![1 Day In Oslo [Itinerary]](https://oslowalkingtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-Day-in-Oslo-Itinerary-1.jpg)
When you’re planning your trip to Oslo, you probably see yourself visitng in summer. After all, that’s when most people do! And then in the winter, you think you’d have to contend with people traveling for the holidays. But in our opinion, visting Oslo in Novermber is a great idea!
In this article we’ll explain why we thinking November is a great time to see the Norwegian Capital. Hint: it’s a great time to take advantage of the crowd-free city and Oslo’s vibrant nightlife. Let’s have a look at how to plan your trip to Oslo in November accordingly.
November is not the most popular time to travel to Norway. As the temperatures are getting lower and the daylight is getting shorter, there are fewer and fewer travelers willing to go north. In this article, however, we will show you the perks of traveling to Oslo in November, and exciting seasonal things to do in the city!
Oslo in November is usually quite cold, with temperatures ranging from -2°C to 2°C, with precipitation in the form of rain or snow. And even though it is a dark and rainy month, you can take advantage of the crowd-free museums and art galleries. If you prefer to travel somewhere off-season and aren’t scared of the nasty weather, then you may consider visiting Oslo in November.
Once you have made up your mind about traveling to Oslo in November, you should pack appropriate clothing. As we have just mentioned above, the temperatures at this time are around -2°C, and the precipitation is abundant. And if you are wondering about what to wear in Oslo in November, here’s what we recommend you pack in your suitcase:
We wouldn’t say that it gets way too cold in Oslo in November, but that may be the opinion of somebody accustomed to living in the nordics! So, if you get cold easily, pack proper winter clothing. If you find your layers lacking when you get here, you can also take advantage of Norway’s tradition of quality wool clothing, and buy a few fashionable layers as a long lasting souvenier!
Even though the Norwegian capital isn’t a popular destination in November, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Oslo in November. In this part of our article, we will focus on the great things you can do once you find yourself in the Norwegian capital this month.
If you are visiting Oslo in November, one of the best things to do is catch the Fjord Oslo Light Festival. Every year in November, Aker Brygge turns into a spectacular light scene for four days straight! Fjord Oslo is an amazing light show presented by carefully selected and world renowned artists, offering an incredible experience open to all.
These light shows are not just a beautiful experience pleasant to the eyes; they touch on important and urgent subjects, and invite the audience to important discussions. The show includes various forms of light art – from intimate installations to projections onto landmark buildings. Fjord Oslo offers a truly fabulous experience for everybody visiting Oslo in November.
If you are planning to make a trip to Oslo in late October or early November, you can visit Oslo World, one of the leading music festivals in Europe. This music festival has been held annually in Oslo since 1994 and substantially grew in size through these years. This event celebrates music and diversity by shining a spotlight on performers from Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
At the festival, you can listen to performances across a wide range of genres – from traditional folk to contemporary fusion and everything in between. Concerts and venues take place in significant parts of Oslo, sometimes even in historical landmarks, making it an unforgettable experience.
All in all, attending this music festival is one of the best things to do in Oslo in November. If you have made up your mind about coming to Oslo World, bear in mind that you must buy the tickets well in advance as they sell out fast!
During the later part of November, the Norwegian capital slowly takes on a more festive look. As Christmas time approaches, decorations and Christmas markets start popping up all around the city. And if you are traveling to Oslo in late November, it’s a perfect time to enjoy this festive atmosphere.
One of the things you must absolutely do in Oslo is visit its vibrant Christmas markets, where you can buy souvenirs and crafts for your family and friends, taste delicious food, and drink warming spirits. As you stroll through the market, make sure to try grilled reindeer sausages, pinnekjøtt (dried lamb ribs), and, of course, gløgg (warm, spiced wine). The Christmas market in Spikersuppa, located right in the heart of Oslo, offers you the core foods and crafts of Norwegian Christmas.
To make this Christmas experience in Oslo even more exciting, join our exciting Discover Christmas Spirit in Oslo tour!
November in Oslo is the time when it usually starts snowing there. And as Christmas markets start popping up around the city, many of them feature ice-skating rinks – an activity beloved by many locals and travelers. One of the ice-skating rinks is located straight in the city center – at the Spikersuppa Christas market mentioned above.
Don’t miss a chance to go for a lengthy walk (unless you are afraid of the cold) and enjoy the beauty of the Norwegian capital being blanketed in glittering snow. If you are lucky enough and there’s plenty of snow at this time, you can even rent skies and go skiing from Frognerseteren metro station all the way to the city, just like the locals do. If there’s not enough snow on the ground you can always go to SNØ oslo, and get in some indoor snow sports! All in all, if you visit Oslo in November, make sure to embrace its beauty – even if it’s off-season.
If the Christmas atmosphere isn’t for you, you can set out on a completely different urban adventure. Join our Oslo’s Myths Walking Tour, which runs through all of November. Let us reveal a darker, grimmer side of Oslo. On this walking tour, you will learn about fascinating tales and mysterious stories backed up by historical evidence.
As you begin your walking tour from City Hall, you will delve into the hidden side of Oslo, learning about the Vikings’ beliefs, Norway’s treasured legends about witches and ghosts, and superstitions still held by the locals to this day. This is our bestselling tour that often gets sold out. And, in our opinion, there is no better time to join it than on long, dark, damp days in November – the atmosphere calls for it!
When you are thinking about how to spend November in Oslo, you must definitely add more indoor experiences. Attending a performance at the iconic Oslo Opera House is one of the things we consider a must-do!
Apart from holding a variety of classic and contemporary operas, the Oslo Opera House is also a popular venue for music concerts – especially among rock and metal bands. The building’s amazing acoustics make it a beloved venue for many famous bands, including the renowned Norwegian metal band Satyricon. So, if you are looking for a good place to spend the evening on a dark, rainy day in Oslo in November, catching an opera or a music performance at the Oslo Opera House is a great idea!
