Oslo Attractions & Tourism – When you think of Oslo Attractions, and Norway attractions, the first thing everybody thinks of is "Viking". Norway has had links with The Vikings spanning hundreds of years, and is from here that many of the Viking expeditions set out. There is evident history dating from over 1000 years ago of the importance of Oslo in the history of Europe.

Archaeologists have found proof that people lived in Oslo permanently from about the year 1000; and therefore it was a great event when Oslo celebrated its 1000 Year Anniversary in the millenium year of 2000. From this you can see that Oslo is a very old city with a great historically diverse background and a very interesting culture dating from way back. Now of course it is an affluent city with much to offer, and much to teach.

One of the Icelandic writers, Snorre Sturlason, has established that Harald Hardråde established a trading centre and settlement to the east of Oslo in 1050. This was the beginning of the establishment of a major town which became the Oslo of today after seeing much expansion and growth alson with the turmoil of history over the following one 1000 years.

One of the great legends of Oslo is that around nine hundred years ago, a young man called St Halvard saw 2 men in a boat on Drammen Fjord and they were trying to drown a woman. Although he was just a young farmhand, Halvard went to the rescue, and then suffered brutal consequences. He was mortally wounded as he was stabbed a number of times with an arrow. Because of his bravery and selflessness, Halvard was immortalised as the patron saint of Oslo, and he is the central figure of the city’s coat of arms.

It is thought that the first people of Oslo lived in humble wooden houses with turf roofs, with sheds for goats, sheep and cows. These humble beginnings have grown over the years to include the strong, battle proud era of the Vikings, and the modern, cosmopolitan city of today. However in the many museums of Oslo - said to be around fifty in number you'll find the artefacts and exhibits of this rich history.