Oslo Travel Essentials

Our Oslo Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in Norway. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips.

It’s all compiled in this Oslo Travel Essentials. After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip in Oslo.

1. When is the best time to travel to Oslo?

Oslo has a humid continental climate, with average temperatures ranging from -3°C in winter to 18°C in summer.

1. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year. You can get rain even during the driest months of the year, which are between March and May.
2. Daylight varies from 18 hours in mid-summer down to only 6 hours in winter.
3. May-August is the best time to visit Oslo, and is the peak tourist season, with hotel and flight prices rising accordingly.
4. If you’re interested in winter sports, September-April is a great time to visit Oslo.

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2. Oslo basics

1. Languages:
   Primary:Norwegian
   Swedish, Danish and English are also widely spoken in Oslo
2. Plug types: C and F
3. Electricity: 230 V
4. Currency: Norwegian krone (kr)
5. International dialling codes: +47 2
6. Emergency telephone number: 112 for police and 113 for ambulance

3. How to get to my hotel in Oslo?

Oslo Airport

Oslo Airport is one of the busiest airports in Norway. It sits in Gardermoen, 35 km northeast of Oslo city centre. It has 1 passenger terminal, where you’ll find an impressive choice of dining and shopping options. Oslo Airport hosts one of the largest duty-free areas in Europe. Facilities such as free Wi-Fi and currency exchange services are also available. There are several transfer options to reach central Oslo:

1. A taxi takes around 35-45 minutes. Check with the driver first, as some are known to have ‘their own fixed rate’, which can be nearly double the official one. The taxi rank is right outside the Arrivals hall.
2. The Airport Express Train – locally known as Flytoget – is the most convenient way to get to downtown Oslo. It takes 20 minutes. The station is in the terminal building.
3. The Airport Express Coach – called the Flybussen – takes around 60 minutes. Bus stops are right in front of the terminal.
4. Car rental agencies can be found in zone P10, level U2.

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4. How to get around Oslo?

Travel tips

Oslo City Centre is compact and can easily be explored on foot. Landmarks and attractions such as the Royal Palace, Oslo Reptile Park and the Cathedral are within walking distance of each other. You’ll also find a great choice of dining, shopping and nightlife entertainment options within the 2.5 sq km area. For longer journeys, there’s a good choice of public and private transport services at hand.

5. Ruter - public transport

Oslo has an efficient public transport system run by Ruter. It includes bus, tram, subway, ferry and local train networks. All the public transport in Oslo conveniently works with the same ticketing system.

1. The city is split into 8 main zones that define the prices of rides.
2. Tickets can be purchased in Ruter’s Customer Service Centre and service points, as well as in many locations such as Narvesen, Mix An, 7-Eleven, Deli De Luca and other shops.
3. An even easier way to purchase Rutter tickets is to download the RuterBillet app on your phone.

6. Oslo Pass

If you plan to visit many attractions, the Oslo Pass gives you unlimited use of public transport in Zones 1, 2V, 2S and 2Ø – where most attractions are located – plus free admission to many museums and places of interest.

1. 24-hour, 48-hour and 72-hour Oslo passes are available.
2. Passes can be purchased in many locations, including Oslo Visitor Centre, hotels, campsites, hostels and some museums.

7. Taking a taxi

You can hail a cab on the street if there’s no rank within 100 metres. You can easily find cab stands outside hotels and near the main attractions and shopping areas.

1. You can call companies such as Oslo Taxi (223 88 090), Oslo Varetaxi (928 92 877) or Norges Taxi (910 08 000), just to name a few.
2. Taxi rates are expensive in Oslo. Each company applies their own rate. Prices are slightly higher at night and on weekends.
3. Always check that the meter has been started before the journey starts.
4. Uber can also be used to hail a taxi in Oslo.

8. Cycle around Oslo with City Bike

City Bike is the bike-sharing scheme in Oslo. There are over 100 docking stations across the city, but the system only operates from April to November.

1. To use a bike, you can download the Oslo City Bike app on your phone or get a personal PIN-code from their website.
2. A Day Pass gives you an unlimited number of 45-minute rides for 24 hours.

9. What are the main annual events in Oslo?

Norwegian Wood Festival (Norske Wood Festival)

1. What: Expect big names at this international outdoor music festival. The pop-rock event, named after a song of the Beatles, is extremely popular.
2. When: June
3. Where: Frognerbadet in western Oslo

Oslo Medieval Festival (Oslo Middelalderfestival)

1. What: Step 700 years back in history at Oslo Medieval Festival. It features fairs and music, along with traditional arts and crafts exhibitions.
2. When: May
3. Where: Akerhus Fortress, just south of the city centre

Øya Festival

1. What: A large, 4-day music festival, showcasing international and Norwegian bands and artists. You’ll find a large merchandising zone as well as food and drink stalls.
2. When: August
3. Where: Tøyen Park

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