Oslo, Norway
Discover the Charm of Oslo: Norway's Capital City
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 11/20/2024
This was our second stop on our European Adventure click here to view our trip overview page.
We chose Oslo as the start of our “Norway in a Nutshell” tour which allowed us to see some fjords and the Norwegian countryside which was the motivation for this part of the trip. You can find more info about our Norway in a Nutshell tour here.
We flew into Oslo from Copenhagen and took the Flytoget (AKA "The Airport Express Train") train which is the fastest way (19 minutes) from Oslo airport to the Oslo Central Station (city center) and extremely convenient as the train station was directly below the airport. Click here to read more about this train service.
Oslo is also famous for its cultural attractions, such as the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum, and the Oslo Opera House. The city has a thriving culinary scene, with many trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants serving traditional Norwegian cuisine as well as international dishes.
Interesting Facts about Oslo Norway
- Oslo residents are Norway’s healthiest.
- Most of Oslo consists of forest.
- The city used to be called Christiania.
- Oslo is the European Green Capital for 2019.
- The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo.
- Trafalgar Square's (London) Christmas tree is a gift from Oslo.
- Oslo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1952.
- Oslo is Norway's most ethnically diverse city.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oslo Norway
- What are the top things to do in Oslo: View the "Visit Oslo" page for their list.
- Where is Oslo Located: See our map info below.
- How to get to Oslo: Take a look at "Visit Norway" page. We flew in from Copenhagen, short & comfortable flight.
- Where is the best place to stay in Oslo: Click to view a Google Search Results list.
- Is Oslo worth visiting: Click here to see why the "Culture Trip" site says yes and gives you 11 reasons why.
- Where is the Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump: Click to jump to our section below on this page.
- Is Oslo expensive for tourists: The "City Mayors" site says Oslo is the # 3 most expensive city in the world. Click to view the "Visit Norway" site to read more information.
- What is Oslo known for: Click to view the "Go Fjords" page for more information.
- What is the Oslo elevation: Oslo is 3 feet above sea level. The area around Oslo is hilly and ranges in elevation up to approximately 500 feet above sea level.
- Best Oslo Hikes: Click to view the "All Trails" list of hikes for Oslo.
- What is the best time of year to visit Oslo: Click to view the "U.S. News" Page about Oslo Weather.
- How to get to the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo: Click to view the "Rome 2 Rio" page to learn how. Or click here to go to our page section below.
- What Restaurants are in Oslo: Here is a Google Search Results list for restaurants in Oslo.
- What Hotels are in Oslo: Here is a Google Search Results list for hotels in Oslo.
- Where is the Oslo Rail Station: Oslo Central Station is the main railway station in Oslo, and the largest railway station within the entire Norwegian railway system. It is located at Jernbanetorget, Norway's biggest public transportation hub, which also consists of the Jernbanetorget metro station, Oslo Bus Terminal and local bus and tram stops outside. Click here to view a Google Map of the Jernbanetorget area.
Where is Oslo Norway Located? Map
Click above Image to view larger Google MapIt lies at the head of Oslo Fjord in the southeastern part of Norway. It is north and slightly west of Denmark and it is about 378 miles from Copenhagen to Oslo by car. It is approximately 330 miles west and slightly north of Stockholm Sweden if traveling by car.
Oslo is the capital of Norway and has a population of about 697k as of 2020. The original site of Oslo was actually east of the Aker River. The city was founded by King Harald Hardraade about 1050, and in approximately 1300 the Akershus fortress was built by Haakon V.
Click the map icon above, or the map image, to view an Oslo Norway Map.
Where to Stay in Oslo Norway?
As of 11/15/2024 Google says there are over 933 accommodations of all types in Oslo, which include 170 hotels of all types. Click here to view the Google Search Results list of all 170 hotels.
