
University Botanical Garden and Natural History Museum, Oslo
Oslo’s leafy brainchild, the University Botanical Garden, was founded back in 1814 by the University of Oslo—because, indeed, a “serious academic institution” sounds better if fitted with 7,500 plants... All these specimens aren’t just for show—they’re enlisted in the noble missions of science, conservation, and giving visitors an excuse to say words like “gymnosperm” in public.
Wandering the grounds, you’ll bump into Toyen Manor, a stately wooden relic with serious seniority—it’s the oldest building in the university’s care and quite possibly the oldest timber structure in Oslo. Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibits and a cozy café, perfect for contemplating your place in the ecosystem over a cinnamon bun.
Sharing the spotlight is the Natural History Museum, Norway’s largest of its kind, where prehistoric skeletons, glittering minerals, and climate education await. Don’t miss the world’s oldest complete primate skeleton—or as we like to call it, your ancient cousin with excellent posture...
The whole ensemble is tucked into Toyen Park, just west of the Edvard Munch Museum. The best part is that the garden's entry is free all week. And if you time your visit for Thursday, all the indoor exhibits are free too. So, go on—embrace your inner botanist, climate warrior, or curious mammal and enjoy yourself.
Wandering the grounds, you’ll bump into Toyen Manor, a stately wooden relic with serious seniority—it’s the oldest building in the university’s care and quite possibly the oldest timber structure in Oslo. Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibits and a cozy café, perfect for contemplating your place in the ecosystem over a cinnamon bun.
Sharing the spotlight is the Natural History Museum, Norway’s largest of its kind, where prehistoric skeletons, glittering minerals, and climate education await. Don’t miss the world’s oldest complete primate skeleton—or as we like to call it, your ancient cousin with excellent posture...
The whole ensemble is tucked into Toyen Park, just west of the Edvard Munch Museum. The best part is that the garden's entry is free all week. And if you time your visit for Thursday, all the indoor exhibits are free too. So, go on—embrace your inner botanist, climate warrior, or curious mammal and enjoy yourself.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oslo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
University Botanical Garden and Natural History Museum on Map
Sight Name: University Botanical Garden and Natural History Museum
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Oslo, Norway
Create Your Own Walk in Oslo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Oslo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Oslo Introduction Walking Tour
Originally a Viking village, Norway's capital city has a long and multifaceted history that begins long before its establishment as a trading hub of Ánslo in 1040 AD. Archaeological findings suggest the presence of a Christian settlement in the area predating the year 1000.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Old Oslo Walking Tour
The historic Old Town of Oslo is the oldest part of the city which dates back to the days of medieval Norway. This urban area emerged around the year 1000 and became the capital of Norway's dominion (within the Dano-Norwegian Realm) around 1300. The Old Town district continued to be known as Oslo, while the whole city was called Christiania, until 1925.
One of its prominent landmarks is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
One of its prominent landmarks is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Oslo's religious landscape, particularly within the Christian tradition, is a captivating tapestry interwoven with history, faith, and architectural elegance. The city boasts a collection of historical churches reflecting the evolution of local Christian communities. Diverse in their designs, these sacred sites offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted religious traditions that have shaped Oslo... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour
Oslo's Museum District, located on the Bygdoy Peninsula, is home to some of the most visited museums in the city. Repositories of precious artifacts from Norway’s history, these remarkable institutions collectively represent a treasure trove for those keen on exploring this northerly nation's past.
One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Grunerlokka Walking Tour
Once a gritty, working-class corner of Oslo, Grunerlokka has undergone the classic glow-up—trading in factory soot for flat whites and vegan tacos. Named after Friedrich Gruner, a 17th-century city official who probably never imagined his name would one day grace a district with more tattoo parlors than churches, this neighborhood has turned from industrial to the capital’s cool kid on the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Traveler's Choice: 15 Norwegian Gifts from Oslo
The Norwegians are strict about gift making and believe that each gift must be equaled with a return one. For this reason, public holidays and birthdays are a very serious business in Norway, with everyone making and receiving gifts. In the spirit of this tradition, you might want to treat your dear...