Best time to visit Oslo

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Oslo

Best time of year to visit Oslo

There are two seasons that could claim to be the best time to visit Oslo: summer with its warm and long days and winter full of Chrismas mood and sports. June–July are perfect months to explore the city, chill in rooftop bars, and hunt for wild berries. Winter comes early to the city and brings Christmas foods, winter sports like skiing and ice skating, and some cold, so you might want to put a warm parka on. It gets warmer in late April–May, and besides a better weather, you will spot lots of red and blue colours on Norway's National Day and take dozens of pictures with school kids celebrating Russefeiring.

11 THINGS TO DO IN OSLO (DECEMBER 19 - DECEMBER 28)

Northern or Polar Lights

Northern or Polar Lights

late September–late March • nature

Aurora borealis lights up Norvegian skies only in the darkest nights

Oslo Christmas Markets

Oslo Christmas Markets

late October–early January  • event

Experience some Scandinavian holiday magic

Tobogganing in Korketrekkeren

Tobogganing in Korketrekkeren

December–March  • activity

The most popular toboggan run in Oslo will take you around ten minutes to go down the hill

Outdoor Ice Skating

Outdoor Ice Skating

November–early March • activity

Oslo is famous for its love for winter sports with ice skating being one of the locals' favourite

Aquavit

Aquavit

November–early January • food

The Norwegian "water of life" contains spices, herbs, and around 40% alcohol. It is a common Christmas drink always present during festivities

Pickled Herring

Pickled Herring

mid-December–late June • food

Herring pickled with onions, garlic, mustard, lingonberries, and other flavorings is a great Norwegian delight

Gløgg

Gløgg

November–early January • food

Not a single Norwegian Christmas party can do without warm spicy Gløgg, a local version of mulled wine

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-Country Skiing

December–March • activity

There are more than 2,600 km of cross-country ski trails around Oslo

Juleøl or Christmas Beer

Juleøl or Christmas Beer

November–early January • food

Long ago brewing Christmas beer was obligatory for all Norwegians and breaking this law was grounds for punishment

Christmas Desserts: Multekrem, Riskrem, Marzipan Christmas Pig

Christmas Desserts: Multekrem, Riskrem, Marzipan Christmas Pig

November–early January • food

Soft and creamy vanilla-flavored puddings topped with fruit preserves that melt in your mouth. These desserts are a must try during the holidays

Christmas Ham and Sausage

Christmas Ham and Sausage

November–early January • food

Succulent Christmas ham and a savory pork sausage is a highlight of Christmas cuisine all throughout Norway.

26 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Norway Cup

Norway Cup

out of rangeJuly 27-August 3, 2024 • event

The world's second largest football cup for young amateur teams

Cloudberry

Cloudberry

out of rangelate July–early August • food

Whoever dares to pick up unripe cloudberries risks to be punished by law for wasting precious Arctic Gold

Red Bull Ragnarok

Red Bull Ragnarok

on holdMarch 19–22, 2020 • event

The largest snowkiting competition in the world

Oslo Middelalderfestival

Oslo Middelalderfestival

out of rangeMay 31-June 2, 2024 • event

Dive into the Medieval atmosphere of the Folk festival

New Year's Eve in Oslo

New Year's Eve in Oslo

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Plan yourself a beautiful Scandinavian NYE

Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival

Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival

out of rangeSeptember 12-21, 2024 • event

Discover a piece of music you've never heard before—Ultima performers surprise even the most experienced concert-goers

Norway's National Day

Norway's National Day

out of rangeMay 17 • event

Norway celebrates its statehood through ceremonial parades. The biggest parade winds its way through the streets of Oslo

Island Hopping in the Oslo Fjord

Island Hopping in the Oslo Fjord

out of rangeMay–September • activity

It takes just a few minutes for a ferry to take you from the messy city centre to delightful peace and silence

Russefeiring

Russefeiring

out of rangemid-April–May 17 • event

The Russ are wearing red pants inside out and red caps with a string of knots celebrating graduation

Rooftop Bars

Rooftop Bars

out of rangeMay–September • activity

Visit local rooftop bars to chill out and view the best of Oslo panoramas

Inferno Festival

Inferno Festival

out of rangeMarch 28-31, 2024 • event

One of the biggest heavy metal festivals in Scandinavia

Kjeller Flydag

Kjeller Flydag

out of rangeJune 18, 2023 • event

See awe-inspiring aerobatics and aircraft exhibitions at the annual celebration near Oslo

Norwegian Lobster

Norwegian Lobster

out of rangeOctober–November • food

To preserve the stock of Norwegian lobsters for the future years the young and spawning crayfish goes back to the sea

Norwegian Wood Festival

Norwegian Wood Festival

overJune 14–16, 2018 • event

Everybody is welcome to enjoy three days of world and local music in an unusual venue

Bislett Games

Bislett Games

out of rangeMay 30, 2024 • event

Visit Oslo for an amazing athletic event!

Oslo Marathon

Oslo Marathon

out of rangeSeptember 16, 2023 • activity

The annual marathon attracts more than 16 thousand participants annually

Fårikål Season

Fårikål Season

out of rangeSeptember • food

Norwegian children are taught to cook traditional lamb and cabbage stew in elementary schools

Oslo Jazzfestival

Oslo Jazzfestival

out of rangeAugust 13–19, 2023 • event

A week-long marathon of jazz in the center of Oslo

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and Snowboarding

out of rangeearly January–early April • activity

Oslo is the ski capital of the world with skiing facilities so close to the city centre

TusenFryd Amusement Park

TusenFryd Amusement Park

out of rangeMay–October • activity

Swings and roller coasters of all kinds make it a heaven for both adult and young thrill seekers

Skrei Season

Skrei Season

out of rangeJanuary–April • food

The world's healthiest whitefish is abundant in the waters along the Norwegian coast during winter season

Halloween

Halloween

out of rangelate September–October • event

Learn everything about Oslo's spookiest spots

Lussekatt Buns

Lussekatt Buns

out of rangeDecember 6–December 13 • food

Lussekatt buns are typical saffron treats served on St. Lucia Day

Huk Beach Season

Huk Beach Season

out of rangeJune–August • activity

If you fancy to relax on the beach, it's possible in Oslo

Kingsland Oslo Horse Show

Kingsland Oslo Horse Show

out of rangeOctober 18-20, 2024 • event

The horse show marks the beginning of the World Cup in horse jumping

Frognerbadet Open-Air Public Bath

Frognerbadet Open-Air Public Bath

out of rangeJune–August • activity

One of the most famous open-air swimming pools, Frognerbadet, offers a lot of family activities

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