Oslo, Norway Cruise Port Guide

at the end of the Oslofjord, Oslo is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Through its 900-year history, the city suffered many fires, with an especially devastating one in 1624. As a result, Oslo displays a mixture of several architectural styles.

According to the historians, the city was founded in 1050 by Harold III.

During the 14th century, Oslo came under the strong, productive influence of the Hanseatic League, a cooperative of merchants representing some 70 northern European cities. Merchants were allowed free trade between member cities and they came to each other's defense if attacked. The city's modern development dates back to the last century. Today Oslo is prosperous and exemplary for its tidiness and services.

Norway is first and foremost a maritime nation; Oslo is the chief port for sea services to and from the European Continent and England. The majority of the approximately half-million population lives along the coast and on the hundreds of nearby islands.

There the weather is comparatively temperate, due to the Gulfstream.

Visitors to Oslo will find a full range of activities among the numerous art galleries, museums, restaurants, theaters and nightclubs. Other points of interest include the Royal Palace; Frogner Park, known for its famous Vigeland sculptures; Holmenkollen, where international skiing events take place; the imposing akershus Castle; and Bygdoy Peninsula, home to some of Oslo's most important museums.

Oslo's city center is fairly compact. Many of its attractions can be explored on foot; the Bygdoy Peninsula can easily be reached via ferry boats departing from the harbor.