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Jan
10
Oslo Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Norway
A trip to Oslo
Oslo recently celebrated its 1,000-year anniversary, but make no mistake about this city: it may be old, but it is one of Europe’s hottest capitals. Combine the natural wonders of the fjords and forests with the magnificence of the waterfront and a nightlife that doesn’t quit, and you’ll find a destination that won’t disappoint.
Flights to Oslo
Oslo’s airport is one of Scandinavia’s major air hubs, handling over 14 million passengers annually, arriving from 60 worldwide points of origin. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Oslo try lastminute.com. Although flying is a popular option for getting to Oslo, many visitors from around Europe arrive by bus, ferry and train.
Getting to Oslo by car is quite straightforward, with ferry connections often making for more direct travel routes. Transportation within the city is well-provided for, with a comprehensive and efficient public transport network. The city is quite compact, and most attractions of interest can be visited on foot.
Oslo
Sightseeing in Oslo
Even though Oslo is one of Europe’s smaller capitals, it is one of the most cosmopolitan. You’ll find deep Nordic roots evident here, and a vibrant arts scene. The centre is filled with cultural attractions, some of the most popular of which include art museums, and also a folk museum housed in the 700-year-old Akershus Castle. A must-see is the Holmenkollen ski complex with its well-known ski jump and ski museum. The sport has a 1,000-year history in Norway.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Oslo’s nightlife will surprise you, as it is one of the best and most vibrant you’ll find in Europe. You can choose from pubs, for a quiet drink, or clubs, where live music is featured every night of the week. The bar and restaurant scene here is one of the most enjoyable aspects of visiting Oslo. In particular, you’ll find the newly-restored waterfront area of Aker Brygge a great place to check out the cafés and bars.
Traditional local cuisine has recently been upstaged by a form known as New Scandinavian, a combination of game and seafood from Norway, blended with herbs and sauces found in other European cuisines. Traditional food can still be found quite easily, so be sure to try specialties such as lutefisk (a local cod dish) and pinnekjott (smoked lamb ribs with potatoes and mashed turnip).
Fun by day - shopping and activities
You’ll find that the city’s shops are the best places to buy anything made in Norway, from popular souvenirs to knitwear, wooden spoons and boxes, and gold and silver jewellery. The best selections and prices on local foods and drinks, such as akvavit, caviar, chocolate, goats’ cheese and smoked salmon are also found in Oslo.
The city’s main shopping area for antiques, art and food is Frogner; and just to the north of Frogner you will find market stalls and department stores. Stortorget is an open-air market located at the square bearing the same name, where general goods, such as clothing, flowers and souvenirs are found. An indoor market is found in Basarhallene, near the cathedral, where you’ll come across antiques, handicrafts and jewellery. If you’re in search of a mall, Aker Brygge, across the water from the Vestbanen tourist office, is the place to go.
Daytrips
There are several tourist attractions outside of Oslo that make for great daytrips. One of the most popular day trips for visitors is to travel from Oslo by train, transferring to buses and boats to tour the fjord country. Located roughly 60 miles to the south of Oslo is the oldest town in the entire country, Tonsberg. Here, visitors can spend days roaming through the countryside, seeing the Viking ruins and learning a bit of the town’s history.
It is quite common for locals to retreat to their mountain cottages after the work week. Tourists may rent their own hytte, or mountain cottage, and head to Oslo Marka Forest, which is only a 20-minute train ride outside of the city. Visitors can hike or go fishing for more active and recreational activities.
There are over 40 islands outside side of Oslo Fjord, and travellers may take boats to island hop. The small town of Drobak offers spas and baths while the Tryvann Skisenter is a perfect place to visit in the winter time. Located only 30 minutes outside of Oslo is the Varignskollen Apline Centre, where snow skiers and skiers can flex their skills in on the slopes all day.
Must-see attractions
Oslo has a number of museums and monuments dedicated to Viking history and artefacts. The Viking Ship Museum is a great place to start a day of exploration as it houses boats that date back as far at the 9th century. Afterwards, cross over to the Kon-Tiki Museum for an additional lesson on Nordic expeditions on the sea. The boats and artefacts on display mostly originate from Thor Heyerdahl’s era.
For a more outdoors oriented sightseeing tour of the city, stop by the Vigeland Sculpture Park. The sculpture park holds the title as one of the most visited landmarks in the entire country. Stroll through the park and enjoy over 200 sculptures of the late Gustav Vigeland. A bonus is that visitors can enjoy a full day of exploration absolutely free of charge.
Take the entire family to the TusenFryd Amusement Park for a day of fun. Enjoy everything from water rides, roller coasters and simulated river activities. On a sunny day, head to the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History where visitors can take part in cultural dances, horseback riding and arts and crafts. For a little night time recreation, head to the Majorstua/Frogner area, where a number of trendy, young and hip bars line the streets, guaranteeing a fun evening out.
Best time to go
Depending on your interests, there are several ideal times to visit Oslo throughout the year. For those looking for more beach oriented recreation, the summer will be the best time for visiting. Just be aware that July and August are quite busy with tourists and travellers. If skiing is the reason for visiting Oslo, the start of the year is an ideal time for a visit with February being the peak, resulting in inflated rates and prices.
Rainy day suggestions
When the weather is cold and rainy guests can escape to the Natural History Museum. Within this complex guests can enjoy strolls through the Botanical Museum, Mineralogical-Geological Museum and Zoological Museum. A bonus is that admission is free and the museums open fairly early during the week. For a chance to experience Oslo’s arts and crafts, take a trip to the Baerums Verk, where restaurants, boutiques and art galleries will keep visitors busy for hours.
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