Oslo is one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, thanks to the country’s thriving oil industry. This is visible in its glass-covered skyscrapers, its new subway and, of course, in a whole bunch of trendy restaurants, bars and shops. This beautiful city is situated right next to the Oslo fjord and is constantly expanding and developing.
Norwegian Kroner (NOK) 1 krone = 100 øre
Police: 112
Fire Brigade: 110
Ambulance: 113
VG (Verdens Gang)
Aftenposten
Dagbladet
Natt & Dag
Shops are normally open Mon-Fri 10 am-6 pm and Sat 10 am-4 pm. Department stores are open Mon-Fri 10 am-8 pm and Sat 9 am-6 pm.
634,000
Oslo Tourist Information
Roald Amundsens gate, Oslo
Opening Hours
October-April: Mon-Sun 9 am-4 pm
May-September: Mon-Sun 9 am-6 pm
+47 815 30 555
The City
Around the fourteenth century Olso had a population of 3,000 and was the home of King Håkon V, famous for commissioning the Akershus Castle and Fortress. In 1624, the city was destroyed in a large fire. Denmark’s King Christian IV rebuilt it, but renamed the city Christiania. In 1925, the name was changed back to Oslo. In the 19th century, Oslo experienced many of the same changes as other large cities across Europe. Industrialisation made its mark on the Akerselva district, and the city grew quickly.
The central parts of Oslo, around the Karl Johans Gate Boulevard and the Royal Palace, are simply referred to as Centrum, the centre. Noteworthy sights in this area are the Stortinget Parliament building and Oslo Cathedral. Akershus castle and fortress are located in the heart of the city right next to the Oslo fjord. Another big tourist attraction is Aker Brygge, right across the water from Akershus fortress. Here you can find restaurants, shopping malls, cosy promenade areas and the terminal for the Nesodden boats.
Kvadraturen is a historical area with seventeenth century Danish buildings not far from it. Trendy Grünerløkka district at Akerselva offers some of the better bars and shops. Neighbouring Grønland is known for its colourful and multicultural range. Frogner and Majorstuen, in western Oslo, are fashionable parts of the city with shops and restaurants that attract many people.
Do & See
Oslo is a lively city that will never leave you bored or in dire need of things to do. There are frequently festivals and concerts all around the city. Each season has its own charm and there is just as much activity in winter time as in the summer.
Øvrevoll Galopp
The National Gallery
HL-senteret
Munch Museum
Historical Museum
Viking Ship Museum
DOGA
The Kon-Tiki Museum
Tjuvholmen
The National Museum - Architecture
Norwegian Maritime Museum
Lake Sognsvann
Bygdøy
Oslo City Hall
Tusenfryd Amusement Park
The Royal Palace
The Botanical Garden
Dining
Oslo is a exceptionally modern capital with a large variety of ethnic cuisines, fast food outlets, gourmet restaurants and classic eateries such as Theatercaféen. Prepare for high prices, for oil revenue have made Oslo into one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Stortorvets Gjæstgiveri
Brasserie Sanguine
The Ekeberg Restaurant
Louise Restaurant & Bar
Theatercaféen
Palace Grill
Alex Sushi
The Great India
Delicatessen
Trattoria Popolare
Hanami
Night Hawk Diner
Bølgen & Moi Briskeby AS
Yaya's Restaurant Vika
Cafés
Oslo has a teeming urban scene and enjoys a proximity to sublime landscapes; every one of the city's districts has its own characteristic mark. Hence you can easily find a cosy cafe in Oslo to rest your legs.
Café Sør
Pascal
Café Skansen
Asylet
Hjemme Hos Svigers
United Bakeries
Fuglen
Stockfleths
Cafe Sara
Café Laundromat
Pastel de Nata
Javelin Coffee & Tea
Espresso House
Bars & Nightlife
Oslo has a lot of fun places to go for a night out on the town. The city's neighbourhoods have different characteristics. The central area has a lot to offer, but if you want a more relaxed evening you should head to Grünerløkka for a beer. In Grønland you can buy the cheapest beer in Oslo, while Frogner offers a more elegant atmosphere.
The Dubliner Folk Pub
Sosialen
Aku-Aku
Justisen
Blå
The Villa
Fridays American Bar
Champagneria
Dattera til Hagen
Magic Ice Bar
Bar Boca
Shopping
You will find everything in Oslo: shopping malls, department stores, small boutiques, shopping streets with hundreds of small shops and retailers, charming antique shops, flea markets, suppliers of exclusive international brand names and local handicraft shops. The city centre around Karl Johans gate is a pedestrian precinct with several global chains like H&M and Benetton. Larger shopping malls and department stores in the area are Oslo City, Byporten, Glassmagasinet, Steen & Strøm, Paleet and Aker Brygge.
