Oslo is 2019’s ‘European Green Capital’ and it’s little wonder. In the Norwegian capital they’re serious about tackling climate change. Here every aspect of life is measured against its impact on the environment, and budget decisions are tied to climate outcomes.

Already bicycles are given precedence over cars, buses are powered by recycled sewage, and roads carry more electric vehicles, per capita, than anywhere else in the world.

The city government has set a highly ambitious emissions reductions target (carbon neutral by 2030) and is working hard and fast to achieve it.

Right now Oslo is an attractive place to live and to visit. In the not too distant future, it’s likely to be even better.

 

A large part of Oslo's centre is already free of private vehicles
A large part of Oslo's centre is already free of private vehicles
What once was car parking has now become bike lanes, playgrounds and community open space
What once was car parking has now become bike lanes, playgrounds and community open space
The government is providing funding to help citizens move to alternative means of transportation - no, not horses, they're buying electric bicycles
The government is providing funding to help citizens move to alternative means of transportation - no, not horses, they're buying electric bicycles
Introducing street sculpture is also part of the plan
Introducing street sculpture is also part of the plan
There's a lot of good contemporary work around Oslo
There's a lot of good contemporary work around Oslo
Including this - the city's wonderful Opera House; it's like a glacier slipping into the waters of Oslo Fjord
Including this - the city's wonderful Opera House; it's like a glacier slipping into the waters of Oslo Fjord
Another iconic building - the Royal Palace, home of the Norwegian Monarchy
Another iconic building - the Royal Palace, home of the Norwegian Monarchy
Members of His Majesty The King’s Guard are charged with ensuring the safety of the Royal Family ...
Members of His Majesty The King’s Guard are charged with ensuring the safety of the Royal Family ...
... even on the coldest days (though a quick march around the sentry box from time to time helps keep the blood flowing)
... even on the coldest days (though a quick march around the sentry box from time to time helps keep the blood flowing)
In the grounds of Akershus Castle, a fortress built in the 13th century to protect the royal residence
In the grounds of Akershus Castle, a fortress built in the 13th century to protect the royal residence
Oslo is home to a couple of great museums; the Fram Museum tells the story of Norwegian polar exploration and Amundsen's success in being first to reach the South Pole in 1911
Oslo is home to a couple of great museums; the Fram Museum tells the story of Norwegian polar exploration and Amundsen's success in being first to reach the South Pole in 1911
The Fram, the vessel that carried Amundsen and his team on that expedition, is the centrepiece of the museum; it's possible to walk on and below her decks
The Fram, the vessel that carried Amundsen and his team on that expedition, is the centrepiece of the museum; it's possible to walk on and below her decks
Not far away, the Viking Museum houses three 9th century Viking ships; the ships are incredibly well-preserved
Not far away, the Viking Museum houses three 9th century Viking ships; the ships are incredibly well-preserved
Museums often include a video as part of their displays, but not many are as good as this one at Oslo's Viking Museum - the quality of the animation is outstanding
Museums often include a video as part of their displays, but not many are as good as this one at Oslo's Viking Museum - the quality of the animation is outstanding
And this is Vigerland Park, the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist
And this is Vigerland Park, the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist
With more than 200 sculptures, the park is the life work of Gustav Vigeland - and it's remarkable
With more than 200 sculptures, the park is the life work of Gustav Vigeland - and it's remarkable
Vigeland's works in bronze and granite, depict humanity in all its guises ...
Vigeland's works in bronze and granite, depict humanity in all its guises ...
... through the ages and stages of life
... through the ages and stages of life
The sculptures were installed in the park in the decade between 1939 and 1949
The sculptures were installed in the park in the decade between 1939 and 1949
Vigeland himself was in charge of the design and architectural layout
Vigeland himself was in charge of the design and architectural layout
The result is extraordinary; Vigerland Park is unforgettable
The result is extraordinary; Vigerland Park is unforgettable