Oslo wasn’t originally high on my list until I realised there was an entire museum dedicated to Edvard Munch. Once that idea lodged itself, the rest of the city sort of unfolded around it. What I expected to be a quick art-focused visit turned into a place full of unexpected textures, sculpture walks, waterfront architecture you can actually climb on, and quiet historical corners that seemed to appear when I wasn’t even looking for them. Come on a journey with me to explore Oslo.

Munch Museum

When I discovered there was an entire museum dedicated to Edvard Munch, a trip to Oslo went straight onto my itinerary. Having seen The Scream at Museum of Modern Art years earlier, I’d always been drawn to his work, so the chance to see a larger collection in one place felt too good to miss.

The scale of the collection is almost hard to grasp — tens of thousands of objects, including thousands of artworks created by Munch himself. What surprised me most wasn’t just the volume, but the size of some pieces. Standing in front of works like The Sun and The Researchers, which stretch across entire walls, gives you a completely different appreciation compared to seeing them in books or online.

The Scream

The Scream is Edvard Munch’s most famous works and at the museum there are always three versions on rotation. While the museum does have eight in the collection plus many sketches studies and text they only show a painting, a drawing and a print. Due to the materials used they are very fragile therefore they are not on permanent display.

I also loved noticing the materials he used. Alongside canvas, Munch often painted on cardboard and experimented with plywood for woodcut prints, a reminder that art doesn’t always come from expensive supplies, but from curiosity and experimentation. That part resonated with me more than anything.

The building itself is a striking presence on the waterfront, rising high above the harbour with modern lines and huge windows. Inside there’s plenty of space to pause between floors, which you’ll probably need, there’s a lot to take in.

Quick Tips

• Time to allow: 2-3 hours if you enjoy art

• Floors: 13 levels – lifts available

• The Scream: Versions rotate, so you may not see them all

• Facilities: Café and lockers inside

• Best time: Earlier in the day or late afternoon

 

Waterfront Wandering & the Oslo Opera House

From the museum, it’s an easy wander along the harbour to the Opera House, and the mood shifts instantly from gallery quiet to open air brightness. Its white marble exterior looks like it’s rising straight out of the water, but instead of feeling formal, it feels playful, almost like a giant sculpture you’re invited to explore.

The best part is that you can walk on the roof. It slopes gently upward, and once at the top you get wide views across the harbour with boats drifting in and out and the city stretching behind you. It felt less like visiting a building and more like hanging out on public art.

Along the waterfront I passed modern spa buildings, scattered sculptures, and people simply sitting with coffee looking out to sea. It’s one of those areas that naturally encourages you to slow down.

Akershus Fortress — An Unexpected Detour

I hadn’t planned on visiting Akershus Fortress; I more or less stumbled across it. The heavy stone walls and cobblestones were an instant contrast to the glass and marble of the waterfront, and for me it became less about the dates and more about the textures and atmosphere.

Walking along the ramparts and then suddenly looking out over cruise ships and cafés at Aker Brygge was a strange but enjoyable collision of old and new. It was peaceful, breezy, and unexpectedly inspiring from a photography point of view, the stonework alone earned a place in my “future art textures” collection.

Quick Tips

• Cost: Grounds free; museums and castle paid

• Time: 1-2 hours

• Terrain: Cobblestones – wear comfortable shoes

• Views: Great vantage points over the harbour

• Good to know: Still an active military area, so sections may close

 

Ekebergparken — Sculpture, Forest & Views

Ekebergparken ended up being one of my favourite stops because it blends art and nature so effortlessly. Set on a wooded hill overlooking the city and fjord, it feels less like a traditional attraction and more like discovering an outdoor gallery hidden inside a forest. (see video at the end)

The walk up can be a bit of a climb, but once among the trees the effort fades quickly. Sculptures appear around bends in the path as if you’ve found them rather than they’ve been placed there, which gives the whole experience a slightly magical feel. Add panoramic viewpoints over Oslo’s rooftops and the water below, and it becomes the sort of place where you lose track of time without trying.

Beyond the art, there are a number of heritage plaques depicting the areas history and archaeological sites. You will also find old buildings, and cafés dotted through the area. I found myself wishing I’d allowed more time simply to wander. Look out for the viewing point where Edvard Munch gained inspiration for the background to The Scream.

Quick Tips

• Cost: Free year-round

• Time: 1-2 hours minimum

• Getting there: Tram or bus is easier than walking uphill

• Terrain: Some steep or uneven paths

• Best time: Clear days or early evening light

• Bonus: Look just off the main paths — some sculptures are easy to miss

 

 

Explore Oslo Final Thoughts

Oslo surprised me with how easily art, architecture, and nature sit side by side, often within the same short walk. What began as a visit centred on one artist turned into a city full of creative inspiration, unexpected textures, and places that felt discovered rather than scheduled. Of course there is so much more to Oslo than what I managed to see in a couple of days. If you have any suggestions on what I could see next visit then make sure to comment below.

Explore Oslo Video Highlights