Oslo

Legends of heroes and trolls roaming the countryside outside this charming city attract many travellers looking for a Scandinavian holiday. Oslo, situated at the end of a 70-mile (110km) long fjord, is Norway’s capital and its largest city, rich in culture and folklore with a fascinating Viking history.

Oslo is the gateway to some of Norway’s most scenic areas, with forests, lakes, and hiking trails just a subway ride away. But a holiday in Oslo is a joy in its own right. This sophisticated city offers cultural attractions, nightclubs, cafes, and chic boutiques enough to tempt any urban soul.

Oslo is an eclectic mix of old medieval buildings, churches, and modern architecture, sitting among the green trees and forests that form the balance of nature and civilization. Around the city there are numerous museums, art galleries, and places of interest.

These include the Edvard Munch Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum on the sought after Bygdoy Peninsula. Other attractions include Vigeland Park with its interesting collection of sculptures, and the medieval Akershus Fortress dominating the seafront.

Although Oslo has a small population compared to other European capital cities, it retains a true vibrancy. The city centre is filled with restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs, and theatres, enjoying a very cosmopolitan feel with street artists hanging around the main street, Karl Johans Gate. Oslo is renowned as a city of culture and the City Hall hosts the annual awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Climate for Oslo

Oslo enjoys a humid continental climate. Although well into the northern latitudes, Oslo’s climate is fairly temperate thanks to warm air being wafted across the Atlantic from the Gulf Stream. Summer weather in Oslo is mild and pleasant, with frequent hot spells, and plenty of long sunny days.

In summer, between June and August, temperatures average between 54°F (12°C) and 75°F (24°C), but during heat waves the temperature can rise above 86°F (30°C). In winter, between December and February, temperatures tend to hover just below freezing. Winter temperatures average between 19°F (-7°C) and 30°F (-1°C).

Snow is plentiful in winter, making the city a great winter sports venue, and moderate rainfall spreads across the year, with the rainiest month being July or August. There is great variation in daylight hours between summer and winter, with midsummer enjoying 18 hours of daylight (when it never gets completely dark) and midwinter getting a mere six hours of daylight.

The peak season for a holiday in Oslo is between June and August, when the sun shines during the long days of the midnight sun. Winter offers a different kind of Oslo holiday, when the city is coated with snow and days are dark, brightened by the glow of lights emanating from inviting warm restaurants and hotels.

Health Notes when travelling to Norway

There are no real health risks associated with travel to Norway and the standard of healthcare is high throughout the country. A reciprocal agreement exists between the UK and Norway under which British nationals are covered for emergency treatment while visiting Norway as long as they hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travellers should ensure that they have adequate travel and medical insurance.

Safety Notes when travelling to Norway

Norway is a safe country in which to travel. However, travellers should still take sensible precautions to avoid petty theft, as they would anywhere in the world. Petty theft is most common at airports and bus and train stations in Oslo.

Customs in Norway

Smoking is prohibited in all public places and on public transport in Norway, unless otherwise indicated. Norwegians tend to see everyone as being equal; they do not flaunt their wealth or financial achievements and frown on those who do. Travellers should note that whale meat is available legally in Norway, but that it is illegal to bring it into most other countries.

Duty Free in Norway

Norwegian residents over 18 years who have been abroad for 24 hours or more don’t have to pay duty on goods worth up to NOK 6,000. This includes up to 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products.

The amount of alcohol depends on the purchase of tobacco. In addition to tobacco, one can declare 5 litres of beer or 2 litres of beer with 3 litres of wine or 1 litre of spirits, 1.5 litres of wine, and 2 litres of beer.

Without tobacco, one may include 1 litre of spirits, 3 litres of wine, and 2 litres of beer, or 4.5 litres of wine and 2 litres of beer. The last option is having 6.5 litres of beer only. Travellers arriving from outside of the EU should confirm their duty free allowance prior to arrival in Norway.

Doing Business in Norway

Business in Norway is conducted formally, with an emphasis on punctuality and direct communication. Business attire is usually smart and fashionable, though not ostentatious. Titles and surnames are predominantly used on introduction, but may be dropped later, and greetings are usually made with a handshake.

Business cards are commonly exchanged. Expect business to be conducted in a direct and forthright manner, with little small talk or socialising. It is worth bearing in mind that Norway is an expensive country and that any services from lawyers, consultants etc. are subject to hefty VAT charges.

Business hours take place between 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Norwegians highly value family and believe in a healthy balance between work and leisure. They are hardworking but overtime is frowned upon and workers in Norway are entitled to more leave than foreigners may be used to.

Communication in Norway

The international access code for Norway is +47. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.

Tipping in Norway

Norwegians generally earn good salaries and, while it’s perfectly all right to tip, a tipping culture doesn’t really exist in the country. But customers do usually round up bills to the nearest 10 or 100 NOK.

Passport/Visa Note

All visitors to Norway must have sufficient funds, return or onward tickets and all documents needed for further travel. Passports should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay. Some European countries require only their National Identity Card if coming as a tourist to Norway. The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

United States citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadians require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

British citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australians require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish nationals must have a valid passport but no visa is required.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand citizens require a passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay, but no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South Africans require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay. Holders of temporary passports are not allowed. A visa is required for travel to Norway.

Oslo is a relatively small city and parking is at a premium so a car is a bit of a liability. Fortunately, there is an extensive and superbly efficient public transport system involving buses, trams, subway, trains, and ferries.

The city is served by 50 bus lines and eight tram routes, all starting from Jerbanetorvet at Oslo S Station. The subway is called the Oslo T-Bane and there are five underground lines covering the city. All public transport runs from 5.30am to midnight, with tickets available from bus drivers or vending machines at stations.

The Tourist Ticket allows for unlimited use within 24 hours, while the 1, 2, and 3-day Oslo Pass allows unlimited travel on any form of public transport, and includes free museum admissions and other discounts. Ferries operate on a seasonal basis, between April and September, linking the City Hall to the museum-studded peninsula of Bygdøy. There are also ferry services to the harbour islands.

Metered taxis are easy to come by and can be found at ranks near shopping centres, city squares, stations and other gathering points. Cabs can also be ordered by telephone from a central office, or from taxi ranks. Ride-hailing apps like Lyft are available. Much of the city is compact enough to explore on foot.