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Oslo Travel Resources

Oslo Travel Resources

Oslo Norway Travel Guide

Essential Apps & Websites

Apps for Oslo

  • RuterReise & RuterBillett

    For public transport planning and acquiring admission.

  • Google Maps / Apple Maps

    For general navigation and places to see.

  • Google Translate

    Download Norwegian offline pack for language barriers.

  • Yr.no

    Accurate, detailed local weather forecasts.

  • Vipps

    Norway's mobile payment app, useful at some local businesses.

Useful Planning Websites

  • VisitOslo

    Official tourism information on attractions and events.

  • Ruter

    Public transport maps, timetables, and ticket info.

  • Vy (Norwegian National Rail)

    Train tickets and schedules for domestic routes.

  • Oslo Airport (avinor.no/flyplass/oslo)

    Flight information, services, and transfer options.

  • Norwegian Meteorological Institute (yr.no)

    Reliable and detailed weather forecasts.

Social Media & Digital Content

Accounts to Follow

Official accounts for inspiration, event updates, and photography.

Podcasts

Search for "Norway travel," "Oslo history," or "Scandinavian culture" content.

Travel Vlogs

YouTube vlogs provide a visual sense of the city and experiences.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

  • Lonely Planet Norway (comprehensive)
  • Rough Guides Norway (detailed insights)
  • Eyewitness Travel Guide Oslo (visual layout)
  • The nearby city maps (tourist info centers)

Books About the Destination

  • "A Brief History of Norway" (David M. Smith)
  • Books on Scandinavian design or culture
  • Fiction set in Oslo (e.g., Jo Nesbø series)
  • Local publications for current events (free)

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  • "Kon-Tiki" (2012 film)
  • "The Wave" (Bølgen, 2015)
  • "Oslo, August 31st" (2011)
  • "Skam" (popular Norwegian series)

Music & Art

  • Norwegian artists (A-ha, Kygo, Aurora)
  • Edvard Munch (National & Munch Museum)
  • Gustav Vigeland (Vigeland Park)
  • Contemporary Norwegian Architecture

Online Communities & Language

  • Reddit (r/Norway, r/Oslo for tips)
  • Travel forums (TripAdvisor, Fodor's)
  • Babbel, Duolingo, Memrise for Norwegian phrases
  • NRK website (easy Norwegian news)

Emergency & Medical Information

Important Emergency Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 112
  • Fire: 110
  • Ambulance/Medical: 113
  • European emergency: 112

Medical Facilities

  • Oslo University Medical center (Ullevål)
  • Emergency Rooms (Legevakt, Storgata 40)
  • Pharmacies (Apotek)
  • General inquiries (non-emergency police): 02800

Consular & Lost Documents

  • Embassy/Consulate information
  • Report lost passport to local police
  • Contact embassy for emergency travel document
  • Contact bank for lost credit cards

Music & Art Exploration

Norwegian Music

  • A-ha, Kygo, Aurora, traditional folk
  • Explore Norwegian black metal genre
  • Discover local artists and venues

Norwegian Art

  • Edvard Munch at National & Munch Museums
  • Gustav Vigeland's work at Vigeland Park
  • Contemporary Norwegian architecture firms

Documentaries & Films

Norwegian Films

  • "Kon-Tiki" (2012) depicting Heyerdahl expedition
  • "The Wave" (Bølgen, 2015) disaster film
  • "Oslo, August 31st" (2011) critically acclaimed drama

TV Series & Documentaries

  • "Skam" (Shame) popular Norwegian teen drama series
  • Documentaries on Viking history and polar exploration
  • Norwegian nature documentaries

Next Destination Recommendations

Nature Lovers

  1. Norwegian Fjords (e.g., Bergen, Flåm)
  2. Lofoten Islands (Arctic scenery, Northern Lights)
  3. Tromsø (Arctic wilderness, dog sledding)
  4. Jotunheimen National Park (mountaineering, hiking)
  5. Oslofjord islands (ferry trips, relaxation)

City & History Explorers

  1. Copenhagen, Denmark (design, culinary scene)
  2. Trondheim (Nidaros Cathedral, Viking history)
  3. Stavanger (Viking heritage, Preikestolen)
  4. Nordic Capitals Tour (Stockholm, Helsinki)
  5. Coastal Road Trip (Drøbak, Tønsberg, Kragerø)

Return Visit Suggestions

Winter Visit

Embrace snowy landscapes, Christmas markets, and cross-cross-country skiing.

Specific Events

Plan a return around a major festival or seasonal phenomena.

Deep Dive Interests

Focus on exploring specific hiking trails, art galleries, or cooking classes.

Important Emergency Information

Keep local emergency numbers and your country's embassy or consulate contacts handy for any situation.

Language Learning Resources

Learning Basic Norwegian

Language Learning Apps

  • Duolingo

    Free for basic Norwegian phrases and vocabulary.

  • Babbel

    Structured instruction for beginners.

  • Memrise

    Utilizes spaced repetition for vocabulary acquisition.

Additional Resources

  • NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation)

    Offers resources for learning Norwegian, including easy news.

  • Local Language Schools

    Consider short-term courses for longer stays.

  • Phrasebooks

    Handy for quick reference during your trip.

Other Useful Information

Tourist Info Centers

Locations at Oslo S or Aker Brygge for navigation and brochures.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Follow local authority instructions; stay informed via news.

Local Etiquette

Observe quiet demeanor on public transport, punctuality, directness.

Staying Informed & Connected

Pre-Trip Research

  • Check long-range weather forecasts
  • Look for local festivals or events
  • Familiarize with Norwegian customs
  • Learn basic Norwegian phrases

Home Preparation

  • Secure home, lock windows and doors
  • Unplug unnecessary electronics
  • Arrange for mail, plant, pet care
  • Leave route & emergency contacts with trusted person

Digital Safety & Connectivity

Online Security

  • Use a VPN, especially on public Wi-Fi
  • Strong, unique passwords for internet-based accounts
  • Keep devices updated with latest security patches
  • NordVPN for secure browsing

Staying Connected

  • Check mobile phone's international roaming plan
  • Consider getting a local SIM card upon arrival
  • Download offline maps & translation apps
  • Utilize accommodation Wi-Fi

Smart Preparation Summary

Pre-trip research, home preparations, and digital safety steps contribute to a worry-free Oslo adventure.

Next Up: Oslo Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation