"Oslo: Scratch below for the real soul" Oslo by diocletianvs

Oslo Travel Guide: 2,963 reviews and 7,173 photos

Oslo.no

Since I spent eight months in Trondheim in 2003 I visited Oslo on several occasions, mailny thanks to the fact that it is transport hub of Norway. My first visit was a quick one when I was just changing airports, travelling from Gardermoen to Torp and stopping for a short coffee break at Oslo Sentralstassjon where I met a friend.

It was only later that I returned to Oslo on two more occasions, only once to stay overnight for four days. I had contacts at the Faculty of Architecture so my guides were a Croatian architect that has been working in Oslo for the past twenty years and a young local architect who was working on his Ph.D. thesis like me. I also had a friend who had a short-term Norwegian scholarship like me and who was staying in coolest student accommodation in Oslo's Grünerløkka.

They all directed my interests in this city and influenced my experience in this strange capital city that is at the same time world's largest village and world's most expensive city. Oslo lacks attractive highlights other European capitals have but it is below the surface and shiny modern centres that its soul is hidden - along the banks of Akerselva and in the heart of Grünerløkka, away from the Royal palace that lacks all the pompousness a Royal palace should have, away from Vigeland's pseudo-arty park and away from the shiny but shallow show-area of Aker Brygge's cafes and restaurants.

I was lucky to taste bits of real Oslo - a simple and open city that attracts us only after we scratch the surface.
Simple and open. Exactly like Norwegians themselves.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Simple and open
Cons:Lacks attractions we are used to find in other major cities
In a nutshell:Explore more than just a center of Oslo. And explore more of Norway than just Oslo!

Last visit to Oslo: Jun 2003
Intro Updated Apr 26, 2005
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Reviews (30)

Don't stay only in Oslo! Tourist Traps (1)

I am not trying to describe Oslo as a tourist trap, but it can easily become one. Usually capital cities are easiest to... more travel advice

Aker Brygge Shopping (1)

If extremely high prices aren't a problem for you central Oslo offers some of the best shopping possibilities in Norway.... more travel advice

Alcohol policy Local Customs (4)

Norway does not differ from other Scandinavian countries in their policy towards alcohol either. In regular shops it is... more travel advice

Local transportation Transportation (4)

Local company Trafikanten operates a network of 5 metro lines that all meet in stops in the city center (Jernbanetorget... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Pepper prices
Off The Beaten Path (7)
See All Alexander Kiellands Plass
Things to Do (9)
See All The view from above

Favorites (2)
See All Use It: Budget Oslo
Hotels (1)
Affordable and centrally located
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Travelogues (2)

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Comments (14)

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titabell Mar 30, 2007 at 5:36 PM

Hey! great review of Oslo! I love it! I can use more tips like this on my next visit, thanks!
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travelfrosch Nov 4, 2006 at 5:35 PM

A brilliant page! Ironically, it makes me wish I had spent more time in Oslo rather than pass through quickly and see the rest of Norway! Cheers, Mark
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craic Oct 10, 2006 at 1:09 PM

what an exteremely interesting page! paper clips and students living in silos!
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Jim_Eliason Aug 6, 2006 at 4:37 PM

thanks for the tips!
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Mariajoy Feb 11, 2006 at 10:24 PM

Great page Niksa! (And to discover that the Norwegians invented the paperclip (and built a monument to it!!) well... that's another bit of trivia I can bore friends and family with) LOL!
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suvanki Jan 28, 2006 at 11:36 AM

Enjoyed reading your page, some very useful tips for my visit to Oslo next weekend. Thanks!! Best Wishes, Sue
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ettenaj Jan 10, 2006 at 8:47 AM

We used the Torp express for transfer to the city, a very good service.
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Maxi1971 Dec 30, 2005 at 6:32 AM

Oslo really worth a visit and more than just one... :-)
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sirenna Nov 6, 2005 at 5:38 AM

Just popped in on my virtual travels - nice page and well written tips, thanks. : )
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tini58de Jun 22, 2005 at 2:40 PM

Lovely page - I just returned home from a fantastic trip that started in Scotland and ended up in Oslo!