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

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

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Bernd_L   
Travelling can seriously damage your prejudices!


Real Name: Bernd
Lives In: Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, DE
Member Since: Jul 24, 2002
VT Rank: 381

 

Page Views: 4,001            Last Visit to Oslo: 2004      

Oslo - between forest and fjord

by Bernd_L - last update: Sep 26, 2004

Oslo's landmark - the City Hall
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 seen from Holmenkollen
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.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
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

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

Pros:"Nature and culture in perfect harmony"
Cons:"Dark winters and too much rain"
Bernd_L's Oslo Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 13 - Photos: 13
 
Restaurants
Tips: 2
Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 2 - Photos: 1
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
Tips: 1
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
 
Transportation
Tips: 2 - Photos: 1
Local Customs
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1

Bernd_L's Oslo Travelogues
Title [Click to view]Travel YearPictures
Vigeland Sculpture Park2004 7

Comments for Bernd_L about Oslo
edgarhee Thu Apr 5, 2007 22:59 UTC
 Travel to Oslo is a problem if you are not on a Ryanair flight. Bus fare is more expensive than the SAS Bussen from OSL to Oslo.
Igraine Thu Dec 28, 2006 14:18 UTC
 Loved the Vigeland park myself. Nice overview of all the things to see
tessy Sat Aug 12, 2006 23:12 UTC
 Scheint so, dass wir die gleichen Interessen haben .... :-) Wir überlegen gerade einen Wochenendtrip nach Oslo und ich hatte mir die von dir beschriebenen "Sehenswürdigkeiten rausgeguckt". Liebe Grüße
thecatsmeow Tue May 30, 2006 06:59 UTC
 Thanks for the virtual tour! Nice page with some good tips. The airport was a great heads up. Hello from Washougal. Joyce =^oo^=
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