Oslo is the capital of Norway and one of the largest cities in Scandinavia.

This city’s history goes back a 1000 years. It was founded by King Harald Hardrade. After a fire destroyed the old Oslo, the city shifted to the west and was renamed Christiana. It was only in 1925 that the city regained the name Oslo.

Some of the world renowned residents of Oslo include Henrik Ibsen and Knut Hamsun who won the Nobel Prize for literature.

Many of the city’s landmark buildings such as the Royal Palace, the Stortinget and University and the National Theatre were built in the 19th century.

What to see

If you really want to get a feel of Oslo’s charm you must visit the well-to-do suburbs in the inner city such as Fagerborg and Frogner. You will find those charming wooden houses in these suburbs.

The other sights which you must see are the Royal Palace, the University, the Opera house and the cathedral.

Another interesting place to visit would be the Akershus Festning which is a castle dating back to the middle ages and quite near the city center.

Oslo has more than its share of museums; most of them located near each other. You don’t need to pay an entrance fee at some of these museums but at others you will have to.

You can buy an Oslo Pass which will enable you to see many museums in a limited time span. You can also travel free on the public transport with this Pass.

There are also a number of parks which would be worth a visit such as the Botanical Garden, the Slottsparken and the Frogner Park.

Another of the must see sights are the Olso fjords. When to visit

The best time to visit Oslo is during June and July. At this time of the year you can catch the Midnight Sun. May and September are also good months to visit Oslo and you can also avoid the high tourist season.

Where to stay

There are a range of hotels in Oslo and you can choose one which suits your taste and budget. Most of the hotels are located in the heart of the city, which makes it easier for you. Almost all hotels offer a breakfast buffet as part of the package.

There are also a number of guest houses, family and youth hostels as well as camping sites for those who like the outdoors. It is advisable to book ahead before you arrive.

Shopping

You can spend a lot of time around Karl Johans gate as it is the shopping precinct. You will find a number of department stores as well as shopping centers. All the major international brands are present. If you want to pick up some pottery and handicrafts you should go over to Grunerlekka. At Gronland, you will get some excellent bargains on gold and textiles.

Food

Norwegian specialty foods such as reindeer, salmon and moose are served in most restaurants in Oslo. If you are in Oslo at the right time (from early November to a little after Christmas), you might even get to taste lutefisk, a traditional Nordic disk made of stock fish and softened in water and lye.

Most traditional foods are available in the city center.

What to wear

If you are visiting Oslo during December don’t forget to pack your boots; wear extra socks to keep your feet warm. If you are travelling during the summer months than casual clothes are cool. You could also pack a set of formal clothes, just in case you are invited to a posh party. Plan what you wear so that you can layer up if need be. Make sure you carry your sweater, jacket as well as an umbrella. In winter you will require sweaters, ski parkas, wool coats.

Transport

You can connect to Oslo Airport from most European hubs. SAS, the flagship carrier of Norway, Sweden and Denmark operates Flybussen buses to the airport from Bussterminalen Galleriet every 20 minutes.

Oslo has two other airports – Torp airport in Sandefjord and the Rygge Airport in Moss. These are hubs for the no-frills carriers. There are no direct flights to the US from here.

Money

The currency used in Norway is the Norwegian Krone. At the Oslo Airport there are ATMs in the departure and arrival halls.

You can change money at all post offices and banks.

Medical

In case of a medical emergency dial 113. The emergency rooms are open from 4 pm to 10.30 pm on weekdays from 10 am to 10.30 pm on weekends and holidays.

Call 22 93 22 93 – the emergency room at Storgata, in the case of an accident.

Tourist office contact

The main tourist office in Oslo is near the Central Station at Trafikantent Service Center, Jernbanetorget 1. This center is open through the week from 7 am to 8 pm and on weekends from 8am to 6pm. For more information email info@visitoslo.com

Visa

US citizens do not require a tourist or business visa for Norway for 90 days. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay in Norway. You must also ensure that your passport has un-used pages on the passport.

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