Travel Guide Oslo Maritime heritage, picturesque setting
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Travel Guide
Oslo
Maritime heritage, picturesque setting
02 Quick view 05 Getting around Oslo 09 Calendar of events
02 Norway 05 Top 10 sights 11 Hotels
03 Travel etiquette 07 Shopping in Oslo 12 Best of ...
04 Health 07 Restaurants
04 Phone calls & Internet 08 Nightlife
© Nadine Paul
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Travel Guide
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02
Quick view
Oslo: Maritime heritage, picturesque setting
One of the loveliest cities in Europe, Oslo benefits from a picturesque setting at the
end of the mighty Oslo Fjord and an almost unlimited supply of things to see and
do. Of course no visit to the Norwegian capital would be complete without a visit to
the Munch Museum but if you can bear to leave the city centre behind, there’s
plenty more to discover, including some excellent skiing spots in winter.
As a seaside city, there are plenty of reminders of Norway’s maritime past too, not
least in the immaculately presented Viking Museum. Back on dry land, expect
seafood galore in the Norwegian capital’s many restaurants and a surprisingly
vibrant night scene once the sun goes down.
Norway
General knowledge
Country overview
From precipitous glaciers to steep-sided gorges and crystalline fjords, Norway’s
natural beauty is impossible to overstate. The unspoilt wilderness of the Arctic
north is one of the few places where the sun shines at midnight during the summer
and where the magnificent Northern Lights brighten the skies during the long, dark
winter. Further to the south, the picturesque cities of
Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen are brimful of buildings showing off Scandinavia’s
age-old flair for design in cosmopolitan surroundings. Beautiful though the cities
are, the real wonders of Norway are to be found outdoors, with ample skiing,
fishing and rock-climbing opportunities for the adventurous and nature lovers alike.
Geography
Norway is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by Finland, the
Russian Federation and Sweden, to the south by the Skagerrak (which separates
it from Denmark) and to the west by the North Sea. The coastline is over 25,000km
(15,534 miles) long, its most outstanding feature being the numerous fjords.
Most of them are from 80km to 160km (50 to 100 miles) long, and are usually
flanked by towering mountains. Much of northern Norway lies beyond the Arctic
Circle and consequently, mostly takes the form of rugged tundras. The south is
covered with pine and larch forests, and dotted with lakes, rivers and mountains.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 5109056
Population Density (per sq km): 13
Capital: Oslo
Language
Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk)is the official language but Northern Sami, Lule
Sami, Kven and Southern Sami are also recognised. English is widely spoken
throughout Norway as are Swedish and Danish.
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Currency
Norwegian Krone (NOK; symbol Kr) = 100 øre. Notes are in denominations of
Kr1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of Kr20, 10, 5 and 1.
The 50 øre coin is now out of circulation.
Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. European round two-pin plugs are standard.
General business opening hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1600
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December
2021.
2020
Nyttårsdag (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Palmesøndag (Palm Sunday): 5 April 2020
Skjærtorsdag (Maundy Thursday): 10 April 2020
Langfredag (Good Friday): 11 April 2020
Første påskedag (Easter Sunday): 12 April 2020
Andre påskedag (Easter Monday): 13 April 2020
Første mai (Public Holiday in May): 1 May 2020
Grunnlovsdagen (Republic Day): 17 May 2020
Kristi himmelfartsdag (Ascension Day): 21 May 2020
Første pinsedag (Whit Sunday): 31 May 2020
Andre pinsedag (Whit Monday): 1 June 2020
Første juledag (Christmas Day): 25 December 2020
Andre juledag (Boxing Day): 26 December 2020
2021
Nyttårsdag (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2021
Palmesøndag (Palm Sunday): 28 March 2021
Skjærtorsdag (Maundy Thursday): 1 April 2021
Langfredag (Good Friday): 2 April 2021
Første påskedag (Easter Sunday): 4 April 2021
Andre påskedag (Easter Monday): 5 April 2021
Første mai (Public Holiday in May): 1 May 2021
Grunnlovsdagen (Republic Day): 17 May 2021
Kristi himmelfartsdag (Ascension Day): 13 May 2021
Første pinsedag (Whit Sunday): 23 May 2021
Andre pinsedag (Whit Monday): 24 May 2021
Første juledag (Christmas Day): 25 December 2021
Andre juledag (Boxing Day): 26 December 2021
All information subject to change.
