Oslo

A metropolitan capital
with forests and fjord

Between the Oslofjord and the forests lies Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, with its vibrant social scene and special combination of nature experiences and city life.

Oslo is one of Europe’s fastest-growing cities, with a population approaching 700,000 and new neighbourhoods with eye-catching architecture popping up almost by the minute. The largest city in Norway is quickly transforming into a cosmopolitan hub with an abundance of world-class museums, restaurants, and art, while still maintaining the relaxed atmosphere of a much smaller town.

The city is nestled between the Oslofjord and hundreds of square kilometres of forested hills, and is green in more ways than one. The compact city centre is easy to explore on foot or by bike, and an efficient public transport system makes the whole of the city accessible without a car.

Norway’s capital since 1814, Oslo is home to the Norwegian government and the Royal Family. The country’s largest cultural institutions, which include the Norwegian Opera & Ballet, the National Theatre and the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, present first-rate art exhibitions and opera, ballet and theatre performances.

Live music is a big part of the city’s identity, and every year Oslo’s clubs and arenas host thousands of concerts that showcase the talents of everyone from local bands to international superstars. Several large pop and rock festivals are held every summer, and there are annual festivals for genres ranging from chamber music to heavy metal.

In short, Oslo is an easy-going city with a family and children friendly atmosphere in combination with a diverse nightlife, including a prospering gay scene. All this is flanked by a full range of other venues that are there to match your personal tastes and interests.

Find more inspiration on Oslo’s official website.

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visitoslo.com

Sightseeing in Vigelandsparken

Terje Borud/Visitnorway.com/Vigeland-museet/BONO

The Holmenkollen Ski Jump

Terje Bakke Pettersen/VisitOSLO/Normanns Kunstforlag

Relaxing at Mathallen

CH/Visitnorway.com

The Royal Palace

CH - Visitnorway.com

Sun bathing at Tjuvholmen

Torgny Gustafsson/VisitOSLO

Oslo WInter Park

Terje Borud - Visitnorway.com

Plan your trip

Oslo is home to more than 50 museums, and top attractions include the Opera House, Holmenkollen Ski Jump, Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Munch Museum.

Booming Oslo is boosting a variety of accommodations, from cheap and cheerful places to sassy suites and designer hotels.

Tourist tips and insiders’ guides

Museums, art and culture in Oslo

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Food and drink

While there are many high-quality eateries in Norway, nowhere are they as concentrated as in Oslo. The city is packed with lovely restaurants and bars where foodies can challenge their pallets with a wide range of cuisines.

Michelin recommended restaurants in Oslo

Tripadvisor’s best rated restaurants, cafes and diners

Getting here and around

Oslo is the main nexus in Norway for both domestic and international travel and has connections to most other Norwegian towns and cities. Get in-depth travel information at Oslo’s official website.

By train

The airport express train “Flytoget” takes around 20 minutes to Oslo city centre. The local train takes a few minutes longer, but is the cheaper option.

From Oslo you can travel to several destinations in Norway and Sweden.

Ad: Check out NSB’s webpage for prices and timetables.
By bus

Express shuttle services to Oslo Airport are available from 120 locations in the Oslo area. Express bus services are also available to Torp Sandefjord Airport.

Oslo Bussterminal is the main terminal for long-distance and regional bus routes, located in the city centre near the central train station.
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By ferry

Ferries arrive daily in Oslo from Kiel in Germany and from Copenhagen and Frederikshavn in Denmark. Oslo can be reached by ferry all year.

There are also several options for travelling by local ferries to the islands in and around Oslo. Check out ferry companies in the Oslo area.
By car

Oslo is the national hub for the road network, which makes it easy to reach by road from all corners of Norway.

When driving into Oslo you will pass a toll plaza. Visit the AutoPASS webpage for prices and payment options. Remember to pay close attention to parking restrictions and regulations.

Ad: AutoEurope - always a smooth rental experience.
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Local travel

Use the same tickets on all public transport in Oslo: bus, tram, metro, train and ferry (not the Bygdøy ferry). Plan your trip and check prices on Ruter’s webpage. You can also buy the Oslo Pass, which gives you free public transportation, entry to several museums, municipal parking, and more.

Bicycling or walking is often the easiest way to get around the city centre. Oslo is equipped with city bikes conveniently located around the city.
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By plane

Oslo Airport is Norway's main airport and serves over 100 domestic and international destinations.

From Oslo Airport you can reach Oslo's city centre by express train, express bus, local train, hire car or taxi.

Many European cities have direct connections to Torp Sandefjord Airport, which can be reached from Oslo by express bus or train. The trip to Oslo from the airport takes around 2 hours.

Ad: Widerøe - the largest regional airline in Scandinavia.

Get inspired

Oslo also offers …

There is no need to wait until you’re here to find out what you’d like to do. Check out the offers below,
or read more on the official website for Oslo.

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Dynamic Variation:

A metropolitan capitalwith forests and fjord

Plan your trip

Tourist tips and insiders’ guides

Museums, art and culture in Oslo

A word from our sponsors

Food and drink

Michelin recommended restaurants in Oslo

Tripadvisor’s best rated restaurants, cafes and diners

Getting here and around

By train

By bus

By ferry

By car

Local travel

By plane

Get inspired

Oslo also offers …

Read more

A metropolitan capital
with forests and fjord