Oslo's popular attractions  and Famous places to see

Oslo is the capital of Norway and also the biggest city of the country with a population of about 600,000 people. Between the year 1624 to 1924 it was called Christiania (or Kristiania). It is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe and possibly the world's most expensive city to live. The history of the city can be traced back over 1000 years. Norway celebrates its national day on the 17th of May every year when people wear beautiful clothes and wave Norwegian flags. Oslo is surrounded by green hills and mountains. There are 40 islands and 343 lakes within the city limits and occupies a large land area (453 square kilometers), most of which is protected regions like the forests, hills and lakes. The winters are cold, chilly and wet making it a great winter sports venue.

Late May to early September are the best time to go when temperatures are around 20°C (or 70°F) and the days are long. Oslo has some of the world's largest shipping companies and insurance brokers. Most international tourists arrive here via air - Oslo Airport (IATA: OSL) or by train. Almost everyone in Norway can speak English. Oslo is home to plenty of museums. Each museum has something special to offer to tourists. A major fire destroyed most parts of this city in early 17th century and this place was relocated to the Akershus Fortress. 

Places to see / Popular tourist attractions of Oslo are:

1. The Royal Palace: Tours can be arranged during summers and it is the city's main avenue.
2. Opera house: Shaped as a glacier (or a ship), it was opened recently and is a great piece of architecture.
3. University of Oslo.
4. Oslo Cathedral.
5. Kirkeristen, the old market around the church.
6. Oslo's City Hall - This is the place where the Nobel Peace Prize is presented to it's winner every year and also has a display of some historical  artifacts.
7. Holmenkollen: the ski jump located on the west side of Oslo.
8. Stortinget: The parliament of Norway and offers free tours.
9. Henrik Ibsen Museum.
10. Munch Museum, Folk museum, The Viking ship museum and The Holocaust Center.
11. Frogner park.
12. The Botanical garden.
13. Var Frelsers Cemetery.
14. Akershus Castle and Fortress.
15. The islands of the Oslofjord.
16. Oslomarka: Large forest surrounding the city.
17. Children's Art Museum.
18. Huk ( the beach).
19. Vigeland Sculpture Park - a number of intricately carved sculptures.
20. Norsk Folkemuseum, which has a beautiful open air museum and also houses one of the oldest buildings on Norway. 
Oslo also has great nightlife with a large selection of restaurants, nightclubs and bars (all are smoke-free). There are a lot of both expensive and cheap places to eat in Oslo. Hotel rooms in Oslo can go out fast so it is advisable to reserve a room in advance.

Driving Side: Right Side
Languages: Norwegian Bokmal, Norwegian