Travel etiquette
How to fit in
Social Conventions
Normal courtesies should be observed and follow similar lines to those of other
European countries, with a few regional exceptions, for example, guests refraining
from drinking until the host has toasted their health. Hosts and hostesses often
expect an invited guest to offer small gifts on arrival for a meal.
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Lunch, generally a light open sandwich snack known as a matpakke, takes place
between 11.30am and 12pm, while dinner is very early - around 5pm. Punctuality
is expected if invited out for dinner.
Health
Health
Main emergency number: 112
Food & Drink
Food in Norway is safe to eat although care should be taken when purchasing
food from unlicensed/roadside stalls. Norwegian tap water is safe to drink,
although drinking from fjords, streams and rivers – however clean they look – isn't
recommended as even the most inviting-looking water can harbour parasites.
Water that has been boiled or treated with iodine or chlorine tablets is usually safe
to drink.
Other Risks
Vaccination for tick-borne encephalitis is sometimes recommended.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Oslo Akutten Medisinske Senter
Nedre Vollgaten 8
0158 Oslo
Norway
Tel. +47-2200-8176
Emergencies:
Legevakten
Storgata 40
0182 Oslo
Tel. +47-2293-2293
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it
bear the cost of any treatment.
Phone calls & Internet
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone
Country code: +47
Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway
and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without
incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for
phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do
apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on
data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your
country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the
new arrangement.
Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using
public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all
passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or
security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
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Getting around Oslo
Getting around
Public Transport
Oslo’s public transport network works on a zone system that covers tram, metro
and bus. Single tickets allow you unlimited journeys over one hour, and 24-hour,
seven-day, monthly and yearly tickets are also available. Alternatively, pick up a
travel card from one of the main stations and pay as you go. Oslo also has a huge
public bike network, Bysykler, with more than 100 stations. Inexpensive 24-hour
smart cards can be picked up at all the main stops.
Taxis
Taxis are easy to pick up but are eye-wateringly expensive with a steep minimum
fare that doubles after dark. Some companies also charge extra for luggage.
Top 10 sights
Top 10 sights in Oslo
Akershus Castle
A huge fortified complex dating from the 1300s, Akershus Castle includes seven
imposing state rooms and the royal mausoleum.
Akershus Festning Opening times: Daily 0600-2100 (May-
0150 Oslo Sep); 0700-2100 (Oct-Apr)
Norway
Tel: 2309 3917 www.forsvarsbygg.no/festningene/Fest
ningene/A...
Fram Museum
One of the toughest ships ever built, the polar icebreaker Fram forms the
centrepiece of this museum, dedicated to all things Arctic.
Bygdøynesveien 36 Opening times: Daily 0900-1800 (Jun-
0286 Oslo Aug); 1000-1700 (May and Sep); 1000-
Norway 1600 (Oct-Apr)
Tel: 2328 2950
www.frammuseum.no
Holmenkollen Ski Museum
A treat for winter sports fans, the unusual Holmenkollen Ski Museum is set within a
former ski jump and covers the entire 4,000-year history of the sport.
Kongeveien 5 Opening times: Daily 0900-2000 (Jun-
0787 Oslo Aug); 1000-1700 (May and Sep); 1000-
Norway 1600 (Oct-Apr)
Tel: 9167 1947
www.holmenkollen.com
Norwegian Film Institute
Norway has a surprisingly rich cinematic history and this charming little museum
covers all the major developments. Packed with memorabilia, it also offers regular
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screenings of classic Norwegian films.
Dronningens gate 16 Opening times: Mon 1030-1700, Tue-
0152 Oslo Fri 1000-2100, Sat 1200-1700, Sun
Norway 1300-2100
Tel: 2247 4500
www.nfi.no
Munch Museum
Norway’s most famous painter is the focus of this little museum which contains
some of his most famous works – among them the now heavily guarded The
Scream.
Tøyengata 53 Opening times: Daily 1000-1700 (mid
0578 Oslo Jun-Sep); Wed-Mon 1100-1700 (Oct-
Norway mid Jun)
Tel: 2349 3500
www.munchmuseet.no
Nobel Peace Center
With exhibits dedicated to each of the Nobel laureates awarded prizes since 1901,
the Nobel Peace Center is a fascinating – and frequently thought-provoking –
place to spend an afternoon.
