The capital of Norway, Oslo, is undoubtedly the most attractive and beautiful city in the country. It is rightfully considered a true mirror of the history and modernity of Norway. The appearance of Oslo reflected fires, wars, the power of Denmark, and then Sweden, periods of prosperity and decline, poverty and wealth, which eventually turned it into a real pearl of Scandinavia.
Today, the residence of the King and the Government of Norway is located in Oslo, and the city itself is the main cultural center of the country with many iconic places and architectural sights.
Oslo is by right considered the most attractive and interesting city in Norway. On its territory there are grandiose architectural monuments, numerous museums, magnificent parks.
One of the most prominent buildings of the city is the Town Hall of red brick. Its inner halls are decorated with antique frescoes and tapestries, and in a graceful courtyard adorning the fountain of Dire Va. Another prominent building in Oslo is the Government House (1958), which has a strict and unusual appearance. Every tourist considers it his duty to see the Royal Castle, similar to the White House in an old noble style.
The main street of Oslo, where many interesting buildings are located, is considered Karl-Johansgate. Here are located the National Theater, the Parliament building, art workshops and other notable buildings. Also, we recommend you to visit the New Opera, the fortress of Akerhus, the Nobel Peace Center, the amusement park Tusenfryd and the Holocaust Center. Among the museums in the first place is the Museum of Viking ships, the Norwegian Ethnographic Museum, the Munch Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum. In addition, a must-see place is the amazing sculpture park Vigelandsparken with 212 sculptures.
In Oslo, there is a huge number of Norwegian restaurants that offer a wide selection of national dishes. It should be noted that almost all the Norwegian menu is based on fish and seafood, which are prepared according to the most varied and original recipes. The most popular are salmon, cod and shrimp. Also, they prepare delicious dishes from whale cuttings, however they are quite expensive, since hunting for whales is limited by law.
The main product of Norway is herring, from which they prepare snacks, salads, pates, soups, second dishes and bake pies. Well, from meat dishes Norwegians prefer fried pork ribs, as well as canned lamb and sheep heads, which are traditionally prepared for Christmas. In addition, during your stay in Oslo, we recommend trying traditional brown goat cheese and a variety of pastries.
From everyday drinks Norwegians prefer black coffee and milk. The most popular alcoholic beverage here is akevitt, which is prepared from 40% grain or potato alcohol, herbal on herbs and spices. Also it is worth trying a hot "gluck" (gløgg) of red wine, spices, raisins and almonds.
In Oslo there is a huge number of hotels for every taste. And here there is no European five-star classification, but the standards of service practically do not differ from the generally accepted ones. It is worth noting that in almost all hotels in the room includes breakfast.
The most expensive hotels (Hotel Continental, Lysebu Hotel, Losby Gods Manor, etc.) are located directly in the center of Oslo, as well as in its eastern part, and offer their guests a wide variety of all kinds of services and entertainment. However, prices in such hotels are quite high. Less expensive options are scattered throughout the city: small hotels, family pensions and budget hostels.
Oslo is famous for its noisy night life: every day after midnight, its doors for visitors are opened with all kinds of night cafes, clubs, bars and restaurants. Also Oslo is one of the favorite cities of jazz, classical and rock music performers from around the world. In addition, the city has a considerable number of theaters and cabarets, where in the autumn and winter regular performances are given. Well, in the world-famous Philharmonic Oslo, there are always great concerts with sold-out performances. Fans of cinema in the city will also like it, because its cinemas are considered to be among the best in Europe.
Oslo is rich in various festivals. Of these, the largest are the music festival "Norwegian Forest" and the Chamber Music Festival "Oia". It is worth noting that the city often hosts numerous free events, such as jazz concerts in the National Theater. And in front of the building of the theater, street performers, singers, clowns, musicians and jugglers constantly perform. Throughout the summer on the streets of the city concerts, marches, parades, theatrical performances are arranged.
And, of course, one can not help saying that Oslo, like all of Norway, is famous for its ski runs and descents. Quite near the city is the most popular park Trivann.
Compare prices for Hotels in Oslo:
Expedia.com ExodosTravel Venere.com
Hotels.com Agoda.com Hotelsclick.com