Oslo Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

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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.

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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.


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