With this post we try to shed some light on Oslo, I will give you some tips to be able to visit the Norwegian capital and make the most of your stay.
Oslo has been named one of the most expensive cities in Europe, and in fact it is not exactly cheap, but it is possible visit Oslo without spending exorbitant amounts.
You can get around the city by public transport at relatively low prices, even if in reality the center is concentrated in a small area that can be easily explored on foot while admiring the main attractions.
To better understand the city and orient yourself, we can divide Oslo into three macro-areas:
- the center
- residential districts
- the Bygdøy peninsula
As we have said, the main points of interest are concentrated in the historic center.
The main street is Karl Johans gate where there are clubs, bars, clubs, shops, shopping centers and hotels. The course of the city is always very popular at any time of day and night.
In addition to local restaurants and shops the central area offers important museums including the National Gallery.
The symbol of the city is the Akershus fortress also located in the city center, where you can enjoy, among other things, a magnificent view of the harbor.
Curious and alternative is a visit to Ski Museum and the majestic Olympic ski jump.
Oslo is the birthplace of the painter Edvard Munch, surely everyone knows his most famous work, the Scream. If you want to admire his other works visit the Munchmuseet, the Munch Museum, which is located in the upper part of the city.
If you fancy a relaxing walk in the countryside, don't miss the Vigeland, a huge park full of beautiful sculptures by the artist Gustav Vigeland. It should not be underestimated that the entrance to the park is free.
Vigeland Park is located in an area of Frognerparken in Oslo not far from the center and can be reached by metro getting off at the Majorstuen stop and continuing for 500 meters on foot, or by bus number 12 which stops directly at the park entrance.
Bygdøy Peninsula
Bygdøy is a residential neighborhood in Oslo located on a peninsula where some of the city's main attractions are located.
In this area culture and nature mix, in fact we find the Kon Tiki Museum, the Norsk Folkemuseum, the Norwegian Culture Museum, and the Viking Ship Museum.
Also in this area are the royal estates Bygdø kongsgård and Oscarshall.
In addition to the museums in the peninsula, nature plays an important role in tourism, the area is covered with woods, here we also find one of the most popular beaches, the Hulk beach, partially reserved for naturalism.
Grünerløkka and Greenland
The area between the districts of Grünerløkka and Grønland, has become in recent years the most multicultural of the city, full of trendy pubs and bars, always frequented by many people.
Visit Oslo for free
Vigeland Park is one of the most popular attractions for tourists and admission is free. Fortunately it is not the only one, there are many activities completely free, let's see them together:
Another park popular with both locals and tourists is the Royal Park, where you can watch the changing of the guard every day at 13pm.
A visit to the botanical garden, located next to the Munch museum, is also a pleasant alternative at no cost.
An interesting way to discover the city without putting your wallet is walking through the streets of the center or exploring the surroundings. There are many itineraries offered by the Norwegian capital, the Akershus fortress area, Ekeberg, Frognerseteren or along the Akerselva river, where you will admire the numerous waterfalls, parks and old mills.
Some museums and art galleries they offer the possibility of being visited for free on Sunday, and for example the National Gallery and the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Museum of Architecture and the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design.
To finish this virtual tour among the free attractions, we remember: Oslo City Hall, the Opera House and the Parliament.
Where to Stay in Oslo
As we now know, Oslo is among the most expensive cities in Europe, but we have seen that there are many things to do at no cost, now let's try to understand where to stay in Oslo and how to choose the best hotel to sleep in.
Definitely the best area to stay in Oslo is the center, near the station and the main street, so you can easily visit Oslo and its beauties on foot.
Of course, like everything else, hotels in Oslo have quite high costs, the ideal is to find one in the central area with good services and an adequate quality / price ratio.
In fact, many hotels include in the price a hearty breakfast and other services such as an afternoon snack, dinner and access to the fitness room.
I have selected some of the best hotels, all in a great area, what I think the best solution in my opinion is the Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret, but here's the list:
Recommended Hotels
Comfort Hotel Boersparken
Tollbugaten 4, Oslo 0152, Norway
4/5 your tripadvisor
Great location near the central station and the main street Karl Johans. There are shops and supermarkets in the area, and most attractions are within walking distance.
