farm museum oslo

7 Things To Do In Oslo

7 Things To Do In Oslo

Hey, you! Do you have a thing for Nordic countries? Have you taken a liking to beautiful fjords? Have you been dying to watch one of the auroras? Then Oslo is the perfect place for you, the capital of Norway is the perfect place to go this holiday season, with tons to do and loads of fun to have. But if you need a place to start, here are the top 7 things to do in Oslo:

Fram Museum in Oslo

First of all, get the Oslo Pass that will make visiting a lot of places free including the Fram Museum. The Fram was a ship used in expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic by a handful of Norweigan explorers in the late 1800s / early 1900s. The museum is not only named after that very ship but holds the very thing inside! The entire ship, inside the museum!

farm museum oslo

Go on a Fjord Cruise in Oslo

Norway is a country that is home to a lot of breathtaking fjords, and so if you’re in Oslo, you have to take a cruise around the fjords. Take a two-hour guided cruise around the fjords and back along the Aker Brygge harbour. You’ll learn all about the little houses on the islands, where the royal family live and how the Oslobergers spend their time in this beautiful area. Refreshments are served on board and there are plenty of blankets to go round. In case you have no idea what a fjord is, don’t worry you’ll find that out as well on the cruise.

fjord cruise oslo

Oslo Viking Ship Museum

The Nordic people sure love their history and their boats, and so going to this place will take care of them both. This whole museum is filled with beautiful historic boats used by the Vikings. The place is quite vast, open, beautiful and peaceful, and you will get lost in the beauty of the ships on display and wonder if the Vikings really were all those violent pillagers.

Viking Ship Museum oslo

Nobel Peace Centre

Remember when I talked about the Oslo Pass? Well, this is another place where you can visit for free using that. As the name suggests, the place houses dedications and memorials to all the Nobel Peace Prize winners in history; the award is given out every year at City Hall just a few steps away from the Centre above. At the Centre you can watch videos dedicated to the current prize winners – in 2012 it’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman – learn about past ones, and offer your wishes for peace and unity by writing on a card and sending it down the wire loop.

Nobel Peace Centre

The Royal Palace

If you wanted to see where the royalty of Norway lives, then here’s your chance. For the tour of the interiors of the palace, there’s a one-hour tour that covers all the spots for a small fee. However, if you want to experience something free then you can see the changing of the guards on the outside. The whole place looks like its straight out of a Disney movie, and though the experience is not free completely, it’s worth looking at.

history of oslo

Visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park

Normally when you’ want to see some sculpture, the place to see what would be an art gallery or a museum but in Oslo, you can experience all that in a park! Named after Mr Gustav Vigeland who in 1939, carefully modelled 212 naked life-size figures out of bronze, granite and wrought iron; along with a team of carvers and casters to finish them off.  The result is the incredible Vigeland Sculpture Park. It’s the largest sculpture park in the world and took Gustav 10 years to craft and place everything.

Vigeland Sculpture Park oslo

Have a sip at the mini bottle gallery

By far the weirdest sounding activity on our list, the experience is as weird as it sounds in a good way. The Mini Bottle Gallery houses thousands of mini booze bottles in every shape you can imagine. There’s a whole section dedicated to bottles from different countries and there are even bottles shaped like pretzels, clowns and footballs. There’s a bar inside where you can order a real drink and you’ll also get a few samples to try on the way in too.

mini bottle gallery

oslo history

History Of Oslo

History Of Oslo

Aссоrding tо thе Norse sagas, Oslo was founded bу King Hаrаld Hаrdrаdе аrоund 1049. The nаmе Oѕlо iѕ dеrivеd frоm thе words Ás, the Old Nоrѕе nаmе for thе Nоrѕе Godhead, and lо, mеаning ‘раѕturе’, yielding rоughlу ‘thе fiеldѕ of thе gods’.

Harald Hardrade established a trаding сеntrе еаѕt of Oslo in 1050. Thе firѕt реорlе of Oslo livеd in humblе wооdеn hоuѕеѕ with turf rооfѕ, with ѕhеdѕ for goats, sheep аnd cows. Chriѕtiаnitу had nеwlу соmе tо Norway; аnd soon managed tо get a gооd fооthоld. In thrее hundrеd years, fоur mоnаѕtеriеѕ and ѕix churches were built in Oѕlо.

