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Oslo Travel Guide

Visual Arts Gaining Steam in Oslo

As Milan and Paris duke it out for the title of king of fashion and Stockholm is inundated with an impressive wave of pop art, the slow but steady rise of the Oslo art scene in Norway goes subtly undetected, but it's a growing force to be reckoned with. Oslo's always had a soft spot for brilliant architecture and wholesome art, but never before has there been a drive like this to put Oslo on the top of the art world.

Oslo's Weekend Events make Norway The Place To Be

Whether it's celebrating Independence Day with the Americans or enjoying the beautiful talent of the Havana Rakatan at The Norwegian Opera and Ballet, this weekend is looking hot for Oslo. No longer just a sleepy town near the top of the world, Oslo has slowly but steadily as a hotspot of culture and excitement.

We have picked up 5 different weekend activities that cater to every age and every taste.

1. Green Day Concert at Ullevål

Public Opinion Sharply Divided in Oslo

It gets pretty cool at night, way up north in Oslo, and a ban on public sleeping may not be as sinister as it sounds, but public opinion is sharply divided on the issue. Nowhere is this more true than the city's local Roma population, who feel targeted by the legislation and oppose it fiercely with protests involving banners, songs and dance.

Iranian Defector in Oslo

For the third time in three years, an Iranian diplomat in Oslo has defected in a move that will almost certainly put a dampener on Norway's relations with Iran, though previous defections have not led to the firestorm such a defection potentially could. Though details are understandably sketchy, it seems evident that more such defections may occur in the near future.

Oslo Concert Honors Memory of Armenian Victims

Genocide, and more specifically genocide denial, is a very tender topic not often broached in the international community, but Oslo has quite fearlessly launched a concert in memory of the victims of the state sponsored genocide of the Armenians in Sumgait, Azerbaijan despite the potential backlash from genocide deniers.

Norwegians Pay Big for Starbucks Coffee

A trip to Oslo, Norway can be a little jarring when it comes to prices. Americans used to local prices are almost always shocked to pick up a nearly $10.00 cup of Starbucks Coffee, though mercifully that's tax inclusive. A trip to Oslo – especially in wintertime – is something to cherish, but such a fond memory comes with a hefty price.

Tensions Between Oslo and Bergen State Orchestras Rise

A disparity between funding for Oslo and Bergen's respective state orchestras has lead to a slight bit of tension between the two parties, with both sides raising valid points on the issue, but neither side being willing to back down. The 8.4 million NOK difference has expanded to a nearly 23 million difference in just seven years, but living expenses in Oslo are considerably higher than in Bergen. Time will see the resolution of the dispute.

Myanmar President Begins Campaign for Foreign Relations

President Thein Sein of Myanmar has launched a campaign in Oslo, Norway and later much of Europe to strengthen ties between his nation and the west, with stops planned for Finland, Austria and Italy amongst others. Bringing with him to office a host of sweeping reforms, the Myanmar president has been met with resounding support from the west for the liberalization of his country.

Oslo Opens Aptly Named 'Thief' Hotel

The Thief has opened in Oslo, Norway and with it has come all manner of interest. Formerly an 18th-century prisoner colony, the building was renovated into an impressive collection of art galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants all as part of the lavish and uncompromisingly modern waterfront hotel, the first of its kind in Norway.

Study Reveals Oslo Youth Faring Poorly

For reasons the study was unable to explain, the last fifteen years have seen a sharp increase in psychological difficulties amongst Oslo youths, specifically in girls of non-immigrant backgrounds – though ethnicity seemed unrelated. More pleasantly, however, the study also showed a decrease in alcoholism and threats of violence.

Winter Wolves Mark Oslo as Home

Østmarka, a forest on Oslo's eastern border, is home to a rare site indeed – a pair of wolves now happily marking their territory for the first time in more than 200 years. At present, the wolves are viewed as either a welcome sight or a curious attraction, and with their naturally shy behavior and small population, few are expected to encounter them despite heavy traffic from bicyclists, skiers and hikers.

Oslo Airport Steps Up Passenger Convenience

Travel to or from Oslo, international or otherwise, has never been remotely difficult, but that has done nothing to prevent officials there from stepping up passenger convenience and speeding the almost painless passport controls even further with the implementation of self-service passport controls for those with Norwegian Passports.

Holmenkollen Loses Winter Olympics Support

Holmenkollen towers over Oslo city like a tilted tower of babel, but the lone, forlorn structure is quickly losing all hope of hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics as local support continues to fall away, according to recent surveys. Concerns over additional budget overruns have stifled efforts to draw the Olympics to the city.

Edvard Munch Museum Still Sees Roadblocks

Edvard Munch, the creator of the super-famous "The Scream" painting," may be a critically acclaimed Norwegian painter, but bickering amongst Oslo officials on where a worthy Munch museum should be placed has stalled construction for years now. While there is already a museum dedicated to Edvard Munch in Oslo, it's unsatisfactory compared to the impact that the painter has had on the art world and only drew in a little over 125,000 visitors last year.

Munch's Legacy Continues to be Crushed by Oslo

For some reason or another, Edvard Munch is truly disliked by the right-wing sect of Oslo's government as they seem to be making an effort to disregard the artist's wishes, if not completely annihilate portions of his legacy. Holdups on a proper museum, the demolition of his donated home and now city officials are attempting to separate the artist's work by auctioning it off to international museums.

Where the Drinks are Cold and the Seats are Colder

With seats, artwork, glasses and even plates made out of ice, the Icebar in Oslo is incredibly well named. For anyone visiting the Norwegian city, this is one of those locations that you must visit as it's an experience as well as a great place to socialize.

Immigrants to Oslo are Raising Home Prices

Studies are showing that the districts in Oslo that are showing the fastest home-price growth in 2012 are the districts that have primarily immigrant occupants. Unlike many countries citizen's, however, Norwegians are having a positive reaction to the rising immigration population and are embracing their new neighbors warmly and cultural integration doesn't seem to be a real problem on any front.

Oslo's Rich Heritage and Embracing of Modernism

As is evident through Swedish furniture house Ikea, Scandinavians are in love the simple modernism. What you may have not known, though, is that the region has been having a love affair with the design and mindset for nearly a century now and there are modernist landmarks at nearly every turn. Oslo has been one of the biggest purveyors of modernism, and there are some amazing examples of architecture, art and design all over the city, and they just waiting to be discovered by art nuts visiting Norway.

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