Oslo

Hemmed by a ‘fjord’ and kilometers of woodland, Norway’s capital is an easy-going city with an eclectic architectural mix of old, new and just plain 1960s that is hard not to like. The perfect size for exploring on foot, the city boasts world-class museums, a lively nightlife and plenty of outdoor activities for the energetic.

But many Oslo residents, being avid hikers, skiers and sailors, will fondly tell you that what they love most about their city is how easy it is to leave the city life behind. Located at the head of the Oslofjord, Oslo is one of Europe’s largest capitals in terms of area (450 sq km) but smallest population-wise. As a result, it is the only European capital that boasts cycling, hiking, ice-skating, kayaking, sailing and skiing, all within its city limits and a short train ride away.

Must See: Most visitors arriving by private jet to Oslo visitors will find themselves struggling to choose between Oslo’s numerous museums, which offer something for almost every taste. From the haunting vision of Edvard Munch’s The Scream at the National Gallery, a chance to stand in the shoes of an Olympic ski-jumper at the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, or a window into history and culture at the unforgettable Viking Ship, Polarship Fram or Folk Museums on Bygdøy, Oslo has so many options.

Lodging: Hundreds of various hotel accommodations are readily available to meet the tastes of every jet charter to Oslo visitor. A couple 5-star favorites are the Grand Hotel Rica, an institution in the Norwegian capital for over a century with its elegantly furnished guest rooms, its splendid location and complete range of services, and the Hotel Continental, which offers some of the finest lodging that a visitor can find in Norway, with a single family operating this luxury hotel over four generations, and Norway's only member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

Ground Transportation: Oslo has Norway's most extensive public transport system. This includes the six-line Oslo Metro, the world's most extensive metro per resident, the six-line Oslo Tramway and the eight-line Oslo Commuter Rail. Many of the motorways pass through the downtown and other parts of the city in tunnels, making car rental or ground transportation services another efficient way to travel in Oslo.

Recommended Books: D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths, Igri d’Aulaire, Edgar Parin d’Aulaires (2005). The Caldecott medal-winning d'Aulaires once again captivate their audience with this beautifully illustrated introduction to Norse legends, telling stories of Odin the All-father, Thor the Thunder-god and the theft of his hammer, Loki the mischievous god and Ragnarokk, the destiny of the gods.

Currency: The Norwegian krone is the local currency

Calling Code Norway: 011 + 47 + (8 digit) number

Best Travel Dates and Packing Tips: Late June to early August is the high season in Norway, when the weather is warmest and the schools are on holiday. The most popular tourist destinations are all open and often busy, but finding peace and quiet if you wish isn’t difficult. In the summer the average temperature in Norway ranges from 57° to 65°F. In January, it hovers around 27°F, ideal weather for winter sports like tobogganing, skating, ice fishing, ice climbing, dog sledding, and more.

The Gulf Stream warms the west coast, where winters tend to be temperate. Rainfall, however, is often heavy here. Above the Arctic Circle, the sun shines night and day from mid-May until late July. For about 2 months every winter, the North Cape is plunged into darkness. Keep in mind that although the sun shines at midnight, it's not as strong as at midday. No matter when you visit Norway and Oslo, always bring a warm jacket or sweater with you.

Norway's summer weather is variable and unpredictable, with a number of surprising features. The Atlantic Gulf Stream keeps the western fjord area and the coast much warmer than you might expect. The sea temperature can reach 64°F (18°C) or higher on the south coast, where swimming is a popular pastime.

Airports in Oslo