Green City Guide: Oslo

Oslo declared itself a sustainable city a few years back—and wasted no time taking action to back up the claim. The Norwegian capitol won the European Sustainable City Award in 2003, and hasn't let up on the greening since: from reducing greenhouse gases, to offering electric car charging stations, to enhancing public transportation. In 2007, Reader's Digest bestowed Oslo the #2 spot on a list of the world's greenest, most livable cities (following Stockholm, Sweden).

But you don't have to be a die-hard environmentalist to appreciate the green goodness of Oslo—the plethora of eco-friendly activities available to visitors in this beautiful cosmopolitan city will more than satisfy any brand of environmentally intrigued traveler. We're here to help make your next trip to the city known as the "world's biggest village" as green a getaway as possible. It won't be tough, thanks to Oslo's eco-friendly tourism programs, impressive public transit system, beautiful fjords, and a surfeit of green markets, shops, and restaurants.

For an in-depth look at Oslo's environmental improvements, check out TreeHugger's Norway archives.

1. Take Public Transportation
   A first step to seeing any city the green way is getting intimate with its public transportation system, and Oslo's is easy to jump into—it's simple and intuitive with extensive rail, subway, and bus systems in place. Check out Oslo's transit system, Trafikanten, for information, schedules, and ticketing. Click the British flag on the left for English. Tickets are 24 Norwegian krone or NOK (about $3.50) if purchased from a machine or 34 NOK (about $5) if purchased from a tram or bus driver.
   
   Visitors looking to dig into Oslo's cultural institutions will benefit from the 24-hour Oslo Pass for 220 NOK (around $32). The pass includes access to public transit, entry to 33 of the city's museums, and discounts on a slew of attractions: meaning you'll be able to check out landmarks including the famed Stortinget parliament building, the Evard Munch Museum, the stunningly modern Oslo Opera House, and the Vigeland Museum, with its unique sculpture garden, for a fraction of the cost. The pass also will get you a dip in swimming pools in summer.


2. Stay in a Green Hotel or in the City Center
   For an eco-friendly stay, book one of the many Thon Hotels around the city center. Each has been certified an Eco-Lighthouse—the Norwegian stamp of environmental approval—which signifies excellent performance on a whopping 68 eco-related criteria. Everything from house paint to grocery decisions is considered. For a cheaper alternative try the Hotel Perminalen or the Rica Travel Hotel, also in the city center. Even if not green, a central choice will place you right in the hub of Oslo's transit—so you won't waste precious time and resources getting around.


3. Dine at an Organic Vegetarian Restaurant
   Any self-respecting sustainable city should have its share of organic and vegetarian restaurants, and Oslo delivers. Try the intimate Spisestedet, located in the city center, for organic vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Also in the center is the simply titled Vegan, a small but cozy, unpretentious destination that has been a staple of the European health food circuit for years.


4. Pick up a Fair Trade Coffee
   The oddly named Fragrance of the Heart is a soothing place for a Fair Trade coffee or a quick vegetarian lunch. The caf‚ also offers courses—including one titled "Inner Peace"—and live performances of meditative music. Or, if you like your coffee served with a healthy dose of radicalism, head to the Blitz Café. Blitz is a bastion of Norway's youth art and counterculture movements—and home to cheap, Fair Trade drinks and vegetarian eats.


5. Bike Across Oslo
   Renting bikes in this city couldn't be easier. Oslo is among the pioneering cities to offer a public bike share program with Bysykkel Oslo. Just pick up a Smart Card, (70 NOK or $10 per day) from a tourist information location.


6. Visit the Oslo Fjords
   Norway is famous for its fjords—the striking, glacier-carved inlets that look like steep, dramatic U-shaped valleys. The Oslo Fjord is the closest, a mere 10 minute ferry ride from the city center. Check out the beautiful island Langøyene in the summer—it boasts spectacular sights and pristine beaches. For longer trips, Fjord Tours offers several different guided trips, ranging from one to four days or longer.


7. Check Out the Oslo Environmental Festival
   If you're heading to Oslo in September, why not time your visit with the city's annual environmental festival? The Oslo Miljofestival (which means Environment Festival—you just learned some Norwegian today) is both informative and entertaining. Some of the seminars and workshops on waste solutions, transport, and energy will be in Norwegian, but everyone can enjoy the hiking tours, open farms, children's activities, debates, concerts, and environment classes.


8. Browse a Norwegian Farmers' Market
   Norwegian Farmers' Markets hit Oslo every week. Find out what's on by visiting the ever-handy Visit Oslo site for a full list. The biggest and arguably the best is the Farmer's Market on Markveien Street—where you can expect to find a slew of 100 percent organic goods and locally flavored sandwiches, tapas, and salads.


9. Go Sea Kayaking: Oslofjord Kayak
   Oslo is a breathtakingly beautiful city, and May through September, a fantastic green way to experience the waterfront and see the fjords is by sea kayak. Oslofjord Kayak rents kayaks and offers classes with experienced instructors. Rentals are 100 NOK per hour (about $14); 250 NOK for five hours (about $36); and 450 NOK (about $65) for a full day, or 12 hours. Kayaks can also be rented by the week or longer.


10. Send an Electronic Postcard
    Why waste paper, money, and a trip to the post office for traditional postcards when the Norwegian government has gone to the trouble of setting up easy-to-send electronic postcards? They feature a wide range of photos of the city's sights and the best part is the service is free!

Travel much? Check out more Green City Guides.

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