| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
Over the years, we've watched Oslo, the capital of Norway, grow from a sprawling country town into the sophisticated metropolis it is today. Fueled by oil money from the "black gold" of the North Sea, Oslo today is permeated with a Nordic joie de vivre in contrast to its staid, dull reputation of yesteryear. Along with population growth, urban sprawl has come to Oslo. But Oslo still manages, in spite of its growing numbers, to have more green belts than any other European capital. There are still virgin forests in Oslo and hundreds of hiking trails that lead you to fjords or mountains. No slouch in the cultural department, either, Oslo has some of the greatest museums in all of northern Europe. The only problem is that Oslo is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Proceed with caution if you're on a strict budget. Oslo was founded in the mid-11th century by a Viking king and became the capital around 1300 under Haakon V. In the course of its history, the city burned down several times; fire destroyed it in 1624. The master builder Christian IV, king of Denmark and Norway, ordered the town rebuilt near the Akershus Castle. He named the new town Christiania (after himself), its official name until 1924, when the city reverted to its former name. In 1814 Norway separated from Denmark and united with Sweden, a union that lasted until 1905. During that period, the Royal Palace, the House of Parliament, the old university, the National Theater, and the N
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| History (Source: WCities) | Top | Icelandic writer Snorre Sturlason contends that Harald Hardråde established a trading center in the area east of Oslo in 1050. Archaeologists have found proof that people lived in Oslo permanently from about the year 1000, thus Oslo celebrated its 1000-year anniversary in the year 2000. The first people of Oslo lived in humble wooden houses with turf roofs, and kept sheds for goats, sheep and cows. Christianity had recently come to Norway, and soon established a solid foundation. Over three hundred years, four monasteries and six churches were built in Oslo. The first great era of Oslo began after Håkon V Magnusson's crowning in 1299. He married the Northern German princess Euphemia of Rügens, and built the Akershus Fortress where he later moved to. In 1301 Duke Erik of Sweden came to Norway to visit his one-year-old fiancée, princess Ingebjørg, daughter of Queen Euphemia and Håkon V Magnusson. 18 years later Ingebjørg and Erik married to join the thrones of Sweden and Norway. The first union between the two countries was signed in the Bishop's castle, where Oslo Ladegård is today. During the Middle Ages Oslo had around 3,000 inhabitants and covered an area the size of Slottsparken , the Royal Palace Garden. When the Black Death arrived in Oslo in 1349, half of its inhabitants died. After the plague, Norway became a province ruled by Denmark, and Copenhagen became the official capital city. The kings had their residence in Copenhagen and Stockholm for m
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| When To Go (Source: Fodors) | Top | The tourist season peaks in June, July, and August, when daytime temperatures are often in the 70s°F (21°C-26°C) and sometimes rise into the 80s°F (27°C-32°C). In general, the weather is not overly warm, and a brisk breeze and brief rainstorms are possible anytime. Nights can be chilly, even in summer. Visit in summer if you want to experience the endless days of the midnight sun; the best time to visit is mid-May to late July. Hotels, museums, and sights have longer opening hours and the modes of transportation run on more frequent schedules. If you decide to travel in May, try to be in the country on the 17th, or Syttende Mai, Norway's Constitution Day, when flag-waving Norwegians bedecked in national costumes, or bunader, fill the streets. Fall, spring, and even winter are pleasant, despite the Nordic reputation for gloom. The days become shorter quickly, but the sun casts a golden light not seen farther south. On dark days, fires and candlelight will warm you indoors. The Gulf Stream warms the western coast of Norway, making winters there similar to those in London. Even the harbor of Narvik, far to the north, remains ice-free year-round. Away from the protection of the Gulf Stream, however, northern Norway has cold, clear weather that attracts skiers. Winter Norway is a wonderland of snow-covered mountains glowing under the northern lights, and few tourists are around to get in your way (although many tourist attractions are also closed). The days may seem perpet
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| How To Get There (Source: Frommers) | Top | Planes from all over the world fly into Oslo International Airport in Gardemoen (tel. 81-55-02-50 ), about 50km (31 miles) east of downtown Oslo, a 45-minute drive from the center. All domestic and international flights coming into Oslo arrive through this much-upgraded airport, including aircraft belonging to SAS, British Airways, and Icelandair. There's frequent bus service, departing at intervals of between 15 and 30 minutes throughout the day, into downtown Oslo. Bus service is maintained by SAS (tel. 22-80-49-71; www.flybussen.no), whose buses deliver passengers to the Central Railway station and to most of the SAS hotels within Oslo. The cost is 100NOK ($15/£8.20) per person. There's also a high-speed railway service between Gardemoen and Oslo's main railway station, requiring a transit time of only 20 minutes, priced at 110NOK ($17/£9.05) per person each way. If you want to take a taxi, be prepared for a lethally high charge of around 600NOK to 700NOK ($92-$108/£49-£58) for up to four passengers plus their luggage. If you need a "maxi-taxi," a minivan that's suitable for between 5 and 15 passengers plus their luggage, you'll be assessed 900NOK ($139/£74). By Train Trains from the Continent, Sweden, and Denmark arrive at Oslo Sentralstasjon , Jernbanetorget 1 (tel. 81-50-08-88 for train information), located at the beginning of Karl Johans Gate, in the center of the city. The station is open daily from 4:30am to 1am. From the Central Station, t
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| Getting Around (Source: Frommers) | Top | Oslo has an efficient citywide network of buses, trams (streetcars), and subways. Buses and electric trains take passengers to the suburbs; from mid-April to October, ferries to Bygdøy depart from the harbor in front of the Oslo Rådhuset (City Hall). Discount Passes The Oslo Pass can help you become acquainted with the city at a fraction of the usual price. It allows free travel on public transportation, free admission to museums and other top sights, discounts on sightseeing buses and boats, a rebate on your car rental, and special treats in restaurants. You can purchase the card at hotels, fine stores, and tourist information offices; from travel agents; and in the branches of Sparebanken Oslo Akershus. Adults pay 210NOK ($32/£17) for a 1-day card, 300NOK ($46/£25) for 2 days, and 390NOK ($60/£32) for 3 days. Children's cards cost 90NOK ($14/£7.40), 110NOK ($17/£9.05), and 140NOK ($22/£12). By Bus, Tram & Subway Jernbanetorget is Oslo's major bus and tram terminal stop. Most buses and trams passing through the heart of town stop at Wessels Plass, next to the Parliament, or at Stortorvet, the main marketplace. Many also stop at the National Theater or University Square on Karl Johans Gate, as well as stopping through Oslo's suburbs. The subway (T-banen) has four branch lines to the east. The Western Suburban route (including Holmenkollen) has four lines to the residential sections and recreation grounds west and north of the city. Subways and train
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