Oslo is situated at the head of fabulous Oslo Fjord surrounded by forested ridges, and this very location gives the city unexpected qualities for a national capital. The name Oslo was derived from Old Norse, but its meaning is disputed, and can possibly be translated to "meadow at the foot of a hill". The surrounding countryside provides recreational opportunities for the  city’s inhabitants and visitors, in summer as well as in winter. Not many world capitals offer subway service to the  forest, with lakes and hiking trails within city limits.

Oslo’s beautiful natural surroundings, its varied architecture, and its multinational inhabitants contribute to the city’s  unique atmosphere. Oslo is a city full of contrasts. Its natural beauty, in combination with all the facilities of a modern  metropolis, adds to the charm of a city often called “the world’s biggest village”. Oslo’s climate is better than our northern latitude might indicate due to the Gulf Stream bringing water from the Gulf of Mexico across the Atlantic Ocean and along the coast of Norway.

From its position above the city, the Holmenkollen ski jump features the world’s oldest ski museum and one of the best panoramic views over Oslo. The new ski jump was ready for the World Nordic Ski Championships in 2011. It has prompted many to regard Oslo as a winter city, and Oslo does deserve the name “The World’s Winter Capital”.

Yet Oslo is just as much a summer city that has all the activities and pleasures we normally associate with summer. The numbers of activities on the fjord and in the city’s parks are a sign that Oslo’s citizens exploit the summer to the utmost.

Oslo is the major economic, financial, and cultural center of the country. It has the second-highest GDP per-capita in Europe, which is twice the EU average. The city is easily accessible, and Oslo Airport is situated 50 kilometers from the city centre. An express train links the airport to the city centre in 19 minutes.

Oslo was founded in the 11th century, but was not elevated to the status of a capital until the 13th century. It lost this status twice during the personal unions with Denmark, when it was renamed to Christiania in the honor of the Danish king Christian IV. Its original name was restored in 1925.

In addition to being of the most beautiful cities in Northern Europe, Oslo is at the same time one of the world's most expensive cities. Oslo is a city built with good taste by people known for their aversion to excess. The city sprawls in the shape of an arc around Oslofjord, filling the small space between the sea and the mountains. Its mixed architectural style demonstrates Scandinavian and Eastern European influences. Since its urban landscape is dominated by small buildings, the city is spread across a large area in spite of having a relatively small population for a state capital. Most houses are scattered around the nearby forests and suburbs, where every morning people leave for the center to work. Oslo is also known for its large number of parks.

The city houses over 50 museums and galleries, including the outdoor Vigeland Museum located in Frogner Park, Kon-Tiki Museum, Viking Ship Museum, Munch Museum, and Ibsen Museum. The Vigeland Sculpture Park covers an area of 80 acres. The 212 sculptures are all modeled in full size by Gustav Vigeland. He also designed the architectural setting and the layout of the grounds. The park is a popular recreation area all year.

The pedestrian Karl Johan Street is the major shopping street in Oslo, leading to the Royal Palace. Other buildings of interest include the Parliament (Storting), the luxurious Grand Hotel, best known as the annual venue of the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and the famous City Hall. Overlooking the port is a medieval fortress built during a personal union with Denmark, called the Akershus Fortress or Akershus Castle.

The Rosenkrantz Street, packed with bars, pubs, and entertainment venues, is the center of the city's nightlife. Oslo has a relaxed nightlife and its residents are very casually dressed, which is accepted everywhere except in very nice or expensive restaurants. Their national drink is akvavit or aquavit, a traditional spirit which gets its distinctive flavor from spices and herbs.