Oslo is the Norwegian capital, located in the southeastern part of the country and surrounded by the green hills of Oslomarka and the Oslo fjord.

It is a unique destination because of its easy access to both nature and big city life. Only thirty minutes outside the city you’ll be surrounded by forest and excellent ski tracks in the winter, most within easy reach by public transportation.

Oslo is also one of the greenest capitals in Europe with several parks within the city centre. It has a strong cultural value, thanks to the nation’s many great artists. Among about 50 museums and art galleries the most internationally known attractions are the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum and the Munch Museum.

Sightseeing can be arranged both by bus and by boat, and for the more adventurous traveler mountain biking and skiing are popular choices.

The winters in Oslo gets cold, but the city’s southern location allows for a more reasonable temperature than further north in the country. The summers are warm and breezy, and both locals and tourists flock towards the harbor, Akerbrygge, for a spot in the sun. If you want to cool down, there are outdoor swimming pools as well as beaches accessible by ferries from the city centre.

Oslo is known to be one of the most expensive cities in the world, and unfortunately this puts many off the idea of coming. Sure, it is expensive to live in Norway, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the country as a tourist without having to take up a second mortgage.

If you want to visit Oslo on a budget there are several free museums, and compared to other capitals you can find relatively reasonable accommodation. Actually, one of the cheapest areas in Oslo is also the hippest. Grünerløkka is located in the eastern part of the city and you’ll find fashionable vintage shops and fancy boutiques, urban cafes and good restaurants.

Oslo is divided into east and west. The west side is where you’ll find villas on the hillside and pricey areas. The east side has a more bohemian atmosphere and is much easier on your wallet.

Although Oslo is the capital, and by far the largest city in Norway, it still is tiny on world scale. With just a little over half a million inhabitants, it is popularly referred to as the largest village in the world.