Oslo Stay Safe and Healthy

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The majority of the criminal incidents reported to the police continue to be theft-related. Although rare, violent crimes and crimes committed using a weapon are being perpetrated more frequently. However, it is much more likely for tourists to experience the crimes of pick-pocketing and petty theft, which occur in the major tourist areas, in hotel lobbies, in the train and transit stations, and in similar locations where groups of visitors gather. Police credit criminal youth gangs for the frequency of these criminal activities. According to the police, the area above the Central train station, north along River Akerselva to lower Grünerløkka has the highest number of violent crimes. These crimes typically happen after dark and often involve drug dealers and/or youth gangs. Police advice people to stay away from these areas after midnight and to walk in groups. Common scams are in Oslo, but there are recent (2008) reports on the "guessing game" on the street - don't get involved in betting on the street, it is a scam for sure.

No areas are terminally unsafe, but be especially aware of your belongings in the central train station and bus station. Although it is unlikely something will happen, keep your eyes open in crowded downtown areas, deserted suburbs, in and around T-bane (metro) and railway stations and on the main street, Karl Johansgate (especially the part closest to the central station). The highest number of reported thefts occur around Grønland, especially along the Akerselva river, and close to Majorstuen T-bane station.

From Karl Johan's street and down to the harbor area, you'll find Oslo's red light district. Unfortunately criminal activity here is very visible. Legal prostitution is ongoing, and has increased in recent years. Avoiding eye contact will keep you out of a price discussion. Make sure that you decline, being kind but categorical, so as to not to get into trouble. In the same area, drug dealers and addicts are numerous. As long as you act friendly, problems are easy to avoid. Prostitution is no longer allowed in Norway.

Also, in winter watch out for icy patches, and when wandering in the forest beware when crossing snowy clearings - they may well be frozen lakes with snow over them, which may look safe but could crack. Finally, beware of snow falling from the roofs in Oslo - there are usually yellow signs up (featuring the word "takras") and some areas are occasionally cordoned off.

Politics is a sensitive subject in Norway, like in other western countries. Political views differs. There are both far-right and far-left opinions in the everyday crowd, but extremism is rare. Be careful when expressing your political opinions, violent and autocratic ideologies are not tolerated in Norway. In addition, being a highly diverse city, racism and sexism is generally not tolerated among most people in Oslo. Norwegians also tend to be very sensitive about World War 2, as Norway was occupied and violently controlled by Nazi authorities.

Water. The tap water of Oslo is among the cleanest in the world. Do drink tap water instead of bottled water, which does nothing but drain your pocket of much needed kroners.

Traffic. Cars are required to yield to pedestrians at marked and signed crossings, and will be heavily fined if they don't. Note however that this rule does not apply to trams (streetcars); the trams have the right of way. Oslo has a web of tram lines downtown and as the trams are fast and heavy, you will certainly lose if you attempt to challenge one.