The top 5 accommodations in Oslo based upon the highest guest ratings (according to Google), include these options:
- City Center: City Center (2bedroom/1bath/Balcony) Sørenga is a beachfront property set in Oslo, 1.3 km from Oslo Central Station and 2.8 km from Akershus Fortress. Private parking is available on site at this recently renovated property. (Guest rating 4.8)
- Grand Hotel Oslo: In a landmark 1874 building on bustling Karl Johans Gate, this sophisticated hotel is a 5-minute walk from the National Museum of Art and an 11-minute walk from the Royal Palace. (Guest Rating 4.4)
- Hotel Continental, Oslo: Busy downtown area with medieval Akershus Fortress & Oslo Opera House, plus designer boutiques. (Guest Rating 4.6)
- The Thief: This contemporary hotel in the trendy Tjuvholmen arts district is 1.6 km from the National Museum of Art and 4.8 km from Frogner Park. (Guest Rating 4.4)
- Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo: This modern hotel is a 3-minute walk from the Jernbanetorget transportation hub, a 13-minute walk from Oslo Opera House and 7 km from the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. (Guest Rating 4.3)
If you would prefer to do your own search, here is the link to the Google Search Results for "accommodations in Oslo Norway".
We chose to stay at the Comfort Hotel Grand Central, which was immediately adjacent to the train station. For our purposes this was perhaps the best play to stay in Oslo, Norway. It was so convenient to the trains and transportation for touring the area and right in the downtown area. There was a lot of activity and food options close by, however the rooms were quiet and comfortable. The room was not huge, which is typical in Europe but it was adequate to accommodate our luggage and clean and comfortable. We recommend it for short stays.
We utilized Expedia to perform our Oslo Hotel research, and to make our reservations at the Comfort Hotel Grand Central. We recommend Expedia because they are very reliable and easy to utilize.
IMAGE CREDITS: Both images are the property of the Comfort Hotel Grand Central Oslo, Norway.
We had the hotel name and we knew that it was close to the train station. When we got off the train and walked outside of the station, and used Celeste's cell phone map app to try and find the hotel, imagine our surprise when we realized it was right there in front of us!
Exploring Oslo - Jernbanetorget Transportation Center
Our hotel is just around the corner to the left of the bus. The light rail station is underneath the area where the buses are lined up, and the Oslo Central Train Station is just left of this area as well.
More Info for the Jernbanetorget Transportation Center
- Jernbanetorget Transportation Center Google Images Set:
- Google Reviews for the Jernbanetorget Transportation Center
Image Credits:
- image # 1 is the property of Ralf Roletschek via Wikidata.
- All other images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Exploring Oslo - Oslo Opera House
Oslo Opera House: The home of The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and the National Opera Theatre in Norway. The building sits on the eastern side of the Oslo Harbor near the Havnepromenade.
The harbor and Opera House were practically in the front yard of our hotel's location, a walk of perhaps 100 yards and we were standing on the harbor seawall.
The Oslo Opera House is a striking architectural masterpiece and the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. Opened in 2008, it was designed by the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta. The building is celebrated for its sloping, marble-clad roof, which allows visitors to walk up and enjoy panoramic views of the Oslofjord. Inside, the opera house features a blend of oak and glass, creating an elegant yet inviting atmosphere. It hosts world-class opera, ballet, and musical performances, making it a cultural landmark in Scandinavia. The building’s innovative design and emphasis on accessibility make it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
Exploring Oslo - Viking Ship Museum
The museum is most famous for the completely whole Oseberg ship, excavated from the largest known Viking ship burial in the world near Tønsberg in Vestfold County, Norway.
All the Viking ships at this museum were ocean going vessels before they were hauled onto land to be used in burial rituals for their wealthy owners. In the burial mounds, archeologists unearthed skeletons, beautiful wood carvings and a diverse range of artifacts from the fascinating world of the vikings.
Imagine sailing in the North Atlantic in a ship that is approximately 71 feet long with a beam of 16.7 feet? I've travelled through the North Atlantic in a Navy cargo ship that was 500 feet long and we would get bounced around in ways that would make us all cringe! I cannot begin to imagine how the Vikings could travel in their much smaller vessels!
