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Akershus Fortress Oslo - courtesy lyng883 - CC-BY

Oslo is the capital of Norway and the country’s largest city.

According to legend, Oslo was founded about 1049AD by King Harald Hardrade. But archaeological excavation has unearthed Christian burials from before 1000.  It has been the capital since the reign of Hakon V (1299-1319). After a 1624 fire destroyed much of the city, it was was rebuilt and moved westward.  King Christian IV renamed the reborn city Christiania. The original name of Oslo was restored in 1925.

There is always something to do in Oslo with a choice of festivals, concerts, exhibits, theater, night life and much more. Oslo also has more than 50 museums. There is a fine collection of excellent restaurants including 5 star establishments. You may choose from old-fashioned Oslo basics with dishes of fish, game, moose and reindeer.  Or you may enjoy dishes from every corner of the world. And of course, Oslo is home to the Nobel Peace Center.

For shoppers, You will find virtually everything. There are shopping malls, department stores, boutiques, antique shops, flea markets, handicraft shops and much more. Just remember, most everything in Oslo is on the expensive side.

Winter can be a good time to visit. The city offers over 3000 miles of prepared cross-country ski trails with many being lighted after dark.  There are numerous alpine ski facilities and ice skating too.

Oslo has warm summers with average high temperatures of 20-22C (68-71F) and a low about 12 C (54 F). Spring and autumn are generally chilly. Winters are cold and snowy with temperatures between −7 C (19 F)  to −1 C (30 F).

Oslo is served by Oslo Airport, Gardermoen.  Public transportation is metro, tram, bus and ferry.  They have a common ticket system which allows free transfer between them.

Oslo population is 575,475 (2008).

+47 is the international calling code for Norway
2 is the area code for Oslo

For more information about Oslo