Oslo Travel Guide

Oslo is the biggest city in Norway, as well as the capital. It's also the third biggest city in all of Scandinavia, and has a fascinating history going back over a thousand years. As far as tourist destinations go, the city is often passed over for the rural beauty of other parts of the country. However, there are plenty of things to see and do in Oslo. Let's take a look at some of them.

The city covers approximately four hundred fifty square kilometers, giving it one of the largest areas for a national capital in the world. Most of this area is forest, so you'll see lots of natural features inside the city itself. The city center is located at the bottom of a cup or ampitheater shaped land feature, close to the Oslo fjord. Residential neighborhoods stretch uphill in all directions, followed by forested areas with lots of wildlife and wild plants. In the winter, it's not uncommon to see moose, and the whole capital is part of the national wolf reserve. Located nearby is an archipelago, which is a favorite place for recreation in the summer.

The climate of Oslo is fairly temperate for its latitude. In fact, there are even hot periods in the summer, and many long sunny days. This is thanks to the warm air brought in by the Gulf Stream. Winter temperatures are just above to just below freezing, with snow being common in the wooded areas in the city. This makes the Oslo area popular for winter sports. Rain falls evenly throughout the year, though the rainiest month is probably August.

Oslo is made up of about five hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants, or eight hundred fifty thousand when the suburbs are included. Up to twenty percent of the city's population are from a foreign country, making it one of the most multi-cultural locations in Norway. This makes Oslo an extremely exciting, diverse destination for visitors.

The city center itself features Oslo Central station to the east, the Royal Palace on the west, and the seafront to the south. This area is compact and easy to walk through, with heavily pedestrian main streets. There are also a number of very interesting neighborhoods nearby, which are easily accessed via Oslo's excellent public transportation.

You can get to Oslo via the airport - the largest in Norway and just twenty minutes to the Oslo Central station, with trains departing every ten to twenty minutes. The train can also take you to the western suburbs adn the Nationaltheatret station. Less expensive local trains take thirty to forty minutes to reach the city center from the airport, and local bus routes can also help you get where you need to go - about forty-five minutes from the airport to the city center, and traveling to many other destinations. Taxis in Oslo are priced at a fixed rate, and should be flagged from the booth inside the terminal. Flagging down a taxi outside the airport is much more expensive.

Important attactions in Oslo include the Opera House, close to the Central Station, the Royal Palace, the University of Oslo, Oslo Cathedral, and the Kirkeristen, or the old bazaar around the cathedral, now used by artisans and featuring some excellent cafes and restaurants. Oslo's City Hall is a beautiful building, featuring attractive murals. This is where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each year.

History buffs will enjoy visiting Akershus festning, a medieval castle dating from the very late thirteenth century. In the winter, Holmenkollen, a ski jump on the west side of the city, is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country. Museums include the Henrik Ibsen Museum, a museum dedicated to Edward Munch, and the Emanual Vigeland Museum. The Bygdoy peninsula also features two groups of museums, including the Museums of Cultural History, the Viking Ship Museum, the Norwegian Maritime Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and many others.

Parks in Oslo include Frogner Park, a large green area decorated with hundreds of sculptures, the Botanical Garden, and St Hanshaugen, located on the highest hill in the central city. The Palace Park is located around the Royal Palace, and several other areas offer recreational opportunities, too. The Var Frelsers Cemetary features the graves of important Norwegian artists. Fresh and saltwater swimming, interesting local food, and natural walks or bicycling are other great attractions in Oslo. Make sure you take the time to explore this interesting city. You won't be sorry.

Finally, When looking for accommodation in Oslo, you will have a wide range of Oslo Hotels are available for you to book online.

Need more information regarding Oslo? Do not miss our Oslo City Guide!

 

Oslo, Norway:  To Oslo You Go if You Love Nature and the Javelin Throw

The Norwegians have groomed great javelin champions starting with Danielsen who romped away with the highest Olympic 1856 honors for the javelin competition.  If you want to see how the Norwegians swing it, be there on June 6 at the Exxon Mobil Bislett Games.

Beyond the Javelin Throw

Oslo is a picturesque place teeming with old buildings and modern architecture.  It is a place for nature lovers, businessmen, groupies, families, and the curious tourists out to savor a slice of Oslo's bests.  It is a destination for all seasons.  During the summer, join the locals along the beach area in Bygdoy Peninsula or dare to bare and swim nude in Oslo's Huk Nude Beach.  During the winters dash to the slopes to ski or jostle with the crowds in the Christmas Market and gorge on hot chocolate drinks or shop for hand-made craft or decorations for your Christmas tree back home.

Intrepid tourists know that there are lots of things to do in Oslo that are free.  These are what the locals do so tie your purse strings and head to the king's residence before 1:30 pm to watch the changing of the guard.  Rain or shine the King's Guards do this traditional routine but if you want something else be there on May 17 during the Constitution Day to watch the changing of the guard do an elaborate procession complete with marching bands that herald the presence of the Royal Family during the procession.  

Relax at the parks and ogle the great sculpture pieces of Gustav Vigeland at the Vigeland Park.  The famous sculpture chipped from one granite slab. One mistake and the whole thing would go bust.  That's the marvel of Vigeland's huge pieces.  There is a visitor center and a café shop to celebrate your purchases from the souvenir shop.  But whatever you do not forget to see the old parliament building.  It is a massive structure that dates back to 1861 and took six years to build.

Oslo is not your bustling harried metropolis. There is a provincial feel to it but do not be fooled.  The place is an enchanting place in the planet.  It is the natural setting that makes Oslo a must-see place.  Yet the nightlife is not boring.  There are several pubs in the town hall, bars, and stomping music to entertain the night owl.  

Tired of the City?

If you are staying a little longer, take a driving tour to the North Cape and enjoy the fantastic views along the way and sample authentic Norway cuisine.  You might be disappointed or delighted that back in the city there are several Asian, Mediterranean, and Italian restaurants and smaller food centers.  Out there in the suburbs or in the country, you can get the real thing.   

Hotels

Oslo has its share of top international hotels where you are assured of the familiar westernized hotel services.  To get a room, book your reservations online.  This is more convenient and you get the information you need right away.  Online booking has its perks too.  Oslo Norway Hotels give reasonable discounts on room prices for early booking and freebies for couples traveling with children.    

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