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Oslo History - Overiew
There is some archaeologica evidence from Christian burial sites that modern Oslo roots pre-date the end of the first millennium. It is thought that its origins as a town can be attributed to King Harald Hardrade in 1049. It became Norways main city at the beginning of the 14th century when King Hakon V became the first King to live in Oslo. During his reign the Akershus Castle was founded. In the 15th century during Norways union with Dennmark the city's was of less importance as the nations Kings were based in Copenhagen.
Oslo has been devasted by fire several times and in 1624 , King Christian 1V of Dennmark Norway began to rebuild and develop the city in the Christiana area of the Oslo. Until then this area the main commercial area for of Norway. King Christian renamed Oslo Christiania. (In 1878 its name was subtly changed to Kristiania). The original part of the city built in 1624 is today known as Kvadraturen
The University of Oslo was founded in 1811 and following the dissolution of Norways union with Dennmark in 1814 the city became Norways capital. Many of the countrys most important buildings were built in the following century including the Royal Palace, The Parliament (Stortinget) and the National Theatre. By 1850 it had become the most populated city in Norway (Bergen had this distinction peviously). Until 1906 it was an integral part of the countrys short- lived union with Sweden. In 1924 it reverted to its original name Oslo. See also Recent Norwegian History in the Norway Country Profile. A dilemna - Oslo Architecture.
Sightseeing & Attractions In Oslo
Though it may seem morbid the Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskiphuset) with three Viking burial ships built between 800 - 900 AD is worth a visit. The ships are the Gokstad Tune and the very striking Oseberg which are the finest remaining examples of viking ships in the world. The latter was the resting place of Royal Vikngs. The museum also has a number of ceremonial sleighs and numerous tools and original household items on display. Further details are available at the museum's website.
Arguably the most architecturally controversial building in Norway is the Oslo City Hall 'Radhuset'. This (sad) post WW2 building illustrates with murals what living in Oslo was like during the Nazis occupation. The murals are accompanied by frescos sculptures and tapestries. For further details see the city hall website. More graphic accounts of the Nazis occupation can be found at The Resistance Museum ( Akershus Castle) which was used at the time as a prison and a place of execution. Apart from the chilling dungeons The Akershus Castle has several luxurious banqueting halls and State Meeting Rooms which are still functional today. In the summer the grounds of the castle are commandered for open air concerts and stage productions. WebsiteOslo's Munch Museum is dedicated to the Norwegian painter famous for 'The Scream' . This work and over a 1000 other paintings and over 22,000 other drawings and prints by Norwegian artists are exhibhited here. Further details from the museum website. Continuing on the art theme the International Children's Art Museum Barnekunst Museum is home to a truly superb collection of childrens drawing paintings sculptrures and tapestries. The works originate from nearly three dozen countries and are complimented by special workshops for children interested in these activities plus music and dance. Please see website.
Every day the Changing of the Guard at Slottsparken - the gardens of the Royal Palace can be seen at 13.30. The Palace itself is not open to the public. The Norwegian Folk Museum is Norways largest exhibhition of its cultural heritage and history. For those of you not able to visit Lustrafjorden (see country profile) the 13th century Stave Church is a must as will be the Lapp exhibhitions. museum of cultural history in Norway. Website.
Also home to numerous ballets concerts operas and theatrical productions is the National Theatre. The late 19th century is a good example of more recent Norwegian Architecture as it is lavishly decorated with paintings and sculptures. Website. The Vigeland Sculpture Park (only open during the summer) portays Adolf Gustavs Vinelands interpretation of the life cycle in bronze granite and iron sculptures .Other attractions include a ice rink and swimming pool. Please see website.
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In general most clubs have a 'smart casual dress' dress code. Most clubs are open until 5 or 6am. The main areas for clubs are Karl Johans Gate and Rosenkrantz Gate which also has numerous bars. Drinking out can be very expensive. Updated information on Nightlife in Oslo is given in a circular called 'What's On in Oslo' which is widely available in hotels and tourist centres. The most outstanding clubs are Tiger Tiger ( Torggata 5 Oslo 0181) is a 21st century club, good for posing and open on Saturdays from around 10.30. With a minium age of 24 and a dresscode it caters for a slightly older crowd and is popular with couples. There are three music areas with 'Bombay' playing disco, funk, house and R&B. 'Nightever' offers retro from the 60s & 70s. Fair size dance floors and tables with waitress service. The club sometimes opens other days. Website.
