Overview to Oslo: Travel Guide and Tourist Information

  Oslo Harbor

Oslo is, first and foremost, a remarkably light and airy city; forests surround it (and at times seem to merge into the outskirts), handsome broad boulevards run through it and a couple of fine parks stretch out within it.

At 453 square kilometers, Oslo covers an enormous area. But the grid of streets of Oslo’s Old Town (known as the Quadrangle District) has managed to retain a neat, compact feel, and even something of an undiscovered air about it.

Karl Johans gate, the main thoroughfare, contains some of the city’s landmarks; the Basarhalene building, the Stortinget - the Norwegian parliament building - and Oslo Cathedral, surrounded by the artisans’ market of Kirkeristen.

To the north lies Slottsparken, the attractive park which encompasses the striking Royal Palace. Often described as a colorful version of London's Buckingham Palace, it’s a rather grand 19th century affair.

Down to the south, Akershus Fortress is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Despite being built as long ago as the late 13th century, it’s managed to survive largely intact overlooking the fjord and providing a wonderful backdrop to the city.

The Vigeland Park is another of the city’s standout attractions. Covering 80 acres of land, the park is decorated with more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland and contains the Vigeland Museum, which also houses a large number of the artist's sculptures and sketches.

But it’s another former resident of Oslo who really draws the crowds. The life and works of Edward Munch are celebrated at the fantastic Munch Museum and (a little to the north of Oslo University) a variety of his most famous pieces also hang in the National Gallery.

Moving away from the center, the city quickly gives way to thick forests. Oslomarka Forest is a remarkable place with a decidedly fairytale feel to it – particularly in winter when snowfall covers it in a thick white coat.

And with the snow comes skiing at the nearby ski resorts of Kongsberg and Svarstad. both of which are little more than an hour or so away. Dog sled rides, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing excursions through the wilderness are all on offer, too.

A short ferry ride from the city, with another couple of interesting museums, the beaches of the Bygdoy Peninsular fill up with barbecuing locals during the summer. But it’s the striking collection of islands dotting the Oslofjord that really stand out.

Langoyene is lined with a series of stunning beaches that back on to beautiful woodland. As with nearby Hovedoya, plenty of people take the ferry out to lie on the beach, roam the island’s many paths and, on summer evenings, camp and party under the stars.

This is really Oslo’s selling point as a destination. Chic, urbane and bursting with some impressive sights it may be, but it’s the way that it blends so seamlessly into its beautiful surroundings that makes it so unique.

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