Oslo Norway - The Inevitable Scandinavian

Once called Christiania, the Kristiania, Oslo is Norway’s capital and largest city. It lies at the head of the Oslofjord, spreading down either side to form a huge ‘U’. The inevitable Scandinavian fire (actually Oslo’s unlucky 14th) destroyed the medieval town in 1624 and a new town sprang up around the Akershus Fortress across the water (still a military area today, but open to the public). Oslo Norway is such a force in Norwegian life that it faces criticism for depopulating rural areas by attracting the young – which does, however, help make it a lively place. Oslo Norway regards itself as the party capital of Norway and has an enormous selection of restaurants, bars and clubs.

It is also the excuse for popular resistance to extensive further development, ensuring that the city remains surrounded at close quarters by unspoiled wilderness. By way of contrast, Oslo Norway is a major cultural capital, with world-class museums, galleries, sculpture parks and music venues. Take a ferry to the Bygdoy Peninsula to see superb maritime museums – of Viking ships, Kon-Tiki and Fram, the latter pair celebrating great Norwegian seafarers Thor Heyerdahl and Roald Amundsen.

Oslo City | Norway

Oslo is a place of visual contrasts, with a lot of modern architecture some of which, from the 1960s, is frankly hideous. But the overall effect is not displeasing and there are many interesting vistas. Walk along Karl Johans Gate through the heart of the city, from the Royal Palace to the railway station, for a flavour of Oslo at its best (and that includes shops!). For charming original wooden houses find your way to areas like Kampen, Rodelokka or Valerenga. The 17th century cathedral (Oslo’s third) is definitely worth visiting, whilst those with grand designs will love a tour of the sumptuous Royal Palace.

Population of Oslo Norway

552,000 (2007)

When To Go To Oslo Norway

Late spring/summer/early autumn (winters are long and very cold).

Don’t Miss To Visit This Place At Oslo Norway

• The Nobel Peace Centre, which has an exhibit for every single winner of the prestigious prize.
• A visit to the City Hall on the waterfront, site of the annual Nobel Prize ceremony, for huge murals in its spectacular main hall. The view from the top of the Holmenkollen ski jump opened in 1892, and a trip round the accompanying skiing museum.
• The Munch Museum, for hundreds of paintings by Norway’s tortured genius.
• A walk down beside Oslo’s tumbling River Akerselva from rural Frysja to the centre, for a unique experience of the city.
• Vigeland Sculpture Park, within Frogner Park, for over 200 bronze and granite sculptures by Norwegian master Gustav Vigeland.

You Should Know

Oslo is one of the world’s largest capitals by area, much of it forest, with 40 islands and 343 lakes within city limits.

See Also

• Natural Beauty At Stockholm Sweden
• Spectacular Northern Lights At Tromso Norway
• Finland’s Official ‘Christmas City’ | Turku Finland
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