Oslo Travel Guide
Oslo is rich in culture and history. There is plenty to do in Oslo, as the diverse museum offer and impressive architecture offer something to see for many holidays. Oslo is an easily accessible city, where the cultural offer, shopping and seascapes make it a great city holiday destination. Located at the forefront of the Oslo Fjord, the Norwegian capital’s main attractions include museums of the past, historic buildings and cozy sea-view cafés.
OSLO AS A DESTINATION
In Oslo you can see state-of-the-art buildings and history side by side.
Lots to see in a small area
The Norwegian capital Oslo is a good destination for a long weekend city break. Most of the hotels, like the sights, are located in the center and short distances make it easy to explore the city on foot. Oslo has a lot of the same spirit as Helsinki : a small capital by the sea and close to nature. The spirit of Oslo is fresh and down to earth, although the city also has its finer classic side.
Karl Johans gate is Norway’s most famous street, which always has a lot of hustle and bustle. There are plenty of shopping, restaurants and cafes along the street. The shops are mainly branded and the restaurant prices are higher than elsewhere in the city.
Also, you can’t miss some of Oslo’s most famous attractions as you cross the street. For example, look like the Royal Palace located along that street. The Royal Castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden and a much more restrained group of tourists and other curious people than in Stockholm, for example. Along the same street you will also find the Norwegian National Theater, the Parliament House and the buildings of the University of Oslo.
It is also worth cycling outside the city center. Bygdøy Museum Island is a great place to stay, Vigeland Park offers a moment of escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and the Holmenkollen ski jumping tower can be admired from a bird’s eye view.
A summer visit is worth it
Oslo is popular with tourists, especially during the summer months, when the city is at its most beautiful and the weather is almost invariably pleasant. The temperature, which stays around twenty degrees, combined with the cooling wind blowing from the sea, is favorable for city holidays.
Of course, you can also travel at other times. Norway’s climate is very similar to Finland’s, and both spring and autumn are pleasant times to travel. However, due to the proximity of the sea, also be prepared for intermittent rain.
Many know Oslo as the winter capital, as the city, which also served as the venue for the Winter Olympics, is comfortable even in winter. Winter temperatures drop to near zero and often also to frost.
Museums for many tastes
Oslo’s museum selection is impressive. Art lovers will be pampered by the National Museum, which presents Picasso , Matisse and El Greco , the Munch Museum, which focuses on the production of Norway’s most famous artist Edvard Munch, and a museum dedicated to playwright Henrik Ibsen .
Those interested in history should head to Bygdøy Island, a couple of minutes by boat from the city center. On the museum island you can admire, among other things, the well-preserved Viking ships and the Kon-Tiki ferry, which crosses the Pacific Ocean.
Sports enthusiasts, on the other hand, should head to either the skating or skiing museum, where you can get to know the history of a well-deserved people in the field of winter sports.
Note the Norwegian price level
The mecca of a life-lover can be found on the west side of Oslo, in the Aker Brygge area. The old shipyard has been replaced by a shopping and entertainment center, colored by modern residential buildings and numerous restaurants.
At the edge of the beautiful harbor pool, you should take a break of at least the length of a beer or a glass of wine. Beach restaurants are also cozy dining options. The quality of fish dishes in particular is high – and so is the price.
The oil discoveries of the 1960s brought considerable wealth to Norway. In addition to comprehensive social security and spectacular construction projects, the tourist also notices Norwegian solvency in the price tags.
If you are traveling to Oslo, it is worth preparing in advance for a higher price level than in Finland.
THE BEST OF OSLO
The Oslo Folkemuseum open-air museum features a traditional Nordic church.
The most interesting museums
- National Museum
- Munch Museum
- Viking Ship Museum
- Holmenkollen Ski Museum
- Kon Tiki Museum
The most spectacular buildings
- Royal Palace
- Opera House
- Town hall
- Suurkäräjätalo
- National Theater
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