If you’ve never been to Oslo, make it a point to put it at the top of your travel list. Oslo is one of the most beautiful, diverse, and entertaining cities in Europe.
Everything from high-class nightlife to gorgeous natural beauty can be found within the city. If you are a party animal, be sure to visit during the summer months when the sun is out for more than 18 hours every day! Flights to Oslo can be expensive, so be sure to book far in advance. Why not have a look at the Scandinavian Airlines SAS’ website on www.flysas.com/en/uk for a first look?
Don’t worry about renting a car while travelling to Oslo. On top of it being expensive, it can be difficult to navigate if you are not already familiar with the layout of the city. More importantly, Oslo offers an extensive public transportation system, including an express rail line connecting the airport to the heart of the city called “Flytoget”. Save yourself the stress and expense of a vehicle and take advantage of the intricate public transportation the city of Oslo has built.
When deciding where to stay, be sure to consider Thon Hotel Stefan. Thon Hotel Stefan will offer the best bang for your buck. Located in the heart of Oslo, the hotel provides easy access to the Royal Palace, National Gallery, Akershus Fortress, as well as ample shopping and public transportation options. On top of that, a breakfast buffet is provided every morning, and free wifi is available throughout the hotel. The hotel staff is friendly and the rooms are spacious and clean.
As the cultural centre of Norway, there are virtually endless sights and attractions to visit during your trip. However, there are a couple that are simply too great to miss. If you like jazz and happen to be in Olso in August, be sure to visit the Oslo Jazz Festival. This six day festival began 25 years ago and is simply outstanding.
Countless musicians and exhibits, not to mention an endless number of outgoing and interesting people to meet, make any time spent at the festival memorable. Also worth a visit is the 34 SkyBar, located on the top floor of the Radisson Plaza Blu Hotel. One of the most popular nightlife spots in Oslo, SkyBar offers panoramic views of the city. Try to make it for sunset, which occurs after 10pm during the Summer, and you’ll get a breathtaking display of colours where the sky meets the Oslo Fjord.
If noise and late nights aren’t what you’re looking for, be sure to visit the Nobel Peace Centre. The exhibit contains information about every Nobel Peace Prize winner in history and is expanded every time a new prize is awarded. The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology is a great way to spend your day as well. There are more than a day’s worth of exhibits, ranging from astronomy and aerospace engineering to experimental energy and biology. For history buffs, be sure to take time to visit Akershus Fortress. Built over 700 years ago in 1299, the fortress has a rich history as the primary strategic asset for the region throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Although there are many advantages to visiting Oslo in the Summer, one thing you cannot do is go skiing on Oslo’s world renowned slopes. The best place to ski in Oslo is at the Oslo Winter Park Tryvann. They offer 14 slopes serviced by 6 ski lifts and utilize artificial snow cannons when the slopes get too icy. For beginners there are affordable instructors available and slopes simple enough for anyone to try.
The next time you are planning a trip, be sure to consider Oslo. As one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in Europe, it should not be missed.