The staff are friendly and helpful and offer impeccable service. Good and plentiful breakfast, free and well-functioning wi-fi throughout the hotel, clean rooms and outdoor spaces.
In general, the hotel is recommended above all for its location and excellent value for money.
Comfort Hotel Grand Central
Jernbanetorget 1 | Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), Oslo? 0154, Norway
4/5 su trip
Hotel located next to the central station, convenient for those arriving from the airport, very central area, ideal for visiting Oslo and its main attractions.
Clean and comfortable rooms, I recommend those with a view of the Opera. Professional and helpful staff, in the lobby you will always find hot coffee and tea. Good and plentiful breakfast buffet.
Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret
Storgata 21-23, Oslo 184, Norway
4,5/5 su trip
Hotel strategically located for visit Oslo, near the Cathedral and the main street.
The staff are professional and helpful, the rooms are spacious and clean, modern and designer.
Very good buffet breakfast served on the first floor in a modern and elegant space.
In an expensive city like Oslo, the offer of free services should not be underestimated, such as a light buffet dinner, with a main course that changes daily, a tea and coffee break with sweets and fruit in the afternoon and access to the gym. The terrace on the top floor is also pleasant.
Highly recommended, for location, cleanliness and services offered !!
I also list a series of hostels and bed and breakfast where to sleep in Oslo at lower costs, but always located in central areas:
Anker Hostel
Storgata 55, Oslo 0182, Norway
From 45 € - rating: 3/5 on TripAdvisor
Cochs Pension
Parkveien 25 ?, Oslo 0350, Norway
From 77 € - rating: 4/5 on TripAdvisor
Comfort Hotel Xpress Youngstorget
Mollergata 26, Oslo 0179, Norway
From 70 € - rating: 4/5 on TripAdvisor
Smarthotel Oslo
St. Olavsgate 26, Oslo 161, Norway
From 69 € - rating: 4/5 on TripAdvisor
When to go to Oslo
Il best time to visit Oslo is from late spring to late summer, between May and September. In this period the temperatures are good, the days are long and you can use the whole day to visit Oslo. You will also enjoy the midnight sun.
In winter the city is charming and evocative, but it is very cold and you will probably find snow as well.
Oslo Airports
From Gardermoen Airport to Oslo City Center
Gardermoen is Oslo's international airport and is located about 50km north of the city. The center of Oslo can be reached easily by train or bus.
Train: The airport express train (Flytoget) is the fastest and most frequent service to reach the center of Oslo, about 19 minutes, leaves every 10 minutes and costs NOK 170.
Bus: As an alternative to the train you can use the Flybussen bus service, at a cost of 140 NOK, runs every 20 minutes and it takes about 40 minutes
Of course there is also a taxi, cheaper if you are at least 3 people.
From Aeroporto Rygge to Oslo
Rygge airport, or Moss-Rygge airport is mainly used for low cost flights, for example Ryanair, to Bergamo, Rome Ciampino and Treviso.
Rygge is located 67 kilometers south of Oslo, there are several ways to reach Oslo, but there are actually two options: train and bus.
BUS: Rygge-Ekspressen buses usually depart 40 minutes after the flights land and arrive in Oslo in about an hour. A return ticket costs 290 crowns. and you can pay with Norwegian Kroner or with credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Diners or American Express).
TRAIN: The train can be taken from Rygge station, reachable in 10 minutes thanks to the free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes between the airport and the station.
The train to Oslo from Rygge takes about 50 minutes at a cost of 147 crowns each way and runs from 5 am to 23 pm.
As a last resort there is the rental of a car, especially if you are planning a multi-day traveling trip.
From Sandefjord Airport to Oslo
Sandefjord International Airport (TRF) is located approximately 110km southwest of Oslo.
Connections with Oslo are guaranteed thanks to the Torp-Ekspressen bus service, corresponding to Ryanair flights. The duration of the trip is approximately 2 hours.
