Last year, on the way to my first WWOOFING experience along a fjord in Norway, I had the opportunity to stop in Oslo for a couple of days, and then for another full day as I headed back home. What a city! Let me tell you all about it!

Oslo is a city of contrasts. It is a modern metropolis with a rich history, a vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural beauty. From the bustling streets of the city center to the tranquil forests of Holmenkollen, there is something for everyone in Oslo.

If you are interested in history, you will be fascinated by the Viking Ship Museum, which houses three well-preserved Viking ships. You can also learn about Norway’s Nobel Peace Prize history at the Nobel Peace Center.

If you are looking for culture, Oslo has a wide variety of museums, theaters, and concert halls. The National Gallery of Norway has a collection of over 40,000 works of art, including paintings by Edvard Munch. The Oslo Opera House is one of the most famous opera houses in the world.

Here are some tips for planning your trip to Oslo:

• The best time to visit Oslo is during the summer (June-August), when the weather is warm and sunny. However, Oslo is a beautiful city year-round.
• Oslo is a very walkable city, so you can easily get around on foot. However, there is also a good public transportation system if you prefer to take the bus or train.
• Oslo is a relatively expensive city, so be prepared to spend a bit more on your trip than you might in other parts of Europe.
• There are many great hotels in Oslo, but if you are on a budget, there are also a number of hostels and CouchsSurfing opportunities.

Is Oslo an Expensive City to Visit?

Oslo is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. However, it is also one of the most expensive cities in the world. The cost of living in Oslo is significantly higher than in most other European cities. This is due to a number of factors, including high taxes, the cost of shipping goods to Norway, and the high standard of living in the country.

If you are planning a trip to Oslo, it is important to be prepared for the cost. Here are some tips for budgeting your trip:

• Book your flights and accommodation in advance. This will help you get the best deals.
• Eat at local restaurants. Norwegian food is delicious, and you can find affordable options if you avoid tourist traps.
• Take advantage of free activities. Oslo has a number of free museums, parks, and other attractions.
• Use public transportation. It is the most affordable way to get around Oslo.
• Use Airbnb to check for deals, or if you’re a more flexible traveler, consider using Couchsurfing. 
• Consider visiting Norway in the off-seasons such as fall or winter.

Here is a breakdown of some of the costs you can expect to incur when visiting Oslo:

• Accommodation: A hostel bed will cost you around 500 NOK (€50) per night. A mid-range hotel will cost you around 1,000 NOK (€100) per night.
• Food: A meal at a local restaurant will cost you around 200 NOK (€20). A beer will cost you around 80 NOK (€8).
• Transportation: A one-way ticket on the metro costs 35 NOK (€3.50). A day pass costs 100 NOK (€10).
• Activities: Admission to a museum will cost you around 100 NOK (€10). A ticket to a concert or show will cost you around 500 NOK (€50).

Getting to Oslo

Norse Airways: A New Low-Cost Airline to Norway

Norse Airways is a new low-cost airline that began offering service directly from a few US cities to Norway in 2023. I recently had the opportunity to fly from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Oslo on Norse Airways, and I was very impressed with the experience.

The flight time from Fort Lauderdale to Oslo is about nine hours. The price of my round-trip ticket, including a carry-on bag, was about $660 per person. This was a very reasonable price, especially considering that I had to book my flights on short notice. If you are flexible with travel dates, you can often find even better deals as low as $300 roundtrip.

The Norse Airways flight was very comfortable. The seats were spacious, and the service was friendly and efficient. There was an option to add on in-flight meals which looked delicious. The in-flight entertainment system was also good, with a variety of movies and TV shows to choose from.

Overall, I had a great experience flying Norse Airways. The flights were comfortable, the service was good, and the prices were very reasonable. If you are looking for a low-cost way to fly to Norway, I highly recommend Norse Airways.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Norse Airways

If you are looking for cheap flights on Norse Airways, here are a few tips:

• Be flexible with your travel dates. The cheapest flights are often found on days with less demand.
• Book your flights in advance. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find a good deal.
• Use a flight search engine like Skyscanner. Skyscanner can help you compare prices from different airlines and find the best deal.

Currency in Norway

Norway is not part of the EU and has its own currency, the Norwegian krone (NOK). For easy math, 100 NOK is about $10 USD. You can order currency from your bank before you leave for Norway, or you can withdraw cash from an ATM when you arrive.

Tip:

• Use a credit or debit card. Many businesses in Norway accept them and this can save you money on exchange rates and fees.

