I am getting the impression that the area around the train station is not the greatest. We wanted a hotel around here as we are only in Oslo one night and it would be easier with the lugguge to stay by the station.
It seems like Oslo like most of Europe is a safe city but just wondering if anyone has been around the train station in Oslo or stayed within a few block of it what the area is like?
There's absolutely nothing dangerous or seedy about the area around the train station. In fact there are a number of high-end shopping malls and hotels nearby. On my visit I stayed at the Radisson connected to the station. There were no issues about the neighborhood at all.
As I recall, the area around the train station is very commercial and used to be somewhat industrial on the far side, but they were in the process of "reclaiming" some of that industrial area in 2007 with a new opera hall (must be finished by now). So maybe it wouldn't qualify as the prettiest area of town, but not dangerous in any way. Also, Oslo is not that large - more attractive areas are only 6 blocks away. I wouldn't object to staying near the train station at all.
We stayed just a few blocks from the station last June in a Thon hotel. The area is fine. I recommend it.
We flew into Oslo from Kirkenes, took taxi to the train station got there around noon. Our train wasn't until early evening. We stored our luggage and then walked around and got something to eat. The area was great.
