Located between the Oslo Fjord and the wooded hilly lands of Oslomarka, Norway's modern capital is a centre of (winter) sports and recreation. Oslo was founded more than 1,000 years ago in 1048. Most of the city is surrounded by natural forest and wilderness. The Norwegians thrive on winter sports and the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Jump, once the stage of the 1952 Winter Olympics and now a top museum displaying 4000 years of ski history, remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Oslo.
With its rich cultural heritage, historically important places, various nightlife, excellent fish restaurants and awe-inspiring scenery, Oslo is a fabulous destination for a city trip.
There are various accommodation options to be found in the city, from charmingly quaint guesthouses to prestigious five-star establishments. Finding accommodation in Oslo can be difficult sometimes, especially when conferences or fairs are in town and tourists have to go up to 170 km away, to Lillehammer, to find accommodation. It is therefore recommended that tourists reserve accommodation well in advance.
Top Attractions in Oslo
Akershus Fortress, the Viking Ship Museum - housing the 2 best preserved wooden Viking ships that were built in the 9th century, the Vigeland Sculpture Park and Museum and the National Gallery where the largest collection of Nordic art is exhibited are the cultural highlights and must-sees of Europe's coolest capital. The recreational area of Vigeland Sculpture Park is pretty and green and displays numerous sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, a Norwegian artist. Children love to climb the statues.
The Emanuel Vigeland Museum features an 800m2 fresco called 'Vita' or 'Life' and follows human life from conception through to death. There are no windows in the museum.
Visiting museums, quality exhibitions, good theatre and musicals can be alternated with adventurous outdoor activities and relaxing moments in Slottsparken - a park with magnificent old trees and walkways criss-crossing it - or on Oslo's pretty beaches. The Norwegian summer is well-known for its endless days of midnight sun while the winter months can get extremely cold but guarantee fairy-like views of the city covered in white.
Nightlife
In Oslo, all of the restaurants, pubs and bars are smoke free and drinking is not permitted outside. Alcohol may not be served after 3 am, but bars can remain open up to 3:30 in the morning in the city centre. Areas with numerous pubs, bars and entertainment include Grnerlkka, Aker Brygge, Solli/Frogner, Grnland and Grenson or Youngstorget.
Oslo Hotels
Oslo accommodation can be difficult to find, especially during peak periods. It is therefore wise to reserve rooms in advance. There are relatively few cheap hotels in Oslo for those travelling on a budget and for backpackers. Quaint guesthouses offer affordable accommodation, though. Room availability falls and prices double during the Nobel Prize week. Hostels and hotels generally start from mid range up to luxurious five-star establishments.