Oslo Travel Guide

Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, and the third largest city of Scandinavia.

In 2010 it was ranked as the most expensive city in the world.

Following the latest reform of January 1, 2004, the city is divided into fifteen boroughs that are to a considerable extent self governed. Each borough is responsible for local services not overseen by the City Council, such as social services, basic healthcare, and kindergartens. For convience, and as... (more)

Following the latest reform of January 1, 2004, the city is divided into fifteen boroughs that are to a considerable extent self governed. Each borough is responsible for local services not overseen by the City Council, such as social services, basic healthcare, and kindergartens. For convience, and as most of the boroughs do not contain that much of interest, the city can be divided into five larger districts.

Oslo is the demographic, economic and political centre of Norway.

After the devastating 1624 fire, old Oslo was largely abandoned and the ruins converted to farmland. Today, a few church ruins are still visible under the Ekeberg hill. Beyond these ruins there are virtually nothing remaining of medieval Oslo. Ironically, the new city Christiania was established outside the borders of Oslo, and 'Oslo' remained the name of the small, surviving settlement outside the new city borders. During Christiania's rapid expansion in the 19th century, as the capital of a new state, the site of original Oslo was included in the city. Due to the rapid inclusion of surrounding agricultural areas in the 19th century, a large number of remains from the city's farming history is still clearly visible in place names and farm houses. Nice parks like St. Hanshaugen is the remain of original pastures and sources of firewood for the city's inhabitants.

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