try the best cinnamon sweets in Norway
It’s just not acceptable to leave Scandinavia without trying a sugar-coated cinnamon bun full of spices. I will not allow it! Although all cafés in Oslo offer these simple but delicious treats, all visitors should definitely try the best the city has to offer. These sweets alone are worth a visit to Oslo.
TheWBSamson offers handmade cakes, freshly baked bread, pastries and real Scandinavian black coffee several times a day. But if you need something warm, there’s nothing better than chocolate with cream and enough calories to insulate you from the cold.
🇳🇴 Oslo, what to see: WB Samson
🚉 Getting there: The nearest metro station is Stortinget
💰 Price: Depends on how much you eat! A dessert costs 40 kroner (about €4)
Try the brown thing
Sometimes you need to be surrounded by food, believe me, it’s good for the soul! The Mathallen market in Oslo is full of Nordic culinary delights, and the atmosphere inside is really nice too. You could strap a bag full of food around your neck and feast that way, but one thing you absolutely have to try is the Norwegian brown cheese. The caramelised cheese tastes sweet and tangy at the same time, filling your palate with its deliciousness. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s definitely worth trying at least once!
🇳🇴 Oslo, what to see: Mathallen Food Hall, Vulkan 5, 0178 Oslo, Norway
🚉 How to get there: Bus 54 or 34 to Møllerveien
💰 Price: Admission is free, you only pay for what you buy
Experience culture at the highest level
The Munch Museum, named after one of the most famous Nordic painters and a pioneer of Expressionism, Edvard Munch, must be on the list of everyone who wants to visit Oslo. Even if you think museums and art are not your thing, you have to see it. I don’t guarantee you’ll scream with joy at Munch (get it?), but you’ll have a lot of fun admiring a talent and skill beyond our imagination.
Although the museum is mainly dedicated to the artist it is named after, the exhibitions are constantly changing. The collection of paintings, prints, books, letters and sculptures that Munch donated to the museum before his death is so extensive that the exhibitions are constantly changing. Your visit can also be enriched by a historical lecture with audio guide in English and a film about the life of Edvard Munch, which is shown throughout the day.
🇳🇴 Oslo, what to see: Munch Museum, Tøyengata 53, 0578 Oslo, Norway
🚉 How to get there: Metro to Tøyen
💰 Price: 120 kroner (approx. €12)
Lose yourself in the Nordic nature
If you are a solo traveller who enjoys long walks in unspoilt nature, this choice is perfect for you. Why be alone in a national park when you can take a few selfies with sculptures?
The sculptures are part of an international art collection and are located at a number of spectacular viewpoints in the park. Best of all, the Ekeberg Sculpture Park is always open and free to visit. Joking aside, the artworks are spectacular and give you the opportunity to enjoy both the man-made beauty of the sculptures and the natural beauty. This is one of the most relaxing things to do in Oslo, especially in summer, and perfectly represents the city’s quirky charm.
🇳🇴 Oslo, what to see: Ekebergparken, Kongsveien 15, 0193 Oslo, Norway
🚉 How to get there: Tram 18 or 19 to Oslo Hospital / Ekebergparken
💰 Price: free admission
Shopping spree
Scandinavians have a soft spot for vintage and second-hand shops. You don’t have to be a fashion expert, but as humans we all appreciate a good bargain. You’ll also know that the 90s are very popular at the moment. I mean, who doesn’t want to look like a ‘dad working in a new IT company’ or a ‘mum before she was a mum’?
Luckily, you don’t have to sell a kidney to treat yourself to a few unique pieces from the iconic vintage shops in Grunerløkka, Oslo. Velouria Vintage is the coolest vintage shop in town, and you should definitely visit it for inspiration. Here, fashion is fun again, because nothing is taken too seriously. An important point is that the shop covers all genres, so there is a hidden treasure for everyone.
