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Oslo, the capital of Norway was founded in 1048 by king Harald Hardråde. It is the largest city in the country. The name is derived from Old Norse, the name of a large farm at the site of the first settlements in Bjørvika. The city is considered as one of the most expensive cities in the world. During the reign of Håkon V in1299-1319, Oslo emerged as the capital city. By 1850, it became the most populous city in the country. The city later developed and became an important center of maritime knowledge in Europe and is presently home to approximately 980 companies. The city of Oslo that constitutes a county of Norway is governed by a city government.
Area & Location: Situated at the end of Oslofjord, the city of Oslo lies in 'U' shape. It covers a total area of 454 sq. km out of which seven square kilometer is agricultural. The city has a total population of 541, 822. Oslo is surrounded by green hills and mountains. There are around 40 islands within the city limits.
Tourist Attractions: As a city known for fortresses, museums and art galleries, Oslo has always been a popular tourist destination. People usually reach here during winter to refresh themselves.
Transportation: Oslo Airport Gardermoen, which is served by high-speed train and Sandefjord Airport Torp are the main access to the city from outside the country. The city also offers daily ferry services to Germany and Denmark. Oslo Sentralstasjon, the main railway station in the city is another means of transportation available in the city. Metro, train, bus and ferry include the city's well-developed public transport facility. Oslo's tram and metro system is the largest in Europe. An underground loop-line connecting Ullevål
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in the northwest and Carl Berners plass in the east is a new transportation facility in the city.
Hotels:The city of Oslo has a number of modern and first-class hotels. Comfort Hotel Børsparken, Clarion Hotel Royal Christiania, Clarion Collection Hotel Gabelshus, Clarion Collection Hotel Savoy, Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion and Thon Hotel Europa give the tourists a home away from home feeling. They also provide outstanding services to its guests.
Places of Attraction:Oslo is known for its museums and architectures. Akershus Fortress -the old castle built to protect Oslo is the main landmark of the city. The city also has numerous museums that represent each artifact that are the reminiscences of the country. The main museums are Norsk Folkemuseum, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History at Bygdøy -a large open-air museum, The Armed Forces Museum, The Historical Museum, The Museum of Modern Art, The Holmenkollen Ski Museum, Holmenkollen, The Kon-Tiki Museum, The Munch Museum, Tøyen, The Norwegian Maritime Museum, The Fram Museum that exhibits the ship Fram, The Oslo City Museum and The Viking Ship Museum that displays ships from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune. The City Hall, where the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held is often visited by tourists. The joy ride through the Akerselva River that flows through Oslo leaves an everlasting memory in the minds of the visitors. Tourists reach the city also to view The Henie-Onstad Art Centre, Høvikodden in Bærum, Oslo Cathedral, The Storting- the parliament building and Vigeland Sculpture Park - the most famous park in Norway.
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