Oslo, the capital of Norway with a population of about 636 thousand inhabitants, is a city that will surprise you in many ways. It is a two and a half hour flight from Italy and is located in Scandinavia, in the northwestern part of the same, stretching towards the Arctic. In Norwegian territory there is, in fact, the mythical North Cape, destination of many tourists attracted by the charm of the great cold and the northern lights, very frequent in these areas.

Where is Oslo

Norway is a nation that extends quite vertically up to the Arctic and its capital Oslo is located in the southernmost part of the country. Its latitude, in fact, corresponds to that of St. Petersburg and its climate is somehow mitigated by its height at sea level which also brings a cold temperature, certainly but still rather temperate.

Oslo was founded by King Harald in 1048 and became the capital of Norway in 1814. The development of the city brought it to grow up to the current extension of 454 Km/sq but the territory is occupied for more than 50% by woods. Arriving by plane you can immediately appreciate the characteristic of green city and its location in the territory.

When to go to Oslo

I think everyone has heard of the famous Norwegian Fjords, wide and jagged inlets into which often pour imposing glaciers. Oslo is located at the bottom of a wide fjord more than 100 meters deep and, as mentioned, its temperature is mitigated by the warmer current that flows in its vicinity, giving the city an unexpectedly tolerable climate even during the winter that in Norway is particularly felt.

The visit to Oslo, for this reason, is indicated both in summer when the sun does not seem to want to set, and in winter when the arctic characteristic of the sun that does not want to rise for many months is highlighted even in this city, giving Oslo an atmosphere of particular romanticism.

How to Visit Oslo

The first advice that can be given to those who intend to visit Oslo is to buy the Oslo Pass, a card that allows free entry to 30 museums and attractions and free transport on city transport services, including boats. Also with the Oslo Pass you can enter some of the city’s swimming pools for free or take advantage of guided tours.

Oslo is a very environmentally advanced city. From this year, if the project is confirmed, the entire city center will be closed to cars and the national policy is strongly encouraging the purchase of electric cars. In Oslo you won’t find even a straw on the ground, even less in the many city parks, unless some rude tourist makes a mess. Norwegians are very sensitive to this aspect and you’ll end up being heavily fined for a simple piece of paper on the ground. You won’t see garbage around the city because it is strictly collected and incinerated to provide heating for homes.

What to see in Oslo

There are many things to see in Oslo, we propose a few but beautiful, leaving you to discover the rest:

The neighborhood of Aker Brygge

This is a famous neighborhood in the Norwegian capital, is the part of the city where the pier overlooking the famous fjord is located. It was once home to the Shipyards but the redevelopment of the area has completely transformed it. Today this district has new buildings, a remarkable modernity where there are clubs and restaurants and has become the meeting place of the citizens. Modernity coexists with the old lighthouse which, curiously, also houses an ancient clock.

Other things to see

9 Km of promenade await those who wish to enjoy the very long promenade but it is also possible to go to the Akershus fortress, a medieval castle that is worth a visit. Art lovers cannot miss a visit to the National Gallery which, among many works, also houses the famous Scream by Munch.

Another signaling is for the Froqner Park which houses 212 sculptural works of the same artist, the Norwegian Gustav Vigeland, absolutely to be seen; what is surprising is that on none of these sculptures is found the slightest sign as it certainly would be in any park with sculptures in our country and also deserves special praise the maintenance that allows you to enjoy a perfect park, without the slightest disorder or dirt.