Santa Claus was partying at Johns Bar - Oslo, Norway 2004

Go to Johns Bar in the Norwegian capital Oslo - the TIGER CITY , and you will meet "him" (or shall I say "her").

Everyone waited for Santa Claus. It was cold outside in Oslo, snow was falling, we were happy and hoped the best!

Norway is one of the few countries where persons actually see Santa Claus in the act of delivering the presents and where the Santa ask both adults and children if they behaved during the year. So just try to behave yourself when you are joining the REAL TIGERS in Johns Bar.

As told about in another article on this website, John's Bar is located in a small basement in down town Oslo, the Norwegian capital (Universitetsgaten by the main street Karl Johansgate). Oslo is also called the Tiger City. This is the place where all the real Tigers join. They are a special sort predators, but don't worry they don't eat you. Or at least; don't worry, they only eat you once! By reading this article you will understand why Oslo is called the Tiger City.

Here you will meet the toughest and friendliest people in Oslo. Everybody here makes a toast, sing, shout and dance together. It is easy to get in contact with people if you have the right spirit. Anyway, you don't have much choice because the place is so full packed with dancing and singing people.

Photo. Hey ho, hey ho. This man tried to enter Johns Bar with a mask. No problem, said the guards. It has probably been more difficult without the mask.

After visiting Johns Bar in Oslo I am now more than convinced that Santa Claus is truth. Other places around the world Santa is also known as: Father Christmas, Father Frost, Joulupukki, Kris Kringle, Père Noël, Sabdiklos, Saint Nicolas, Sancte Claus, Sinter Klaas and Weihnachtsmann. In Norway the Santa Claus is known as "Julenissen".

If you think that Santa Claus is a merry old man with red and white clothes in Norway, is not necessary truth. Look at the photos and you will understand why.

These Santa Claus were not transported by flying reindeers, with Rudolph the red nosed reindeer in front. Neither didn`t these Santa Claus come down the chimney. Anyway they were real enough!

Merry Christmas to you too!

Stein Morten Lund, 26 December 2002.

Additional information

Oslo - the Viking Party Capital:
Oslo is the capital of Norway. The city is also called the Tiger city (as you can understand) and is situated at the head of the Oslo Fjord surrounded by beautiful parks and forested ridges.

The Vikings were strong, wild and fearless warriors who were always looking for new challenges. They still do, but their behaviour has been adjusted - just little bit - since their forefathers started their raids for 1000 years ago.

Oslo has obvious the hottest party life in the world. The "Viking party lions" (or even better "Viking party Tigers") know how to party. The freedom to do what you want to do is strong in the country, and everybody have a good time, especially in the weekends. Most Norwegians are working hard in the midweek, so they don't have much time for having fun. But when the weekends come, they turn to be wild HUNGRY tigers.

Oslo has a wide variety of discothèques, pubs, bars, restaurants and bistros. Most are located within such a limited area that they are within walking distance of each other. In addition, each quarter of the city has an unusual atmosphere all worth visiting.

Referred from the Official website for Oslo (Oslo Promotion), many globetrotters consider the harbour area, Aker Brygge, as the most attractive place in all of Northern Europe for persons who want to have fun, experience something unusual and eat well. Be ready for the live music and sing along. The sun will shine, and so will you!

In the centre of Oslo near the main street, Karl Johan Street, you will find a wide variety of discotheques, nightclubs, bars, jazz clubs and cafés. Also many other places in Oslo there are great places for having fun together with the crazy and nice Norwegians.

In the summer several small and big parties are arranged on the Oslo Fjord`s 40 islands. Sometimes it looks like and sounds like an animal ZOO, but one thing is definitely sure; the Norwegian Viking spirit is unique.

Facts about Oslo:
• Municipality of Oslo total area 454 km2 (175 sq. mi.)
• Population 550.000 (Norway approx. 4.5 mill.)
• Forest area 242 km2 (93 sq. mi.)
• Parks, sports arenas etc. 8 km2 (3 sq. mi.)
• Number of islands in the Oslo Fjord 40
• Number of lakes within the city limits 343
• Length of the Oslo Fjord 100 km (62 mi.)
• Political system in Norway Parliamentary democracy, Kingdom

Read more about Oslo on the Official website for Oslo (Oslo Promotion):
www.visitoslo.com/indexe