Brynjulf Bulls plass 1 Opening times: Daily 1000-1800
0250 Oslo
Norway www.nobelpeacecenter.org
Tel: 4830 1000
Viking Ship Museum
Part of the Museum of Cultural History, the Viking Ship Museum is dedicated to all
things Norseman and has as its centrepiece an incredibly well-preserved (and
huge) Viking ship.
Huk Aveny 35 Opening times: Daily 0900-1800 (May-
0287 Oslo Sep); 1000-1600 (Oct-Apr)
Norway
Tel: 2285 1900 www.khm.uio.no
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Set in the centre of the pretty Frogner Park, the Vigeland Sculpture Park is
dedicated to the life and work of artist Gustav Vigeland and contains more than
200 of his artworks.
Nobels gate 32 Opening times: Tues-Sun 1000-1700
0268 Oslo (May-Aug); Tues-Sun 1200-1600 (Sep-
Norway Apr)
Tel: 2349 3700
www.vigeland.museum.no
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Rådhuset
Begun in 1931 but not completed until 1950 because of WWII, Oslo’s monumental
city hall is where the Nobel Peace Prize is handed out each year.
Rådhuset Opening times: Daily 0900-1800 (Jul-
0037 Oslo Aug); 0900-1600 (Sep-Jun)
Norway
Tel: 02180 www.radhusets-forvaltningstjeneste.osl
o.kommu...
Konghuset
Norway’s ruling dynasty swapped Akershus Castle for the Konghuset, a neo-
Palladian stately pile, in the mid-19th century and still live there today.
Slottsplassen 1 Opening times: Mon-Thurs and Sat
0010 Oslo 1100-1700, Fri and Sun 1300-1700
Norway (Jun-Aug guided tours)
Tel: 2204 8700
www.kongehuset.no
Shopping in Oslo
Shopping in Oslo
Key Areas
One of the most expensive cities in the world, bargains are thin on the ground but
quality most certainly isn’t. Akersgata is the place to go for a fashion fix with rows
of designer boutiques as well as some interesting international and local names.
Møllergata is home to the best homeware outlets, while Bogstadveien is the best
place to look for a unique souvenir.
Markets
Most of Oslo’s markets are open year round, with the exception of its annual
Christmas Fair which takes place in November and December. The suburb of
Grünerløkka is home to an excellent Sunday market where you can pick up
anything from second-hand clothes to handicrafts.
Shopping Centres
The centrally located Eger is Oslo’s main mall but don’t miss GlasMagasinet, a
beautiful large department store dedicated to antique and modern glassware.
Restaurants
Restaurants in Oslo
While lacking the plaudits won by Copenhagen, Oslo’s restaurants are a generally
excellent bunch with everything from Scandinavian classics to exotic cuisine from
all over the globe on offer.Be warned though, prices, especially for alcohol, are
high.
Kontrast
This modern gourmet restaurant is located in the Vulkan district north of downtown
Oslo. The decor is simple and inviting with nothing to divert attention from the
Michelin-starred cuisine of Norwegian master chef Mikael Svensson. The
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restaurant remains closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Maridalsveien 15 Price: Expensive
0178 Oslo
Norway
Maaemo
Oslo’s answer to Copenhagen’s Noma, which is considered the world's best
restaurant: Everything on the menu is organic and delicious.
Schweigaards gate 15 Price: Expensive
0191 Oslo
Norway
Fru K
Beautifully presented Norwegian classics and excellent cocktails.
Fru Kroghs brygge 1 Price: Moderate
0252 Oslo
Norway
Beach Club
An Oslo institution, the perennially popular Beach Club is where Oslo’s stylish get
their (gourmet) burger fix.
Bryggetorget 14 Price: Moderate
0250 Oslo
Norway
Kaffistova
Hearty local fare, reasonable prices and the best cakes in Oslo.
Rosenkrantz gate 8 Price: Cheap
0159 Oslo
Norway
Nightlife
Nightlife in Oslo
Norwegians tend to go out late because of the sky-high alcohol prices but really do
know how to party, and Oslo has no shortage of places to do it in.Whether you’re
after a jazz bar, simple pub or mega-club, there’s something for you.
34 Sky Bar
Perched atop the Radisson Plaza Blu Hotel, 34 Sky Bar has incredible views over
the Oslo Fjord.
Sonja Henies Plass 3
0185 Oslo
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Norway
Champagneria
As the name suggests, a stylish bar dedicated to all things sparkling wine.
Frognerveien 2
0257 Oslo
Norway
Bar Boca
Oslo’s smallest bar has a retro feel thanks to its revamped 1950s décor.