🇳🇴 Oslo, what there is to see: Velouria Vintage, Thorvald Meyers gate 34, 0555 Oslo, Norway
🚉 How to get there: Tram 11, 12 or 13 to Olaf Ryes Plass
💰 Price: depends on how much you buy, but the prices are generally reasonable for a backpacker’s budget.
Take a dip in the cleanest water in the world
Swimming isn’t everyone’s favourite sport, I know that. That’s partly because there are no certifications to guarantee the safety of lakes or ponds in the wilderness, and no one wants to come out of a polluted lake with a few extra toes or flaky skin. Why not go for a swim, you ask? Mmmh, chlorinated water that turns your hair green, swimming in children’s pee…. no, not for me.
But if you do decide to visit Oslo, why not enjoy it to the full? Brekkedammen in Frysja is located on the tranquil upper reaches of the Akerselva river. Most Oslo residents get their drinking water from the lake south of the river Maridalsvannet, which is the cleanest water in the city. As you swim in the green streams of the river, keep your eyes peeled to find the perfect spot for a picnic and enjoy a sunny day.
🇳🇴 Oslo, what to see: Frysja, 0884 Oslo, Norway
🚉 Getting there: Bus 54 to Frysja
💰 Price: Free of charge
Enjoy a coffee that will blow your mind
Now I’m going to reveal something shocking: Norwegians love coffee. The tantalising aroma that wafts out of Tim Wendelboe ‘s has the power to convert anyone. The café of the same name, the micro-roastery and the education centre offer courses to learn more about the precious bean. If you want to learn something, you should come with your nostrils open and your stomach full so that the strong, hot coffee doesn’t tear a hole in your stomach.
🇳🇴 Oslo, what there is to see: Tim Wendelboe, Grüners gate 1, 0552 Oslo, Norway
🚉 How to get there: Tram 11, 12 or 13 to Olaf Ryes plass
Treat yourself to a drink in a local bar
You might argue that there are bars all over the world, so why travel all the way to Norway just to have a classic apple martini? If you think so, you should change your mind with a visit to Bar Robinet. This quirky and picturesque establishment serves a plethora of creative cocktails to its exceptional clientele. The bar may be small (it can fit no more than 30 people), but it’s full of personality. In the intimate atmosphere, you can even strike up a conversation with the bespectacled Norwegian teacher enjoying her cocktail in the corner!
🇳🇴 Oslo, what to see: Bar Robinet, Mariboes gate 7, 0183 Oslo, Norway
🚉 How to get there: Bus 37 to Hammersborggata
💰 Price: free admission
Learn a little Nordic history
The Viking Ship Museum on the Bygdøy peninsula is home to the best preserved Viking ships in the world. The film “The Vikings Alive ” is constantly projected onto the ceiling and walls of the museum, while you can marvel at the artefacts recovered from Viking graves in the Oslo fjords. The artefacts include ships, small boats, sledges, shields, tools and household items.
Come here to learn more about these fantastic warriors, whose feats consisted mainly of plundering and wearing a nice beard. And no, no self-respecting Viking would ever wear a helmet with horns. We leave that to the adults staying with us, as well as handcuffs and beard combs.
🇳🇴 Oslo, what there is to see: Oslo Viking Ship Museum, Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo, Norway
🚉 How to get there: Take the ferry from Rådhuset to Bygdøy (only in summer) or bus 30 to Vikingskipene
💰 Price: 100 kroner, i.e. about €10
There’s something for everyone on our list of places to visit in Oslo for backpackers. Visit this noble land, eat cheese that looks like it’s expired, party in a cube-sized bar and watch colourful screams. Feast on cinnamon sweets and buy yourself a horned helmet to take home with you to continue your Scandinavian adventure. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning that trip!
The author:
Karan Ahluwalia is a Finnish writer studying in London and setting off on great adventures after her MA. She knows five languages, food from all corners of the world and misses the snow and seasons from home.
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