Things to do in Oslo when it rains

Things to Do in Oslo When It Rains: A Guide to Indoor (and Outdoor) Experiences Oslo is a fantastic city to explore on foot, but Norway's Nordic coastal climate offers its fair share of rainy days every week. Fortunately, the city's vibrant cultural scene and activities don't stop even when the skies open. 

Norwegian version: Ting å gjøre i Oslo når det regner

Here's the ultimate guide to what to do in Oslo when the weather requires you to stay indoors. 

5 most popular things to do in Oslo when it rains: 

• Indoor museums 
• Spas and baths 
• Dining experiences and cafes 
• Deichmann Bjørvika 
• Indoor activities 

Here's more information on these activities: 

# Culture boost at Oslo's world-renowned museums 

Rainy days provide the perfect excuse to spend a few hours at one of Oslo's many museum treasures. The city has undergone a huge cultural boost in recent decades, and several of the newer buildings are architectural experiences in themselves. 

MUNCH in Bjørvika: The spectacular MUNCH Museum houses the world's largest collection of Edvard Munch's art. With 13 floors, you can easily spend an entire morning here. Take the elevator up to the top floor for a coffee or a drink, while watching the rain fog the Oslofjord. 

The National Museum: The largest art museum in the Nordic region is located right next to Aker Brygge. Here you can wander through everything from ancient sculptures and historical design treasures to iconic paintings such as the Scream and The Bridal Veil in Hardanger. 

The Fram Museum and Kon-Tiki on Bygdøy: Take the bus or boat over to Bygdøy and immerse yourself in Norwegian polar and exploration history. At the Fram Museum, you can board the world's strongest three-masted polar expedition ship, the Fram, while the storm rages virtually around you. 

# Treat yourself to luxury and warmth with an indoor spa and bath 

What could be better when it's cold and wet outside than sinking your shoulders into a warm steam bath or whirlpool? Classic saunas by the fjord: Although the saunas along the harbor basin (like KOK and SALT) are outdoors, the warm sauna cabins provide perfect shelter from the rain. Jumping into the cold fjord while the rain splashes around you – and then running straight into the scorching sauna – is a magical Norwegian experience. The Well: Located just outside the city center (with easy bus access), it is the largest spa and experience center in the Nordics. With its many pools, sauna rituals and relaxation rooms, this is the ultimate retreat for a rainy day. 

# Unique activities and indoor fun 

If you want a little more action and social excitement without getting wet, Oslo has a wide range of informal indoor activity centers. Activity bars: Take your friends or family to Duckpin in Torggata for mini-bowling, Oslo Camping for indoor mini-golf in a retro setting, or O'Learys for darts and arcade games. Paradox Museum: This interactive museum right by Karl Johan offers optical illusions, rooms that turn everything upside down and fun photo opportunities – a huge hit for both adults and children. Climbing and bouldering: Visit Oslo Klatresenter at Skullerud or one of Klatreverkstedet's branches to challenge yourself on high walls or bouldering. 

# Explore Oslo's indoor food scene and cafes 

When the rain is pouring down, there's nothing like sitting indoors in a cozy atmosphere with a piping hot cup of coffee or a fantastic meal. Mathallen at Vulkan: A mecca for foodies. Here you'll find small specialty shops, restaurants and bars under one roof. Buy some French cheeses, Spanish ham, or settle down for a fresh bao or Italian pizza. Via Village and Oslo Street Food: Centrally located in Vika and Torggata respectively. These colorful food halls bring together street food stalls from all corners of the world. Perfect when the group can't agree on what they want. World-class coffee roasting: Oslo is known for its coffee culture. Visit Tim Wendelboe in Grünerløkka or Fuglen in Sentrum to enjoy some of the world's best coffee beans in a cozy environment. 

# Deichman Bjørvika 

Oslo's main library, Deichman Bjørvika, has been named one of the world's best public libraries – and for good reason. The six-story building is much more than just books. Here you will find a cinema, sewing workshops, 3D printers, podcast studios, gaming zones and countless cozy seating areas with panoramic views of the city and the fjord. It is completely free to enter, and you can easily spend hours here with a good book or a laptop while the rain splashes against the window panes. 

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Oslo when it rains:

Are there any free things to do in Oslo when it rains? 

Deichman Bjørvika (Oslo's main library) is completely free to visit and offers six floors of seating areas, viewing areas, a cinema and gaming zones. There is also free admission to several exhibitions at the City Hall and individual museums on certain days. 

Which museum should I choose if I only have time for one? 

It depends on your interests. For art and world-famous architecture, MUNCH and the National Museum are the best choices. If you are traveling with children or are interested in history, the Fram Museum on Bygdøy or the Technical Museum are right up your alley.