Visit Oslo

What to see, where to go and what to do in Oslo.

About Oslo

Oslo is the capital of the Kingdom of Norway. The city has a blue-green image, as it is surrounded by the blue Oslo fjord and green hills and forests.

Oslo is the oldest of the Scandinavian capitals, and its history goes back to 1000 years ago, when the first settlements were built at the inlet of the Oslo fjord.
After the Great Fire that destroyed the city in 1624, the Danish King Christian IV, decided to rebuild the city in brick and stone, and named it Christiania. Three hundred years later, in 1925, the citizens decided to rename their city Oslo.

Oslo is a pleasant city with over 500 000 inhabitants. The city is characterized by a mix of old and new architecture, parks, hills, museums, monuments, lakes, forests and the fjord. It is a vibrant city, excellent for shopping, cultural and sports activities. Oslo has a wide range of good restaurants and a lively nightlife.

The city has become an attractive tourist- and conference city, with a large selection of excellent hotels and congress venues.

Attractions in Oslo

Oslo offers some 50 museums and many art galleries. Amongst the internationally known attractions are: the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum and Holmenkollen.

Tickets for sightseeing can be purchased at the tourist information offices.

See extended list of attractions here

Tourist Information Centres in Oslo

A new tourist information centre has opened at Trafikanten Service Centre next to the Central Station. In addition to the new Tourist Information by the Central Station, there is also a Tourist Information Office by the City Hall and one at the cruise ship terminal (open whenever cruise ships call)

 
They may assist with information, free brochures about Oslo, hotel reservations and sightseeing.

Call Center # 815 30 555
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday 09.00 - 16.00

Hotel booking and general tourist information!
 
Tourist Information by the Central Station
Trafikanten Service Center
Jernbanetorget 1
N-0154 Oslo
Phone: +47 815 30 555

Opening hours:
Monday - Friday 07.00 - 20.00
Saturday - Sunday 08.00 - 18.00
Saturday - Sunday 08.00 - 20.00 (May-Sept)
NB: Reduced opening hours at public holidays (10-16)
 
Tourist Information Centre by the City Hall
Fridtjof Nansens plass 5,
entrance from Roald Amundsens gate
N-0160 Oslo

Geography and climate

The geographical area of Oslo is 450 km2, and only 1/3 of the area is developed. The city centre is surrounded by woods, lakes and 40 islands in the fjord.

Climate:
Average mean temperatures in:
November-March: -3 C
April-May: 8 C
Jun-Jul-Aug: 16 C
Sep-Oct: 8 C
Hours of sunshine per month in Jun-Jul-Aug-Sep: 240 hrs

Population: 510 000 inhabitants
Employment: 360 000 people have Oslo as their place of work. The City of Oslo employs approximately 43  000 people.
Business and Industry:
Shipping industry
Information technology, telecommunications and multimedia
Offshore and engineering activities
Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals

(Source: City of Oslo)