Google Reviews are user-generated ratings and comments left on Google Maps and Search to provide feedback about businesses, landmarks, and locations. Users with a
Google account can leave a review by selecting a star rating (1–5) and optionally adding text, photos, or videos. As new reviews are added, the overall rating dynamically updates
based on the cumulative average of all reviews. Older reviews remain visible, but recent and relevant ones are often prioritized in search results. Google’s
algorithm also factors in review frequency, recency, and engagement to ensure the most helpful and authentic feedback is displayed prominently.
Additionally, businesses can respond to reviews, influencing customer perception and engagement. While the average of
individual ratings is a core component, Google also analyzes review content using
natural language processing to gauge sentiment and potentially adjust the final
rating.
Cape Cod Rail Trail
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 25-mile paved pathway that stretches from South Dennis to
Wellfleet, offering scenic views and opportunities for biking, walking, and running. The
trail follows a former railway line, providing a mostly flat, family-friendly experience. It
connects to other trails, including the Old Colony Rail Trail leading to Chatham and trails
within Nickerson State Park.
Page Help Tips
Site Search: Our search feature is powered by Google, and the search results you will receive will
contain several Google Advertisements followed by a list of pages where your search phrase was found. For
example, if you entered "Portugal" in the search text box, Google will show you every page on our site where
the word "Portugal" appeared. Please note that our Site Search results are restricted to our Website
only.
External Links: Where appropriate, points of interest, other sites, specific locations, etc will be linked to allow you to directly visit their website. These links will always be "blue" to allow you to distinguish normal text from links. These links generally are of other websites, Wikipedia Articles or other informative Web Page.
Pinterest: Because we allow & support Pinterest picture acquisition for all of our images, you will be able to "see" a Pinterest icon in the upper left corner of any of our images. The Pinterest icon will be visible when you hover your mouse over an image (on a desktop or laptop). To make the Pinterest icon visible on a mobile device (think iPad or iPhone), single click the image and the Pinterest icon will be made visible.
NOTE: Some images on various pages will not be Pinterest "pin-able". You will have to go to that page's Image Gallery where all images are allowed to be "pin-able".
Slide Show: Left click any image (not on the Pinterest icon), and the slide show will start. To dismiss the slide show, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the window.
Next Image: use either the right arrow
key or place the mouse on the right side of the window and click the "next" arrow link.
Previous Image: use either the left arrow key or place the mouse on the left side of the image and click the "previous" arrow link.
Stop Slide Show: The area at the upper right of the window has 4 icons, which in order (left toright) are; Zoom image, Run automatic slide show, display list of images and exit popup image.
Display Image from Image List: The Image List is displayed after you click the upper right third icon, and then all
images are displayed on the right side of the window. Click anyone of those images in the list to display it.
Intrapage Navigation: On all of our pages, on the far right side of the page, there will be an "up arrow" and a "down arrow"
which when clicked will scroll to the top or bottom of that page. On most pages there will be a "hamburger
menu icon" (below the "down arrow") which if clicked, will popout a menu list of locations on the page you are currently
viewing. Clicking any of the items listed will scroll you to that location & the popout menu will disappear.
Change Page Font Size: By holding the CTRL and SHIFT keys while you click the plus sign key (+), your browser will increase the font size. To decrease
the font size, hold the CTRL key down and push the minus sign key (-) and the browser will decrease the font size.
We chose Oslo as the start of our “Norway in a Nutshell” tour, which allowed us to see some fjords and the Norwegian
countryside — the main motivation for this part of the trip. You can find more info about our
Norway in a Nutshell tour here.
We flew into Oslo from Copenhagen and took the Flytoget (AKA "The Airport Express Train") — the fastest way (just 19 minutes) from Oslo Airport to Oslo
Central Station. It was extremely convenient, as the train station is located directly beneath the airport terminal.
Click here to read more about this train service.
Although our time in Oslo was brief — just two nights — we made the most of it by visiting a handful of diverse and memorable sites. Our explorations
included the fascinating Viking Ship Museum, the strikingly modern Oslo Opera House, the iconic Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump with its panoramic views, and
a peaceful park located across the harbor from the Opera House. It was a quick visit, but it gave us a compelling glimpse into Norway’s capital — blending
rich history, bold architecture, and waterfront scenery.
Oslo is also famous for its cultural attractions, such as the Munch Museum, the Nobel Peace Center, and a thriving culinary scene featuring traditional
Norwegian dishes alongside international cuisine.
It’s a Perfect City for Outdoor Lovers - Oslo is surrounded by forests, lakes, and hiking trails, making it easy to enjoy nature, skiing, and outdoor activities all year round.
It’s One of the Greenest Capitals in the World - Over two-thirds of Oslo is covered in forests, parks, and waterways. The city was named "European Green Capital" in
2019 for its eco-friendly initiatives.