House enthusists will appreciate Skansen at Rådhusgate 25, 0slo 0158. This sometimes overcrowded club often has international renowned DJs hosting and has a well established following. Smuget is a disco bar at Rosenkranztg by the port area, and is probably one of Oslo's biggest venues. With seven bars, a casual restaurant and three stages in addition to the disco area it can be packed any night of the week. It has a broad spectrum of artist from talented wannabe's to legends such as Stevie Wonder. For further info telephone ( 47) 22 42 5262.
Also noted is the Blaa in the Grünerlokka district. During the week it offers live music from new bands whilst at weekends it has international DJs as guest hosts. The music played ranges from electronic, techno to hiphop house and soul. Popular with people in the late twenties upwards. Can be difficult to find - trams 11 12 & 13 to Schous Pass is one way. When you get off follow the river northwards and the club is in an old warehouse on the riverside. Telephone (+47) 22 20 91 81.
One for the notebook: The Broker Bar , has a fairly good reputation amongst backpackers for its food. It is slightly cheaper than some bars and reportedly offers good burgers.
Tusenfryd Amusement Park (May - Sept Only)
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Oslo's Arcitecture
(cont. from City Overview)
Though Oslo is Norway's capital its present and future devolopment status is constantly subject to debate. Several Norwegian Governments have actively tried to 'decentralise' the county's dependency on Oslo in response to concerns that it has caused the thin population of other areas to decrease further. This has adversly effected the country's rural areas and industries such as farming and fishing. Efforts to address these issues have only had minimal gain and Oslo is now faced with a serious shortage of housing due to the lack of investment because of this decentralisation policy.
Architecturally the city has many buildings from the 19th century and it also is influenced by the sporadic outbreaks of ugly low rise buildings which have taken place since 1960s. Plans to build high rise blocks, even for housing are not popular but there may be little alternative as the land on the city borders is not owned by the state and few people want to be swallowed up in a sprawling Oslo anyway. It would after all undermine one of the city's great attractions - the fact that a short car or train journey delivers you into a memorable and bueatiful part of Europe.
Gardermoen Oslo International Airport Information
Oslo Airport Code - OSL
Passenger services Info Tel: +447 81 550 250.
Flight Information From Gardermoen Oslo Airport:
Oslo (Gardermoen) International Airport Facilities
Comfortable, extremely clean with ATM facilties in the arrivals and departures terminals. The airport has adequate shopping options and several restaurants/cafes offering a wide choice of expensive food. The airport information desk in the arrivals hall, provides airport information and tourist information services.
International & Domestic Airlines Flying To & From Oslo Gardermoen Airport
Aeroflot Russian Airlines, Air Baltic, Air France, Air Malta, Air Norway, Atlantic Airways, Austrian Airlines, Blue1, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cimber Air, City Star Airlines, Coast Air, Continental Airlines, Czech Airlines, Danish Air Transport, Direktflyg, Estonian Air, Finnair, Flynordic, Iceland Air, Iceland Expres, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Malev, Norwegian, Pakistan International Airlines, SAS Norge, Sterling, TAP-Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Wideroe.
Information For Disabled Passengers
Euromost researchers have noted that eating out in Oslo iscan be very expensive compared with other European capitals. Visitors should be aware that some restaurants close for weekly holidays at Easter and in July, and may also close for a slightly longer time over Christmas and the New Year.
Babette's Gjestehus in Cental Oslo (Roald Amundsens gate 6, Rådhuspassasjen, Oslo, Norway 0160) is thought by many Norwegians to be one the countrys finest restaurants and you would need to book a table long in advance of your visit. The restaurant offers exceptional fare - game including reindeer with lingon berries, pheasant breast in mushroom sauce, and rabbit . Other European and Scandinavian dishes are available. The traditional antique decor gives the restaurant a rare style and anbience. Tele· 22-41-64-64.
Another establishment in the main Paleet shopping area and held in a similiar regard is Blom (Karljohans gate 39/41, Oslo, Norway 0162 · Tel 23-13-95-00) which maintains a second to none reputation for its seafood dishes. Its grilled fillet of redfish and scallops are legendary as is the the grilled reindeer liver in a very agreeable walnut sauce. There is also a truly outstanding dessert menu. Again reservation made well in advance are essential.
