Travel 2 Where in Vestland: 8 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Oslo

Must-try foods in Oslo

• Pølse i Lompe
  Pølse i LompeA quintessentially Norwegian hot dog wrapped in 'lompe' (a soft potato flatbread) rather than a bun. In Oslo, the legendary Syverkiosken is the local gold standard, serving them with traditional toppings like crispy onions, mustard, and lingonberry ketchup.
• Brunost (Brown Cheese)
  Brunost (Brown Cheese)A unique, fudge-like whey cheese with a distinct caramel flavor created by boiling milk sugars. It is most iconic when sliced thin with a 'ostehyvel' and served atop heart-shaped waffles or dark rye bread, often found at traditional spots like Haralds Vaffel.
• Fårikål
  FårikålNorway's national dish, a hearty autumnal stew made of bone-in mutton, large chunks of cabbage, and whole black peppercorns. While seasonal, classic eateries like Kaffistova serve this comforting staple year-round to locals seeking a taste of home.
• Oslofjord Prawns (Reker)
  Oslofjord Prawns (Reker)A summer tradition involving buying bags of freshly caught, salt-water boiled prawns directly from fishing boats at Rådhusbrygga (City Hall Pier). Locals eat them simply on white bread with a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of mayonnaise while sitting by the harbor.
• Kjøttkaker i Brun Saus
  Kjøttkaker i Brun SausNorwegian meatballs, which are larger and flatter than their Swedish cousins, seasoned with ginger and nutmeg. They are traditionally smothered in a rich brown gravy and served with mushy peas, boiled potatoes, and tart lingonberry jam.
• Smørbrød (Open-Faced Sandwiches)
  Smørbrød (Open-Faced Sandwiches)A staple of the Oslo lunch scene consisting of a single slice of buttered sourdough or rye piled high with toppings. Iconic versions include the 'rekesmørbrød' (hand-peeled shrimp) or 'karbonadesmørbrød' (warm meat patty with fried onions), best enjoyed at historic cafes like Engebret Café.

Trip guide

• About Oslo
  About OsloOslo, the capital of Norway, was founded by King Harald Hardråde around 1050 and became the seat of the national government in 1299 under King Haakon V. Following a fire in 1624, King Christian IV relocated the city to its current site under the walls of Akershus Fortress and renamed it Christiania. The city functioned under this name until 1925, when it officially reverted to its original name.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Oslo is from May to August, when the city is most vibrant with mild temperatures (16°C–22°C) and exceptionally long daylight hours perfect for island hopping in the fjord. While summer offers the best weather, it is also the peak tourist season with higher prices and larger crowds; conversely.
• Getting around
  Getting around Oslo

  • Train (Airport to City) The Vy regional train is the most cost-effective way to reach the city center from Oslo Airport (OSL), taking approximately 23 minutes. Alternatively.
  • Ruter Public Transport Oslo's fully integrated system includes the T-bane (metro), trams, buses, and even public ferries to the Oslofjord islands. Use the Ruter app to purchase single or 24-hour tickets.
  • Walking and Biking Oslo is a compact, pedestrian-friendly city where many major attractions like the Opera House and Aker Brygge are within walking distance. For longer distances.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Download the Ruter app to seamlessly purchase and validate tickets for all buses, trams, metros, and ferries under a single fare system.
  • Respect personal space by avoiding small talk with strangers and leaving an empty seat between yourself and others on public transport when possible.
  • Always use a knife and fork for meals, as eating with your hands—even for items like sandwiches or pizza—is often considered impolite in public.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Oslo

  • Museum of the Viking Age: The world-leading museum is completing its massive relocation of the Oseberg and Gokstad ships, with the full site opening to the public in 2026/2027.
  • New Government Quarter (Phase 1): The landmark civic campus in central Oslo is opening its first phase, featuring new public squares, cafes.
• Visit Bergen↗
  Visit BergenVisit Bergen is the official destination marketing organization and tourism board for the city of Bergen and the surrounding region in Norway.