Land of the Vikings by Douglas Scott

The largest city and the capital in Norway is Oslo. The name was derived from Old Norse. The city is beautifully situated at the head of Oslo Fjord surrounded by forested ridges, and this very location gives Oslo unexpected qualities for a national capital. Oslo is the natural hub of Norways international and national travel.

During the 19th century, Sweden and Norway were ruled as one kingdom, under Karl Johan. It was then that the grand main street Karl Johnas Gate was built and named after him. In 1905 the country separated from Sweden, and in 1925 an act of Parliament finally changed the citys name back to Oslo. Today, Oslo is Norways political, economic, industrial, and cultural capital. The Norwegian royal family lives in here, and it is where the Nobel peace prize is awarded.

The city has great public transportation every thing from modern subway system a harbour ferry and a trolley cars

The tourist season peaks in June, July, and August, when daytime temperatures are often in the 70s and sometimes rise into the 80s. In general, the weather is not overly warm, and a brisk breeze are possible anytime. Nights can be chilly, in summer. The endless days of the midnight sun can be seen in the summer.

If you decide to travel in May, try to be in the country on the 17th, or Syttende Mai, Norway's Constitution Day, when flag-waving Norwegians bedecked in national costumes, or bunader, fill the streets.

Drinking out is very expensive in Oslo, starting at around NKr 50 for a beer or a mixed drink. Many Norwegians save money by having drinks at friends houses called a forschpiel before heading out on the town. Some bars in town remain quiet until 11 PM or midnight. Day or night, people are usually out on Karl Johans Gate, and many restaurants and clubs in the central area stay open until the early hours. A more mature upmarket crowd ventures out to the less busy west side to Frogner and Bygd. Aker Brygge, has many bars and some nightclubs, attracting mostly tourists, couples on first dates, and other people willing to spend extra for the waterfront location.

Oslo is the best place in the country for buying anything Norwegian. Popular souvenirs include knitwear, wood and ceramic trolls, wood spoons, gold and silver jewellery, pewter, smoked salmon, caviar, chocolate, and goat cheese.

Author Resource: Douglas Scott writes for The Cheap Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Norway Villa Rental Site

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