Oslo
Oslo Overview
Surrounded by woods, lakes and 40 islands in the fjord, Oslo - the capital city of Norway, is the oldest of the Scandinavian capitals. Its history goes back 1000 years. With more then 630,000 inhabitans is also the largest city in Norway. It covers 454 square kilometres, 242 of which are forests. It is located in the South East, in the end of the 62-mile Oslofjord, which has over 40 islands.
The city was founded around 1000 AD and later, in 1048 was established by King Harald III. In the 17th century, it was renamed as Christiania (after spelling reform as Kristiania) in honour of King Christian IV, in 1925 the original Norwegian name was restored.
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Today Oslo is an important centre for maritime industries, banking and shipping. In 2013 the city was marked as the fourth most expansive city in the world and it was ranked as the best place to live in the world. According to the UNDP the capital has the highest Human Development Index (HDI) and the lowest uneplyoment rate in the world.
Norwegian cuisine is strongly influenced by traditional backgrounds and it´s mostly focus on the natural resources. Norway has long traditions for fishing, so fish and seafood is a big part of the national cuisine. Once you´ll get in Norway you should try smalahove, kjøttkaker, svinestek, lutefisk and more!
Oslo is a beatiful city with numerous museums, nice scalptures all over the city. The main street is Karl Johans Gate, where you can find most of the shopping, restaurants and museums.
Top attractions which you shouldn´t miss:
- Norwegian Folk Museum – located on the Bygdøy peninsula, it is one of Europe´s largest open-air museums with 160 traditional houses and Gol Stave Church from the 13th century.
- Akershus Castle – a medieval castle, built in the 13th century by King Haakon V to protect Oslo. The Castle was lately used as a prison, in the early 17th century was rebuilt into a renaissance castle by King Christian IV.
- Viking Ship Museum – the museum displays the world´s two best-preserved wooden Viking ships built in the 9th century, as well tools, harness, small boats, sledges, textiles and more.
- Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower – the museum presents over 4,000 years of skiing history. The jump tower offers panoramic views of Oslo.
- Munch museum – is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Norweigan artist Edvard Munch. You´ll find there one of the most well known painting "The Scream".
- Vigeland Sculpture Park – it´s a unique sculpture park with more then 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast irone created by Gustav Vigeland.
- Kon-Tiki Museum – offers exhibition of original vessels and artefacts from the world-renowned expeditions of ThorHeyerdahl.
- Oslo Opera House - is situated right at the harbour and the exterior appears to rise from the water, the main hal lis shaped like a horseshoe and has received several prestigious awards.
Maybe you didn´t know:
- Oslo is also known for giving out the Nobel Peace Prize every year.
- In 1952 the Winter Olympics were hosted in Oslo.
- Among the famous residents of the city were a Norwegian playwright, theatre director and poet Henrik Ibsen and a painter Edvard Munch.
- Oslo is the home of the Norway´s King Harald V and Queen Sonja.
- There are spread 343 lakes in Oslo.
And one last note - Whether you go to Oslo for business or leisure don´t forget: There is nothing like bad weather, only bad clothes, so you´ll need some warm clothing :-) !
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