The City Used to Be Called "Christiania" - From 1624 to 1925, Oslo was known as Christiania (later spelled Kristiania), named after King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway.
The Nobel Peace Prize Is Awarded in Oslo - Unlike the other Nobel Prizes (which are awarded in Sweden), the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo every December at the Oslo City Hall.
Trafalgar Square's (London) Christmas tree is a gift from Oslo.
Oslo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1952.
Oslo is Norway's most ethnically diverse city.
The Oslo Viking Ship Museum Holds Real Viking Ships - The Viking Ship Museum houses some of the best-preserved Viking
ships in the world, dating back over 1,200 years.
Where is the Oslo Rail Station: Oslo Central Station is the main railway station in Oslo, and the largest railway station within the entire Norwegian railway system.
It is located at Jernbanetorget, Norway's biggest public transportation
hub, which also consists of the Jernbanetorget metro station, Oslo Bus Terminal and local bus
and tram stops outside. Click here to view a Google Map of the Jernbanetorget area.
Is Oslo wheelchair accessible? Yes, Oslo is significantly wheelchair accessible, with
good infrastructure for accessible travel, including modern airports with assistance services, a
ccessible public transport like low-floor buses and metro lines, and wheelchair-friendly
accommodations and restaurants. Most major attractions, such as the Oslo Opera House and the
Royal Palace, are also accessible, though some older buildings and certain routes may pose
challenges, particularly during winter.
Oslo lies at the head of Oslo Fjord in the southeastern part of Norway. It is north and slightly west of Denmark and it is about 378
miles from Copenhagen to Oslo by car. It is approximately 330 miles west and slightly north of Stockholm Sweden if traveling by car.
Oslo is the capital of Norway and has a population of about 697k as of 2020. The original site of Oslo was actually east of the Aker River.
The city was founded by King Harald Hardraade about 1050, and in approximately 1300 the Akershus fortress was built by Haakon V.
Click the map icon above, or the map image, to view an Oslo Norway Map.
The top 5 accommodations in Oslo based upon the highest guest ratings (according to Google), include these options:
City Center: City Center (2bedroom/1bath/Balcony) Sørenga
is a beachfront property set in Oslo, 1.3 km from Oslo Central Station and 2.8 km from Akershus Fortress. Private parking is available on site at
this recently renovated property. (Guest rating 4.8)
Grand Hotel Oslo: In a landmark 1874 building on
bustling Karl Johans Gate, this sophisticated hotel is a 5-minute walk from the National Museum of Art and an 11-minute walk from
the Royal Palace. (Guest Rating 4.4)
Hotel Continental, Oslo: Busy downtown
area with medieval Akershus Fortress & Oslo Opera House, plus designer boutiques. (Guest Rating 4.6)
The Thief: This contemporary hotel
in the trendy Tjuvholmen arts district is 1.6 km from the National Museum of Art and 4.8 km from Frogner Park. (Guest Rating 4.4)
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Oslo: This
modern hotel is a 3-minute walk from the Jernbanetorget transportation hub, a 13-minute walk from Oslo Opera House and 7 km from the
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. (Guest Rating 4.3)
We chose to stay at the
Comfort Hotel Grand Central, which was immediately
adjacent to the train station. For our purposes this was perhaps the best play to stay in Oslo, Norway. It was so convenient to the
trains and transportation for touring the area and right in the downtown area. There was a lot of activity and food options close
by, however the rooms were quiet and comfortable. The room was not huge, which is typical in Europe but it was adequate to accommodate
our luggage and clean and comfortable. We recommend it for short stays.
We utilized Expedia to perform our Oslo Hotel research, and to make our reservations at the Comfort Hotel Grand Central. We recommend Expedia
because they are very reliable and easy to utilize.
We had the hotel name and we knew that it was close to the train station. When we got off the train and walked outside of the station,
and used Celeste's cell phone map app to try and find the hotel, imagine our surprise when we realized it was right there in front of us!
Exploring Oslo - Jernbanetorget Transportation Center
Our hotel is just around the corner to the left of the bus. The light rail station is underneath the area where the buses are lined up, and
the Oslo Central Train Station is just left of this area as well.
More Info for the Jernbanetorget Transportation Center
Jernbanetorget Transportation Center Google Images Set:
Google Reviews for the Jernbanetorget Transportation Center
Oslo Opera House:
The home of The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and the National Opera Theatre in Norway. The building sits on the eastern side of the Oslo Harbor near the Havnepromenade.
The harbor and Opera House were practically in the front yard of our hotel's location, a walk of perhaps 100 yards and we
were standing on the harbor seawall.
