"Oslo - between forest and fjord" a Oslo Travel Page by Bernd_L

The origins of Oslo date back to the 8th century when the Vikings built a settlement here. They choose this place well. Located at the banks of a large bay at the top of Oslo Fjord and protected by the surrounding mountains this was a perfect harbour for their boats. As agriculture, trade and shipbuilding flourished the village gained more and more importance and grew into a city which became the capital of Norway.

A fire in 1624 destroyed the city completely. King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway decided to rebuild the city near Akershus Fortress. The new city was called Christiania. After the unification of Norway with Sweden the city experienced economic and political growth. When Christiania celebrated its 300th birthday in 1924 Norwegians decided to re-name their capital with its original name Oslo again.

Oslo today has a population of more then half a million. It's the center of a densely populated area which is home for about one third of the population of Norway. Although located far north (59°55"N) it has a relatively mild climate due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. Spring and summer are modestly warm, autumn temperate and winters not as strong as you would expect at this latitude.

Nature is never far away in Oslo. There are a lot of parks and the view from the tall mountains over the green city and the fjord with its rocky islands is fantastic. In wintertime Oslo offers all kinds of winter sports. More than 2.000 kilometres of tracks for cross-country skiing, slopes for alpine skiing and the Holmenkollen ski jump tower guarantee Olso's reputation as a paradise for skiers.

During the long days in summer (in mid-June it isn't really dark at night, although the sun sets for a few hours) watersports like boating and swimming are fun, especially in this fantastic environment.

Culture is another factor which contributes to Oslo's popularity. Lots of interesting museums, art galleries, theatres and music events can be visited. The architecture of the buildings itself is interesting. So even if the weather is not that good you'll never be bored in this city.

Oslo also is home to a world-famous institution, the Norwegian Nobel Committee which selects the winner of the yearly Nobel Peace Price. According to the will of the Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel this price is granted to “the person(s) who shall have done the most or the best work for brotherhood between nations, for abolition or reduction of standing armies and for arranging and promoting peace processes”. The price is awarded each year on December 10 in the Oslo City Hall the anniversary of Nobel's death.

Further information:
Tourist Information Centres
Oslo Central Station, Jernbanetorget 2, N-0154 Oslo
Or near City Hall, Fridtjof Nansens Plass 5, N-0160 Oslo

Tel.: +47 24147700
Fax +47 22429222
E-mail: info@visitoslo.com
Internet: www.visitoslo.com