Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a city more than 1,000 years old. Located at the head of Oslo Fjord, the city specializes in amazing its guests. You’re guaranteed to find a myriad of entertaining attractions throughout the city, whether you love history, museums, art, or culture.

When to Visit Oslo

Oslo is an incredible place to visit during the winter months if you love skiing but, contrary to popular belief, the weather is not cold year round. The temperatures during the winter months hover around 4 degrees Celsius (or 23 degrees Fahrenheit), often times boasting warmer temperatures than your standard American or European city.

The summer months are a very pleasant time to visit Oslo. The temperatures are warm yet reasonable and even the warmest heat waves, between May and August, only bring temperatures up to 33 degrees Celsius (or 90 Fahrenheit). Visitors will have to get used to summer “white nights” – periods of time where there are prolonged twilights or functional daylight until hours well after 11pm.

The time of year you choose to visit Oslo will really be based on your personal preference. Visit during the winter months (after Christmas) if you like to ski or wait until the warmer months if you’d prefer visiting the beaches.

Transportation throughout Oslo

While you may be tempted to rent a car for your stay in Oslo, doing so really isn’t necessary. The public transportation systems throughout the city include buses, the metro, trams, and even commuter trains. The best part is that you only have to learn how to interpret one ticketing system, as they all use the same. You can easily get to any tourist attraction via public transportation.

You can purchase tickets for public transportation from vending machines located around the city. You’ll also see free maps of the public transportation system in both post offices and tourist information centers. If you want to head out to the Bygdoy peninsula, where many of the most popular museums are located, you’ll need to take the ferry. The ferry system is included in the government-run public transportation system as well.

Where to Find the Oslo Tourist Board

Oslo is a very welcoming city for travelers and tourists. There are two main tourist information centers in the city, each of which has extended hours designed to accommodate travelers. At these centers you will be able to pick up information, book tours, and even purchase souvenirs. The tourist board also sells what is known as the “Oslo Pass,” a pass that allows tourists to visit local attractions at significantly discounted prices. The two main tourist centers are as follows:

• Trafikantent Service Center, near Central Station, Jernbanetorget 1
• Tourist Information, near City Hall, Fridtiof Nansens Plass 5

Etiquette in Oslo

Tipping is not expected anywhere in Norway. Sales tax and service charges are always included on bar and restaurant tabs. If you received exceptional service, it is appropriate to leave coins in the amount of 10% of your bill. You can tip taxi drivers and hotel cleaning staff but otherwise tipping is not standard practice.

When you enter a store in Oslo, do not attempt to haggle over prices. You will, for the most part, find yourself in established businesses and haggling is considered incredibly rude. The owner or vendor will either look angry or confused if you make a bargaining attempt. Save your haggling skills for the used car lot or second hand store.

It is customary to remove your shoes whenever you enter a private residence in Oslo. The only exception is if your host invites you to leave them on. This is incredibly important during the winter months because most sidewalks are not shoveled. As such, if you don’t remove your shoes you’ll end up ruining someone’s floors with mud, sand, and salt.

Health & Safety in Oslo

Oslo, and most of Norway, is considered relatively safe. You should, as usual, take normal safety precautions, taking special are to protect your valuables when traveling in public places – especially on crowded public transportation systems.

Part of the reason the city is so safe is the area’s extended hours of day light. During the summer months, for example, you’ll find it is only dark between 12 midnight and 4am. Even during those hours you may see a bit of light in the sky. Since typical crimes are easier to conduct in the dark, crime is obviously limited.

Stay away from the areas to the immediate south and west of Oslo’s Central Station. These areas are typically known for their drug activity and prostitution. While the areas aren’t necessarily dangerous, they’re worth avoiding unless you have a specific reason for visiting.

Oslo is an incredibly fun and exciting city to visit. The locals are friendly, helpful, and will welcome you with open arms. Choose your ideal vacation time, book a hotel in Oslo, and enjoy your stay!