Thorvald Meyers gate 30
0555 Oslo
Norway
Brooms & Hatchets
Quirky décor, artisan Norwegian beers and an extensive cocktail menu have made
this a local favourite.
Kongens gate 5
0153 Oslo
Norway
Fisk & Vilt
A seriously cool bar-come-club popular with Oslo’s fashion crowd.
Pløensgate 1
0181 Oslo
Norway
Calendar of events
Calendar of events
Oslo Church Music Festival
During this 10-day event, whose patron is Crown Princess Mette-Marit, visitors can
experience a wide and diverse range of musical performances in Oslo's many
wonderful churches and cathedrals. The line-up includes regional, national and
international choirs and performers and always attracts large and enthusiastic
audiences.
March 13 - 22, 2020
Venue: Various churches and cathedrals in Oslo
Oslo Medieval Festival
Oslo Medieval Festival takes you 700 years back in time, to the era when Oslo
became the capital of Norway. During the festival, the fortress will be steaming with
life: Knights, re-enactors, musicians and performers will bring you an experience to
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remember. The historical market is full of craftsmen and sellers from all over
Europe, who'll present historic crafts from the period. Discover history as you delve
into a plethora of activities, performances and concerts, or simply relax with good
food and drink, while you enjoy the atmosphere.
May 29 - 31, 2020
Venue: Oslo Medieval Festival (Oslo Middelalderfestival)
St Hallvard's Day
15 May is St Hallvard's Day, in honour of the patron saint of Oslo, also said to be
the defender of innocence. Quite a sombre occasion, the day is marked by a
ceremony in Oslo's Old Quarter with speeches by the city's Mayor, members of the
church and other dignitaries. The ceremony is recognised by both Catholics and
Protestants, who attend the event together. Guided tours of this historically rich
area take place before and after the ceremony.
May 15, 2020
Venue: Oslo's Old Quarter
Nasjonaldagen (Norwegian National Constitution Day)
An annual national holiday celebrating the day the national constitution of Norway
was signed at Eidsvoll in 1814. Parades of flag-waving adults and children led by
various bands are the main event en route to see the royal family waving from the
castle balcony.
May 17, 2020
Venue: Royal Palace
Norwegian Wood Rock Festival
This annual rock-fest features a veritable who’s who of local and international
bands in the picturesque Frogner Park. Recent years have seen the likes of Bob
Dylan, Lou Reed, Roxy Music, Tori Amos, Foo Fighters, System of a Down, Keane
and Duffy take to the main stage. The Underwood stage, meanwhile, gives up-and-
coming local bands the chance to make their name in front of large crowds.
July 9 - 11, 2020
Venue: Frogner Park
Oslo Jazz Festival
One of Europe’s oldest jazz festivals, the Oslo event celebrated its 25th birthday in
2011 with an impressive line-up that included the Liberation Music Orchestra, the
Espen Eriksen Trio and Kevin Dean's Nordic super group with Kåre Nymark Jr,
Anders Aarum, Mads Vinding and Alex Riel all getting involved. The first day of the
festival usually features a parade led by a brass band.
August 9 - 15, 2020
Venue: Various venues across the city
Oslo Chamber Music Festival
First held in 1989, the annual Oslo Chamber Music Festival has developed into
one of the most significant events of its kind in the country. During the event,
visitors can expect a dazzling line-up of Norwegian and foreign musicians
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performing in some of the city's most magnificent buildings, performance venues
and outdoor settings.
August 14 - 23, 2020
Venue: Various venues and locations in Oslo
ULTIMA Oslo Contemporary Music Festival
Under the motto of 'Paths to Experience', the organisers of the annual Ultima Oslo
Contemporary Music Festival strive to draw attention to the artistic creative
process. Each year the festival presents a programme of contemporary artistic
performances ranging from dancing and music to art installations and exhibitions.
September 10 - 19, 2020
Venue: Various venues
Oslo Marathon
With more than 10,000 participants vying to take the laurels and hundreds of
thousands of spectators, the Oslo Marathon is one of the Norwegian capital’s
biggest sporting events. The race starts and ends at Festningsplassen near
Akershus Fortress, taking in Oslo Opera House and Aker Brygge en route.
September 21, 2020
Venue: City centre, Oslo
Hotels
Hotels in Oslo
Oslo has an almost bewildering range of options to choose from when it comes to
finding a place to stay,whether you’re after a luxury hotel or a simple cabin. Either
way, it’s guaranteed to be clean, stylish and relatively expensive.
