PHOTO BY Reinhard-Karl Üblacker from Pixabay
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Oslo is a name that means “meadow” but for a long time, almost 200 years, the city was known as Kristiania in honor of King Christian IV who recovered it after a devastating fire in 1859. Only in 1925 was the ancient name -linked to the Viking fortress of Akershus- restored and in fact the current capital of Norway arose around the ruins of this. Among the Nordic capitals, Oslo is perhaps the most romantic given that it is located at the bottom of a beautiful fjord connected to the ports of Fredrikstad and Sandefjord, among snow-capped peaks and thick forests. Here, nature and human construction are in harmony more than in any other place in Europe. Coming to enjoy this combination is definitely worth it.
When to go
The best time to go to Norway, and Oslo in particular, is summer (May-September) when temperatures are “high”… that is, around the typical temperatures of the average European spring season… and the light literally covers the whole day. Those who love the magic of ice sculptures or the Northern Lights should, however, book a trip between Christmas and February.
Travel documents
To enter Norway you need a passport valid for an additional 6 months, an identity card and some specific vaccinations that can be viewed on this site: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel . No visa is required, except for some countries that are not welcome or considered dangerous (consult the lists at the Norwegian embassy)
What to pack for your trip to Oslo
Do not DARE going to Oslo without a camera or photocamera! Missing the stunning landscapes of this city and regioni s a sin! Together with your photo/video device, never forget to pack in the bags: jackets and long-sleeved sweaters, besides the short-sleeved and light ones, if you go in the summer; climate will never be really hot, there. You better prepare yourself with the typical “layered clothing” solution!
In winter, instead, very warm clothing is necessary and you better dress up as if you were going to the North Pole! Thermal clothing and snow shoes are a “must”. Never forget sunglasses and a cream against dry skin from cold.
It is good to have a health insurance, before you leave, but you don’t have to bring medicines and first-aid kit. Norway and Oslo have very good hospitals and pharmacies where you will find anything you need for your own health care.
How to get to Oslo
Oslo is served by three large airports, each one referring to a specific point of the fjord’s region. The international gate to welcome tourists from all over the world is Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) which is helped in some of the air traffic operation by Oslo Rygge (RYG) and Sandefjord (TRF).
As Norway’s largest and busiest airport, Oslo Gardermoen is an efficient, modern gateway offering a seamless travel experience with a touch of Scandinavian charm. It works with 2 runways and 2 terminals. Gardermoen Airport prides itself on its environmentally friendly operations and travelers transiting through Gardermoen will find a variety of amenities designed to cater to their every need. The airport boasts an array of shopping options, from duty-free stores offering a range of cosmetics, perfumes, and confectionery to exclusive boutiques showcasing Norwegian fashion and design. If hunger strikes, passengers can choose from a wide selection of dining establishments, ranging from quick snacks to sit-down meals featuring traditional Norwegian cuisine.
Gardermoen is well-linked with central Oslo via the Airport Express Train, which offers a swift 20-minute ride to the heart of the city. Buses, taxis, and rental cars are also readily available, ensuring efficient onward travel for passengers.
How to move through Oslo
The capital of Norway can be explored with ease and suffering no stress at all. The spectrum of transport services in Oslo, ensuring you can seamlessly plan your travels within this picturesque Nordic gem, is wide and comfortable.
Your journey begins the moment you step off the plane. All of Oslo airports offer private transfers including shuttles, chauffeurs and hourly service driver. Choose from luxury sedans to spacious vans for a swift and comfortable ride. If you prefer public transportation, though, you shall find the same elegant and impressive efficiency.
Oslo boasts a public transport network comprising buses, trams, ferries, and a metro system. The well-maintained and punctual services allow visitors to roam the city at ease, with the Oslo Pass offering unlimited travel across all modes for a set period. No need to say, Oslo also welcomes all ecological means such as bikes, electric scooters and motorcycles!
What to see
Oslo, the heart and soul of Norway, is a place where history meets modernity, and natural beauty blends seamlessly with cutting-edge culture. The city invites travelers to explore its rich heritage of art, history and nature, vibrant night scene, and happy adventures.
In Oslo, the past is right there, at the majestic Akershus Fortress, standing guard since the 13th century and whispering tales of medieval times. Visit the Viking Ship Museum to marvel at ancient vessels that once traversed formidable seas. Don’t miss the cathedral, the opulent Royal Palace, a symbol of Norwegian royalty and national pride, the lovely city harbour. Art and Culture can mix together at the National Museum and at the Munch Museum, where an immersive experience into Edvard Munch’s haunting expressions will be unforgettable. Explore the up-and-coming district of Grünerløkka, replete with galleries, murals, and a bohemian spirit.
Whether it’s a serene sail on the Oslofjord or a trek through the wilderness of Oslomarka, Oslo is a haven for nature lovers. The city’s green lungs, like Frogner Park with its intriguing Vigeland Sculpture Park, provide urban havens for relaxation and recreation. Also visit in the nearby region: Haldenkanalen Regional Park, Lake Mjøsa, Sandefjord and get up to Lillehammer, too.
What to do and NOT to do in Oslo
In Oslo you certainly must: enjoy the city, taste the local food, book excursions to the most impressive fjords, have fun under the “midnight sun”.
Never do, in Oslo: drink too much, keep alchoolic drinks in your car (not even beer!), pretend to be better and smarter than your interlocutors when you talk to other people, walk alone in the parks during the long winter nights, walk alone in secondary, empty streets after dusk.