Visiting Oslo in November

Kostiantyn Tsekov • September 6, 2024

When it comes to visiting Oslo in November, many travelers consider it to be the worst season. In fact, the biggest crowds arrive in summer, followed by travelers during the Christmas holidays in December. But in our opinion, there are many exciting things to do in Oslo in November, and we will explore them in detail in this article.

Even though travelers at this time experience shorter daylight and nastier weather, it’s a great time to take advantage of the crowd-free museums and Oslo’s vibrant nightlife. Let’s have a look at how to plan your trip to Oslo in November accordingly.

Indeed, 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 travel north. In this article, however, we will show you that it makes sense to travel to Oslo in November, and there are many exciting things to do in the Norwegian capital!

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.

What to Wear in 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-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:

Overall, 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 north and the cold conditions. So, if you are susceptible to cold, pack proper winter clothing – the temperatures in November in Oslo aren’t that much different from the temperatures in December.

13 Best Things To Do in Oslo in November

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 season.

Visit the Captivating Light Festival

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 in the evening turns into a spectacular light scene for four days straight! Fjord Oslo is an amazing light show presented by renowned artists, offering a powerful and inclusive experience to everybody.

These light shows are not merely a beautiful experience pleasant to the eyes (even though they are that, too); they touch on important and urgent subjects, thus inviting the audience for a broader discussion. Presenting 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.

Note: in 2024, the event takes place on 7-10 November.

Attend the Oslo World Music Festival

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 focusing, in particular, on performers from Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

At the festival, you can listen performers in any style – 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 (they get sold out really quickly).

Note: in 2024, the event takes place from 28 October to 3 November.

Explore the Christmas Markets

During the second part of November, the Norwegian capital slowly takes on a more festive look. As the 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 everything that you can associate with Norwegian Christmas.

To make this Christmas experience in Oslo even more exciting, join our exciting Discover Christmas Spirit in Oslo tour!

Embrace the Winter Wonderland of Oslo

Since you are visiting Oslo in November, it’s 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 Spikersuppa, as we have just 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 taking on the white colors. 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 the way the locals do). All in all, if you visit Oslo in November, make sure to embrace its beauty – even if it’s off-season.

Learn About the Myths and Legends of Oslo

If the Christmas atmosphere is nowhere around when you find yourself in Oslo in November, you can set out on a completely different urban adventure. Join our Oslo’s Myths Walking Tour, and 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 the 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, rainy days in November – the atmosphere calls for it!

Catch a Performance at the Oslo Opera House

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 you must absolutely 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 terrific acoustics make it a beloved venue for many famous bands, including the renowned Norwegian metal band Satyricon. So, if you are looking for where 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!

Relax in a Traditional Sauna

Be like a Norwegian on your visit to Oslo in November. And one of the things that Norwegians love to do any season is going to the sauna! Get rid of your stress and enjoy this rejuvenating experience at the traditional Finnish saunas with temperatures around 80-100 °C and dry heat. And if you are brave enough, plunge into the cold water!

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.

Take a Fjord Cruise

Even though summer is the best season for taking a fjord cruise from Oslo, the fjords are breathtaking, even in November. And it’s one of the experiences you must absolutely try in Oslo – especially if you happen to visit the Norwegian capital for the first time.

There are different Oslofjord cruise options, but you can be sure that you will find something that satisfies your needs and suits your preferences. 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!

Explore the City’s Vibrant Art Scene

As we mentioned in this article above, you should add more indoor experiences during your visit to Oslo in November. One thing you may do is visit the art museums in Oslo. When it comes to museums, the Norwegian capital is one of the most exciting destinations in the Nordic countries for any traveler.

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 Nordic countries, exhibiting more than 6,500 works. Among them are the masterpieces of Norwegians Edvard Munch, Christian Krohg, and Harriet Backer, as well as classic geniuses like Picasso, Rembrandt, and Matisse.

Another outstanding cultural institution in Oslo is MUNCH, a museum that was recently reopened in a purpose-built edifice near the Oslo Opera House. Dedicated to the renowned Norwegian artist, this huge museum also exhibits one of “The Scream” works.

If you are into contemporary art, head to Tjuvholmen and visit the Astrup Fearnley Museum. Here, the art can sometimes be extraordinary, even shocking. But visiting this art gallery will not leave you unimpressed, for sure. All in all, make sure to set out on a museum-hopping trip in the Norwegian capital!

Have a Relaxed Walk in Oslo’s Spectacular Open-Air Sculpture Installations

Oslo is much more than the renowned Vigeland Sculpture Park. Did you actually know that there are three open-air sculpture parks in Oslo?

Of course, Vigeland Park is not only the most famous sculpture park but 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.

Savor Traditional Norwegian Meals

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 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 caramelized cheese called brunost.

Here, we have just covered the basics; Norwegian cuisine has so much more to offer! And, of course, don’t forget about salmon!

Take a Day Trip from Oslo

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. And what’s a better time to visit it than in November?!

The other choice for a day trip from Oslo would be Fredrikstad, an old Norwegian military town. Actually, it is 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.

Experience the Hygge

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 (like a café) and enjoy reading a book while drinking a warm beverage (we mean coffee or tea, not the spirits!).

Here are the things you need to create the koselig atmosphere at your apartment: