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As one of the oldest cities in Scandinavia, Oslo attracts foreign visitors with its classical beauty and culturally rich museums. When traveling to Oslo, tourists feel like stepping into the medieval Nordic lands and experiencing the cold sensation near the Arctic Circle.
1. About Oslo
When discussing famous Oslo cities in Scandinavia, Oslo - the capital of Norway - must be mentioned. Founded in the 9th century, by the 13th century, due to its rapid and robust development, Oslo became the capital of Norway.
Since then, Norway has been regarded as one of the world's most luxurious cities. Alongside Oslo tourism, visiting Norway or other Nordic countries is also favored by travelers.
With its long-standing existence, Oslo boasts numerous architectural landmarks in the characteristic Nordic style such as ancient castles, royal palaces, and many museums preserving cultural values across various fields.
Oslo - the most modern capital in Northern Europe.
Despite being a renowned, modern, and quite expensive city, Oslo still retains the ancient charm of a longstanding Nordic city. Therefore, travelers who appreciate Nordic architecture, art, or the Scandinavian region must visit Oslo tourism at least once. Due to its reputation as an expensive city, tourists need to prepare corresponding travel expenses for Norway.
2. Best Time to Visit Oslo
The weather on sunny days here will make any traveler intending to visit Oslo excited. However, an important note for travelers visiting Oslo is to carefully research the weather at the time of the trip. Because visiting Oslo during certain seasons of the year may experience slightly harsh weather conditions.
Travelers visiting Oslo will see the most wonderful Oslo in spring, around early April each year. As the weather transitions to spring, it becomes pleasantly cool and gradually warm, making it quite comfortable.
The pleasant Oslo weather in spring with the fresh air of trees and grass.
Travelers can also visit Oslo, Norway in summer to enjoy a sunny Oslo. Summer in Oslo is beautiful, so there are many exciting outdoor activities. Summer in Oslo lasts from June to August each year.
Moreover, autumn in Oslo is also favored by tourists. The weather in Oslo during this season is cool, suitable for sightseeing activities. Travelers visiting Oslo in August - September will experience many new outdoor activities such as cycling and exploring the streets.
In winter, the weather in Oslo is quite harsh. The sun is scorching at noon and the temperature drops very low in the evening.
3. Transportation in Oslo and Visa
3.1 Visa
Similar to Denmark, Sweden, Norway also belongs to the group of countries using the Schengen visa. Therefore, travelers visiting Oslo only need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Norway and enjoy freedom in other neighboring countries.
However, if travelers already have a Schengen visa, there is no need to apply for a visa when traveling to Oslo or Norway independently.
From Vietnam, travelers can choose flights from various airlines to visit Oslo such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Aeroflot. Due to the long flight distance, travelers visiting Oslo will have to transit once upon arriving in Norway.
Travelers can experience the most modern and expensive public transportation in the world in Oslo.
When exploring Oslo, travelers can take the high-speed Flytoget Airport Express train from the airport to the city center in just 19 minutes. Additionally, travelers can move around the city using the tram system.
From the city center station, travelers visiting Oslo can take the eastbound train line to reach attractions such as the Munch Museum, Botanic Gardens. Conversely, the westbound train line passes through destinations like Majorstuen, Stortinget,..
4. Accommodation in Oslo
Oslo is a city with a long history in Northern Europe, and as a result, most buildings here exhibit the characteristic classic and artistic style of the region. The hotels here are no exception. Some hotels in the city center suitable for travelers visiting Oslo include:
4.1 Continental Hotel
This is one of the oldest hotels in the capital, established since the 1900s. The Continental Hotel boasts a prime location, suitable for travelers exploring Oslo with plans to visit the city's famous landmarks.
From this hotel, travelers only need to take a few steps to reach the National Theater and the Royal Palace. Guests visiting Oslo staying here can admire the architecture blending Northern European and British styles.
4.2 Saga Hotel Oslo
A preferred accommodation choice for many
4.3 The Thief Hotel
This is one of the most famous hotels in Oslo, known for its unique design and name, as it used to be a prison in the past. The Thief's architecture makes it stand out in the city with its 9-story curved building offering views of the canal leading to Tjuvholmen Island. Travelers exploring Oslo should try staying here for an exciting experience.
The Thief Hotel features modern architecture and a prime location.
4.4 Christiania Teater Hotel
If travelers prefer to stay in a place with a classic style while visiting Oslo, then the Christiania Teater Hotel is an ideal choice.
This hotel has a rather unique history, as it was built in 1918 to serve guests as a theater. Even after its transformation into a hotel, Christiania Teater still retains its characteristic vaulted architecture and glass-panelled windows.
5. Places to Visit in Oslo
5.1 Akershus Fortress
Akershus Fortress, also known as Akershus Castle, has stood since medieval times and is located in the heart of Oslo. It is one of the must-visit destinations when exploring Oslo.
Akershus Fortress is regarded as Norway's impregnable fortress.
Akershus Fortress was constructed during the medieval period around the 15th century to protect the city. It has also withstood sieges by Sweden in the past.
Subsequently, the fortress was converted by the king into a royal residence. Visitors exploring Oslo who come to visit the fortress will be guided by English-speaking tour guides. The fortress is open for Oslo sightseeing until 9 pm daily.
5.2 Viking Ship Museum
Here, three ancient Viking ships are displayed. These ships were excavated at Gokstad, Tune, and Oseberg respectively, and are remarkably well-preserved. They contain various artifacts used by seafarers.
Travelers visiting Oslo should explore the Viking Ship Museum to gain further insight into the influence of this era on Europe.
Though just old boats, they represent the cultural values of an important period in European history - the Viking Age.
The museum is established to exhibit these ships - symbols of seafaring technology and, more broadly, the impact of the Viking Age on Europe. A journey exploring Oslo becomes more meaningful when delving into the Viking era.
5.3 The Fram Museum
Visiting The Fram Museum during your Oslo exploration, you'll marvel at the Fram ship, the vessel three explorers used to conquer both polar regions.
The Fram Museum in winter.
Travelers exploring Oslo here will witness the interior preserved exactly as it was during the expeditions. The standout feature of this ship is its deep and wide design compared to other vessels, which allowed it to rise above ice floes. Through this ship, the Norwegian expedition to the North Pole is honored.
5.4 Oslo Opera House
If Sydney is famous for its opera house shaped like a shell, then the Oslo Opera House is also an icon of the Norwegian capital. Situated on the waterfront and boasting modern architecture, the Oslo Opera House not only attracts travelers exploring Oslo to enjoy opera performances but also to relax and admire the panoramic view of Oslo through the glass facade covering the entire building.
Oslo Opera House with its unique architecture.
Not only that, but the architecture of this opera house is also eye-catching with its spiral stone staircase. When exploring Oslo, travelers can experience walking activities on the roof. Especially in winter, visitors can enjoy a different feeling walking on the snow-covered roof.
5.5 Vigeland Sculpture Park
Vigeland Sculpture Park is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Oslo. When visiting the park, tourists can admire numerous meticulously sculpted human figures.
Travelers exploring Oslo can see sculptures depicting various human states, such as the angry boy sculpture, 20 sculptures large and small representing the human life cycle around the fountain, or sculptures of people tightly intertwined, stacked on top of each other to form a peak. All of these sculptures demonstrate the many facets of life.
Awe-inspiring with the world's largest sculpture park depicting human life.
This is considered the largest sculpture park, displaying over 200 sculptures of various sizes made of bronze, granite, and iron. One particular feature that will surely impress travelers visiting Oslo is that all the sculptures here were sculpted by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland.
5.6 Oslo City Hall
When visiting Oslo, travelers should visit the city hall to explore the building adorned with vibrant red bricks dominating a corner of the capital. Observing the city hall, visitors will see modernity intertwined with medieval architectural features.
Inside the city hall, there are statues and information about historical figures of Norway. Oslo City Hall also features sculptures such as Harald Hardrada on horseback and the city's patron saint - St. Hallvard - in the front, which travelers visiting Oslo can admire.
