Introducing Oslo
Hemmed by a ‘fjord’ and kilometres of woodland, Norway’s capital is an easy-going city with an eclectic architectural mix of old, new and just plain 1960s that is hard not to like. The perfect size for exploring on foot, the city boasts world-class museums, a lively nightlife and plenty of outdoor activities for the energetic.
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Most visitors will find themselves struggling to choose between Oslo’s numerous museums, which offer something for almost every taste: a face-to-face with the haunting image of Edvard Munch’s The Scream at the National Gallery, a chance to stand in the shoes of an Olympic ski-jumper at the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, or a window into history and culture at the unforgettable Viking Ship, Polarship Fram or Folk Museums on Bygdøy. And Oslo is certainly the cosmopolitan heart of Norway, with a rapidly growing café and bar culture, top-notch restaurants, and nightlife options ranging from world-class opera and jazz to indie rock.
But many Oslo residents, being avid hikers, skiers and sailors, will fondly tell you that what they love most about their city is how easy it is to leave the city life behind. Located at the head of the Oslofjord (which actually isn’t a fjord, but is pretty anyway), Oslo is one of Europe’s largest capitals in terms of area (450 sq km) but smallest population-wise. As a result, it is the only European capital that boasts cycling, hiking, ice-skating, kayaking, sailing and skiing, all within its city limits and a short train ride away.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
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Top 17 experiences in Norway
1 June 2011
Norway is a once-in-a-lifetime destination and the essence of its appeal is remarkably simple: this is one of the most...
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The 10 best things to do in 2011
10 December 2010
Punctuate this year with meaningful experiences. Choose from options that girdle the globe – from cricket bats and birthday parties...
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Europe’s best train journey?
18 November 2010
We’re somewhere on the Hardervigga plateau on one of the world’s highest stretches of railway tracks and we appear to...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Sweden/Norway Route
by bjornmu 13 September 2011
There's no train from Trondheim to Bergen other than via Oslo. There is a direct bus which now only runs as an overnight service. Or you…
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RE: Getting from Copenhagen to Trondheim?
by fluffy_bunny 13 September 2011
I gave you the Norwegian train link in my last message. Click the blue word. The cheapest train ticket, Oslo-Trondheim, is 199 NOK ($35)…
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RE: money money money...
by PrincessOfPenguins 13 September 2011
>> Anyway, great news PoP. Hope all well with you. I was recalling a lovely old pub in Oslo for some friends who are visiting, but couldn't…
Oslo
Things to do
- All things to do (182)
- Activities (34)
- Entertainment (33)
- Restaurants (45)
- Shopping (19)
- Sights (49)
- Tours (2)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Oslo
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1 Grand Café
Walk in the footsteps of Henrik Ibsen down Karl Johans gate for coffee at the Grand Café
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2 City centre and national day
Eat ice cream as you stroll with the locals in the city centre and wave a Norwegian flag on 17 May, Norway’s national day
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3 Nordmarka
Pick summer blueberries and go winter skiing in Oslo’s Nordmarka
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4 Munch Museum and Grünerløkka’s cafés or bars
Come up with ways to cheat security at the Munch Museum then start the afternoon in one of Grünerløkka’s cafés or bars and find yourself still there early the next morning
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5 Vigeland Park
Reconsider parenthood while looking at the works of Gustav Vigeland at Vigeland Park
Our favourite Oslo Blogs (beta)
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From the northpole with love
Blog: photito's blog - 10 January 2012
What? 4pm and time for bed? - what to do in Oslo in winter - Unless you’re equipped with a very stable circadian rhythm, I guarantee you will be thrown off balance if you go to Norway in winter. (For those of you who couldn’t be bothered to click the wikipedia link, circadian rhythm basically means [...]
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72 Hours in Oslo with Kids
Blog: Ciao Bambino! - 7 November 2011
Oslo, the oldest of the Nordic capitals, located between a fjord and the forest, is breathtakingly beautiful and offers a several parks and recreational activities. Add to that castles and its intriguing Viking history and you get a city where a family can easily wile away 72 hours. The Akerhus Castle has gone through many reincarnations, starting as a medieval castle in the 13th century, then becoming a fortress in the 16th century and finally being rebuilt in the 17th century as a renaissance castle.
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River Music and Water Spirits
Blog: Sophie's World - 5 October 2011
While the girls and I are exploring our friendly neighbour Scotland, Sophie’s World is staying at home. This week’s travel photo is from our homebase in the cool river city Drammen (Norway). The River Harp The large pedestrian bridge Ypsilon is a Drammen landmark. Next to Ypsilon is the River Harp, a sound sculpture comprising [...]River Music and Water Spirits is a post from Sophie's World