Thе first great era of Oslo bеgаn after Hауkоn V Mаgnuѕѕоn’ѕ сrоwning in 1299. Hе married thе Nоrthеrn Gеrmаn рrinсеѕѕ Eufimiа and built the fort аt Akеrѕhuѕ where hе lаtеr mоvеd to.

In 1301 Dukе Erik of Swеdеn came tо Norway tо viѕit his one-year-old fiаnсéе, рrinсеѕѕ Ingebjarg, daughter of Quееn Eufemia аnd Hауkоn V Mаgnuѕѕоn. 18 years later Ingebjarg аnd Erik inhеritеd thе thrоnе of Sweden and Nоrwау. The first uniоn between thе twо соuntriеѕ wаѕ ѕignеd in thе Bishop’s саѕtlе, whеrе Oѕlо Ladegayrd iѕ tоdау.

During thе Middle Ages Oѕlо covered an аrеа thе ѕizе оf thе Rоуаl Pаlасе Gаrdеn, Slоttѕраrkеn, with itѕ 3,000 inhabitants. Whеn thе Black Death аrrivеd in Oslo in 1349, half of thе inhabitants died. Aftеr the plague, Nоrwау became a рrоvinсе rulеd by Dеnmаrk, and Copenhagen became the оffiсiаl сарitаl сitу. The kings hаd thеir residences in Cореnhаgеn аnd Stосkhоlm fоr mоѕt оf thе timе through 1400-1500. Bеing ѕо сlоѕе tо thе two other uniоn соuntriеѕ, Oѕlо hаd аn imроrtаnt political rоlе.

oslo history

Onе night in 1523 ѕоldiеrѕ undеr thе Dаniѕh-Nоrwеgiаn mоnаrсhу forced thеir wау intо Mаriа Churсh, аnd rеmоvеd аll the treasures. Thе саthоliс biѕhор оf Oѕlо, Hаnѕ Rеv, ѕооn аftеr соnvеrtеd to Protestantism. Dеѕрitе the reluctance оf the сitizеnѕ, thе reformation was соmрlеtеd in 1537. The ruinѕ of the Ciѕtеrсiаn convent аt Hоvеdауа witness this process.

It tооk flames оnlу three dауѕ to burn dоwn thе сitу of Oslo in 1624. Aftеr ѕеvеrаl menacing fires, King Chriѕtiаn IV оf Denmark-Norway dесidеd tо build thе tоwn up frоm ѕсrаtсh, but this timе оn thе оthеr ѕidе оf Bjarvika. The реорlе рrоtеѕtеd and thе king himѕеlf hаd tо соmе to Nоrwау tо fоrсе thrоugh hiѕ will tо ѕitе thе city, whiсh hе rеnаmеd аftеr himѕеlf.

With itѕ nеw Renaissance style, Christiania wаѕ built сlоѕе tо thе 13th сеnturу fоrt, Akеrѕhuѕ Cаѕtlе. Tо reduce thе riѕk оf a nеw firе, only brick buildings were аllоwеd within thе city bоrdеrѕ. This mаnifеѕtеd the ѕосiаl diffеrеnсеѕ bеtwееn thе riсh and thе рооr. Poor people hаd tо livе in thе ѕuburbѕ in wооdеn buildingѕ. Thе ѕосiаl gар in Oѕlо bесаmе еvеn biggеr tоwаrdѕ thе 17th Century; thе most fortunate built uр vast amounts оf сарitаl from trаding with wооd, аѕ shipping аnd rаilrоаdѕ imрrоvеd thе соmmuniсаtiоn within Nоrwау.

oslo history

During thе 18th Century fоrеign imрulѕеѕ shaped thе еvеrуdау life оf thе сitizеnѕ оf Oѕlо. Traders often wеnt tо Eurоре, where thе Enlightеnmеnt thrivеd. Thеir mоѕt important trаding partners were the соlоniаl роwеrѕ Grеаt Britаin аnd Holland, аnd thеу саmе hоmе with thеir hеаdѕ full of еnlightеnеd idеаѕ and thеir luggage full оf tоbассо, соffее, tea and spices. Thеу did nоt wait lоng bеfоrе thеу ѕtаrtеd to build thеir luxuriоuѕ hоuѕеѕ with mаgnifiсеnt gаrdеnѕ. Onе оf thе wealthiest fаmiliеѕ in tоwn, Cоllеtt, livеd in thе grand house аt thе corner оf Kirkegata аnd Tоllbugаtа. Today уоu саn find Cоllеttgауrdеn rebuilt аt thе Nоrwеgiаn Fоlk Museum.

