Oslo is the capital of Norway. The history of the city can be traced back over 1000 years, although according to the chronicles of Snorre Sturlason, Oslo was founded in 1048, by the king Harald Hardrade. The city became capital of Norway around 1300, but lost its privileges during the Danish-Norwegian union from 1348 to 1814. In 1624, a fire devastated old Oslo, and the city was moved some kilometres west, to gain protection from the fortress at Akershus. Oslo is often overshadowed by the natural landscape of more rural parts of the country, and the other largest cities of the country like Bergen and Trondheim tend to be more "typical" Norwegian. Nevertheless, Oslo has plenty of sights, good nightlife and is worth seeing. Getting a hotel in Oslo can potentially be difficult. In peak periods, when big fairs or conferences visit Oslo, tourists have been sent as far as Lillehammer to find accommodation. It would be smart to reserve a room in advance. There are also relatively few youth hostels, etc, for backpackers and people travelling on a budget.