Tips for a trip to Oslo: surviving on a handful of kroner
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Annie RutherfordOslo is a particularly tempting destination in 2010 because of two big events: the opening of a new ski jump slope, Holmenkollen, and it is hosting the Eurovision song contest. But there's a catch: Oslo is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Here are some tips as to how you can experience a lot of Norway, even on a small budget
Situated idyllically between the fjord and the woods, the Norwegian capital offers more than just winter sports and, this year, the pan-European song contest. Many of the sights can be explored even with only a handful of kroner (Image: ©Leo-Avalon/ Flickr)
Start your visit royally with a wander round the palace gardens. Maybe you'll even catch a glimpse of the king and queen (Image: ©Inga Godhusen)
You can see some famous faces in the nobel peace centre as well. Why did Barack Obama win the nobel peace prize? Find the answers – and above all a student discount – here (Image: ©Remi Longva/ Flickr)
The converted dockyard just behind the centre offers an opportunity to do some glamorous window shopping. Sitting on the wooden planks you can let the busy goings on at the fjord pass you by (Image: ©Inga Godhusen)
Opposite looms the Akershus fortress. Going up is free and is worth it simply for the glorious view (Image: ©Inga Godhusen)
Up for some island hopping? The ferries to the fjord islands leave from Vippetangen quay, quite near the fortress. Treat yourself to a round tour or spend the whole day on one island (Image: ©Inga Godhusen)
Once you're back on dry land, the Kvadraturen district takes you back to eighteenth century Oslo. Even more history is to be found in Gamlebyen, where church and palace ruins testify to the medieval past of the capital (Image: ©superblinkymac/ Flickr)
If that's all a bit too old, then the futuristic opera house will throw you back into the present day. It rises out of the water at the fjord harbour like a stranded iceberg. A walk up on the marble roof is free and is now a must for all tourists (Image: ©Mads Boedker/ Flickr)
The same goes for Vigeland park, whose larger than life-size granite and bronze sculptures are compelling (Image: ©xxooox/ Flickr)
London has Greenwich Village, Berlin Prenzlauerberg. Oslo's chic neighbourhood is called Grünerløkka. During the day in the former workers' district mothers and fathers with prams sip their cafe lattes, while on Sundays a small flee market tempts you to rummage around. The day really begins in the evening though, when the cafes transform themselves into fashionable bars. And anyone who isn't so keen on Eurovision's manufactured pop is sure to find the right style of music here (Image: ©Geir Halvorsen/ Flickr)
The underwater pub in the Bislett district is a very special experience. In the dimly lit atmosphere of a submarine, you can watch opera singers performing to the best of their abilities for free every Tuesday and Thursday (Image: ©Søren Bock-Larsen/ Flickr)
If you'd rather be somewhere with a bit more cultural diversity, then go to Grønland, the city's immigrant neighbourhood. The best thing to do is to simply wander through the streets and admire the number of fabric boutiques, vegetable sellers and jewellery bazaars. Admittedly you won't find anything typically Norwegian in the small restaurants but what you will find is very tasty and good value (Image: ©mrjorgen/ Flickr)
A trip out into nature is also a must in Oslo. The beaches at Bygdøy are perfect for this. You can (sun-)bathe wonderfully on the peninsula, which is known for its museums, and watch the ships go by. Or you can copy the Norwegians and take a trip into the woods. From Sognsvann or Frognerseteren underground stations just follow the signposted walks (Image: ©Inga Godhusen)
On the way take a detour to Holmenkollen, the ski jump slope, which offers a panaramic view over the city and the fjord (Image: ©Inga Godhusen)
Wait at Gardermoen airport's look out for the airport flyer bus (Flybussen). There's a reduction for under-thirties and you can get out at various stops in the town centre (Image: ©Inga Godhusen)
Otherwise it's easy to get everywhere in Oslo with the underground (t-bane), buses, trams (trikk) and ferries. A day ticket (24-timersbillett) pays itself back with three journeys, while if you're around for three days or more, it's worth investing in a seven-day ticket (7-dagersbillett)
Make your bed to lie in – if possible, cheaply. The Anker hostel is situated in the centre . Somewhat further out but with a wonderful view over the city and the fjord is Haraldsheimen youth hostel (Image: ©zapp kirsty/ Flickr)
If you like being rocked to sleep by waves, then book yourself a bed on the MS Innvik. Yes, you did read that right: this bed and breakfast is a ship which moors opposite the opera house. Those of you who like to stay close to nature can of course pitch your tents in one of the two campsites, Bogstad and Ekeberg. Further useful information can be found on the websites visitoslo.com and use-it.unginfo.oslo.no (Image: ©Bernt Rostad/ Flickr)
Translated from Tipps für den Oslo-Trip: Überleben mit einer Handvoll Kronen