Be like a Norwegian on your visit to Oslo in November. And one of the things that Norwegians love to do during any season is go to the sauna! Get rid of your stress and enjoy this rejuvenating experience at traditional saunas with temperatures around 80-100 °C and dry heat. And if you are brave enough, you can plunge into the cold water of the fjord after!
There are plenty of sauna facilities in Oslo, both separate establishments and saunas on the hotel premises. If you want to go to a public sauna, SALT Sauna by the Oslofjord is the most popular choice among both locals and visitors. Alternatively, you can rent a private sauna – a perfect choice for special occasions or group gatherings. Overall, relaxing in a sauna is definitely among the best things to do in Oslo in November.
Even though summer is the best season for taking a fjord cruise from Oslo, the fjords are ethereally beautiful in November. It’s one of the experiences you must absolutely try in Oslo – especially if you happen to visit the Norwegian capital or Norway in general for the first time.
There are many different Oslofjord cruise options, so be assured that you will fin the perfect trip for your needs. For example, you can book a trip on an electric catamaran or combine the fjord cruise with a 3-course dinner with sunset. So, don’t hesitate to plan your fjord adventure well in advance!
As we mentioned above, you should definitely add more indoor experiences during your visit to Oslo in November. One thing you should definitely consider is visiting the art museums in Oslo. When it comes to museums, the Norwegian capital is one of the most exciting destinations in the Nordic countries.
There are three outstanding art museums in Oslo (you can learn about them in detail in our travel guide to Oslo). The National Museum is the largest museum in the nordic countries, exhibiting more than 6,500 works. Among them are the masterpieces of Norwegian artists Edvard Munch, Christian Krohg, and Harriet Backer, as well as artistic geniuses like Picasso, Rembrandt, and Matisse.
Another outstanding cultural institution in Oslo is MUNCH, a museum that was recently reopened in a purpose-built tower near the Oslo Opera House. Dedicated to the renowned Norwegian artist, this huge museum also exhibits one of the two “The Scream” works.
If you are into contemporary art, head to Tjuvholmen and visit the Astrup Fearnley Museum. Here, the art is often extraordinary, shocking, and modern. Visiting this art gallery will certainly not leave you unimpressed. All in all, we really recommend setting out on a museum-hopping trip in the Norwegian capital!
Did you know that Oslo is host to three open-air sculpture parks?
Vigeland Park is not only the most famous sculpture park in Oslo, but is also one of the most popular attractions in the country, drawing in over a million visitors every year. Even though the weather is not ideal in Oslo in November, strolling around this park and appreciating Gustav Vigeland’s outstanding work is a must.
Ekeberg Park is located in the eastern part of the city and exhibits a diverse collection of sculptures by contemporary artists. In addition, this park offers spectacular views of the city and Oslofjord.
Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park represents a small collection of contemporary sculptures by the waterfront near Astrup Fearnley Museum. If you decide to visit the art gallery, don’t miss out on viewing the sculptures outdoors.
Overall, strolling in the city’s fascinating sculpture parks is among the best things to do in Oslo in November.
No matter when you make a trip to Oslo, you should try classic Norwegian dishes. Lutefisk, dried cod soaked in rye, is a unique traditional Christmas dish. Don’t get it wrong: Norwegians eat it all year round, but this dish is present at every Norwegian’s Christmas table.
Kjøttkaker are flavorful meatballs and a popular Norwegian comfort food, which usually come with potatoes, gravy, and lingonberry sauce. Regarding the meat dishes, you should try the reindeer and elk meats, which you can usually find in hearty Norwegian stews. Or go for the famous reindeer sausages! After all, don’t miss trying the delicious caramelized cheese called brunost. Of course, you can’t forget about salmon!
We’ve barely grazed the surface of what Norwegian cuisine has to offer, so be sure to explore!
If you are staying for more than two days in Oslo in November, you may opt to take a day trip. There are two ideal towns for such a trip. The first one is Drøbak, a charming coastal town that is also known as Norway’s “Christmas Town.” Located within a 45-minute drive from Oslo, Drøbak is home to Tregaarden’s Julehus, the Christmas House that features festive decorations, ornaments, and gifts. What would be a better time to visit than November?
The other choice for a day trip from Oslo would be Fredrikstad, an old Norwegian military town. It’s the best-preserved military town in Northern Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your trip to Fredrikstad, stroll through the cobbled streets of Gamlebyen (the old town) and appreciate the charming buildings that once were used to accommodate and service the military garrison. And you can finish this visit with a trip to the Norwegian-Swedish border at the the Svinesund Bridge that separates the two countries.
Overall, making a day trip from Oslo is definitely among the best things to do in Oslo in November. Even though there are more destinations that you can pick from, these two towns are the best destinations for this season.
Everybody knows that hygge is a Danish term used to describe the feeling of a warm and cozy environment. But the reality is that there has been a spat between the Danes and the Norwegians for a long time. Long story short: both nations claim hygge or koselig to be their invention.
Regardless of who gets the crown, the truth is that the Norwegians love the coziness no less than the Danes. The only difference is that the Norwegians love to spend more time in nature – even in winter. So, during your visit to Oslo in November, make sure to find a cozy place, likeone of Oslo’s many cafés, and enjoy reading a book while drinking a warm beverage (we mean coffee or tea, but you can also enjoy some mulled wine!).
Here are the things you need to create the koselig atmosphere where you’re staying:
We hope that this article has convinced you that visiting Oslo in November is a great idea. You may need to deal with a little bit of chilly weather, but you’ll get to see the city as the locals do – without all of the tourists, and with all of it’s seasonal charm!
