What is summer like in the Oslo region?

Summer in the Oslo region is characterized by extended daylight hours, transforming it into a lively hub of cultural and social events, making it an ideal destination for summer adventures.

The weather during the summer can change quickly. On some days, temperatures can rise above 25°C, providing perfect conditions for swimming and enjoying the beaches. On other days, temperatures may be below 25°C, which is still ideal for exploring the city, hiking in the surrounding forests, and visiting museums. However, it's essential to be prepared for occasional rain showers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Packing a light rain jacket or umbrella will ensure that a sudden downpour won't dampen your plans. Always check the Norwegian weather forecasting application and website Yr.no to stay current. Fun fact: "yr" means drizzle in Norwegian!

We've curated the top summer recommendations to experience the Oslo region through art, history, and nature, while also ensuring you have fun with nightlife and concerts. Get ready to immerse yourself in the best that the Oslo region has to offer!

Trips Around the Oslo Region

Even if you are staying in Oslo, these places are close by and easily accessible by public transport for day trips or weekend getaways. Include these locations in your summer itinerary for fun and exciting adventures!

Horten and Åsgårdstrand

Preus Museum and Edvard Munch’s House

Discover the history of photography at the Preus Museum in Horten. This summer, don’t miss the documentary photography exhibition Norwegian Journal of Photography, running from March 9, 2024, to December 31, 2024, from 11:00 to 15:00.

While in Horten, be sure to visit Åsgårdstrand and explore Edvard Munch’s house and studio. Did you know that the famous Munch’s painting, The Girls on the Bridge, depicts Åsgårdstrand? The town was an inspiration to him, so if you want to relive his works and follow in Munch's footsteps, take a guided tour. The museum offers guided tours of Munch’s house and surrounding areas that inspired many of his masterpieces.

From August 16 to August 18, you can take the guided tour Toward the Forest, which is part of Midgardsblot festival and is organized by Midgard Viking Centre in Horten. This 3,7 km walk features stories about Munch’s life and includes a walk through the forest.

Viking Heritage and Midgardsblot festival

In August, if you are a fan of Viking history and metal music, enjoy the Midgardsblot festival. It features concerts, workshops, and seminars held by scholars on Viking history, culture, and music. The festival runs from August 14 to August 17.

If you are interested in Viking times, make sure to visit the Midgard Viking Centre at Borre. In addition to exhibitions, you can see Gildehallen, the Viking Feast Hall, reconstructed based on research and findings to showcase Viking age architecture. The center is located near Viking burial mounds dating back to 600 AD. The archaeological site is part of Borre National Park, allowing you to enjoy the landscapes while learning about this significant historical site.

Coastal trails

If you are a bike enthusiast, Horten offers incredible bicycle trails that take you through historical Viking areas, forests, and along the coastline. You can bike along the coastline from Horten to Åsgårdstrand, or you can hike this 13 km coastline route. Check out the Visit Vestfold website to find the best hiking and cycling trails.

Fredrikstad and Halden

Explore 17th-Century History at Fredriksten and Fredrikstad Fortresses

In the middle of Fredrikstad is the fortified town Gamlebyen (The Old Town), which includes shops, museums, and well-preserved Renaissance architecture. Walk along the cobbled streets and pass wooden buildings that are exemplary of Norwegian building practices. You can see the Gothic and Renaissance Fredrikstad Cathedral, as well as military buildings from that period, such as the Kongsten Fort, which is just outside Gamlebyen and played a crucial part in the town's defense strategy in the late 17th century.

Fredriksten fortress in Halden holds a significant place in Norwegian military history. Built in the 17th century, it is renowned for its successful resistance against Swedish forces. During the Great Northern War, King Carl XII or Karl XII of Sweden laid siege to the fortress. However, in 1718, the king was mysteriously murdered. This event marked the end of Swedish attempts to conquer Norway. The fortress offers breathtaking views of the fjord, and to learn about the history of Fredriksten and King Karl XII, visit the Halden museum inside the fortress.

Glommafestivalen in Fredrikstad

Glommafestivalen takes place from July 11 to July 13, across various locations along the Glomma river. Check out the locations here! The Glomma River, Norway’s longest river, flows right through Fredrikstad. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Fredrikstad during the festival and witness how the city transforms into a hub of music and festivities.

Haldenkanalen activities

Haldenkanalen is renowned for its locks. The Brekke Locks are famous for being the highest in Europe, with a total lift height of 26.6 meters. The Ørje Locks are notable for their historical significance and purpose, originally built for transporting timber, with a total lift height of 10 meters. Explore the canal by guided boat trips, or rent a canoe or a kayak. You can hike along the canal or ride a bike. Check out the official website for more information.

For adventure seekers, the Via Ferrata at Brekke Locks is a must-visit. It features Europe's longest suspension bridge in Via Ferrata, spanning 124.3 meters and standing 15 meters above the Haldenkanalen. This adventure spot also includes an exhilarating climbing trail and a thrilling zipline. Read more about Brekke locks and Via Ferrata Haldenkanalen here!

Ringerike and Hadeland

Drop-in tours in English at the Kistefos Museum

The famous Twist—a bridge, gallery, and sculpture—is part of the Kistefos Museum in Ringerike. The museum exhibits contemporary art and uniquely combines visual and contemporary pieces with both industrial heritage, such as the Kistefos Wood Pulp Mill, and the surrounding forest.

