SEPTEMBER 2025

We mainly came to Norway for its nature. Oslo wasn’t really on my radar before, but we ended up being really impressed with this lively city. We definitely could have stayed longer than 48 hours as there are lots of cultural activities in the area, but I think we did use our time wisely. While you visit Bergen and Stavanger for the historical architecture, Oslo is very modern. I loved the location at the Oslo Fjord, with all the swimming spots and sauna areas. It definitely is a good example that modern architecture does not have to be boring, but can be really inviting! 

Where we stayed

Topcamp Bogstad

As we visited Oslo with our campervan, we stayed at a campsite. Oslo doesn’t have a lot of options for campervans, so it is smart to do some research beforehand. We ended up staying in two different spots, as this was most convenient in our planning. For two nights we camped at Topcamp Bogstad, which is located outside of the city center but well connected by bus. Topcamp Bogstad has very bad reviews, so we were hesitant to stay here, but honestly it wasn’t bad. It is a much larger campsite than where we would normally stay. In the summer period there was construction going on, which could explain the bad reviews. They also seem to run out of hot water sometimes, but this wasn’t the case when we visited. Hot showers are included in the pitch price and they were nice and hot. The campsite has a lovely playground for kids, with a big trampoline and lots of swings. There is a supermarket next door which is very convenient. If you are looking for nature water, this is only 10 minutes walking. The main downside of this campsite is  the price per night. Prices fluctuate stark from week to week and can go up to about € 80 per pitch. You do not have a lot of choice in Oslo, so this is a price they can ask without deterring customers. 

Sjølyst Marina

We also stayed in a parking lot for one night, at Sjølyst Marina. This was also pricy as we paid € 55 to have this parking spot for 24  hours. However, as we arrived late at night, we had our parking for the next day secured and could visit Oslo from this location. Sjolyst Marina is located very close to all the tourist hotspots, with a busstop next to the “campsite”. Besides showers and toilets not a lot of facilities, but fine for one night. 

Things we did in Oslo with kids

Norsk Folkemuseum

We loved the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and did not factor in enough time. It is an open-air museum and lots of traditional housing and buildings were moved to this beautiful spot in nature just outside of Oslo’s city center. We paid about € 16 per adult and kids until 17 are free. Entrance is also included in the Oslo Pass, so this could be a good deal if you are looking to visit more museums. The museum was very interactive and staff was dressed in traditional clothing and they explained a lot about the history. You could also participate in games and workshops, overall it was very kid-friendly. No need to book tickets in advance, we just showed up. 

Vippa foodhall

Vippa is located in an interesting part of town overlooking the harbor. If you are looking for affordable international food, it is a really good spot.

Salt

From Vippa we walked to Salt – Art & Music, a creative hub, featuring a bar and sauna area. Definitely a scenic spot for a drink or icecream. The sauna area is quite big and a pretty good deal, compared to smaller saunas in this area. You will find Licc icecream stands all over Oslo and we loved their icecream. We had Licc at the Opera building, at Salt and at the Norsk Folkemuseum.

Opera building

We continued our walk to the Opera building, which is free to climb and gives beautiful views over Oslo’s harbor. 

Munch museum

If you are looking for an even better view, you have to buy tickets to the Munch Museum. I do not love all of Munch’s art, but the museum was great and interactive. It provided a great insight into Munch’s art and him as a person. We were lucky with some great, colorful temporary exhibits. The Munch Museum is the most kid-friendly art museum that I have ever been to, they included little peeping holes and mice houses in some areas, so Hugo could enjoy those, while we admired the art. I highly recommend visiting this museum, even if you are not a fan of the art. 

Sørenga Sjøbad

This is a bathing area in the luxury borough Bjørvika. We visited during a heatwave and it seemed like all of Oslo was celebrating here. It is completely free, the vibes are great and the water wasn’t cold, definitely a highlight of our Oslo visit! There also is a sandy area which is very kid-friendly. 

Tjuvholmen/Aker Brygge

We visited this trendy area for Los Tacos restaurant, but it also is fun for wandering around and people watching. You can find upscale restaurants as well as fast casual ones, there should be something for every budget. At the waterfront you will also find small saunas which you can book on the spot. 

The Royal Palace

You can visit the gardens of the Royal Palace for free. It is a lovely spot, with beautiful landscaping and lots of flowers. 

Vigelandsparken

This is the famous sculpture park, that features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. I am not particularly interested in sculptures, but the park took me by surprise. Very impressive seeing all these strange sculptures grouped together. Again, great land scaping and very well maintained flowery borders and fountains. At the entrance to the park there is a large playground which is great for kids. It is free to visit, so you should not hesitate visiting.