Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
not for long, leisurely walks. On a
hurried visit, you could afford to
skip Grønland entirely without suf-
fering any cultural loss.
At last, once-staid Oslo has
grown big and diverse enough to
have its own trendy, counterculture
district. Lying in east Oslo is trendy
Grünerløkka,
which most of its
inhabitants refer to affectionately as
“Løkka.” This once-run-down sec-
tor of Oslo traditionally was known
as the worker's district. Today many
professional Oslovians are moving
in to restore apartments, and the
district is the site of several fashion-
able cafes and restaurants. If you're
young with a roving eye at night,
you might to check out some of the
establishments in this area.
Many Oslo neighborhoods lie
along the
Oslofjord,
which stretches
more than 97km (60 miles) north
from the Skagerrak to Oslo. Basins
dotted with islands fill the fjord.
(There are 40 islands in the immedi-
ate Oslo archipelago.) Chances are
you won't be staying or dining along
the fjord, but might consider a boat
trip along the water, as it's a grand
attraction on a summer day.
Nearly all visitors want to see
Holmenkollen,
a wooded range of
hills northwest of the city rising to
about 226m (1,740 ft.). You can
reach it in 35 minutes by electric
train from the city center. Skiers
might want to stay here in winter,
lodging at the Holmenkollen Park
Hotel Rica (p. 91). Otherwise visit
for the view and perhaps make it a
luncheon stopover, then head back
to the historic core.
Marka,
Oslo's forest, is a sprawl-
ing recreation area with hiking,
bicycle riding, skiing, fishing, wild-
berry picking, jogging trails, and
more. It contains 343 lakes, 500km
(310 miles) of ski trails, 623km
(387 miles) of trails and roads, 11
sports chalets, and 24 ski jumps and
alpine slopes. If you like to go for
long walks on summer days,
Marka's the spot for you. It's also
one of the best places in Greater
Oslo for a picnic.
2 Getting Around
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Oslo has an efficient citywide network of buses, trams (streetcars), and subways.
Buses and electric trains take passengers to the suburbs; from mid-April to Octo-
ber, ferries to Bygdøy depart from the harbor in front of the Oslo Rådhuset
(City Hall).
DISCOUNT PASSES
The
Oslo Pass
can help you become acquainted with
the city at a fraction of the usual price. It allows free travel on public trans-
portation, free admission to museums and other top sights, discounts on sight-
seeing buses and boats, a rebate on your car rental, and special treats in
restaurants. You can purchase the card at hotels, fine stores, and tourist infor-
mation offices, from travel agents, and in the branches of Sparebanken Oslo
Akershus. Adults pay 195NOK ($28) for a 1-day card, 285NOK ($40) for 2
days, and 375NOK ($53) for 3 days. Children's cards cost 75NOK ($11),
95NOK ($13), and 125NOK ($18).
BY BUS, TRAM & SUBWAY
Jernbanetorget is Oslo's major
bus and tram
terminal stop. Most buses and trams passing through the heart of town stop at
Wessels Plass, next to the Parliament, or at Stortorvet, the main marketplace.
Many also stop at the National Theater or University Square on Karl Johans
Gate, as well as stopping through Oslo's suburbs.
