Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway and the 3rd largest of Scandinavia. It has a history dating back 1000 years. Oslo is rather different to many cities across Europe. It’s not a city with endless architectural treasures due to a devastating fire in 1624. Although within the historical districts of St. Hanshaugen and Frogner, there are some impressive buildings with undeniable elegance and charm. The Oslo fjord is an inlet of the Skagerrak bay and has an impressive archipelago of islands. The city is surrounded by green hills and mountains and because of this it’s extremely popular with lovers of the great outdoors. Known as the North Woods (Nordmarka), hiking and even seasonal skiing are extremely popular here.

Oslo’s nightlife is anything but boring. There are countless bars, cafés and nightclubs to choose from and the atmosphere is friendly and inviting. The Norwegian’s are very accepting and tolerant of the gay community. Norway has several openly gay public figures, in entertainment and sports as well as in politics and business. The gay scene in Oslo is very open, and it’s not segregated like it is in other cities. Gay couples can go to bars and restaurants of their choice – they don’t need to go to places especially for gays. There are gay venues, where you’re more likely to meet other gays and lesbians, these are located mainly in the city centre. Gays and lesbians, young and old all frequent the same places.

Oslo is in fact so gay friendly that you will not find any special gay hotels or restaurants. Here, any hotel will give you and your partner a room and bed to share, and if you both choose to go out for a romantic dinner there really is no need to hide away in a dark corner!