Oslo - Useful Info

Oslo is probably the main international gateway to whole Norway. In this article, I would like to share with you some tips regarding transportation, getting around and in and some other useful info. If I got you hyped enough about this city in the last post, definitely check this one out too :)

Getting there
There are currently three international airports in the Oslo area, Gardemoen, Rygge and Torp with the first being the closest and largest, while the other two are quite far away and are operated mostly by low cost and charter flights from other European countries. Gardemoen is also one of the main hubs of SAS and Norwegian Air Shuttle airlines. There are several ways to get to the city center, if you are in a real hurry, you can hop on the Flytoget express train going directly to Oslo Central. This option is quite pricey (180 NOK), so for the more budgety travelers, a normal NSB train would be a better option - the price is about 100 NOK and the two or three stops on the way will not delay you much.
There is also the possibility to travel by FLYBUSSEN bus. Buses are also the only option how to get from the 2 other airports.
There are several international trains going the other Scandinavian countries from the Oslo Central Station, specifically to Sweden (Gothenburg, Stockholm). If you are more of a sailor, there are regular ferry services to Copenhagen, Stockholm or Kiel.

Getting around
There is a quite extensive public transportation system in the city consisting of Metro, Trams, Buses and Ferries. The prices are quite expensive (like almost everything in Oslo), but while the single trip ticket costs 33 NOK in 1 zone, you may buy a 24h ticket for 90 NOK which does not only let you travel all the metros, trams and buses in the city center, but you can actually use it to travel to all of the nearer islands in the Oslofjord by ferry. Which is kinda cool :)
The city center is quite compact and you can walk through it by foot if you want. Another alternative may be to rent a bike - the renting stations are all around the place.

Useful info
Norway is not part of the European Union, but being part of the EFTA, EEA and the Schengen Area, for Europeans getting around should not be an issue. It is also not part of the Eurozone, therefore the official currency is Norwegian krone (NOK). The exchange rate is roughly 10 NOK for 1 EUR (actually more like 9,5 but you get the gist). They use Type F power outlet and drive on the right side of the road.
The official language is Norwegian, but most people speak English. Strangely though, you will not find many public signs in English, so picking up a few basic words may be helpful.
Also note that the weather is quite awful in the winter months (cold and dark), so unless you wish to continue to the north to sea the aurora, go there in Spring or Summer.

And that's all for today.
Keep on traveling :)

Lex