Public Transportation in Oslo

Public transportation in Oslo is easy to use and affordable. There are buses, trams, and a metro system that can take you all over the city. You can buy tickets for individual journeys or for longer periods of time.

The Oslo Pass

If you are planning on visiting a lot of the sights in Oslo, the Oslo Pass is a great option. It gives you unlimited access to public transportation, as well as free entry to over 30 museums and attractions. The pass is available for 24, 48, or 72 hours.

How to Buy Tickets

You can buy tickets for public transportation in Oslo at the airport, train stations, and many convenience stores. You can also buy tickets online or through the Ruter app.

Tips for Using Public Transportation in Oslo

• If you are traveling with a group, it is best to buy tickets on separate devices. This is because you will need to scan your ticket when you board the bus or tram.
• Screenshots of tickets are not accepted on public transportation.
• If you are a student, bring your student ID or proof of enrollment for discounts on tickets.
• The Oslo airport is a bit outside of the city center. You can take the Flytoget train from the airport to the city center for about $20 USD. However, you can also take the Ruter or VY train for about $11 USD.
• Renting a car in Oslo is expensive. If you are only planning on staying in the city center, public transportation is a much better option.

Where to Stay in Oslo

Oslo is a beautiful city, but it can be expensive to stay there. Here are a few tips for finding affordable accommodations in Oslo:

• Stay outside of the city center. You can find much cheaper Airbnbs and hotels outside of the city center.
  
• Consider Couchsurfing. Couchsurfing is a great way to stay in Oslo for free. You’ll get to meet locals and learn about the city from their perspective.
• Look for deals. There are often deals to be found on flights, accommodations, and activities. Do your research and compare prices before you book.

My Experience

I recently visited Oslo and stayed in a couple of different places. I found that the best value was to stay outside of the city center. I stayed in an Airbnb in a town called Holmenkollen, which is about 30 minutes outside of Oslo. The Airbnb was basic, but it had everything I needed. While there, I found a great restaurant in the town called Frognerseteren, which served traditional Norwegian cuisine. The food was delicious, and the views from the restaurant were stunning.

Upon my return to Oslo, I stayed at an Airbnb near the city center (pictured left), which was more expensive, but being in the city was definitely an advantage. 

Other Accommodation Options

Here are a few other accommodation options in Oslo:

• Hostels: Hostels are a great way to save money on accommodation. There are a number of hostels in Oslo, ranging from budget-friendly to more luxurious.
• Budget Hotels: There are a number of budget hotels in Oslo. These hotels are typically located outside of the city center, but they offer a good value for the price.
• Vacation Rentals: Airbnb is a great way to find a unique and affordable place to stay in Oslo. There are a wide variety of Airbnbs available in Oslo, from apartments to entire houses.

Sightseeing in Oslo

Oslo is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Here are a few of the best things to see and do in Oslo:

• Nobel Peace Center: The Nobel Peace Center is a fascinating museum that tells the story of the Nobel Peace Prize and the work of the laureates. The museum is open from 10am to 5pm, but it is best to arrive early as it can get crowded.

   

• Akerhus Fortress: Akerhus Fortress is a medieval fortress that offers stunning views of the city. You can walk around the grounds, visit the museums, or take a guided tour. The fortress is open from 9am to 5pm.

   

• Harborfront: The harborfront is a great place to wander around, people-watch, and enjoy the views of the city. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.

My Experience

I recently visited Oslo and had a great time. I didn’t really have a plan for sightseeing, but I ended up having a wonderful time just wandering around and exploring.

One of my favorite things that I saw was the Nobel Peace Center. I didn’t realize that it closed at 5pm, so I only had about 30 minutes inside, but I learned a lot about the history of the prize and the work of the laureates. I particularly found the section dedicated to refugees and Internationally Displaced Persons important to learn about.

After the Nobel Peace Center, I wandered around the harborfront. There are a number of restaurants and cafes along the waterfront, so I stopped for a coffee and people-watched for a while. From the harborfront, I could see Akerhus Fortress, which was my favorite place that I visited. I walked the grounds and learned a lot about the history and the architecture. You can see on the walls how construction took place during different periods, beginning in the middle ages, with levels being added through the seventeenth century, each using materials of that time period.

 I would definitely recommend visiting Oslo if you are looking for a beautiful and interesting city to explore. There is something for everyone in Oslo, from history and culture lovers to nature lovers.