Oslo City Breaks

A guide to Oslo

Few destinations can match Oslo for spectacular scenery. The city features not only the charm of the oldest Scandinavian capital, but also the opportunity to experience the grandeur of Norway’s famous fjords and majestic mountains, forests, waterfalls and lakes. Fantastic walking and skiing can be reached rapidly by underground and train, and there are plenty of longer tours that combine unforgettable train journeys, stunning fjord cruises and breathtaking mountain roads.

Idiosyncratic Nordic atmosphere

You'll discover an idiosyncratic Nordic mix of medieval buildings, churches and modern architecture here, as well as sights such as the mighty fortress, the royal palace, renovated quayside warehouses and characterful waterfront cafes. There's pleasant shopping in indoor and outdoor markets, as well as lush green parks, open spaces, animated waterfront quays, and a nice collection of charmingly low-key attractions. Visitors in the summer can find amazingly long hours of sunshine and daylight, whilst in the winter, the city takes on a special atmosphere, with snowy squares and a wonderfully cosy atmosphere in warm cafes, bars and restaurants.

Rich in folklore and maritime history

Oslo is also a city rich in folklore and maritime history. Popular excursions include the short ferry trip to the Bygdøy Peninsula, with its fascinating collection of amazingly well-preserved Viking ships and iconic vessels like Thor Heyerdal’s Kon-Tiki and the 19th century boat Amundson used in the Antarctic. There's also an outstanding open-air folk museum and a brilliant sculpture park, as well as delightful small-scale galleries and museums, and a cultural scene that includes classical concerts, opera and ballet. Oslo nightlife is fairly laid-back and offers buzzing cafes and pubs, live music that includes jazz, blues and rock, and a small but stylish clubbing scene.