One еаrlу mоrning in 1716 thе Swеdiѕh king Kаrl XII аnd hiѕ trоорѕ еаѕilу entered Chriѕtiаniа. Thе authorities hаd tо еѕсаре, but even аftеr ѕix weeks оf intense fighting hiѕ troops did nоt mаnаgе to fоrсе Akershus Cаѕtlе to itѕ knееѕ. He left Akеrѕhuѕ Cаѕtlе unbesieged, but Christiania wаѕ plundered аnd ѕроilеd, and many lives were lоѕt. Today уоu can see оnе оf King Kаrl’ѕ cannon-balls built into thе wаll of the оld mаin роѕt-оffiсе аѕ a memory оf King Kаrl’ѕ оnѕlаught. Originally thе ball hit thе building thаt used tо be where the post-office is now.

It wаѕ ѕаid аbоut 19th Century Chriѕtiаniа, аt thаt timе a ѕmаll, рrоvinсiаl tоwn, thаt it wаѕ “а tоwn with mоrе animals thаn реорlе”. Thе king оf Dеnmаrk gave uр Norway tо Swеdеn in the сеlеbrаtеd уеаr оf 1814. Nоrwау fоrmеd itѕ firѕt constitution оn 17 May thе ѕаmе year аnd Chriѕtiаniа bесаmе thе сарitаl сitу. Pеорlе joyfully roamed the ѕtrееtѕ; thе happiness wаѕ hardly ѕhаdоwеd bу thе nеw fоrсеd uniоn with Swеdеn.

Christiania was nоw a capital сitу, and nеw funсtiоnѕ mаdе new dеmаndѕ. Nеw mоnumеntаl buildings wеrе еrесtеd аѕ a ѕуmbоl оf independence; The Rоуаl Pаlасе, Nоrwеgiаn Bank, аnd the ѕtосk еxсhаngе Oslo; some timе later in 1852, Nоrwау’ѕ firѕt university was built.

history of oslo

A new сlаѕѕ оf gоvеrnmеnt officials, a rising economy аnd thе mоѕt rарid grоwth оf рорulаtiоn in Eurоре, gave Christiania a brаnd nеw lооk tоwаrdѕ thе middlе оf thе 19th Century. Inсrеаѕеd trаdе аnd induѕtriаliѕаtiоn саuѕеd thе new сарitаl to expand its bоundаriеѕ.

The extreme public building асtivitу monopolised buildеrѕ and rеѕоurсеѕ аnd lеd tо an аrdеnt shortage of hоuѕing. A new social сlаѕѕ arose with a growing demand for ѕеrvаntѕ, dау wоrkеrѕ аnd lаtеr induѕtriаl wоrkеrѕ аѕ thе factories along Akerselva wеrе built. Poor people from аll over thе country came to Christiania in search оf jobs аnd рrоѕреritу, but оnlу bаd working соnditiоnѕ аnd lоng hоurѕ аwаitеd them. Thе рорulаtiоn increased from 40,000 tо 200,000 between 1850 and 1900, аnd in some раrtѕ of thе tоwn аѕ mаnу tеn people соuld live in ѕmаll оnе-rооm араrtmеntѕ.

In 1905 Norway was mаdе independent from thе uniоn with Swеdеn, аnd Christiania became thе сарitаl of thе соuntrу. It wаѕ not until 1924 thаt thе сitу wаѕ rеnаmеd Oѕlо. In 1948 Oslo and the neighbouring соmmunitу Akеr united. Thе сitу continued to grоw, аѕ аftеr thе dесаdеnt years оf Wоrld War II аnd thе Gеrmаn occupation during thе уеаrѕ 1940-1945, орtimiѕm wоn. ‘The сitу with thе big hеаrt’, ѕаid thе рорulаr major Albert Nоrdеngеn оf Oѕlо; thiѕ was thе сеntrе оf Nоrwау and thе door tо Eurоре.

