Make the most of this expensive city with the Oslo Card and a few free activities.

Discounts

The Oslo Pass buys access to most museums, sights and public transport. It may be more economical for students and seniors to simply purchase a public transport pass thus paying separate museum entrance fees. Both groups get half-off for most attractions. The Card is sold at tourist offices and hotels at a rate of 220 NOK for one day, 320 NOK for two and 410 NOK for three days.

Free Attractions

'Free' isn't as popular a word in Oslo as either 'expensive' or 'pricey.' Still, there is always something to be discovered by a Cheapo on the prowl for freedom.

First of all, a walk around the Akershus Festning will do you good. A medieval fortress built by King Hakon V in 1299, the grounds give excellent views of the city and Oslofjorden.

Vigeland Park offers up whoppers of imagery. Stone statues of human bodies are a magnificent celebration of the human body in all its forms. Said to be the world's largest granite sculpture, the most impressive piece is the monolith of writhing bodies created by Gustav Vigeland. There is an accompanying museum. However, an entrance fee is charged.

The Nasjonalgalleriet is where you will find Munch work as well as the largest collection of Norwegian art in the nation. Munch's famous painting, 'The Scream,' is here as well as some of his other best-known works. Well, 'The Scream' was here. As of this posting, the masterpiece still had not been recovered from theft.

For those with ski gear, it is possible to cross-country ski trails surrounding the city without paying for it. However, for those not arriving in Oslo sporting boots and snow pants, rental fees for the necessary gear may be prohibitive.