8 Tips for a Fall Vacation in Oslo

All the Great Hiking Opportunities

The forest areas (locally called Marka) are a good reason to visit Oslo in the fall. The Maridal alps are amazing, and the peaks offer unique views. Sognsvann is a popular hiking area, where you can easily walk to both Vettakollen view point and Frognerseteren. Grefsenkollen is also a starting point for many great hikes. Nordmarka is right on the doorstep of Topcamp Bogstad. You can, for example, walk or bike around Lake Bogstad, which becomes even more beautiful when the colorful leaves reflect on the water.

A more central hike is walking along the Akerselva River. It’s a pleasant walk that stretches all the way from Maridalsvannet to Bjørvika in downtown Oslo. In the city center, there are also many lovely parks to stroll through. The best in the fall might be Frogner Park, with the statues in Vigeland Park and the river flowing through it.

Holmenkollen and the Rose Castle

In Holmenkollen, you can enjoy a perfect day with activities such as dining at the restaurant, taking a zipline, rappelling down the ski jump tower, visiting the Ski Museum, or exploring several beautiful hiking trails. The only limit is your imagination. You can hike to places like Sognsvann, Vettakollen, and Frognerseteren.

Nearby, you'll also find the popular attraction Rose Castle. This art installation aims to tell the story of Norway's occupation and the fundamental principles of democracy, the rule of law, and humanism.

Shopping

Shopping is at its best in the fall, when stores are bursting with the latest beautiful fall fashions. You’ll find many exclusive shops on Nedre Slottsgate. There are various stores of different scales at Aker Brygge, Bogstadveien, and Karl Johans street. Grünerløkka has many shops nestled among coffee bars and pubs.

The shopping centers Oslo City and Byporten are located near Oslo S. At Paleet, Eger, and Steen & Strøm, you’ll find higher-end stores.

Aker Brygge, the Waterfront Promenade, and Saunas

Aker Brygge offers a wide range of dining and shopping options, but it’s also an excellent place for a leisurely stroll. The waterfront is filled with coffee bars, so you can easily grab something on the go.

If you want to experience more of the harbor, you should walk the entire waterfront promenade — from the tip of Sørenga to Tjuvholmen. Or walk along the water all the way to Bygdøy if you're up for a longer trip. Along the way, there are several saunas by the water. Kok, Oslo Fjord Spa, and SALT are some examples.

Exciting Indoor Activities

Oslo Reptile Park features lizards, snakes, crocodiles, spiders, scorpions, insects, and more. Fangene på Fortet is the place where you can bring friends or family for a fun day of puzzle-solving and challenges. For more thrills, the trampoline park Rush, Oslo Climbing Park, and the activity center Megazone are perfect.

The Stovner Tower

The Stovner Tower (Stovnertårnet) is Norway's longest tower. It’s an observation tower, an attraction in itself, a meeting point, a monument, and also a sort of hiking trail, with its 265 meters to the top—even though the top is only 15 meters above the ground. Bring a warm drink in a thermos and enjoy the view of red leaves and orange forests.

Culture and Museums

You have plenty of options depending on your mood. Be sure to visit the Opera House, Deichman Bjørvika, and the new Munch Museum. You might also want to check out the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, or the Natural History Museum. For art enthusiasts, the National Museum, the Astrup Fearnley Museum, and the Henie Onstad Art Center offer a rich array of artistic experiences.

Enjoy the Sunset with a Great View

One of the best things about the capital in the fall might be the vivid sunsets. Watch as the sun paints the city golden while it sets over the Oslofjord and turns the sky orange. You can enjoy the view from the waterfront at Tjuvholmen or Sørenga, or head up to higher spots like Ekeberg Park, Grefsenkollen, Vettakollen, or Glassberget on Årvollåsen.