Cheap Hotels Oslo
What to see by foot: Oslo
    
Oslo has a spectacular setting at the head of a 110 kilometre-long fjord. It is
the oldest Scandinavian capital, and was established on the site of an earlier
Viking settlement, around 1050.
The best approach to Oslo is by sea, sailing up the fjord where shrimpers and
small sailing boats jostle with ferries and merchant ships. You can see where
the city sprawls out from its compact centre around the quays to the flanks
of the surrounding hills.
Although it is not noted for grand architecture, Oslo's history lives on in
medieval buildings like the Akershus Slott, which stands across a park from
the 1930s style Rådhus (City Hall). A highlight is the Slottet (Royal
Palace), which elegantly dominates the view west along Karl Johans Gate past
the Storting (Parliament).
The population of Oslo, at just less than half a million, is small for a major
city. However, with its late-night shopping, crowded cafés, pubs, restaurants
and theatres playing to full houses, the city has developed a cosmopolitan feel.
There is nothing that Oslo can do about its dark sub-arctic winters but, in
recent years, it has largely shaken off its dull image, without losing its air
of informality. Recently liberalised drinking laws have helped create a lively
nightlife and oil money has provided support for arts and culture, making it
a thriving and vibrant city. Among these projects are the 150 sculptural groups
by Gustav Vigeland in the famous Frogner Park.
Surviving medieval structures include the Akerskirke (12th century) and the
Akershus (13th century) fortresses. Additionally, there are ruins of the Cathedral
of St Hallvard, the first cathedral of Oslo; the University of Oslo (founded
1811); the national theatre (1899); the National Gallery; a Nobel Institute;
and a college of architecture.
In addition, the Folk Museum has reconstructions of old Norwegian timber houses
and of a 12th century stave church; while the Kon-Tiki Museum has mementos of
Thor Heyerdahl's trip (1947) across the Pacific Ocean.
Alternatively, the forested hills surrounding Oslo are popular for skiing and
other winter sports. The annual Holmenkollen ski-meet nearby attracts an international
group of skiers. Drobak, farther south on the Oslofjord, is a winter port of
Oslo and a summer resort.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Golden Tulip Rainbow Hotel Stefan | | Tulip Inn Rainbow Hotel Munch | | Hotel Bondeheimen | | Clarion Hotel Royal Christiania | | First Hotel Millennium | | Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel Oslo | | Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel Oslo | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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