5.7 Snow Sliding Park
As a country located in Northern Europe, Norway is covered in white snow every winter. Therefore, near the capital Oslo, there is a quite famous snow sliding bridge. The 69m-high snow sliding bridge built on Holmenkollbakken hill will surely provide travelers visiting Oslo with an amazing experience. This is one of the tourist destinations in Norway, Oslo tourism that travelers should not miss.
The Holmenkollbakken snow sliding hill welcomes a large number of tourists every year.
5.8 Nobel Peace Center
Besides the castles with medieval architectures and the streets imbued with the Nordic architectural charm, travelers visiting Oslo, Norway, can also explore the Nobel Peace Center. Surely, anyone touring Oslo knows about this world-famous award and desires to experience the workplace of those who organize this prestigious event.
6. What to Eat When Traveling to Oslo?
6.1 Salmon
Due to its island location and cold climate, salmon in Norway has a longer development time compared to other regions. Additionally, Norway catches a large amount of salmon each year, so much so that salmon appears in the daily meals of the locals here, prepared in various recipes to diversify the menu.
Must-try dishes here include grilled salmon and smoked salmon. Travelers to Oslo should indulge in salmon-based dishes as Norwegian salmon is one of the finest in the world.
6.2 Brunost Cheese
Unlike common types of cheese, Brunost cheese is made from leftover whey during cheese production. This type of whey is cooked until thickened and has a salty taste, which is the distinctive cheese of Norway. Travelers touring Oslo should try this dish.
Brunost cheese - a dish unique to Norway.
6.3 Lutefisk
This is not only a dish of the Norwegians but also a specialty of the Nordic region. The main ingredient of this dish is stockfish soaked in lye. It has a sour taste, often consumed on special occasions, especially before Christmas.
In fact, this dish is so famous that it's also enjoyed by Americans during Christmas. Travelers exploring Oslo during the holiday season should not miss the chance to savor this dish.
Travelers can try Lutefisk when visiting Norway.
6.4 Reindeer Meat
Reindeer meat, also known as Finbiff, is a delicacy of Norway. The meat is usually cut into small pieces, then stewed with a mixture of mushrooms, smoked meat, and blended with a sauce made from goat cheese, sour cream, juniper berries, parsley, milk, and water. As one of the rare places with reindeer, travelers exploring Oslo can try this unique dish.
7. Other Nordic Destinations
In addition to Oslo tourism in Norway, travelers can easily visit other Nordic destinations due to the free movement policy within the Schengen Area. Below are some must-visit destinations for European tours, especially in Northern Europe, that travelers should not miss:
7.1 Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a blend of Scandinavian antiquity and modernity, making it the most livable city in Europe with its greenery and contemporary vibe.
Especially since it is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula, travelers visiting Oslo can easily journey to Copenhagen. In this city, visitors should not miss exploring two famous castles, Rosenborg and Amalienborg.
7.2 Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, boasts numerous castles, buildings, and architectural structures that embody the essence of Scandinavia.
Similar to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, Stockholm, Sweden, is also one of the countries where visitors can freely travel within the European Union without a visa. Therefore, if travelers are visiting Oslo, they can plan to explore Stockholm afterward.
Visiting Stockholm means exploring its buildings, old districts, and historic sites. Travelers shouldn't miss Gamla Stan, the medieval old town dating back to the 13th century when Stockholm was first established, or Storkyrkan Square and the majestic Royal Palace.
7.3 Iceland
The Nordic region is where travelers can easily encounter freezing snow seasons. However, Iceland stands out with its magnificent glaciers and icy rivers.
Not only visiting Oslo, but travelers can also explore the famous black sand beaches. While white sandy beaches always attract visitors with their peaceful and romantic ambiance, black sand beaches are mysterious and incredibly fascinating.
Moreover, during the Oslo tour, travelers can visit Iceland to witness the mesmerizing phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Although the Northern Lights can be seen in any Nordic country, it is only in Iceland that travelers can admire them clearly and vibrantly.
For those wishing to experience a Western sky tour while being able to admire ancient Nordic-style old towns or modern cities, Oslo is the perfect choice. Don't forget to explore and try the unique dishes of this country for a complete Oslo trip. To receive information about your Oslo trip, please contact Mytour's hotline directly at Mytour for detailed advice.
