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Travel guide – oslo

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Overview

Oslo, set in beautiful surroundings, is the oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities, founded by a Viking king in 1048. Situated at the inner extremity of a 70-mile (110km) long fjord, the city’s boundaries encompass large areas of forest, the setting for many Norwegian tales about princesses, heroes and trolls.

Despite being Norway’s largest city, it has a relatively small population and a low-key atmosphere, with a mixture of old medieval buildings and churches, modern architecture, wide streets, a surprising number of excellent museums and galleries, and acres of parks and gardens.

The Bygdøy Peninsula, a short ferry ride across the water, is a sought-after residential area encompassing a fascinating cluster of museums, including the large open air Norwegian Folk Museum that presents a walk-through insight to the country’s geography and history. Nearby, the Viking Ship Museum, the Polar ship Fram Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum provide an intriguing look into Norway’s varied seafaring past.

Other attractions include the Munch Museum, housing a vast collection left by the city’s famous artist Edvard Munch, Vigeland Park with its interesting collection of sculptures, and the medieval Akershus Fortress dominating the seafront.

Oslo is a capital city representing national and international cultures, with a centre that pulsates with bars and pubs, busy cafes, restaurants and theatres. The main street, Karl Johans Gate, is lined with shops and is the popular haunt of street artists. The city’s thriving and vibrant character has given it a cosmopolitan atmosphere and it has become a natural choice for important events such as the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony that it hosts annually in the City Hall.

Climate

Despite its northerly location, the climate in Norway is temperate, thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream flowing along its coast. The interior highlands have an Arctic type of climate in winter with snow, strong winds and severe frosts, but during fine summer spells the daytime temperatures can rise above 86°F (30°C) with long hours of sunshine. By contrast, the coastal areas have comparatively mild winter conditions. Gales, rain and cloud are likely along the west coast, particularly in winter, and the rainfall is frequent and heavy. The lowland area around Oslo is the driest and warmest part of the country in summer.

Health

Travellers should seek local advice before eating certain types of fish from the lakes and fjords and mussels from along the coast. The standard of healthcare is high. A reciprocal agreement exists between UK and Norway under which British nationals are covered for emergency treatment whilst visiting Norway as long as they hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travellers should ensure that they have adequate travel and medical insurance.

The basics

Getting Around

Oslo is a relatively small city and parking is at a premium so a car is a bit of a liability. Fortunately there is an extensive and superbly efficient public transport system involving buses, trams, subway, trains and ferries, operated by Oslo Sporveier. The city is served by 50 bus lines and eight tram routes, all starting from Jerbanetorvet at Oslo S Station. The subway is called the Oslo T Bane and there are five underground lines covering the city. All public transport runs from 5.30am to midnight, with tickets available from bus drivers or vending machines at stations. The Tourist Ticket allows for unlimited use within 24 hours, while the 1, 2, and 3-day Oslo Card allows unlimited travel on any form of public transport, and includes free museum admissions and other discounts. Ferries operate on a seasonal basis, between April and September, linking the City Hall to the museum-studded island of Bygdøy. There are also ferry services to the harbour islands. Metered taxis are easy to come by, and can be found at ranks near shopping centres, city squares, stations and other gathering points. Cabs can also be ordered by telephone from a central office, or hailed in the street if the rooftop light indicates it is available for hire.

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Travel Guide by www.wordtravels.com
Disclaimer: By its very nature much of the information in our travel guides is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Winter Sunshine Holidays & Globe Media cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.