The capital and the largest city in Norway, Oslo, might not be the first place people consider deciding to move. But it attracts a fair amount of expats and people from all over the country. It is a perfect place for anyone looking for a high quality of life, a sustainable lifestyle, and free healthcare and education. Here, you can find time for yourself and enjoy hassle-free everyday life, even though you’ll be living in a city of 1 million people.
A charming place with warm people and cold winters, Oslo is a city where people live healthy and happy. Surrounded by forest and Oslo fjord, residents live in close contact with nature and do their best to preserve its beauty. Here, you can see what it really means to take care of the environment and live a conscious life. Just one example could be the city having the highest number of electric cars per capita in the world. What’s more, many city initiatives are directed at providing free education for every child and narrowing the gender gap. You should keep in mind that such utopian life in Oslo will most definitely not be cheap. Norway is regularly included in the top 5 most expensive countries in the EU. And, of course, life in the capital will turn out to be even pricier. Locals and tourists can certainly feel that everything from prices for groceries to apartments for rent in Oslo comes with a hefty price tag.
As Norway’s capital and the most populous city, Oslo is also the economic and business hub of the country. Data shows that the GDP of the city makes up about 20% of the overall Norway gross domestic product. Top industries here include maritime, information and communications technology, shipping, banking, and R&D. Many specialists from these fields are attracted to Oslo thanks to its advantageous environment, career opportunities, and impressive knowledge base. Interestingly, you can see the Norwegian philosophy of sustainable living rooted even in the economy of the country and its capital. Many companies here are dedicated to energy research, focusing on issues such as renewable energy sources, climate-friendly technologies, and energy efficiency.
While there are many perks of living in Oslo, not many people would wholeheartedly admit that climate is one of them. The city has an oceanic climate with warm summers and fairly long freezing winters. The warmest summer is July, with a mean temperature of 63.7°F (17.6°C), and the coldest month is January, with a daily mean temperature of 27.9°F (−2.3°C). In winter, you can expect a good amount of snow, but the municipal services usually react very quickly, and there are not many problems with snow-covered streets and roads. Here, you will probably not suffer from heatwaves, but if you decide to live and rent in Oslo, don’t forget to stock up on warm sweaters!
As one of the European capitals, Oslo has plenty of sights and landmarks to offer to its residents and tourists. The city has a rich and lengthy history, and you can learn more about it by visiting the Viking Ship Museum, the Royal Palace, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, and the National Museum. Other places worth checking out include Munch, where you can see the works of Edvard Munch, Frogner Park with sculptures of the famous Gustav Vigeland, and the Nobel Peace Center. Finally, living in Oslo, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from stunning Norway’s nature with its fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls. There are not so many places on the whole globe where you can enjoy such beauty!