13 Exciting Fun Facts About Oslo

More than anything about Oslo, I remember the city’s population keen to share their culture with a young backpacker. I arrived at Oslo Central Station feeling nervous, but soon tried local favorites like brunost (brown cheese), lutefisk (dried fish soaked), and rakfisk (fermented trout).

Honestly, none were really my favorites.

Outside the station, I spotted a giant bronze tiger. Oslo is called “Tiger City” thanks to a poem by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, who referred to Oslo’s city centre as a “tiger.” He did it to describe it as a dangerous place compared to Norway’s countryside.

But Oslo didn’t feel wild to me. It felt peaceful, full of history, with bike rentals and calm streets.

I did a one-day fjord cruise and had the chance to go kayaking. It felt freeing to kayak along the Oslo Fjord and to see the landscapes of the city as well as the natural beauty of the crystal-clear waters. Certainly, as compared to my native London. I wouldn’t kayak there if you paid me.

But that was just my experience. For those who can’t yet make it to Norway’s capital city, let’s learn some fun facts about Oslo.

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1. You can watch the changing of the guard at Oslo’s Royal Palace

London isn’t the only place to watch the changing of the guard; I did it in Oslo.

The Royal Palace is a 19th-century neoclassical palace, and it is the official residence of Norway’s king, Harald V. Tourists can watch the changing of the guard ceremony at 1:30pm every day of the year.

I’d definitely recommend it.

2. The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo displays three 1,000-year-old Viking ships

The Viking Ship Museum on Bygdøy Peninsula in Oslo has attracted international Viking history enthusiasts for years.

It has three well-preserved Viking ships from burial sites in Tune, Gokstad, Oseberg, and Borre, and the first of the ships was discovered in 1867.

Unfortunately, this museum is temporarily closed for redevelopment, but it will open again in 2027!

3. After a fire, King Christian IV moved Oslo 2 miles to the west

King Christian IV relocated Oslo west in 1624, creating a new city named “Christiania,” which reverted to “Oslo” in 1925. The original area became “Gamlebyen,” or The Old Town of Oslo.

Oslo in its current location has 343 lakes, 40 islands, and the Oslomarka forest within its city limits.

The move seems like it went well.

There are 343 lakes in Oslo.

4. Akershus Fortress is a medieval stronghold in Oslo with a replica in Disney World

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle that overlooks Oslo’s harbor. The fortress has served as a royal residence, a military stronghold, and a prison throughout Norway’s history.

You can see the ancient walls and tower as well as enjoy views of the city and Oslo Fjord. Akershus Fortress also has the Norwegian Resistance Museum, honoring Norway’s resistance during World War II.

For those who haven’t visited Oslo, you can see the replica at Epcot in Walt Disney World, Orlando.

5. Every year Oslo donates a Christmas tree for London’s Trafalgar Square display as a thank-you for British support during World War II

Oslo gifts a Christmas tree to London every year, which is displayed in Trafalgar Square. This gesture symbolizes Norway’s gratitude for Britain’s assistance during World War II.

London hosted Norway’s government-in-exile during the war.

6. Vigeland Park in Oslo is the world’s largest sculpture park by a single artist, featuring over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.

Vigeland Park is a sculpture park in Oslo’s Frogner Park that has 212 bronze and granite sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland. The park attracts millions of visitors annually and is one of Norway’s most-visited cultural sites.

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting with children, be forewarned. Most of the sculptures are naked. The poses can be weird, controversial and bizarre. The artist cast them without clothes in order for them to be timeless.

One of the many sculptures that can be seen at Vigeland Park in Oslo.

7. Most tourists won’t see a Norwegian opera, but should walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House

The Oslo Opera House opened in 2008 on the waterfront in the city center. The building has a sloping marble roof that visitors can walk on, providing sweeping views of Oslo’s skyline and the Oslo Fjord.

It’s completely free and the views are great.

8. Oslo hosts the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony every December 10th. All the other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm

The Nobel Committee awards the Nobel Peace Prize at Oslo City Hall, making it the only Nobel Prize given outside Stockholm. The Nobel Peace Center is a museum dedicated to peace, showcasing the achievements of laureates through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.

Also, Oslo hosts the annual Oslo Freedom Forum which gathers global human rights defenders and activists.

Those interested in tackling real-world problems through community projects should check out the Climate Leaders Fellowship.

9. Oslo built the world’s first “bee highway” to support urban biodiversity

Oslo created the world’s first “bee highway” in 2015 by providing flowers and artificial beehives citywide to allow bees safe passage. The project was designed to promote biodiversity.

Oslo has received recognition for its various other efforts. In 2003, Oslo won The European Sustainable City Award, and Reader’s Digest ranked it the world’s second most livable city in 2007. Oslo was also recognized by the European Commission as a European Green Capital in 2019.

10. Norway has one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to a single artist

The Munch Museum in Oslo is one of largest museums in the world dedicated to a single artist, Edvard Munch. The original was established in 1963, but it moved to seafront property in 2021. The Munch Museum has 28,000 works by Munch.

Those wanting to see works by other artists can visit Oslo’s National Museum, which showcases art from the times of medieval Norwegian kings and also displays more contemporary pieces. Some of the Norwegian artists in the National Museum include:

• Adolph Tidemand
• Hans Gude
• Christian Krogh
• Theodor Kittelsen
• Harald Sohlberg
• Thomas Fearnley

The Munch Museum in Oslo is one of the world’s biggest museums dedicated to a single artist.

11. Oslo is warmer during the winter than you’d expect

Oslo is warmer in winter than you’d expect, despite it being one of the world’s northernmost capital cities. The average high in December is around 33°F (1°C), close to Chicago’s December average of 37°F (2.78°C), even though Chicago is much farther south.

Mongolia’s Ulaanbaatar is the world’s coldest capital city. Oslo doesn’t even make the top 5:

12. The Fram Museum in Oslo celebrates Norway’s polar exploration

The Fram Museum in Oslo showcases Norway’s history of polar exploration. It highlights the famous ship Fram, which was used for both Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. In the museum you can experience a little of what life is like for an Arctic explorer and even sit in a cold box that simulates the coldness of Antarctica.

13. Holmenkollen Ski Jump Tower symbolizes Norway’s deep-rooted skiing heritage

The Holmenkollen Ski Jump Tower in Oslo is a massive ski jump that hosts international ski competitions and attracts tourists year-round. Visitors can enjoy views of Oslo and nearby forests from the tower.

Pro Tip: Try the ski jump simulator to experience the thrill of ski jumping firsthand.

I have video from my jump but it’s just me screaming at a high pitch and I cannot let you guys see that. DM me and I’ll send it.