Published: 04. July 2011
Oslo is the capital of Norway, and its largest city. It has a 1000-year history, and lies at the head of the Oslo-fjord, surrounded by forested hills.
The city centre of Oslo is situated at the end of the Oslo-fjord from where the city sprawls out both to the north and to the south on both sides of the fjord, giving the city area more or less the shape of a U. The city itself has a population approaching 600.000, while the Greater Oslo region covers a population of approximately 1.3 million.
Transport:
Fly to Oslo's airport Gardermoen or Sandefjord Airport Torp. There are also international ferry connections to Kiel (Germany), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Frederikshavn (Denmark). The public transport system in and around Oslo is managed by the transport company Ruter. This includes metro, tram, bus and ferry, but not the local train lines, which are run by the state railway company NSB.
All public transport in Oslo operates on a common ticket system, allowing free transfer within a period of one hour with a regular ticket.
Location & Weather:
Oslo (coordinates: 59o 56'N 10o 45'E) occupies an arc of land at the northernmost end of the Oslo-fjord. The fjord lies to the south; in all other directions Oslo is surrounded by green hills and mountains. There are 40 islands within the city boundaries and Oslo has 343 lakes. Although the city's population is small compared to most European capitals, it occupies an unusually large land area, of which two thirds are protected areas of forests, hills and lakes.
Its boundaries encompass many parks and open areas, giving it an airy and often very green appearance. It is not uncommon to encounter wild elk in suburban areas in winter. Average temperatures in Oslo are:
April–May: 4.5 to 10.8 degrees Celsius (40F to 51F)
June–August: 15.2 to 16.4 degrees Celsius (60F to 61,5F)
September–October: 6.3 to 10.8 degrees Celsius (43,3F to 51,4F)
November–March: 0.7 to –4.3 degrees Celsius (33F to 24F)
Oslo's history:
Founded c.1050 by Harold III, Oslo became the national capital in 1299. In the 14th century it came under the dominance of the Hanseatic League. After a great fire (1624), the city was rebuilt by Christian IV and was renamed Christiania (or Kristiania) – in 1925 the name Oslo again became official. The city's modern growth dates from the late 19th century, when it also replaced Bergen as the main city in Norway.
In World War II, Oslo fell (Apr. 9, 1940) to the Germans, and it was occupied until the surrender (May, 1945) of the German forces in Norway.
Out and about in Oslo
Oslo caters for most interests, whether you are sporty, historically-minded, a sailor, interested in good food, or just love shopping!
Culture is an integral part of what the city has to offer, and it is a vibrant centre for both tradition and contemporary Western arts and the cultures of other parts of the world. The heritage of artist Edvard Munch and sculptor Emanuel Vigeland are also very much a part of Oslo's personality. Among the most exciting new buildings in the city is the spectacular new Opera, lying right next to the fjord.
Useful links:
www.visitoslo.com – a good guide to what's on in Oslo
www.trafikanten.no – plan your travel within and around the city
www.my-guide-oslo.com – set up your own personal guide to Oslo
www.oslo.kommune.no/the_city_of_oslo/ – the official website of the City of Oslo
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