Orientation in Oslo
Protected forests, hills and lakes cover two-thirds of Oslo, where opportunities for outdoor recreation are always at hand. Oslo’s climate is milder than its latitude might indicate, due to the Gulf Stream, which brings warm water past the western coast of the country. Summer temperatures can reach those of cities much further south, yet the winters are cold enough to allow for great skiing around Oslo. Summer doesn’t guarantee warmth, but it does guarantee a taste of the midnight sun as the sun rises at 3am. and doesn’t set until 11pm.
Layout of the city
Nestled between the Oslo Fjord and the hills of Oslomarka, the city boasts easy access to pristine nature and many sports. The centre of the city is small and easy to navigate on foot.
The centre of Oslo is located just between the National Theatre and the Parliament building, or Stortinget. From there, the city can be explored on foot within a couple hours. The main train station, Jernbanetorget, is located just to the south. Karl Johans Gate, the main artery of the city, runs from the station past the Storting and the National Theatre to the Royal Palace farther north. The road is also lined with stores, hotels and restaurants.
Oslo is clearly separated into east and west sections by the Akerselva River. The west is known for its wealthier inhabitants, exclusive boutiques and impressive, historical architecture. The east was traditionally known as the poorer, immigrant area but is now attracting a younger, creative population who are redefining and revitalizing the area. Up-and-coming neighbourhoods are Grønland and Grunnerløkka. As a result, it has become a vibrant and popular area for international cuisine and the hottest nightlife.
However, Oslo has several neighbourhoods, each with a specific character and reputation. Where you live in Oslo is more important than your profession and you should expect to hear that question soon after meeting a Norwegian. Frogner is considered one of the richest areas in the city, near the Palace. Farther north and into the hills lies Holmenkollen, Oslo’s famous ski jump and one of the city’s most exclusive neighbourhoods with views of the fjord.
Above and around Holmenkollen is Nordmarka, an extensive national park with hundreds of kilometres of trails, several lakes and cabins. This area is ideal for hiking, skiing, biking, bathing, picnicking and other outdoor pursuits.
Main landmarks, rivers, mountains
There are about 40 islands in and around the city, the largest being Malmøya, in Oslo Fjord. The islands are great for recreation and many of them can be reached by a short ferry ride. Oslo also has over 340 lakes and two main rivers: Alna and Akerselva. Akerselva divides Oslo into east and west, which also reflects the social makeup of the city.
The city is surrounded by hills, the tallest being Kjerkeberget (or Kirkeberget), in Nordmarka, which rises to 629m above sea level. The most famous is Holmenkollen, which boasts a ski centre. Another popular ski area is Tryvannshøyden (or Tryvannshøgda), which rises to 529 metres. It is named after the nearby lake Tryvann. Norwegians consider these hills. For real Norwegian mountains, which can rise above 2,000 metres, you have to go further afield than Oslo. But you don’t have to go far.
There are numerous landmarks that set Oslo apart. One is the Royal Palace at the end of the Karl Johan shopping street; another is Aker Brygge, the ferry and touristic harbour flanked by restaurants, bars and boutiques, next to Akershusfestning, which is the old city fortress. The Oslo Opera, resembling a giant submerged iceberg is a new addition to the Oslo skyline and the most impressive and most popular tourist attraction. It lies on the water next to Jernbanetorget, the central train station. Finally, Vigelands Park within Frogner Park, features a bridge lined with nude statues displaying the wide range of human emotions.