The #30 Bus from the Oslo Comfort Hotel Grand Central was the method we selected for transport, required approximately 20 minutes.
Click above Image to view larger Google MapNOTE: Viking Ship Museum Refurbishment
The Viking Museum is currently closed for refurbishment. The new Viking Ship Museum in Oslo is not expected to open again until after refurbishment is completed in 2026. The new museum will be three times the size of the existing museum and will have many more artifacts from the Viking era. Click here for more information about the new museum.
More Info for the Viking Ship Museum
Image Credits:
- All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Exploring Oslo - Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump
There isn’t a ski jump in Oslo Norway but the Holmenkollbakken ski jump is only about 65 minutes north of Oslo by light rail train via the Jernbanetorget Station. From the train station it was about a 10-15 minute walk up a seriously steep hill.
You can see in image # 1 that the tower is tall; 42 meters in height, and the landing slope is 37 degrees at the steepest and 115 meters long.
Image # 2 gives you an idea of just how steep the ski jump is - the area where the skiers ride down reaches 37 degrees in
pitch. This is
the only "all steel" ski jump in the world.
NOTE: Click here
to go to the Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump Wikipedia Page.
Holmenkollbakken Troll
Not sure if you can see it or not, but the troll's daughter is sitting on his lap. The Statue was created by the famous Norwegian sculptor Nils Aas. The statue is 6.7 metres (approximately 22 feet) in height made entirely of concrete.
View of Oslo from Holmenkollbakken
You can see Oslo Harbor in the distance, approximately 12 kilometers away. This entire area, situated in the hills above Oslo, was so pretty that we really began to wonder why the Vikings would ever want to sail away from here?
Click the Map Image to view a larger MapGetting to the Ski Jump is straight forward, just catch the train from downtown - line 1 of the Metro (T-Bane) in the direction of Frognerseteren and get off at the Holmenkollen stop. Trains depart approximately every 15 minutes from Jernbanetorget station and require a 30 minute ride.
More Info for the Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump
Image Credits:
- All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Is Oslo worth Visiting?
Oslo, Norway, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities. Here's why it's worth a visit:
- Stunning Scenery: Oslo is surrounded by breathtaking fjords, forests, and mountains. Take a boat tour to explore the Oslofjord, hike in the nearby forests, or visit the iconic Holmenkollen ski jump.
- Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in Oslo's vibrant culture. Explore the Viking Ship Museum, visit the Munch Museum to see Edvard Munch's iconic "The Scream," or enjoy a performance at the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet.
- Modern City: Oslo is a modern city with a thriving arts scene, world-class restaurants, and excellent shopping. Stroll through the stylish Aker Brygge waterfront or visit the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.
- Outdoor Activities: Whether you're a winter sports enthusiast or a summer adventurer, Oslo has something to offer. Go skiing or snowboarding at the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, or enjoy hiking, biking, or kayaking in the summer months.
- Friendly Locals: Norwegians are known for their friendliness and hospitality. You'll be warmly welcomed and feel right at home in this charming city.
Click here to view an article about average temperatures in Oslo, Norway.
Some Useful Links for Oslo
- Just Traveling Thru European Travel Tips
- Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
- Top Sites in Oslo, Norway on the "Culture Trip" site
- Oslo Norway things to do on the 'Crazy Tourist' Site
- Viking Norwegian History on the 'Visit Norway' Site
- Things to do on Oslo Norway Trips on the 'Visit Oslo' Site
- Oslo Norway things to do on the 'Lonely Planet' Site
- Google Search Results list for "Oslo Norway Hotels"
- Google Search Results list for "Oslo Norway Restaurants"
- Amazon Search Results list for "Oslo Norway"
- Google Search Results list for "Shopping in Copenhagen"
- Visit our Youtube Channel
- Our Image Gallery for Oslo
- Wikipedia Article for Oslo
- Google Image Gallery for Oslo
- Oslo Tour from the "Get Your Guide" site
- Google Reviews for Oslo, Norway
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