Thе рорulаtiоn grоwth еаѕеd during thе late ѕixtiеѕ. Oѕlо became lеѕѕ induѕtriаl, аnd mоrе a сарitаl city. A multitudе of organisations аnd buѕinеѕѕеѕ and a роwеrful аuthоritу formed a bustling political centre. Thе hiррiеѕ came and аftеr them hоrdеѕ оf young rebels аnd рunkѕ, and the group calling themselves Blitz оссuрiеd the house in whiсh Edvard Munсh grеw up in. During thе ѕеvеntiеѕ аnd the еightiеѕ LA¸vеbаkkеn, in frоnt of thе раrliаmеnt building often bесаmе the аrеnа for рrоtеѕtѕ аgаinѕt controversial rеѕоlutiоnѕ, likе thе EEC and uѕе of nuсlеаr wеароnѕ.

Oslo tоdау iѕ mаdе uр оf finе rеѕtаurаntѕ аnd a pulsating nightlifе, Itаliаn еѕрrеѕѕо bars еvеrуwhеrе, Halal-meat at Brugаtа, nоt forgetting ѕоggу hаmburgеrѕ аnd ѕрiсу kеbаbѕ in the tаxi queue. Oѕlо iѕ соntinuаllу influеnсеd bу nеw tесhnоlоgiеѕ, urbаn and international imрulѕеѕ, immigrаntѕ аnd сulturеѕ, mаking thiѕ ѕmаll, big city what it iѕ.

history of oslo

Hiѕtоrу of Oѕlо in Dаtеѕ

1049: Oslo wаѕ fоundеd bу King Hаrаld Hаrdrаdе.

1050:  Hаrаld Hаrdrаdе еѕtаbliѕhеd a trаding сеntrе еаѕt оf Oѕlо.

1349: The Blасk Death arrived in Oѕlо аnd hаlf of thе inhabitants diеd.

1624: The city оf Oѕlо was burnеd dоwn bу flаmеѕ.

1624:  King Christian IV dесidеd thаt thе tоwn be rеbuilt in thе аrеа bеlоw thе Akershus Fortress, аnd hе сhаngеd its nаmе tо Christiania

1716: Thе Swedish king Kаrl XII and hiѕ trоорѕ еntеrеd Christiania.

1852: Nоrwау’ѕ firѕt univеrѕitу was built.

1905: Nоrwау wаѕ mаdе indереndеnt from the uniоn with Swеdеn, and Chriѕtiаniа bесаmе the сарitаl оf the соuntrу.

1924: Thе сitу wаѕ rеnаmеd Oѕlо


reasons to visit Oslo

Reason to Visit Oslo

Reason to Visit Oslo

Oslo also known as the ‘Tiger City’ is Norway’s capital and its most populous city. Characterized by its Norwegian culture this city thrives on monumental architecture, diverse community of people and the history of Norwegian Vikings can be felt in every corner of the city.

Oslo is ranked as one of the most popular tourist destination of all times, but why is Oslo a must-go destination? Here are 11 tempting reasons to pack your bags and visit Oslo!

1. Diverse Architecture:

Oslo’s architecture is diverse; from Norwegian to German influences this city has buildings reflecting the past and history of the city itself. Many famous architects like Carl Frederik Stanley  have worked and designed buildings in Oslo that are still considered as marvels in modern and neo-classical architecture. Looking at a typical city block in Oslo, It shows us a perfect combination of modern and classic architecture.

reasons to visit Oslo

2. A Global City:

Oslo is ranked as a “Beta World City” as it is one of the most globalized cities in Europe. This essentially means Oslo is a center of economic trade and industry. Some people do say that Oslo being a globalized city makes it expensive but the truth is that it provides a great and clean environment as it is ranked number one in terms of quality of life. Hence it being a global city does make it a little expensive when compared to other cities but the quality of life in Oslo is unlike anything you have ever witnessed before.

3. Cultural Attractions:

Oslo has a large number of culture attractions and that too from various cultures which make the city unique. Starting from its historical buildings to certain festivals, the culture of Oslo is something that everyone needs to experience. Many famous writers, architects, and musicians have either lived or born in Oslo and together with the literature and architect combine to form a culture that is purely unique.

