 Oslo is home to some fascinating cultural traditions, internationally-famed museums and excellent nightlife scenes, but nothing sets it apart from other capital cities as much as the beauty of its natural settings. It boasts stunning forests, lakes and a number of hiking trails.
 In recent years, Oslo has become one of Scandinavia’s most frequented cities and today is a major tourist destination. The city itself has experienced a turbulent 1,000-year history which includes over half the population being wiped out by plague in 1348. In 1624, a fire burned the city to the ground, since which a number of renovations and facelifts have taken place, the most significant being the renaming of Oslo as Christiania, after which it experienced its ‘golden years’.
 Today, Oslo is Norway’s political and economical hub as well as the cultural capital of the city and the home of the Norwegian royal family. It is also where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. The city embraces new European trends and sees hip new bars, shops and restaurants being opened every month.
 For those who like to keep active, the city offers an abundance of hiking, sailing, golfing and skiing opportunities, while for those who like to take it easy, the countless city parks and beaches offer peaceful areas where you can relax and soak up the summer sun.
 Most of Oslo’s accommodation options can be found within, or very close to, the city centre. Many hotels can be found between the Royal Palace and the main train station, while for those looking for a chance to fully experience the city’s ambience, try a hotel near the western edge of Karl Johans Gate, between the National Theatre and the Stortinget. Here you will be able to gage the cultural options as well as nightlife and sightseeing opportunities.
Oslo offers something for everyone regardless of whether you are travelling with a family or are an adventure seeker, a couple on a romantic break or a young person looking for some fun. The abundance of day and night-time leisure options ensures a great time will be had by all.
History
 Oslo was first founded in the 11th century by a Viking king and since its establishment, has been in the middle of a power struggle between Denmark and Sweden. It only gained full independence in 1905.
In the early part of the 14th century, King Haakon V set up his capital at Oslo, which was united with Sweden in 1319 when Duke Erik of Sweden married his daughter. Later that century, the Black Death found its way to Oslo and by 1349, it has killed half of the city’s population. Norway was considerably weakened and was conquered by Denmark, with the capital moving to Copenhagen for the next two centuries.
 The city fell into a state of decline and this culminated in the city being destroyed by a fire in 1624. Christian IV, King of Denmark and Norway, set about an ambitious renovation programme which saw the town being rebuilt in a different location near the 13th century Akershus Castle, and named Christiana after himself. This new city was built entirely of brick to reduce the chances of being destroyed by another fire.
 The newly built city began to prosper and in the 18th century, foreign influences began to shape the lives of the locals. Trade was very common with Great Britain and Holland, and the local traders would often travel to Europe and come back with new ideas.
 In 1716, King Karl XII of Sweden conquered Christiana, which marked the beginning of yet another long phase of instability. Christiana was once again given the title of capital city of both Sweden and Norway and remained so until 1905.
 In 1905, Norway separated from Sweden and in 1925; the name was changed back to Oslo. Throughout the latter part of the 20th century, Oslo grew from a small Scandinavian town to one of Europe’s most illustrious cities. Today, the city attracts visitors from across the world and continues to thrive and develop.
Weather
 Oslo is situated at the northern end of the Oslofjord, which has a large influence on the city’s climate. The city experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.
 The average summer temperature is 21°C with the warmest months being July and August. September can also be warm, although colder temperatures often arrive at the end of September, the start of winter. Winters are fairly long and can often be bitterly cold, with freezing temperatures being felt from November through February. January is the coldest month of the year with temperatures averaging at -4°C.
 Spring and autumn are pleasant months in which to visit the city as temperatures are not as cold as they are in winter and there are not the same levels of crowds of tourists which are seen during the summer months. You will be able to find excellent deals on travel and hotels, and temperatures are still pleasant enough for sightseeing. In late spring, you will find that it is even warm enough to take advantage of the city’s beaches.
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