Oslo the capital of beautiful rugged Norway has plenty to keep the visitor interested.. It was built in the year 1000 as a business centre. It has around 0.6 Million population. Its area is 480 square kilometres. It is the largest city of the country. Although a beautiful city, Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live.

Oslo is a modern city when it comes to design, style and construction. The city has great significance as a centre of maritime knowledge in the whole of Europe. There are many medieval structures preserved by the Government. Some of them are the Akerskirke, the Akershus Fortress and the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Hallvard, the first Cathedral of Oslo.

Some of the city’s cultural institutions include the University of Oslo, the national theatre, the national gallery and the Oslo Opera House. There are several museums in the city. The city boasts 50 museums and many art galleries. Highlights are the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum and Holmenkollen.

Beaches: The south-east part of Oslo is called Oslo fjord. There are backwaters of the sea. In this part, there are around 40 islands. Oslo fjord is beautiful with its mountains, forests, beaches etc. This is the main tourist attraction.

Oslo City Hall: It is also known as the structure of the century. It was built during 1931-1950. Now, Oslo City Hall is under the administration of Oslo Municipality.

Oslo City Hall is also well-known for the Noble peace prize. Every year on December 10^th, Nobel peace prize is presented to the awardees in the Oslo City Hall.

National Theatre: It was built in 1899. This is the largest theatre in Norway. It is the venue for various cultural programs.

Vigeland sparken sculpture park: As the name suggests, this park has sculptures all over. A total of around 220 bronze and granite statues are there in this park. This is the largest in the world among sculpture parks. It is also called the Frogner Park. Gustav Vigeland, a Norwegian sculpture, has made several collections of sculptures in this park.

Transport: how to get there and around

The International airport in Gardermoen serves Europe and North America well. The train can link you as far as London, and the bus serves Russia, Germany and other Scandinavian countries. Ferries also run to Germany and the UK.

Oslo city is compact enough to walk around, although you could spoil yourself with a ferry trip on the fjord. There is also a choice of buses, subway system and taxis.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Oslo.

Attractions & Events

Ø  An important day in the Norwegian calendar is 17 May. Constitution Day is a traditional day is widely celebrated with dressing in folk costume.

Ø  Beach bonfires are lit on Midsummer’s Eve, another big celebration in Oslo.

Oslo facts:

Ø  It is one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Ø  Of its area of 480 square kilometres, around 242 square kilometres is forest area.

Ø  Oslo has 343 lakes.

Ø  Norway is nearer to the North Pole. The Sun is near to North Pole for six months. Hence, during summer in Oslo, it is never dark. Sunlight is there even in the night.

Ø  As per United Nations survey, it is the best city to live in. It is also good in human resource development index.

Ø  Oslo has very less unemployment.

Ø  It is expensive to live in.

Ø  Oslo has cool climate. During summer months of June, July and August, the highest temperature will be 21 degree Celsius.

Ø  Being a coastal city, there is frequent rain.

Ø  During the months of January and February, the temperature is always in minus degrees. Winter is snowy.

Ø  Yearly 10 million of tourists visit the city of Oslo.