There’s a lot of things to do in Oslo, Norway in 48 hours but most probably you’ve only heard of the usual must see must do things time and again.
That’s about to change because I’m sharing my perfect days here if you only have 48 hours!
Take a seat, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and let’s do it!
What's Covered in This Article
Where to Stay in Oslo, Norway
If you prefer to keep everything pretty central when you travel, and don’t mind splurging on a lavish hotel room with the most stunning views of Oslo, then stay at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Oslo.
Please CLICK HERE for a full hotel review of my stay at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel in Oslo..
DAY 1
Morning
Go Tobogganing at Korketrekkeren
In the winter time, both amateur and veteran skiiers flock to this Scandinavian city to partake of the various winter sports.
Take it from me, a girl from #MagicalKenya, right in the heart of the tropics.
For the adventure thrill seeker, tobogganing – aka sledging is the absolute top must do activity in Oslo during winter.
I had never tobogganed in my life but I had so much fun at Korketrekkeren. Before then, I hadn’t laughed so much and so hard in a long long while. Talk of childhood nostalgia.
This first run starts at Frognerseteren is about 2 KM long in total, and lands you at the Midtsteun stop after about 10 minutes if going non stop.
You then get on to the metro – remember to carry your sled – and back up several stops to Frognestereren and start sledding again.
The metro ride back up takes about 15 minutes. Rinse. Repeat.
The other option is to return your sled at the bottom of the hill for a fee of 25 NOK if you don’t want to take the metro back up to Frognerseteren.
How to get to Korketrekkeren from central Oslo
To get to Korketrekkeren from the city center, take the subway line 1 and alight at Frogneseteren which is the last station.
Grab a window seat and prepare yourself for the great scenic metro journey from the city centre up to the top of the mountains. It takes about 20 minutes or so.
If you already have your gear, just walk down 30 meters ahead and start your ride.
If you don’t have sled gear, keep walking to the right of the start of the course, some 100 M downhill to the Skiservice rental shop.
The shop is located across the street from Frognerseteren Café.
Sled and helmet rental costs 150 NOK per person per adult per day, 115 NOK per child per day, and 325 NOK per family.
Afternoon
Lunch at Frognersetern Restaurant og Kafe
After some fun time tobogganing, head over to Frognersetern Restaurant og Kafe for a delicious lunch of classic Norwegian cuisine.
I must warn you in advance though, it’s not cheap.
Hallo, this is Norway.
And if you’re a hog like myself, the portions are a little on the smaller side.
The restaurant building itself has a magnificent ambiance and a great rustic feel to it.
Spend some time after your meal to take in the stunning panoramic views Oslo City and the fjord from atop Hollenkollen.
Travel Tip:
The warm sour-cream porridge/custard is a must-try.
Do not stir in the cinnamon.
Just scoop it with the rest of the porridge and keep sprinkling more of it as you go along.
You’re now ready for an afternoon of skiing.
Go skiing at oslo vinterpark
There are plenty of skiing locations but my favorite is the Oslo Vinterpark, just about 20 minutes outside Oslo central.
It is a perfect spot with a fun range of downhill and cross-country pistes and toboggan runs.
If you don’t have your own gear, head over to Toppsenteret service centre in Oslo Winter Park, next to the upper parking lot. Here you can rent ski and snowboard equipment as well as clothing.
A pair of cross-country skis, boots, and ski rods costs about 1,000 NOK per person per day – this includes use of the numerous lifts.
If you’re a novice like myself, consider booking a private lesson with one of the trainers from the rental shop.
Then hop on the elevator and have yourself some fun.
Head back down to Frogneseteren and take the metro back to central Oslo.
How to get to Oslo Vinterpark from central Oslo
You can access the Vinterpark either by the Tryvann Tower on top of Holmenkollen or by Wyller and Sørkedalen. Tryvann and also from Bogstad by bus or private car if driving.
- To access it via Tryvann, hop on the subway line number 1 towards Frognersetern. Exit at the Voksenkollen stop and just follow the signs or take the shuttle bus which is often waits at the subway stop. This is where the green and blue slopes (best suited for novices) are located.
- To access Vinterpark via Wyller, take the #2 subway from downtown to Røa. From Røa take the bus #41 which goes direct to Wyller. This bus stops at the resort. Wyller is for expert skiers. If you’re a novice and find yourself here, take the ski lift which takes you to the appropriate slopes at Tryvann.
Travel Tips:
- Preorder a 48 hours Oslo City pass for 595 NOK (≈ 63 EUR) which gives you unlimited access to public transport and other tourist sites such as museums, parks, etc. This will also save you from unnecessary boring walks at the end of each sled course!
