Oslo is at the heart of all things Nordic culture, nature and ambience. In 2022, an estimated 4 million cruise passengers visited the Norwegian coast, with Oslo Cruise Port an important gateway to the beauty that this country offers.
If you’re planning a Scandinavian cruise that stops in the cruise port of Oslo, we’ve got the perfect Oslo guide to help you make the most of your visit.
So, sit back, check out our Oslo guide and get ready to plan your next cruise holiday in this incredible destination.
Where do cruise ships dock in Oslo?
Before we talk about docking at Oslo cruise ship port, we have to mention the breathtaking landscape you will sail through to get there. Oslo Cruise Terminal is situated at the end of the spectacular Oslofjord. So, make sure you’re out on deck to take in this gorgeous natural wonder.
Part of the Skagerrak strait, which leads out to the Baltic Sea, Oslofjord is flanked by forested hills and charming islands before eventually merging into Oslo’s picturesque cityscape.
In the port of Oslo, cruise ship arrivals typically dock on the Akershus Fortress sides, where there are four piers: Sondre Akershus, Vippetangen, Revierkaia and Filipstad. At Akershus, you’ll find Oslo’s cruise terminal building. It is relatively small, with facilities including a coffee shop, tourist information, currency exchange, Wi-Fi, souvenir shops and taxis.
To find out where and when different cruise ships dock in Oslo, you can take a look at Oslo cruise port schedules that are easily accessible online. However, although it’s handy to know where your ship will dock, if you look at Oslo’s cruise port map, you’ll see all of Oslo’s cruise terminal piers are pretty close together and within easy reach of the city centre, so there’s no need to worry!
How to get to Oslo from the cruise port
One of the great things about docking at Oslo Cruise Port is that it is so easy to get around and see the city’s main attractions.
You can walk from Oslo Cruise Port to the city centre to explore places of interest in around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can stroll along Oslo’s picturesque Harbour Promenade, which takes in several of the city’s hotspots.
While the distance from Oslo Cruise Port to the city centre is short, plenty of public transport options are also available. There are sightseeing buses that stop at Akershus Cruise Terminal, as well as taxis offering guided excursions. Another great way to get around Oslo is via the tram system, particularly if you want to visit attractions towards the city’s outskirts.
What to do in Oslo Cruise Port
If you’re wondering what to expect at Oslo Cruise Port when your ship arrives, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of things to see and do nearby.
Below, we share our five favourite things to do in Oslo on port days:
Explore the Norwegian Folk Museum
Situated on the Bygdøy Peninsula, approximately 3 km west of the city centre, the Norwegian Folk Museum is an open-air museum that offers a glimpse into traditional Norwegian life from the year 1500 until the present day.
You can wander through its 160 well-preserved historic buildings, farmhouses, and cultural displays to get a sense of the country’s past. Then inside, you’ll find exhibits showcasing Norwegian folk costumes, art and Sami culture.
Learn about Polar Explorations at the Fram Museum
This museum, also on the Bygdøy Peninsula, is dedicated to the exploration of the Polar Regions. It houses the Fram, a famous wooden ship used by Norwegian polar explorers.
In the museum, you’ll learn all about the adventurous journeys undertaken by the brave explorers. You can also enjoy a northern lights show and discover more about the current environmental issues facing the North Pole.
Stroll along Oslo’s harbour promenade
If you’re visiting between May and August, when Oslo’s weather is mild, one of the best activities by Oslo Cruise Port is simply strolling along its harbour promenade.
Oslo’s harbour recently underwent a significant renovation. Now, it stretches for almost 10km, with pedestrian-friendly walkways and regular large orange information towers decorated with art guiding your route.
You can discover the old and new parts of the city, such as the modern district of Sørenga, which offers views of the fjord and kayaking opportunities, Bjørvika, which hosts some of the city’s infamous architecture, including the Oslo Opera House and Deichman Library, and Tjuvholmen, where you’ll find the Akershus Fortress and Castle.
Visit the Oslo Opera House
And while we’re mentioning the Opera House, a visit here is also one of the best activities by Oslo Cruise Port. Even if you’re not attending a performance, it’s worth seeing to admire its contemporary architecture and take in the stunning views of the city and Oslofjord.
Wander through Vigeland Park
Another fantastic place to visit when looking for what to do in Oslo on port days is Vigeland Park.
It is a little further out of the city and about 5 km from Oslo Cruise Port. However, as one of Oslo’s most famous attractions and the world’s largest sculpture park that a single artist (Gustav Vigeland) has created, it is certainly worth the journey.
Vigeland Park is located in the Frogner neighbourhood and is a beautiful and serene place to take a leisurely wander and enjoy the art dotted amidst the natural landscape.
It features over 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures depicting various human emotions and life stages. The most iconic sculpture is the monolith, a 46-foot-tall column carved from a single granite block portraying 121 intertwined human figures.
With its captivating natural landscapes, fascinating attractions and modern, buzzing vibe, Oslo is an enchanting city to visit. And with so much to see and do near Oslo Cruise Port, you’ll be sure to have a memorable time when your cruise ship stops here.
To learn more about cruise holidays that include a stop in Oslo, please get in contact with our cruise specialists.
