Is it worth visiting Oslo in the Spring, in April or May? Most definitely, it is! Oslo in the Spring has a more relaxed atmosphere. The city is less crowded and has fewer tourists during this time. And often prices for certain things like accommodation, excursions and activities are less pricey. Who doesn’t like the sound of that? Most importantly we would recommend staying at a central hotel.
Stay central in Oslo
If you like staying central with walking distances to literally anything, then K7 Hotel Oslo is the perfect match for you. The hotel has currently been under reconstruction and re-opened on April 1st. Click here to book now.
5 things to do or see in the spring in Oslo
April or May is the perfect time to visit Oslo. The city awakens from the blistering cold of the winter, the sun starts to shine, and the locals are for sure celebrating it. Here are 5 tips to what you can do during your visit to Oslo in the spring.
1. The traditional “utepils” (lit.translation: outdoor beer)
Even though it might still be a little bit cold, but not too bad (usually around 32–48°F or -0–9°C), the locals rush to the outdoor seating area at all the restaurants. There they sit and have a relaxing time with friends, wearing their jackets and sun glasses, enjoying the Spring’s first “utepils” in the sun. Yes, this is actually a thing. And you should try it.
We recommend walking down to the harbor of Aker Brygge and go to for example Lekter’n, or any of the other 30+ restaurants in the area. Here, you can sit down, relax, enjoy your “utepils” and look out towards the Oslo fjord.
Walking distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 15 minutes (1100 meters / ~ 3608 feet)
2. Get a free guided walking tour through Oslo city
Did we say free? Yes! Oslo has a free guided tour that usually is arranged several times a week year round. It’s run by a local group called Nordic Freedom Tours, and their mission is to share with you all the best sights of Oslo city through the eyes of a local.
According to them, Oslo is probably the most underrated tourist destination, because people usually go straight to the deep blue fjords and other natural attractions in Norway. But they are truly missing out on everything that Oslo has to offer. The city has a great deal of history and culture, with all its resplendence, quirks, eccentricities, and unique qualities that sets it apart from others. Check their calendar on their webpage to find your perfect timing for your free Oslo walking tour. The meeting point is usually down by the tiger statue outside the entrance of Østbanehallen.
Walking distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 9 minutes (650 meters / ~ 2132 feet)
3. Explore Akershus Fortress
This is an absolutely must-see in Oslo. Especially if you like history and really old buildings. The fortress was orignally built as a medieval royal castle at the end of the 13th century (end of 1200’s). It was strategically built on Akersneset in Oslo, with an overview of the Oslo fjord and the city.
Later, in the 17th century it was rebuilt into a Renaissance castle surrounded by a bastion fortress. Today, the main areas of the castle, the inner backyard and the castle church can be visited by paid entrance. In April 2024 it is only open for visitors on saturdays and sundays, and paid entrance costs 100 NOK (~€9 / ~$10) which should be quite reasonable considering all you can explore inside the castle. Some areas outside is also open any day for the general public – free of charge.
Walking distance from K7 Hotel Oslo: 8 minutes (550 meters / ~ 1804 feet)
4. Go skiing
Yes, that’s right! You can go skiing in Oslo. And the locals love it. If you ever travel on the metro line 1 you’ll probably see the locals waiting patiently with their snow googles, holding firmly around their skis. They’re on their way to Holmenkollen and Tryvannshøgda. Up there is a ski center called Skimore Oslo (also known as Oslo Vinterpark). Here you’ll find a full service ski center with 18 slopes and 11 ski elevators and even snow machines (or snow cannons as we say in Norwegian) to make artificial snow if needed. If you don’t have any skis or snowboard, you can rent any equipment you need from Skimore Oslo. It should preferably be pre-booked online.
The ski center is the country’s second largest measured in revenue. But hurry up, because 14th of April is probably the last chance to go before the season ends. Get the metro (t-bane) line 1 from either Jernbanetorget or Nationaltheateret metro station, and get off at the stop called Voksenkollen Stasjon. Then walk about 12 minutes from here to Skimore Oslo. Metro tickets can be bought from Ruter through an app or in any Narvesen or 7-Eleven convenience store.
Walking distance to Jernbanetorget from K7 Hotel Oslo: 10 minutes (550 meters / ~ 1804 feet)
5. Go for an Oslo fjord cruise
If you like sea and fjords, you can go for an Oslo fjord cruise. We highly recommend it to get some fresh air and nice views. If you want to do this on a budget, we recommend doing an island hopping. It can be done for as little as 40 kroner (~€3.50 / ~$4) by using the public ferrys that leave from Aker Brygge. Get the B2 ferry from Aker Brygge which stops in three different islands: Hovedøya, Gressholmen and Langøyene. You can hop on and off the ferry any time as the ticket is valid for one hour. Tickets can be bought from Ruter through an app or in any Narvesen or 7-Eleven convenience store. Read more about island hopping in our Oslo guide.
Or if you want to go for a guided fjord cruise and go even further out in the fjord, we recommend a fjord cruise. One of the more affordable cruises cost from 439 kroner (~€39 / ~$42) run by Norway Yacht Charter. Make sure to book online in advance.
Walking distance from K7 Hotel Oslo to Aker Brygge: 15 minutes (1100 meters / ~ 3608 feet)
A modern and central hotel in Oslo
We hope this gave you some inspiration to come visit Oslo in the spring. Remember, whenever you come to visit our city, K7 Hotel Oslo is here to welcome you.
Our hotel is modern and central with a variety of different rooms, and even dorms for budget travelers who prefer staying at a hostel. In other words, K7 Hotel Oslo is a hybrid hotel that is the perfect fit for all type of people. Book your stay now.
