About Oslo
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.
Activities
Øvrevoll Galopp
Ovrevoll is the only racetrack in Norway and is beautifully located at Jar in Baerum, only 15 minutes from the centre of Oslo. The Derby The Scandic Norwegian Derby takes place usually the last week of August. This is the biggest event of the year, with thousands of spectators visiting the track to watch high quality racing. Restaurants: Sherryhaugen Café is open every day all year. Betting to other tracks as well as very good food makes it a popular place to visit, both for just a coffee or a lunch and dinner. On race days the restaurant in the Grand Stand offers an à la carte menu. Both restaurants have seats outside.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery’s extensive collection of older and modern art includes an extensive collection of Edvard Munchs paintings with the Scream and Madonna as natural highlights. At the museum are exhibited also many international works which belong to influential artists like Lucas Cranach and Artemisia Gentileschi.
Dubliner Irish Folk Pub
This is a lively venue that offers Irish dance classes on Monday nights and Irish music sessions on Tuesdays. Wednesday and Saturday nights usually entail live music, where you can enjoy a true Irish experience.
Tips
Good to know
Public Transport
Oslo has convenient public transportation, and there are multiple options for travelling around Oslo, including busses, 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 busses 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.
Electricity
230 V, 50 Hz
