Endlessly fascinating, Oslo City Centre is home to an eclectic mix of attractions. It’s both modern and historic, with gleaming office buildings standing alongside beautifully preserved ancient churches. High-end malls like Eger Karl Johan celebrate Scandinavia’s vibrant fashion scene, with plenty of chic cafes, stylish bars and concept restaurants peppering the city centre.
The downtown area is dotted with cultural museums and galleries, showcasing everything from modern art to Norway’s Viking heritage. The magnificent neoclassical Royal Palace sits on the east side of the city centre, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens. To the south is the imposing Akershus Fortress, a 13th century stronghold that now houses a fantastic military museum.
The Oslo City Centre is serviced by an efficient public transport system, with buses, trams, subway trains and ferries operating in the city centre. A string of major attractions is located within walking distance, including the Munch Museum, Oslo Cathedral and Frogner Park.
Oslo’s history runs deep, with the Norse sagas estimating that the city was founded in 1049 by Norwegian King, Harald Hardrada. The city is immensely proud of its fierce Viking roots, with a handful of museums dedicated to showcasing the unique culture. For a glimpse at the grandeur of the Viking era, a trip to Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum is a must.