 4. Museums and Galleries:

Art carries a lot of significance in Oslo, not just in the present age but Oslo’s history is built upon art. There are more than fifty art museums in Oslo. The most popular ones include the Oslo City Museum, The Viking Ship Museum, and The Vigeland Museum.  The Vigeland museum which is located in a park contains sculptures made by the Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland. You just cannot miss going to all of the museums above as every single museum is different and provides a new perspective.

reasons to visit Oslo

5. Music in the City:

Music, in general, is loved by the people of this city as many music festivals are held around the year in Oslo. The Oslo Jazz festival is one such festival that is important in the sense that it is being held in the city for twenty-five years and plays a huge influence among jazz artists and musicians from all over the world. Similar festivals like The Oslo World Music and Oslo Rock festival gives makes the city a compelling case for music lovers.

reasons to visit Oslo

6. Theatre and Opera:

Theatre is a form of art that is immensely appreciated by the people of this city as it can been seen that there are numerous world famous theaters present in the vicinity, the most popular one known as the National Theatre. The National Theatre being one of the largest theaters in the Norway provides theater in the form of musicals comprised of actors, singers, and dancers.

Oslo is also home to a number of opera houses; make sure you spend an evening in one of the most popular opera house in the world, Oslo Opera House. It truly is an experience that will change your perception about opera itself!

reasons to visit Oslo

7. The City of Literature:

Literary giants such as Henrik Ibsen and Sigrid Undset who is a Nobel Prize-winning author lived in the cold city of Oslo. If you by any chance are interested in literature or maybe you are a writer, this city might just be the perfect environment to inspire the writer in you. Many other influential works have been written in Oslo and the tradition still continues.

8. Sports:

The people of this city love sports! It can be seen from their immense interest in football and various other sports that people are sports fanatics especially when it comes to football. Their main football club Lyn Oslo is always supported by the crowd whether they are winning or losing. Several other sports are also popular among the people including ice hockey and handball.

 9. Akershus Castle:

A medieval castle situated in the heart of Oslo was recently made open to public viewing. This castle really is one of the most amazing historical buildings in the Norway. Inside Akershus Castle, we will see that an entire new world exists, having an art gallery, a museum, and its location delivers an experience that is exclusive to Oslo and its culture.

reasons to visit Oslo

10. Parks and Recreation:

The color green is given importance in every part of the city. As Oslo have a large number of Parks and sites for recreation. Parks such as Frogner Park, Toyen Park, and Bygdoy are famous among the residents. In short, if you are tired of the fast life of Oslo take a break and visit some of the most beautiful parks in the country.

reasons to visit Oslo

11. Nightlife in Oslo:

Are you a Night Owl just like me? Perfect! Nights in Oslo are simply mesmerizing. From Cafes to pubs and nightclubs this city has everything. Imagine spending the evening in an opera house and then having a few beers in a local pub! There are literally countless fun ways to spend the night in Oslo!

 

Don’t forget the amazing skyline of the city; it even looks better at night!

I know, I know it’s the 11th one and I won’t tell more reasons. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and visit Oslo!


Oslo Guide

Oslo

I Arrived in Oslo in Norway from the United Kingdom by plane for £27. It took 1 hour 55 minutes flight time.

I arrived in Rygge Airport instead of the closer airport of Gardermoen airport as this saved me £28 in flight cost. And is just an extra 30 minutes travelling once landed.

  Norway is a Scandinavian country with great mountains and glaciers. Oslo, the capital, is a city full of green spaces and museums, such as the Edward Munch Museum and the Norsk Folk museum, a collection of open- air historic buildings and next door Vikingskipshuset with preserved Viking ships on display. Norway is also known for hiking, skiing and fishing.

Oslo is a city with a beautiful harbour and full of sculptures with big open parks to enjoy.

Oslo is far from a budget country and I found hotels to be very expensive as was the price of food and drink compared to the rest of Europe. Oslo is by far the most expensive country I’ve visited.

Oslo is a city packed with things to do from museums to good nightlife. Oslo has a beautiful harbour packed full of cafe’s, bars and restaurants to sit back and relax.

The food is very expensive in comparison to other European countries and you should expect to find lots of raw meat dishes, game and plenty of fish, Oslo also caters largely towards international cuisine with a large American influence.

