Oslo, the
capital and the largest city of Norway, is located at an impressive head of the
Oslofjord. It is known for its green spaces and museums. The Holmenkollbakken,
a ski-jumping hill, offers panoramic views of the fjord.
Being back
in Oslo, I had to revisit two of my favorite places: the Vigeland Park with the
most interesting figures and the Opera House – located by the water and
offering ‘walk on the roof’ with notable views.
This time I
had a chance to visit the inside of the Akershus Fortress and not just the
outside. Dating from 1299, this medieval castle and royal residence developed
into a fortress in 1592, after which it was rebuilt into a renaissance castle
1637-1648. Akershus Castle includes several magnificent halls. It is not a busy
tourist destination and is worth seeing.
If this is
your first visit to Oslo, then the City Hall is a must visit and offers free
admission.
Vigeland Park
Opera House
City Hall
Akershus Castle
What to see in Oslo?
1. Akershus Castle and Fortress - medieval castle, later rebuilt into a renaissance castle.
2. City Hall - it characteristic architecture, artworks, and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, makes it one of Oslo's most famous buildings.
3. National Museum - if you like modern art, it holds Norway's most extensive collections of art, architecture and design.
4. Royal Palace - is open to the public only during the summer and you must follow a guided tour since this is a living space of the royal family. This is not a museum.
5. Opera House - the angled exterior surfaces of the building make it appear to rise from the water. One of the most interesting architectural and cultural buildings.
6. Vigeland Park - is the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist. (Tram 12 to
get there)
7. Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
/ Folk Museum - displays buildings from rural and urban Norway from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The buildings display folk art, folk dress, church art, Sami culture, and more. It is a great option to experience the Sami culture, if you're not heading above the Arctic Circle. (See September 2015 post) (Bus 30 to get there)
Where to stay?
Comfort
Borsparken is a good option. It is located across Opera House and walking
distance to Akershus, City Hall, National Museum, and Royal Palace.
Where to go from Oslo?
1. Scenic Train Ride from Oslo to Bergen is considered one of the world's most scenic train rides by Bergen Railway
2. Geirangerfjord is the most spectacular fjord of Norway, UNESCO World Heritage Site (see Sept. 2015 post); by NSB train about 5,5 hrs to Andalsnes, from Andalsnes by local bus
to Geiranger during the summer time only.
3. Lillehammer has one of the best open air folk museum, then continue to Trondheim with Old Town full of colorful houses set on piles (see Sept. 2015 post); by NSB train/Dovre Railway – it runs through beautiful Gudbrandsdalen valley across the mighty Dovrefjell
mountain range.
Opera House
Akershus Castle
