Tips for Oslo/Norway

[Bulkypeepants]

Hi all! We're heading to Oslo for a week and would love some tips for exploring the area and nearby spots. We’ll have a hire car but since we’re traveling with a toddler, we’re looking to keep drives under two hours. Any recommendations for family-friendly places, scenic spots, or hidden gems around Oslo would be much appreciated. Thanks!

What time of year are you going?

April, probably should have mentioned that....

April can be a bit hit and miss weather-wise. There could still be snow, but it could also be spring. Downtown Oslo and along the fjord are likely snow-free, but the forests behind the city won't be walkable at that time. I would recommend taking a ferry out to the islands in the fjord if the weather is nice. Also, you can drive down to Drøbak for a day trip. Fredrikstad is also nice. There is lots to see in the city, so you could spend a week there. You can also get to places easily on the train. If you are planning to come over Easter, be aware that Easter is a major holiday in Norway, much more so than in the UK, and everything is closed from Thursday before to Tuesday afterwards, with brief opening hours on the Saturday.

We were there in the summer. It's has a great public transport system. We liked the folk museum, the Munch museum and the ski jump. There's also a great park with very odd sculptures! I'd do an island boat trip if I went again (we ran out of time).

Enjoy!