Holidays to Oslo

Sitting in southern Norway, Oslo is a modern and vibrant city – spend a city break exploring its cultural highlights and unparalleled surrounding nature. Stay in this comfortable and progressive capital, taking in the nightlife, artistic brilliance and surrounding fjords for which the country is famous.

As a UK citizen, you likely won’t need a visa to visit Norway for under three months. Flights to Oslo are easy from the UK and very frequent. Research flights from London and Manchester for the latest deals. An Oslo flight and hotel package is an excellent way to see the city and enjoy your time exploring its sights.

Norway's currency is the krone, and the country is one hour ahead of the UK. Although the local language is Norwegian, English is taught widely in schools and you’ll find many people in shops and restaurants have an excellent grasp of the language, as well as Swedish and Danish.

Being in the south of Norway, Oslo has an agreeable climate that is not much colder than the UK's, even in winter. Summers, which often enjoy temperatures in the 20s, are a great time to enjoy the majestic vistas of the Norwegian countryside in comfort. Even in December, you can enjoy the great sights of the city with Oslo package holidays, perhaps catching craft fairs and Christmas markets.

An interesting aspect of this Nordic climate is the range of daylight throughout the year. Mid-winter days might see six hours of sunshine, while the sun sets just briefly in the middle of June or July. Therefore, the best time of year to visit really depends on what you’re seeking. An Oslo flight and hotel package can be enjoyed year round.

There’s plenty to satisfy all tastes during Oslo city breaks, including:

• Seeing the green mountains and crystal-clear waters of the nearby fjords.
• Hiking to majestic Sognsvann Lake.
• Sightseeing on a boat cruise or kayak.
• Tasting the foods of Norway on an Oslo culinary tour.
• Cycling along the Akerselva river in the heart of the city.

Spend Oslo weekends exploring Oslo's many cultural highlights, such as:

• Travelling back in time at the Viking Ship Museum.
• Seeing the beautiful and haunting Akershus Fortress, which used to be a prison.
• Strolling among the sculptures and manicured lawns of elegant Frogner Park.
• Visiting the royal family’s Oscarshall Palace in the summer.
• Learning more about this fascinating country at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Oslo.

What to eat in Oslo

Norway prides itself on its self-sustaining, locally produced cuisine, and Oslo is a fantastic place to taste the best of it. Norwegians love meat dishes such as pork chops and kjøttkaker beefcakes. Wholesome, tasty stews, such as mutton-based fårikål, are also common in traditional restaurants. Reindeer and moose are other special delicacies to try if you’re into meat. With several modern options to choose from in Oslo, vegetarians and vegans will be pleased with the city's culinary offerings.

Oslo city breaks also cater to international crowds, with a fantastic selection of cuisines, including Italian, Japanese and French. For a quick bite, look out for kiosks selling hot dogs, a much-loved treat in the city. Head to the bustling patio restaurants on Aker Brygge, or Stortingsgaten, which boasts some of the best restaurants in the centre. The restaurants in Mathallen serve more casual fare. Oslo weekends are excellent for tasting a different side of European cuisine.

What can you bring home from Oslo?

During Oslo package holidays, keep your eyes peeled for souvenirs of your unforgettable trip. There are several quintessential Norwegian crafts in shops and markets around town, including knitted items such as hats and jumpers. Look for the Dale of Norway brand if you want something upmarket. As far as edible gifts go, Norwegians love cheese and preserves, including sweet cheese and cloudberry jam.

Trolls feature heavily in Norwegian folklore, and moose are a well-known animal of the country's forests – toys, clothing and jewellery featuring these Norwegian motifs make for iconic gifts from Oslo city breaks. Crafted goods such as glassware and wooden sculptures are also very popular.