Oslo, the busy capital of Norway, serves as the economic and cultural hub of the country. No trip to Norway would be complete without spending time at many of the great attractions our city has to offer. To help you get oriented, Oslo is located at the end of a large fjord, with the boundaries of the city surrounded by dense forest. Within a few minutes of the city, you can find a chain of islands, a favorite hotspot for locals during the summer months.
History
The historic city has much to offer. Numerous means of transportation make it easy to get around the city and its many venues. The area has its roots in Viking times, so one popular tourist destination is the Viking Ship Museum. You can view three authentic Viking ships here, as well as other Viking artifacts.One of the oldest structures in the city is found at Akershus Fortress, a very unique attraction dating back to 1299. Built to offer protection to the city, the castle has undergone renovations through the years, but you can still tour the medieval fortress and pay homage to the royalty buried in the Royal Mausoleum.For a bit more modern history, take a trip to Det Kongelige Slott, the royal palace. The palace is not off-limits to the public. Visitors can tour 15 rooms and even witness the memorable changing of the guard. You need to arrange for tickets well in advance, as the tour is extremely popular.
Accommodations
Although you can't stay at the royal palace during your time in the city, there are some incredible 5-star hotels that will make you feel like royalty. As with any major city, the variety of housing accommodation is endless here and you can find moderately priced hotels, hostels for backpackers and charming guest houses. Oslo even offers camping options. Do your homework ahead of time to find accommodations that suit your price range to find the perfect lodgings that provide the amenities you are looking for during your travels.
Sightseeing
After settling in, one of the best ways to orient yourself to the city and learn about its history and many attractions is to take one of the many tours available, either on foot or in a tour bus. Double-decker buses are also available and you can hop on and off them at different stops along the route, making them a great way to get around the city.
Art in Oslo
Oslo served as the muse for many artists who took up residence here and created some of their most famous works. Local artist Edvard Munch donated his artwork to the city upon his death. His infamous painting The Scream and many other works can be found at the Munch Museum. The Munch Jubileum in 2013 celebrates the 150th anniversary of the artist’s birth.If you enjoy sculpture, head to Frogner Park, a beautiful green park frequented by locals. Located near the center of the city, this lush park features hundreds of sculptures by beloved Norwegian sculpture artist Gustav Vigeland.
Things to do
If you are here during the winter months from December to March, check out the world-class ski facilities. For the daring, there is the legendary toboggan run at Korketrekkeren (“corkscrew”), which served as the bobsled run for the 1952 Olympics.If you happen to visit during the summer, head to the local beaches. The water is pleasant and there are many opportunities for sunbathing. The easiest way to reach the beaches is to take a ferry out to one of the islands such as Hovedøya, Lindøya and Langøyene. Each island has a little different flavor, so be sure to visit more than one during your stay.
If you like hiking, don't miss out on the opportunity to hike in one of the many fantastic forests to be found here. Oslomarka Forest offers dozens of walking trails. If you are looking for something a little less tame, there are many forests around the edges of the town which are great for hiking. If you are fortunate, you might even spot a moose during your walk.
If you prefer the sea to land, don't miss out on one of the many fjord tours offered. You can see a totally different view of the city from a boat and even feel a little nostalgic. For the best of worlds, head to the sloping Oslo Opera House rooftop, which offers magnificent views of both the city and sea.
Oslo Opera House
Visitors to Oslo should not miss out on the opportunity to walk on top of the Oslo Opera House. One of the grand architectural triumphs of the world, it was designed by Tarald Lundevall and construction was completed in 2007. Since then, it has won the World Architecture Festival Cultural Award in 2008 and the Mies van der Rohe award in 2009. Home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, it is situated in the Bjørka neighborhood of central Oslo, located at the head of the Oslo fjord.
The complex slants upward from the fjord and seems to rise up out of the sea. Visitors can stroll from the edge of the fjord up the ramp-like structure to the apex of the building. From here, you can take in the panorama of Oslo, with an even more invigorating view when seen at night.
Norwegian Folk Museum
If you want to take a step back in time, check out the Norwegian Folk Museum. This is the largest open-air museum in the country, displaying over 140 buildings from the 1600s-1700s that were moved to this location from different regions of the country. Numerous demonstrations are offered daily, where you can stroll through different towns and experience what life would have been like in the area centuries ago.
Shopping
For those who want to indulge in a little shopping while they are here, Oslo is a shopping mecca for tourists and locals alike. Offering up the latest in fashion trends, antiques and local homemade crafts, the shopping venues around the city have something to offer for everyone.
If you are looking for designer apparel, be sure to visit the city centre around Karl Johans gate. Head down Akersgata while you are in the area, home to world-famous designers such as Louis Vuitton and Mulberry.
The area of Grünerløkka is one of the best places to find handmade items and the latest local designer clothing, as well as excellent pubs and bars. If you are staying for a longer visit, be sure to check out Grønland Basar for some exotic spices and fruit.
Food in Oslo
The variety of food available around town is wide and varied. Around the waterfront areas, you can find some really good local seafood. If you are looking for regional cuisine, try Smia Galleri, a favorite among locals. Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri's is the oldest of the traditional Norwegian restaurants in town. There are many restaurants, cafés and coffee houses around the city that cater to a wide variety of palates.
Don't forget to wash your meal down with some fantastic beer. Oslo's brewing history goes way back to a time when almost every farmhouse had a separate structure for brewing beer for the homestead.
Regardless of the reason for visiting the city, you will guaranteed be a memorable trip. Great food, shopping and sightseeing, all easily accessible from the city center, will ensure you won't forget your time spent in Norway's beautiful historic city.
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