The Oslo Opera House is a striking architectural masterpiece and the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. Opened
in 2008, it was designed by the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta. The building is celebrated for its sloping, marble-clad
roof, which allows visitors to walk up and enjoy panoramic views of the Oslofjord. Inside, the opera house features a blend of
oak and glass, creating an elegant yet inviting atmosphere. It hosts world-class opera, ballet, and musical performances, making
it a cultural landmark in Scandinavia. The building’s innovative design and emphasis on accessibility make it a must-visit for
architecture enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
More Info for the Oslo Opera House
Oslo Opera House Wikipedia Article:
Oslo Opera House Google Images Set:
Google Reviews for the Oslo Opera House
Image Credits:
All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Exploring Oslo - Viking Ship Museum
Viking Long Ship Interior
Viking Long Ship Display
Viking Long Ship Display
The museum is most famous for the completely whole
Oseberg ship, excavated from the
largest known Viking ship burial in the world near Tønsberg in Vestfold County, Norway.
All the Viking ships at this museum were ocean going vessels before they were hauled onto land to be used
in burial rituals for their wealthy owners. In the burial mounds, archeologists unearthed skeletons,
beautiful wood carvings and a diverse range of artifacts from the fascinating world of the vikings.
Imagine sailing in the North Atlantic in a ship that is approximately 71 feet long with a beam of 16.7
feet? I've travelled through the North Atlantic in a Navy cargo ship that was 500 feet long and we would get
bounced around in ways that would make us all cringe! I cannot begin to imagine how the Vikings could travel
in their much smaller vessels!
The #30 Bus from the Oslo Comfort Hotel Grand Central was the method we selected for transport, required approximately 20 minutes.
The Viking Museum is currently closed for refurbishment. The new Viking Ship Museum in Oslo is not expected to open again
until after refurbishment is completed in 2026. The new museum will be three times the size of the existing museum and will have many more artifacts
from the Viking era.
Click here for
more information about the new museum.
More Info for the Viking Ship Museum
Viking Ship Museum Website:
Viking Ship Museum Wikipedia Article:
Viking Ship Museum Google Images Set:
Google Reviews for the Oslo Viking Ship Museum
Image Credits:
All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Exploring Oslo - Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump
Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump
Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump
Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump
Holmenkollbakken Stairs top the Top
There isn’t a ski jump in Oslo Norway but the Holmenkollbakken ski jump is only about 65 minutes north of Oslo by light rail train via the
Jernbanetorget Station. From the train station it was about a 10-15 minute walk up a seriously steep hill.
You can see in image # 1 that the tower is tall; 42 meters in height, and the landing slope is 37 degrees at the steepest
and 115 meters long.
Not sure if you can see it or not, but the troll's daughter is sitting on his lap. The Statue was created
by the famous Norwegian sculptor Nils Aas. The statue is 6.7 metres (approximately 22 feet) in height made entirely of concrete.
You can see Oslo Harbor in the distance,
approximately 12 kilometers away. This entire area, situated in the hills above Oslo, was so
pretty that we really began to wonder why the Vikings would ever want to sail away from
here?
Getting to the Ski Jump is straight forward, just catch the train from downtown - line 1 of the Metro (T-Bane) in the direction of Frognerseteren and get off at the Holmenkollen stop.
Trains depart approximately every 15 minutes from Jernbanetorget station and require a 30 minute ride.
More Info for the Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump
Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump Wikipedia Article:
Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump Google Images Set:
Google Reviews for the Holmenkollbakken Ski Jump
Image Credits:
All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Is Oslo worth Visiting?
Oslo, Norway, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern amenities. Here's why it's worth a visit:
Stunning Scenery: Oslo is surrounded by breathtaking fjords, forests, and mountains. Take a boat tour to explore the
Oslofjord, hike in the nearby forests, or visit the iconic Holmenkollen ski jump.
Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in Oslo's vibrant culture. Explore the Viking Ship Museum, visit the Munch
Museum to see Edvard Munch's iconic "The Scream," or enjoy a performance at the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet.
Modern City: Oslo is a modern city with a thriving arts scene, world-class restaurants, and excellent shopping. Stroll
through the stylish Aker Brygge waterfront or visit the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood.
Outdoor Activities: Whether you're a winter sports enthusiast or a summer adventurer, Oslo has something to offer. Go
skiing or snowboarding at the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, or enjoy hiking, biking, or kayaking in the summer months.
Friendly Locals: Norwegians are known for their friendliness and hospitality. You'll be warmly welcomed and feel right at home in this charming city.
Note: All images featured on this page are the exclusive property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC, unless
otherwise stated. When images from external sources are used, full credit is given to the original creator, along with a link to the
specified license or usage terms. We are committed to respecting copyright and intellectual property rights, ensuring that all third-party
images are properly attributed. If you have any questions regarding image ownership or usage rights, please feel free to contact us.
Affiliate Links: We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our
affiliate links. This helps support our
travel content — thank you!
Content:
To review any of our content, make suggestions and/or comments, please click the "About" menu link at the top of this page. You will
find our "Contact Us" link on that drop-down menu.