The Restaurant Det Gamle Raadhus is not quite as pricey and can be found in the Old Oslo Town Hall which was built in 1641. Not surprisingly at 367 years of age it is the citys oldest restaurant and it offers a very diverse menu of traditional Norwegian game and seafood dishes. The renowned house speciality is Lutefisk a fried fish dish soaked in lye and then poached in broth. The restaurant at Nedre Slotts gate 1, Oslo, Norway 0157 Tel· 22-42-01-07 is comfortable with a relaxed atmosphere also offers European fare.
Less expensive establishments include the endearing Maud's at Brynjulf Bulls plass 1, Oslo, Norway 0250 · Tel 22-83-72-28. This restaurant which is close to the Town Hall and renders an excellent view of the harbour has a very Norwegian menu with specialities that include a memorable smoked salmon marinated in aquavit and accompanied by a lobster salad. It is a good place to lunch, and offers outdoor dining weather permitting. Dress informal.
Also worth a mention is Hos Thea at Gabelsgt. 11, via Drammensvn., Oslo, Norway Telephone 22-44-68-74. This cosy restaurant serves contemporary food with French and Spanish dishes a speciality. The menu is not vast with half a dozen choices for each course but the quality of the food is very good.. Can be a little noisy.
The Engebret Café at Bankplassen 1, Christiania Theatre, Oslo, Norway 0151 ·Telephone 22-33-66-94 in the heart of Oslo von the northern side of the Akershus Castle is 150 year old. It is a a little bohemian in ambience and offers an extensive menu including reindeer game, and see seafood. The main dishes are accompanied by some very intricate compliments. The dessert are also notable with the cloudbery parfait a joy. The Vegeta Vertshus Munkedamsvn. 3B, Oslo, Norway Tele: 22-83-42-32 offers good vegetarian pasta dishes, curries pizza, curries, and quiches on a buffett basis
Crime & Personal Safety & Security in Oslo / Norway
Oslo has a far lower crime rate than most European Capitals. Petty crime may occur in the busier tourist areas particularly the Central Railway Station and at Gardermoen Airport.
The Norwegian Authorities have a low tolerance of drug & alcohol abuse especially in respect of motorists an area where strict laws apply.
Public Transport In Oslo
Public transport in Oslo is operated by the municipal transport authority Oslo Sporveier who operate the six tramlines, bus ferry and metro services. The rail services are operated by NSB the state run national railwork. Transfer between any of these services is within an hour is possible using a transfer tickets. If you travel on a NSB traIn the ticket is only valid within the city boundary.
The tram routes (Oslotrikken) are 11 - 13 & 17 - 19 which cross the centre of the city from the suburbs. There are six metro lines (T-Bane) numbered from 1-6. There is also a new Loop Line. By 2010 all metro lines will be modernised with new cars.
Oslo has commercial daily ferry connections to Copenhagen and Friederikshaven (Dennmark) Kiel (Germany). Muncipal Ferries connect the small islands around Oslo with the centre.
NSB rail services Oslo's main station offer connections to Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger and intermediate stations in Norway. There are also services to Coenhagen in Dennmark and Gothenburg & Stokholm in Sweden
It is also possible to rent a city-bike at any railway station for up to three hours. Tourists should obtain a smartcard from the tourist office. Restrictions apply: Minium age 18 and a credit card essential. Further information from the oslo website.
The Oslo City Pass provides free travel on all public transport and free admission to museums and sights along with free parking in all Oslo municipal car parks, and discounts at other establishments including car hire, ice skate hire and entry to the, Tusenfryd Amusement Park. These passes are available for 24 , 48 or 72 hours. Further details at the oslo website.
Travel From Gardermoen Airport to Central / Downtown Oslo
The Airport is 49km north of central Oslo. There are connecting bus and rail services.
The Airport Express Train (Flytoget) service, takes 20 minutes and stops at several imetro stations en route. The airport is also served by Intercity trains on the Skien - Oslo - Lillehammer - Trondheim routes.
SAS provide a bus service from the Airport to Oslo Central Station appoximate journey term 35 minutes. There is a night bus to Oslo Bus Terminal. Regional Bus services depart from the airport bus station adjacent to the railway station.
By Road: From the airport take Highway 174 and follow the signs for Oslo Central via the E6. Note. During the winter many minor roads are closed, especially in rural areas and you are required by law to use chains, snow tyres, or studs as conditions can become very treacherous. Taxis are availble from inside the airport terminal.
Route Planner For Norway (All Modes Of Public Transport)
Disabled Access To Airport & Intercity Bus Services
The bus services that serve the airport are not wheelchair friendly. The intercity buses generally accept disabled passengers but the toilets on these buses are rarely adapted or easily accessible.
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