Flight to Oslo (OSL) from 371 BAM

Flying to Oslo: tips and information for your trip

As the capital of Norway, Oslo is a compact yet beautiful city that offers a variety of attractions all year round, whether you are looking for a summer city break or a winter skiing holiday. Located on the southern coast at the peak of the Oslo Fjord, it is surrounded by a picturesque backdrop of gentle hills and scenic mountains. Winner of the prestigious European Green Capital Award for 2019, Oslo is renowned for its vast green spaces and numerous museums. From its nature to its nightlife, this capital city exudes a refreshingly relaxed ambiance, making it your perfect getaway. Don’t wait any longer, and book a flight to Oslo with Brussels Airlines!

What to do in Oslo?

Take your pick of things to do:

1. Oslo is a city brimming with museums. The Viking Ship Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum are particularly popular. The latter houses vessels and maps from the Kon-Tiki expedition, as well as a library of approximately 8000 books. Similarly, why not visit the Munch Museum, which is dedicated to the life and works of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch?
2. If shopping is something you enjoy, be sure to visit Bogstadveien, Norway’s most famous shopping street. It runs through the heart of the city and is home to around 300 shops and cafés.
3. Depending on the time of year, hike or ski through Nordmarka, the vast forest north of the city. It’s a great opportunity to witness some of Oslo’s most beautiful natural scenery.
4. See the Oslo Fjord at its best by going on a fjord tour; taking in the views of flowing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains is a great way to relax and unwind.
5. If you like theatre, a visit to the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet is highly recommended, either to catch a show or just to see the building itself. The opera house offers magnificent rooftop views of the city and harbour all year round. The National Theatre may also be of interest, as one of Norway’s most prominent venues for performance arts.
6. Visiting the Royal Palace and the National Gallery are two great ways to experience Norway’s culture. The Palace, built as home to King Charles III of Norway, is usually open to public tours during the summer season. The Gallery houses some of Norway’s most famous artwork.
7. Winter visitors should follow the locals’ lead and try out a few snow sports during their stay. Hit the slopes and do a few ski jumps at Winter Park Ski Resort or go tobogganing at the Korketrekkeren toboggan run.

Practical information for your trip

• Once you land at Gardermoen airport, the quickest way to get to the city centre is by Flytoget, the shuttle train, which takes 19 minutes to reach Oslo Central Station. However, the regional train takes approximately 25 minutes and can be half the price, offering a much better value. It is also possible to get a bus or taxi from the airport.
• Currency: Norwegian krone (plural: kroner) (NOK). Cards are widely accepted.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: Norway’s dialling code is +47. Accommodations and cafés often provide free Wi-Fi.
• Electric Sockets: Norway uses the type C & F, for appliances of 230V - 50Hz.
• Travel information: Nationals of EU countries, Australia, Canada and the USA can travel to Norway without a visa.

Dos and don’ts in Oslo

• Consider buying an Oslo Pass. This gives you free entry to 30 museums and attractions, outdoor swimming pools and free use of all public transport. It also provides special offers in restaurants, shops, and entertainment and leisure venues.
• Think about renting bikes to explore the city. The city is both bike friendly and compact, meaning you can explore at your own pace and appreciate the sights on your travels.
• Consider alternatives to eating out every night. Restaurants and bars can be quite expensive in Oslo, so finding cheaper alternatives is a good idea if you’re travelling on a budget.
• Don’t rent a car. You’ll find it difficult to find parking, especially if you don’t want to pay. The city is relatively small, so renting a car just isn’t worth it.
• Don’t forget to be prepared. Take some warm clothes with you just in case, as it can often get quite cold in Norway, even in summer. The weather is noticeably different at different times of the year, and knowing what to expect in advance will definitely improve your trip.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

Oslo is a cosmopolitan city and most people you meet will speak good English, and potentially many other languages, too. However, it is always useful to try to learn key vocabulary:

• Hello - hallo or god dag
• Please - vær så snill
• Thank you – takk
• You’re welcome - bare hyggelig
• Yes/no - ja/nei
• Sorry – beklager
• Goodbye -– hade

If pronunciation is causing you problems, try using the speak function of online translation tools to familiarize yourself with how words sound.

Cultural events

No matter your interests, there is always something going on in Oslo.

• Visit the winter Christmas markets, and enjoy the festive cheer.
• Oslo World Music Festival (usually held in October or November) is great for music lovers, whatever your tastes.
• The annual Medieval Festival in May is fun for all the family.
• In Norway, it is also common to celebrate Midsummer – or the summer solstice - on 23 June every year. Expect huge bonfires and public festivities, including pretend weddings that symbolise the new life of summer.

When to go to Oslo?

When you should go to Oslo depends on what you intend to do while you’re there. If you are going for a city break, it’s probably best to go between June and August, as the average temperature is 16-18 °C, with July and August traditionally being the hottest months. If you are going to ski, it is probably best to go in February. If you want to explore nature, autumn promises mild weather and fantastic colours and sights.

What to eat in Oslo?

• Meat and fish are the basis of many Norwegian dishes, particularly salmon, which is found up and down the coast.
• Fårikål, a traditional lamb and cabbage stew, is a great winter warmer.
• A plate of kjøttkaker, or big, rustic meatballs, are sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
• Be sure to try a local tipple or two whilst you’re there; Akevitt is an alcoholic drink made from potatoes and flavoured with herbs and spices.