Sunday Market at Blå
Paleet
Eger Karl Johan
Byporten
Aker Brygge
Arkaden
Flea Market
Oslo City
Steen & Strøm
Bærums Verk
Norway Shop
Essential Information
Passport/Visa
Norway can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Gardermoen Airport
Oslo’s main airport Gardermoen is situated 50 kilometres north of the Norwegian capital. The airport coaches and high-speed trains depart regularly for central Oslo. The train takes about 20 minutes and there are two trains to choose from: the Airport Express Train (Flytoget - www.flytoget.no/flytoget_eng) and NSB – Norwegian State Railways (www.nsb.no/en/frontpage). There are also several buss to take from the airport, and one of them is Airport Express Coach (SAS Flybussen) that runs
every 20 minutes every day between the airport and city centre. (www.flybussen.no)
Taxis are represented at the airport, just head over to the taxi information desk in the arrival hall where you will get information about the fixed rates of the different taxi companies. They can also help you book a taxi, otherwise the taxi rank is just outside the arrival hall.
Car rental companies at the airport:
Avis
+47 67 25 55 10
Europcar
+47 64 81 05 60
Oslo Taxi
+47 02323
Address: Gardermoen Airport, Oslo
Email: passasjerservice@avinor.no
Phone: +47 64 81 20 00
Website: www.avinor.no/flyplass/oslo
Sandefjord Airport Torp
Sandefjord Airport Torp is located in Sandefjord, approximately 120 kilometres south-west of Oslo city centre. Torp-Ekspressen coaches will take you to Oslo's bus terminal from the airport. (torpekspressen.no)
NSB has a train service to Oslo that runs from the train station by the name of Torp, located between Stokke and Sandefjord. There is a connected shuttle bus service between the airport and the train station that takes approx. 4 minutes.
Taxis and car rental companies are also represented at the airport.
Avis
+ 47 33 46 95 50
Europcar
+ 47 33 46 42 00
Vestfold Taxisentral
+ 47 33 42 02 00
Tønsberg Taxi
+ 47 33 30 11 11
Address: Sandefjord Airport, Oslo
Email: post@torp.no
Phone: +47 33 42 70 00
Website: www.torp.no
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit Oslo is in the late spring and during the summer, as the temperatures rise and you can enjoy the numerous outdoor activities; it can still get chilly, however, so make sure to bring a jacket. Spring and summer are some of the most popular seasons to travel to Oslo, especially May to July. During this period, you will experience nearly 24 hours of daylight.
For those who are interested in winter sports, November to April are good periods to visit. In the north of the city, there are great skiing opportunities but be aware the temperatures are around freezing and the daylight hours are short.
Public Transport
Oslo has convenient public transportation, and there are multiple options for travelling around Oslo, including buses, trams, subways, ferries, and local trains. The public transport system is operated by Ruter, and they are all part of the same ticketing and pricing system. Tickets can be purchased from Ruter's Customer Service Centre (in front of Oslo Central Station), from ticket machines at metro stations or in most Narvesen and 7Eleven stores. Single tickets can be bought on the buses and ferries, but be aware it gets more expensive than tickets bought in advance. There is also the Ruter's mobile ticket app where you can buy single, 24-hour, 7-day and 30-day tickets before boarding.
Otherwise, it is easy to get around Oslo by walking and biking due to the short distances.
Address: Jernbanetorget 1, Oslo
Email: post@ruter.no
Phone: +47 40 00 67 00
Website: www.ruter.no
Taxi
You can easily catch a taxi from one of Oslo’s many taxi stands or call ahead to book. Do not try to hail cabs on the street, fares are more expensive from taxi stands than if you book one by telephone.
Oslo Taxi
+47 02323
www.oslotaxi.no
Norgestaxi
+47 080 00
www.norgestaxi.no
Taxi2
+47 02202
www.taxi2.no
Post
In addition to the regular post offices, many grocery stores have a postal service. Stamps are also available from most newsagents and tobacconists.
Address: Extra Sagene, Thurmanns gate 12 A, Oslo
Phone: +47 22 40 90 50
Website: www.posten.no
Pharmacy
There are several small and big outlets around the city. The pharmacy Vitusapotek on Jernbanetorget is open around the clock.
Vitusapotek: +47 23 35 81 00
Address: Jernbanetorget 4 B, Oslo, Norway
Email: jernbanetorget@vitusapotek.no
Phone: +47 23 35 81 00
Website: www.vitusapotek.no
Telephone
Country code: +47
Area code: 022, 023 or 024 of Oslo
Electricity
230 V, 50 Hz