Grand Hotel
The white stucco Grand Hotel has a Nobel suite where the winner of the peace
prize stays following the ceremony.
Karl Johans gate 31 Category: Expensive
0159 Oslo
Norway
Grims Grenka
Inspired by the Orient, Grims Grenka is one of Oslo’s most glamorous hotels.
Kongens gate 5 Category: Expensive
0153 Oslo
Norway
Hotel Folketeateret
Very stylish, central and in possession of a gym designed to resemble a 1930s
boxing studio.
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Storgata 21-23 Category: Moderate
0184 Oslo
Norway
Radisson Blu Plaza
Centrally located, this 37-storey hotel boasts slick modern décor throughout.
Sonja Henies plass 3 Category: Moderate
0185 Oslo
Norway
Thon Hotel Astoria
Affordable but expensive looking and centrally located.
Dronningens gate 21 Category: Budget
0154 Oslo
Norway
Best of ...
... Galleries
© Nic Lehoux
Looking out the window here, it’s easy to imagine you are standing on a ship’s
deck, gazing out onto Oslo Fjord between tall, wooden walls the color of honey.
Oslo has gained a new attraction in the Astrup Fearnley Museum on Tjuvholmen
Peninsula. This magnificent, elegant building houses one of the largest private art
collections in Europe. After the new opera house, it is the second-largest building
devoted to culture to have gone up in the Norwegian capital in recent years. With it,
the Oslo art scene, which for a long time owed a certain lethargy to the public
funding granted to national artists, has set sail for new shores.Prestigious galleries
from Berlin, such as the Gerhardsen Gerner, have now moved into the area with its
striking new, glass-and-steel towers, and quite close to the museum, construction
work is already beginning on the new building for the National Museum.
Junggalerie Standard (Oslo) is also getting itself talked about right now, for its
concept art: The works of Norwegian artist and documenta exhibitor Matias
Faldbakken are coveted the world over.
Astrup Fearnley Museum
Oslo’s waterfront has a new flagship: the Astrup Fearnley Museum, where the
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private art collection of ship owner Hans Rasmus Astrup has found a new home
flooded with light. The elegant building, which was designed by Italian architect
Renzo Piano, stands at the tip of Tjuvholmen, a peninsula located right on the
edge of the city center. Since the museum opened at the end of September 2014, it
has housed 1500 contemporary artworks, most of them from Europe and the United
States.
Strandpromenaden 2 afmuseet.no/en
0252 Oslo
Norway
Tel. +47-22/936060
National Museum
Since 2003, the works of three museums have been held together under the roof of
the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design. This makes it Norway’s
largest art collection, which includes one of the most famous paintings in the world,
Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.” Works like this one will soon hang on fresh walls,
since a move to new premises is planned. Construction work on the new National
Museum building, designed by the Berlin firm of architects Kleihues + Schuwerk, is
scheduled to continue through 2018.
Bankplassen 4 nasjonalmuseet.no
0151 Oslo
Norway
Tel. +47 21 982 000
Standard (Oslo)
Since 2005, this gallery has been exhibiting works by Norwegian and international
artists, including Matias Faldbakken, Anna Zacharoff and Emily Wardwill, whose
works have also been shown at the documenta, Venice and Istanbul Biennale and
Momentum exhibitions.
Waldemar Thranes gate 86c standardoslo.no
0175 Oslo
Norway
Tel. +47 22 601 310
Gerhardsen Gerner
Spherical metal objects, chemical reactions on timber panels: Through late June,
this offshoot of the Berlin gallery of the same name will be showing works by the
Norwegian artist Per Inge Bjørlo. In addition to these, as in Berlin, here you will
also come into contact with works by Olafur Eliasson, Julian Opie, Carroll Dunham
and many more besides.
Fru Kroghs Brygge 4 gerhardsengerner.com
0252 Oslo
Norwegen
Tel. +47 21 910 191
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Pushwagner Galerie
Also by the water: the Pushwagner Gallery. Everything here revolves around the
Norwegian artist and “local hero” Hariton Pushwagner, whose pop art-style works
have been traveling the globe ever since the Berlin Biennale in 2008. Their home
is in Oslo.
Tjuvholmen allé 10 pushwagner.no
0252 Oslo
Norwegen
+47 22 831 618
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