"Oslo" Oslo by jonkb

Oslo Travel Guide: 3,475 reviews and 6,096 photos

My relationship with Oslo

I was born and raised in Skedsmo, just outside Oslo, so I've been plenty of times to the capital. The fact that my Parents still live in Skedsmo doesn't make my visits less regular. An even larger contribution to my regular visits are that a lot of my family still live in Oslo.

If you can't find Skedsmo on the map, you should look for the city of Lillestr?m (situated in Skedsmo, Akershus)

Oslo is the capital of Norway, and is by far the largest city in Norway.

Names and history of Oslo

At first the city was located at Ekeberg, the grasy hill where Norway Cup is played every year. It was founded there by Harald Hardr?de about 1050. The city burned down, and the king (King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway) moved, resized and restructured the city. He moved it to give it better protection behind Akershus festning (Akershus fortress) and became what is now the old town (gamlebyen). The city was rechristned after the king and became Christiania (Note the spelling). After some time the city was rechristianed again. This time it became Kristiania with a K to promote a more "norwegian spelling". The final rechristening named it Oslo like the old town on Ekeberg.

The name

Oslo is the oldest name of the city. It got the name Christiania in 1624 when the king Christian IV moved the city from a nearby hill to a place nearby the Akershus Fortress. That place is now called Gamlebyen (old town). The name changed in 1877 to Kristiania. In 1925 the name changed back to Oslo.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Friendly, clean and verry close to the nature
Cons:No doubt: The pricetag on everything
In a nutshell:Scandinavian metropolis but still close to mother nature

Intro Updated Feb 28, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (7)

Transportation to and around Oslo Transportation (1)

By plane: Land on Gardermoen. Take the train to town (express (19 minutes) or regular (a little slower)). Get of at Oslo... more travel advice

Vigelands "Monoliten" in the distance. - Oslo

The Vigeland park and museum Things to Do (6)

Probably the most famous park in Norway, and one of the bigest attractions you've probably found a lot of tips here on... more travel advice

Akershus fortress seen from the City Hall at night - Oslo

Akershus, Palace and fortress Things to Do (6)

This is a really historical site. Find the information office, and ask if you can join a guided tour. It contains bouth... more travel advice

See Rådhuset (the City Hall) Things to Do (6)

Norway has three levels of public administration. 1) The state ruled by Stortinget. 2) The 'fylke' Ruled by... more travel advice

Comments (6)

truus_s Oct 16, 2003 at 4:43 AM Report Abuse

Nice page!!Oslo is great place to visit,,i was there for two weeks ago!!Thanks
floss1 May 14, 2002 at 2:00 AM Report Abuse

great ifo, thanx!!!
sigurdr Apr 11, 2002 at 3:35 AM Report Abuse

ja jeg elsker dette landet!!!
kindretspiri Apr 27, 2001 at 4:29 AM Report Abuse

Tack så mycket!
Sharrie Apr 9, 2001 at 4:47 AM Report Abuse

Excellent & very helpful links! Well done!
mettemaritc Dec 27, 2000 at 2:27 PM Report Abuse

bra side!!!!!!!1