From July 1 to August 4, you can join a drop-in guided tour at Kistefos Museum called Best of Kistefos, which is offered in English. This is a great opportunity to learn about Kistefos exhibitions, its history, and discover the fascinating sculptures. Check out their website for opening times and directions from Oslo!

Mining safari in Hadeland

Discover Hadeland’s rich mining tradition and history by visiting the mining museum, which offers guided tours of the mines. The museum is open only in the summer, and there might still be ice inside—how cool is that? For English information, click here. To book a tour and see images of the mine and what to expect, visit the museum’s official website.

Lego exhibition comes to Hadeland Glassverk

This year, the Lego exhibition Art of the Brick arrives at Hadeland Glassverk from May 11 to September 15. The exhibition features over 100 sculptures made from more than a million Lego bricks. Some of the sculptures recreate masterpieces such as Edvard Munch’s The Scream, Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

Hadeland Glassverk is the oldest glasswork manufacturer in Norway. Here, you can see glassblowing techniques, explore historical designs, and even shop their handcrafted glasswork.

Spending summer in Oslo?

Oslo offers a variety of activities and attractions, ensuring there's plenty to do around the city. Take a stroll through Ekebergparken, which blends history, nature, and art. During your walk, you will encounter sculptures from famous artists and enjoy panoramic views of the Oslofjord and the city. Walk on the roof of the Opera House and visit the Munch Museum for incredible exhibitions; don’t miss the top floor for breathtaking views of the fjord and the city. Additionally, enjoy Oslo's public beaches and take a refreshing swim in the fjord. Be sure to check the opening hours of Oslo’s museums. We have highlighted some attractions and events for this summer that you might want to add to your summer plans.

Gustav Vigeland’s apartment, temporary exhibitions at the National Museum and Holmenkollen Museum

From June 7 to September 15, visit Gustav Vigeland’s house, where public tours are available in English. You can check them out here. In 1921, the Oslo municipality built a studio and museum for Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943), providing him with a 300-square-meter apartment in the same building. While most people know him for his statues and the Vigeland park, he also designed the interior of his apartment, including the furniture.

The National Museum in Oslo, or Nasjonalmuseet, is located in the vibrant area of Aker Brygge. Overlooking the Oslo fjord, its design complements the nearby City Hall and Akershus Fortress. The museum boasts a vast collection of paintings, costumes, statues, and furniture. Given the extensive exhibits, visitors might want to take a break at the café, which offers a view of the sea, or head to the rooftop to enjoy the scenic panorama. This summer, in addition to the permanent collection, be sure to catch temporary exhibitions such as Mark Rothko: Paintings on Paper, Britta Marakatt-Labba: Moving the Needle, Anna-Eva Bergman: Becoming Anna-Eva Bergman, and Kandinsky: Into the Unknown.

A staple of Oslo is the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, visible from various parts of the city. When visiting the Holmenkollen Museum, be sure to go to the top for a stunning view of the Oslo fjord. In the summer, you can even go ziplining down the ski jump—how exciting!

Embrace friluftsliv

Did you know that Norwegians have a term for enjoying the outdoors – friluftsliv? This term literally translates to open-air life and encompasses the Norwegian culture of appreciating and spending time outdoors.

Oslo is surrounded by Marka, or Oslomarka, a forest area that is easily accessible by public transport. It offers a range of trails from easy to challenging, and in the summer, you can also swim in the lakes, climb, or go mushroom hunting. On certain days, there is Soppkontroll (mushroom control), where experts set up stands in the forest to help people identify their finds. Since some mushrooms are poisonous and can look similar to edible ones, it's crucial to have them checked by experts. Check the calendar for Soppkontroll dates to ensure your mushrooms are safe!

Plan your hike in advance to ensure you don't miss out on the cabins and cafes in Marka that offer refreshments and pastries. Consult the Oslo Kommune information available in English, and explore the routes and advice provided by The Norwegian Trekking Association, or Den Norske Turistforening (DNT). DNT offers affordable cabins for overnight stays and organizes hiking tours.

If you're in the city, go island hopping and explore the Oslo fjord. You can easily visit the islands using public transport ferries that depart from Aker Brygge. Discover the military history, and monastery ruins dating back to the Middle Ages at Hovedøya, go camping at Langøyene, or see the protected flora and fauna at Lindøya. During the summer, be aware that lighting fires is prohibited and allowed only at designated campfire sites. Camping is restricted to certain areas and time limits. Make sure to check the information and rules, and read more in-depth about island hopping in Oslo.

Festivals and shows

Every August, Øyafestivalen is held in Tøyenparken, featuring big-name musicians and multiple stages. The festival runs from August 6 to August 10. Experience Norwegian festival culture, including delicious festival food and the unique atmosphere of a city-based festival. Following Øyafestivalen, the Oslo Jazz Festival takes place from August 11 to August 17, with performances at various venues across Oslo. Be sure to check out the program for details.

With a view of the famous Opera House and Munch Museum, Salt offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy good music, jump in the sauna, or simply relax. This July, Salt hosts a series of concerts named Bysommer (City Summer). Enjoy a drink with a view and great music, or catch a stand-up show in English, held four days a week throughout the summer. Follow Salt’s program to stay up to date with the English Stand Up Summer Takeover.