- Dress warmly as it gets pretty cold up in the mountains. I was there in mid-February and we were ranging around -10 degrees centigrade. I recommend warm waterproof boots, pants, jacket, gloves, and hood.
- Carry some bites and a hot drink if you want to save on expensive food.
EVENING
Dinner at 34 Restaurant
If you’re a big eater though, kindly note that the portions at 34 Restaurant are pretty small.
And if you’re a non-alcoholic drinker, fret not.
The tapster will whip you some great virgin mocktails.
or
Dinner at Smalhans
If you’re looking for a sociable dining experience with a Norwegian vibe, then make a point of visiting Smalhans.
We had the nine course Krøsus dinner meal. For dessert we had fried ice cream and cake.
I don’t remember much of anything else that what was served but here it is in pictures.
I don’t think it even matters though, as the Smalhans menu changes every week.
But think unique twists to cured meats, salads, and cheese.
Plus, of course a selection of the recommended house wine to top it.
I had water as I didn’t see any other drink alternatives.
The young waiter was very knowledgeable and she brought in the food, she explained to us exactly what was on the plate.
With a very big smile on her face.
The food came in different small portions to share.
The selection we had was suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Overall, it was a great experience to taste so many different Nordic dishes in one seating.
Took us a combined 2.5 hours I think to complete the 9 courses.
Day 2
After so much activity yesterday, today we’re going to take things a little slow.
Morning
Check out the cool street art scene in Oslo
Okay, I get it.
Oslo may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think street art.
But a leisurely stroll down the neighborhoods of Grünerløkka and Tøyen, as well as the streets of Oslo city center could find you enjoying the numerous murals and graffiti that often adorn entire walls with color and life.
VisitOSLO’s curated selection of the city’s best urban art complete with location details, artist name and year, has made finding street art in Oslo a breeze for both completes and street art enthusiasts.
Wander the streets of Oslo
You can also just wander on the streets to see beautiful Norwegian architecture, snow covered alleys, or just people watch.
If you still have some time left, take a walk down Paleet, Oslo and explore what different Norwegian fashion brands have to offer the world.
EVENING
Take a refreshing ice bath in the inner Oslo Fjord
Taking an ice bath in the salty, refreshing sub-zero temperature waters of the Northern Atlantic; in between 100°C heating sessions in a cabin-like floating sauna is the thing of dreams.
I can’t think of a more unique way of experiencing the views of the fjord and the Opera at the same time.
I’m talking about the KOK sauna by the Oslo fjord pier.
Did you know you can rent the floating sauna all for yourself?
Yes, that’s right.
We had the sauna all to ourselves and the chance to be the envy of onlookers – for a moment at least!
That the sauna is heated by a wood burning oven, and run using a solar powered engine makes it ideal for the eco-conscious adventure seeker.
Dinner at Ekebergrestauranten
Ekebergrestauranten is located in a park on a hillside with a view overlooking the inner Oslo fjord, the city and the Oslo Opera house.
Just before getting into the hotel, take a moment to savor the stunning views.
I was visiting in the winter and enjoyed a wonderful 4-course dinner with wine package at the Fine Dining Veranda upstairs.
Again, this is Oslo.
So the prices are pretty steep.
Expect to be set a back 540 NOK per person for a 3 course meal and wine package (starter, soup, main course).
As we had reserved in advance, we were shown our table as soon as we arrived.
Our evening started with several rounds of champagne and some replacement for me – the non-alcohol consumer – as we waited for our food to be prepared.
As he presented the different courses, the waiter talked us through each wine and dish as he served it.
For the starter there was a with a special fish soup (fish, shellfish, vegetables and herbs) served with dinner rolls and butter.
For the main course, I had a vegetarian dish while others in the group had grilled beef with a selection of veggies.
For dessert we all had a decadent melt-in-the-mouth rich chocolate mousse served with a bright raspberry sorbet, two different sauces, cherries and a black currant.
In between there was several rounds of wine.
The Rose wine was most people’s favorite.
How to get to Ekebergrestauranten from central oslo
From Oslo Central Station, take the blue tram. 18 or 19 to Ljan, which leaves every ten minutes.
After about 7-10 minuets, alight at Ekebergparken stop (formerly Sjømannsskolen) and just walk through the steep park up to the Restaurant.
Travel tip:
- Visit Ekebergrestauranten during the day and combine your visit with a walk in the lovely Ekebergparken park. Ekebergparken is home to a great collection of sculptures and installations.
- Reserve a table in advance to avoid disappointment.
Head back down to Ekebergparken stop and take the metro back to central Oslo.
Have a good night’s rest.
These are a few activities that I would plan if I only had 48 hours in Oslo, Norway.
I hope this helps your plan your next or first trip to Oslo!
