"Oslo, my home town" a Oslo Travel Page by nyperose

Oslo is the city where I was born and lived for many years. It's Norway's biggest city (inhabitants around 600 000) and is located at the head of the Oslofjord.
Oslo is very compact and the centre is easily visited on foot. The Nordmarka (North Woods) is situated north of Oslo, and offers great possibilities for hiking, blueberry-picking, skiing and cycling.

Oslo harbour is also a nice base for visiting all the small islands in the Oslofjord. Lots of boats are cruising around and there are many nice choices. It's easy to find a lonely unspoilt beach once you're on one of the islands!

The Oslo City Hall houses the City Council, City administration and art studios and galleries. The construction started in 1931, but was delayed because of the outbreak of World War 2. It was officially inaugurated in 1950.

The Akershus fortress was built around the 1300s, by king Håkon V, in order to protect Oslo from foreign attacks, and has survived many sieges. The fortress was strategically important for the capital, and therefore, Norway as well. Whoever ruled Akershus fortress ruled Norway.

Akershus fortress is still a military area, but it's open to public daily until 9pm. It houses the Norwegian Armed Forces museum and the Norwegian Resistance museum.

When you're tired of visiting there are plenty of benches where you can sit and have a splendid view over Oslo and the Oslofjord.

Aker harbour is the old ship yard district where Akers Mechanical Workshop used to be. The engineering workshop was shut down in 1982, and the area was developed into a nice restaurant- and shopping district by the sea.

People living in Oslo often meet here, and when the sun pops out it's usually a very lively and ....crowded place. Really a "must-see" for first-time visitors to Oslo!