Oslo, Norway — detailed city guide with photos. Top attractions with descriptions, travel guides, and maps.
City of Oslo (Norway)
Oslo (Norwegian: Oslo) is the capital and largest city of Norway, located in its southeastern part along the Baltic Sea’s Oslo Fjord. It is one of Europe’s most modern and eco-friendly capitals, featuring a wealth of interesting (mostly contemporary) architecture, museums, restaurants, and shops. As the third-largest city in Scandinavia, Oslo is surprisingly compact, convenient, and peaceful, where modern cityscapes blend with breathtaking natural beauty of fjords and forested hills.
Geography and Climate
Oslo is situated in southeastern Norway at the northern end of the Oslo Fjord, which belongs to the Baltic Sea and deeply cuts into the Scandinavian Peninsula. The surrounding area includes around 40 islands and over 300 freshwater lakes. The terrain consists of forested hills.
The climate is temperate with significant maritime influence. Winters are fairly mild with light frosts, while summers are cool with average temperatures of 15-17 °C. Annual precipitation is around 800 mm. Interestingly, Norway’s capital lies at the same latitude as St. Petersburg but has a much milder climate.
Practical Information
- Population: over 600,000.
- Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK).
- Visa: Schengen.
- Time zone (UTC): +1 (Summer +2).
- Area: 454 sq. km.
- Tap water is of excellent quality and safe to drink.
- Tax-Free refunds available for purchases over 315 NOK or restaurant visits over 290 NOK.
- Official language: Norwegian. Many Norwegians speak fluent English.
- Electrical voltage: 220 V.
- Surprisingly, ATMs are not widespread in Oslo. They can be found in banks, train stations (airports), and supermarkets like 7-Eleven or Narvesen.
History and Interesting Facts
The first written records of Oslo date back to 1048. The city was founded by Norwegian King Harald III. The name translates from Old Norse as “the mouth of the Lo River.” In 1299, Norway’s capital moved from Bergen to Oslo. During the Middle Ages, the city consisted of 400 wooden houses surrounded by a city wall, nine churches, and two fortresses—the royal castle and the bishops’ castle.
In 1348, Oslo lost its status as Norway’s capital when Norway became part of Denmark. It remained under Danish rule until 1814.
In 1624, a devastating fire nearly destroyed the Old Town, which was subsequently abandoned. A new city was founded a few kilometers to the west and named Christiania after the Danish king. Today, only the ruins of a few churches remain from medieval Oslo.
In 1814, Norway entered a union with Sweden. The city regained its historical name, Oslo, in 1924.
How to Get There
Oslo Airport is the largest in Norway and one of the biggest in Scandinavia, handling around 100 domestic and international flights. It is located 50 km from the city. To reach the city center, you can take the train—the express train (180 NOK) takes 20 minutes, while the regular train (90 NOK) is the most budget-friendly option. A bus ticket costs 150 NOK.
Two other airports serve the Oslo region. Sandefjord Airport is located 120 km away, with flights from Amsterdam, Alicante, Barcelona, Bremen, Bergamo, Liverpool, Frankfurt, Gdańsk, and other cities.
Oslo Central Station is located east of the historic center. Train connections link the Norwegian capital with Gothenburg, Stockholm, Bergen, and Trondheim.
By Car:
- Highway E6 from Malmö and Gothenburg.
- E18 from St. Petersburg, Helsinki, and Stockholm.
- E16 from Torsby and Bergen.
Bus connections are available from Copenhagen, Stockholm, Malmö, and Gothenburg.
Shopping
Oslo has long held a reputation as one of the world’s most expensive cities. However, it offers many brand-name stores and large shopping centers where prices are no higher than in London, Paris, or Milan.
Shopping Streets:
- Bygdøy allé – homeware, furniture, and interior design stores.
- Karl Johans – the main pedestrian street with many affordable shops.
- Torggata – stores specializing in household goods.
Shopping Malls:
- Paleet – over 30 stores, located downtown on the main pedestrian street.
- Aker Brygge (Tram 12, Bus 21/33) – more than 30 shops, bars, and restaurants.
- Storo Storsenter – Oslo’s largest mall with over 130 stores, housed in a former foundry 15 minutes from the city center by public transport.
- Maschmanns – a fresh produce market: meat, fish, cheeses, plus a bakery and pizzeria.
- Bærums Verk – 50 shops, restaurants, and artisan workshops in a charming woodland setting.
Food and Drinks
Oslo offers dining options for every taste and budget, though prices are generally higher than in other European cities. The cheapest restaurants are Asian, and Oslo has a thriving street food culture.
South of City Hall lies Aker Brygge, a waterfront area packed with eateries and bars. Many restaurants and nightclubs are also found downtown around Stortingsgaten.
The Torggata area has many budget-friendly spots, mostly serving Eastern and Asian cuisine, as well as pizzerias. Grønland is known for its Eastern sweets and cheap beer.
Alcohol sales in stores end at 8 PM on weekdays, 6 PM on Saturdays, and 3 PM on holidays. Sales are prohibited on Sundays.
Landmarks and Attractions
Some may find Oslo’s city center less exciting compared to Stockholm or Copenhagen, as it has fewer historical buildings. Wooden construction is banned in the downtown area, possibly due to the catastrophic 17th-century fire that destroyed the old wooden city.
The Royal Palace – a 19th-century neoclassical royal residence surrounded by a large, beautiful park.
Akershus Fortress – a medieval castle founded in the late 13th century. It was converted into a Renaissance-style fortress in the 17th century and has withstood several sieges. This is one of Oslo’s oldest and most historically significant sites.
A notable attraction is Ekebergparken Sculpture Park, set amid stunning landscapes with several scenic viewpoints.
Despite Oslo’s long history, the Old Town survives only as ruins. The 1624 fire nearly obliterated it, and the settlement was abandoned. The medieval city was located a few kilometers east in the Ekeberg hills, featuring around 400 wooden houses, six churches, and three monasteries.
Among the surviving medieval churches, Aker Church (12th century) stands out. This Romanesque stone basilica lies in eastern Oslo.
Oslo Cathedral – the city’s main religious building, constructed in late 17th-century Baroque style.
Other notable religious sites include:
- Kampen Church – a neo-Gothic church from the late 19th century, offering panoramic city views.
- Grønland Church – one of Oslo’s largest churches, built in Norman style in the 19th century.
- Frogner Church – an early 20th-century church in late Norman style.
- Fagerborg Church – a neo-Gothic church from the early 20th century.
Oslo City Hall, built in the mid-20th century, is decorated inside with scenes from Norwegian life and history.
The Akrobaten Bridge – a pedestrian bridge connecting two districts.
The Barcode Project – a row of twelve modern high-rises of varying heights and designs, a symbol of contemporary Oslo.
Other must-visit spots:
- Aker Brygge – a bustling waterfront district with shopping, dining, and nightlife.
- Vikaterrassen – a pedestrian street west of downtown, lined with shops and restaurants.
Museums in Oslo
- Astrup Fearnley – a leading contemporary art museum in Northern Europe.
- Historical Museum – housed in one of Oslo’s most beautiful buildings, featuring Viking artifacts, Egyptian mummies, and Arctic expedition items.
- Munch Museum – the world’s largest collection of works by expressionist pioneer Edvard Munch.
- National Gallery – Norway’s largest collection of paintings and sculptures, including Munch’s “The Scream” and “Madonna.”
- Nobel Peace Center – exhibitions dedicated to the Nobel Prize and its laureates.
- Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology.
- Viking Ship Museum – showcasing Viking-era ships and artifacts.
Video
Oslo on the Map
