The Secret to Exploring Oslo on the Cheap

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Oslo is the capital of Norway.  The history of Oslo goes back to around year 1000 AD. Since the Middle Ages Oslo has gone through great changes, even the name of the town has been changed a few times, before it became the city it is today. 

Oslo, Kristiania or Christiania?
One can easily be confused by the capital’s different names through the years. The town was originally called Oslo. In the Middle Ages it was located on the east side of the Bjørvika inlet. After a dramatic fire in 1624, king Christian IV decided that the town be rebuilt in the area below the Akershus Fortress, and he changed its name to Christiania. From 1877 the name was spelled Kristiania, and in 1925 it was changed back to the original name, Oslo.

Christiania Square
Christiania Square

Now that you’re armed with a little trivia, let’s look at how to explore Oslo on the cheap…

Skip a pricey downtown hotel and check out Late rooms.

Oslo main street Karl Johan
Oslo main street Karl Johan

The public transportation system in Oslo takes you almost everywhere.

171115-oslo-pass-norway
The Oslo Pass gives you free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, free travel on all public transport, free parking in municipal car parks, free entry to outdoor swimming pools, free walking tours, discounts on sightseeing, ski simulator, Tusenfryd Amusement Park, concert tickets, climbing, ski and bike rental, and special offers in restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure venues.

You can by the Oslo Pass online here.

Public transportation in Oslo
Public transportation in Oslo

Public transportation tips:

  • Don’t eat in public transportation vehicles.
  • Stand to the right of the escalator and pass on the left.
  • Move to the center of the cart to give new passengers room to board.

Check out these FREE activities : Akershus Fortress, Armed Forces Museum, Ekebergparken Scupture Park, Film Museum, Intercultural Museum, Labour Museum, Oslo City Museum, The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Botanical Gardens, Norwegian Customs Museum.

The Monolith, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Photo: Nanxcy Brundt, Visit Oslo
The Monolith, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Photo: Nanxcy Brundt, Visit Oslo

Where to Eat in Oslo? Check out the Daily Scandinavian Restaurant Guide (being launched December/January).

Italian restaurant Prima Fila behind Town Hall. Tested and recomended by Daily Scandinavian
Italian restaurant Prima Fila behind Town Hall. Tested and recommended by Daily Scandinavian

Visit the Holmenkollen Ski Jump for views of the city.

Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Photo: Visit Oslo
Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Photo: Visit Oslo

Watch the Norwegian King’s Guard at the Royal Palace

https://youtu.be/ROW9ZpMeAeE

Explore also the interesting Oslo East Side with its cafées, restaurants, bars and individual shops.

Scorpius Corner, Grïnerlokka, Oslo East Side
Scorpius Corner, Grïnerlokka, Oslo East Side

The Secret to Exploring Oslo on the Cheap, compiled by Admin