Oslo and Copenhagen are two of the most influential cities in Northern Europe. Copenhagen was the capital of Norway for nearly three centuries so both cities have integrated histories. Both cities offer very different experiences. Copenhagen is known for having many historic landmarks and castles. Oslo is known for modern architecture blending in with historic buildings and its close proximity to nature. Here is the ultimate guide to whether you should visit Oslo or Copenhagen.
Table of Contents
Oslo or Copenhagen Overview
Oslo
Oslo is the capital and largest city in Norway. It is known for its modern architecture mixed with the medieval architecture of the older parts of the city. Although Norway is known for being a large exporter of oil and natural gas, Oslo has evolved into one of the greenest cities in the world. It was voted the European Green Capital of 2019. The city is also known for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. The population of the city is 693,000.
The city is located at the northern end of the Oslofjord. There are also 40 islands and 343 lakes within Oslo’s city limits. Because of the large number of waterways found here, Oslo has an unusually large area of land compared to the amount of people living here. There are also tree-covered hills surrounding much of the city. To the north and northeast of the city, there are many hiking areas to explore as well.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital and largest city in Denmark. It is located on the far eastern coast of the country. The city has a population of 794,000 people and over 2 million in the metro area. Originated as a Viking fishing village, it has grown to be one of the most influential cities in all of Europe. The city has many attractions from beautiful canals to historic castles.
The Oresund strait separates Copenhagen from Sweden which makes it extremely easy for people to travel between Denmark and Sweden. It has many areas of waterfront areas for activities even though the water temperatures are typically cold, even in the summer months. The city has been a powerful city in Scandinavia for centuries and has many historic landmarks.
Things to See
Oslo
Frogner Park is a park open to the public for free. It is known for its sculptures and beautiful gardens.
Viking Ship Museum is home to three authentic Viking ships. It also has many other Viking artifacts making it a perfect place to go if you’re intrigued by Viking culture.
Oslo Opera House is a massive opera house located in Central Oslo. The building is known for its striking modern architecture and its large glass windows. There is also a large display of art throughout the building.
The Royal Palace has become a popular tourist attraction since 2002 when it became open to the public to view. The Palace Park is also one of the largest public parks in the city.
Radhuset is the Courthouse that sits right above the main metro station. The metro station sitting below the surface has some incredible architecture, much of it being exposed bedrock.
Aker Brygge is one of the popular areas for shopping, restaurants, and many forms of entertainment. The area sits on the waterfront and has an industrial feel from the restored commercial buildings.
Akershus Fortress is a large fortress within the city that was formally used to protect the royal residence. It has also used as a prison, military base, and is now the office for the Prime Minister of Norway.
Copenhagen
Nyhavn is one of the most picturesque locations in all of Scandinavia. It is a canal lined with beautifully colored buildings making for a truly spectacular sight.
Tivoli Gardens is a garden and theme park that opened in 1843. It is the 2nd oldest theme park in the world and is one of the most visited parks in all of Europe.
Stroget is a street designated for pedestrians only. It is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe and is 1.1km long.
Little Mermaid Statue is a Copenhagen icon based on the book written by Hans Christian Andersen.
Christiansborg Palace is where the Danish Parliament and the Supreme Court of Denmark are located. It is a grand palace located in the middle of Copenhagen.
Round Tower was built in 1642 as an astronomical tower. It has a massive spiral staircase leading to the top so Christian IV could ride his horse to the top to see the city.
Food
Oslo
Oslo has long been known for eating the classic Viking diet of cured meat and various forms of potatoes. Norwegian smoked salmon is known to be some of the best in the world. Fiskerit Youngstorget is an excellent place within the city to get the best salmon. Sausages and meatballs are also very popular foods in Oslo. Aquavit is the most well-known liquor to the Norwegian people.
Copenhagen
One of the most popular dishes in Copenhagen is Smørrebrød which is an open-faced sandwich. It typically consists of rye bread with butter and a bunch of toppings like meat, cold cuts, fish, garnishes, and other types of spreads. Stegt flæsk is considered to be the national dish of Denmark. It is a dish of fried pork belly and potatoes. The Danes also know how to brew a terrific beer considering that Carlsberg beer originated in Denmark and the headquarters are still in Copenhagen.
Nightlife
Oslo
Though Oslo is more laid back than other European cities in terms of nightlife, there are still plenty of options for any taste. The city center is where most of the nightlife takes place. In Norway, alcohol is quite expensive at drinking establishments. Because of this, Norwegians do “vorspiel” which are pre-parties so they don’t have to spend so much money when they go out. Nox/Sollihagen is one of the “premier” nightclubs in Oslo but is notorious for long lines and poor service. The Villa and The Club are better options for clubbing.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is filled with bars, pubs, and nightclubs. A large cluster of nightlife can be found in the streets that branch off of Stroget. You can find raging dance parties or humble pubs throughout this area. The area around Vestergade is another great area that is full of bars, pubs, and smaller night clubs. There is something for everyone here. KB3, Bakken, and Culture Box are fun places to visit if you want a wilder night out. Be sure to research the nightclubs before you visit them because some have terrible service and are not worth visiting.
Day Trips
Oslo
- Lillehammer is a small city directly north of Oslo. It is best known for holding the Winter Olympics in 1994. It also has a beautiful setting and is known for its wooden buildings.
- TusenFryd is Norway’s largest amusement park. It is located just 20km south of Oslo which makes it perfect for a day trip.
- Oslo Fjord Cruise: You can take a 2-hour cruise through the fjord around Oslo. There are guided tours where you can see beautiful waterfront homes and spectacular sights.
Copenhagen
- Kronborg is a castle and stronghold north of the city. It is known as Hamlet’s Castle because William Shakespeare based Hamlet off of the castle. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Frederiksborg Castle is another castle to the north of Copenhagen. It is known for being the largest Renaissance-style residence in all of Scandinavia. It is also known for the incredible garden that surrounds it.
- The Island of Fyn is laid back island with castles and manors that make it perfect for bicycling.
Though the Scandinavian capitals of Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm are not right next to each other, they are still well-connected and all worth visiting.
Overall
Oslo and Copenhagen are two of the most influential cities in Northern Europe. Both cities are influenced heavily by the sea and are prime examples of Scandinavian cultures. Oslo is quite a bit more expensive than Copenhagen which is something to keep in mind. You will want to spend 2 full days in Oslo and spend 3-4 days in Copenhagen because of Copenhagen has more to see. If you have more time to spend, you will want to visit Copenhagen.