When in Oslo
Founded on the banks of a great fjord around 1000AD, Oslo has been carved out of the forested ridges which surround it.
The seat of Norwegian power, Oslo has become a major centre of importance in Scandinavia over the past thousand years and as such has a vast array of grand historical sights left by those who used to live here. It has become renowned as one of the leading shipping centres in the world and as such the peak season sees large numbers of cruise ships arriving in its quays from around the world.
These quays are within walking distance of the city centre itself, making this an ideal location for those who enjoy sailing to get out onto the waters for a day or so. The fjord is 70 miles long, giving visitors and opportunity to enjoy a tranquil and relaxing experience while still being close to the heart of Oslo.
Old mediaeval buildings and churches dot the skyline, next to the more modern architecture of the city as Oslo continues to seamlessly meld old with new. Wide streets tend to be the trademark of this city, giving visitors a great sense of openness and freedom that many busy city centres fail to achieve.
Oslo is a rather unique city in its geography. Set on the banks of the Oslo Fjord, it is still surrounded by many of the forests which were there when the Vikings first settled here. Rather than becoming a large urban sprawl, Oslo has maintained a relatively small population for a capital city and still has something of an undiscovered air about it.
This comparative lack of development has meant that the city has maintained large areas of parks, which are perfect for visitors to laze about in and stroll around. Outside the centre, the city merges into the forests, which are particularly spectacular in winter when the snowfall covers them in a thick white coat.
Despite its relative remoteness and relaxed atmosphere by day, Oslo still has a strong presence at night and enjoys a strong nightlife and throbbing heartbeat in its pubs and clubs. Many of these are particularly fashionable with the Norwegian capital's young, trendy crowd. It also has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes, offering international cuisine as well as local and regional delicacies. Also, with over a fifth of its rapidly-growing population being immigrants, the international offerings have a large number of local fans as well as being enjoyed by tourists.
One of the most impressive buildings in Oslo is the Royal Palace, which looks much like a multi-coloured Buckingham Palace. The Akershus Fortress is one of the oldest buildings in the city and despite originally being built in the late 13th century has managed to survive largely intact through many sieges and attacks from invaders, primarily the nearby Swedes. The fortress sits overlooking the fjord and provides a wonderful backdrop to the city of Oslo.
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Introduction