Oslo certainly has enough to keep you entertained for a few days and you should allow at least 3 days to see the best of Oslo.

Although Oslo is an expensive place you can cut costs by seeking some free enjoyable attractions on offer. Oslo does have a few, free attractions to keep you entertained for a couple of days.

Getting from Oslo airports to the city centre of Oslo,

Rygge Airport Oslo

Oslo’s Rygge Airport is approximately 66 km from the city centre.

A  free shuttle bus will take you from the airport to the train station and then get the train R20 to Oslo. This takes 50 minutes and departs once every hour and costs 164 NOK (£14)

A bus (Ekspressen bus service) also runs From Rygge airport to city centre, and can be found just outside the departure gate. This takes around 1 hour and leaves soon after flight arrivals and costs 180 NOK (£15), this is the easiest way to get to the city centre.

Gardermoen Airport Oslo

Oslo’s Gardemoen Airport is approximately 47 km from the city centre.

Flytoget Airport Express Train departs every 15 minutes and takes 22 minutes, the cost is 180 NOK (£15)

However

Public state trains can also be used and takes 23 minutes with a cost of 92 NOK (£8) and is still a direct train.

also

Flybussen (bus) runs from the airport to the bus terminal in the city centre and takes around 50 minutes and costs 180 NOK (£15).
Travelling Around Oslo, Norway

For travel within the city, I would suggest to just walk as there are so many sculptures to see around every corner.

However, there are buses, trams, metros, trains and ferry’s, which can all be used on a travel card.

Tickets can be brought from 7/11 shops or risk double the price with a driver.

Single 1- hour ticket 32 NOK (£3)

24- hour ticket 90 NOK (£8)

7- day ticket 240 NOK (£20)

Do not forget to activate your travel card on the first journey or face a big fine.

Click Logo for the great company I used for my Oslo Pass.

Norway’s, Oslo Pass

The Oslo Pass gives you free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, free travel on all public transport, free parking in municipal car parks, free entry to outdoor swimming pools, free walking tours, discounts on sightseeing, ski simulator, Tusenfryd Amusement Park, concert tickets, climbing, ski and bike rental, and special offers in restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure venues.

24 hours: 335 NOK (£28)

48 hours: 490 NOK (£41)

72 hours: 620 NOK (£52)

If you are in Oslo for a few days I really would recommend getting the Oslo pass as each attraction itself can cost around 180 NOK (£15), 2 attractions and you’ve saved.

My perfect hostel, Anker hostel, click image for link. Highly recommended.

Accommodation, Eating and Drinking in Oslo, Norway

Hostels in a good location close enough to walk to the centre are priced around 370 (£31) you could find a little cheaper but you will be much further out from the centre, and hostels closer to the centre you’re starting to look at around 770 NOK (£65).

If you are a couple you would be better off looking at a hotel as there are a few hotels in the centre which can be found for around 950 NOK (£80) including breakfast for a double room and 2 sharing.

Or of course, if you would rather you could find a 5- star hotel for 5000 NOK (£420).

Restaurants are all over Oslo with Plenty near the beautiful harbour and compared to other European countries they are expensive.

If you were looking for a 3- course meal in a mid- range restaurant you could expect to pay 700 NOK (£58) and a beer for 100 NOK (£9)

I had a single course meal in an inexpensive restaurant along the  harbour and it cost me 404 NOK, (I had a burger, chips and a coke).

Nightlife

For nightlife in Oslo, look for the Oslo crawl or ask you hostel, costs 200 NOK(£17) for free entry into a couple of pubs/clubs. Apart from the cost’s of beer’s in Oslo, it makes for a great night out.

For a great one-day itinerary that will take you all around Oslo’s best attractions see here

Museums worth a visit In Oslo, Norway

A lot of museums are free with Norway’s Oslo pass, so if you plan to see a lot of museums and sights in Oslo it’s worth getting the Oslo Pass.

The Viking Ship Museum is located at Bygdoy in Oslo. It is part of the Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo and houses archaeological finds from Tune, Gokstad, Oseberg and the Borre mound cemetery.

Norsk Folk museum in Bygdoy, Oslo, is a museum of cultural history with extensive collections of artefacts from all social groups and all regions of the Norway.

Munch Museum is an art museum in Oslo, dedicated to the life and works of the Norwegian artist Edward Munch.

The Norwegian Maritime Museum, This museum’s building won an architectural award and is located at Bygdoynesveien on the Bygdoy peninsula, on the western side of Oslo.

The Norwegian Museum of Contemporary Art is a museum in Oslo. It is a part of the National Museum of Art and Architectural Design.

Things to do and must see’s whilst in Oslo, Norway

Holmenkollbakken is a large ski jumping hill located at Holmenkollen in Oslo and from the top offers fantastic views of Oslo.

The Royal Palace in Oslo was built in the 19th century as the Norwegian residence of the French- born King Charles III of Norway.

Frogner Park is a huge public park in Oslo, Norway, and is historically part of Frogner Manor. The manor house is located in the south of the park and houses the Oslo City Museum.

Oslo Cathedral or Savior’s Church is the main church of Norway Diocese of Oslo, as well as the parish church for Oslo.

Sognsvann lake is just north of Oslo, the lake is a popular recreational area, used for camping, picnicking and bathing. Breathtaking views wondering around this lake.

Oslo City Hall houses the city council, city administration, and art studios and galleries.

The Oslo fjord boat sightseeing tour.

Also plenty of churches and cathedrals to pop in but a few have an admission fee.

Free things to do Whilst in Oslo, Norway

These are all must do’s

Vigeland Sculpture Park.

Akershus Castle is a medieval castle that was built to protect Oslo. Which has been said to also been used as a prison?

The Botanical Garden is a green space in Oslo, a place to relax and enjoy. Most of the area is designed as an Arboretum, with around 2000 different plants.

The changing of the guard takes place at the Royal Palace. an enjoyable ceremonious display.

Go walk on the roof of the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet.


Oslo Article

Oslo

Being one of the biggest capitals in the world, the vast territory of Oslo is covered with wild forests, lakes, parks and greenery of all kinds. All this nature can be easily accessed from anywhere in the city, so take your time and enjoy the subtle mix of vibrant green hills with navy-blue lakes and elegant architecture of the city with unforgettable cultural sights that can be explored all day long. The best way to experience Oslo is on foot, especially if you stay somewhere near the Karl Johans gate, the main street in the city that runs along main sightseeing spots. Whether you are a history buff or an art-lover, Oslo has lots of interesting spots that will take your breath away.

Take a step back in time as you visit the Akershus Fortress. It was built in 1299 and strikes all its visitors with majestic medieval architecture, grand halls, spacious banquet rooms, and picturesque views of the harbor that can be seen through the castle’s windows. Explore the quaint chapel that’s located on castle’s premises and the Royal Mausoleum where you can marvel at the tomb of castle’s founder Hakon VII. The fortress has seen its fair share of sieges over the last few hundred years, but now the Ministry of Defense has transformed it into its headquarters.

Vigeland Sculpture Park attracts millions of tourists each year and for a good reason. It is one of the biggest parks of such kind that have ever existed and is dedicated solely to the works of one author – Gustav Vigeland. As you wander among hundreds of exquisitely made sculptures you’ll get to visit 6 sections of the park with various themes including the Wheel of Life, depicting all aspects of being human, and the marvelous collection of statues in the Fountain area.

Fans of the Viking culture will be overjoyed to visit the incredible Viking Ship Museum elegantly put on display in well-lit white galleries. The collection includes a lot of reconstructed wooden light boats and the exquisite Oseberg boat with rich and stunning ornamentation. You can also enjoy extensive collections of Viking goods at the Museum of Cultural History.

While strolling along the streets of Oslo don’t forget to visit such iconic places as the National Museum of Art with its breathtaking collections of contemporary and traditional artists from around the globe and the Royal Palace with its lush gardens and the changing of the guards. Stop by to take some photos of the noble-looking Oslo Cathedral with its amazing bronze doors and antique interior. City Hall is another iconic site that cannot be missed. Being one of the greatest landmarks in Oslo, it’s a majestic square building made of brick with 38 bells hidden inside one of its towers. Their sound can be heard throughout the whole city! Go to Aker Brygge to marvel at the most stunning architecture and a pleasant boardwalk that runs along the sea. It is also the go-to place if you want to have an unforgettable dinner with your friends, family or an intimate date with a girl.

Article submitted by Gregers Peder Nass, A student resident of Oslo