Oslo is the oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities with a varied collection of cultural attractions and natural wonders. Situated at the head of a 60-mile fjord on the southern coast, Oslo is beautifully framed by a vast expense of woods, moors and lakes. Today, Norway's capital is a blend of 19th and 20th-century architectural styles. Woodcarvings and colorful frescoes decorate the city's buildings, and the parks and public squares are resplendent with unique works of sculpture.
The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
For a spectacular view of the city and the fjord, visit Akershus Castle. Sitting on a cliff, this fortress was originally built in 1300. The present structure dates mainly from the 17th century and features quaint buildings and beautiful grounds.
this is what the RCL says you really should see.
So, has anyone been there?
What more can you tell us about this?
I used to live there 20 years ago, the last time I visited was around 10 years back.
Here are some sights worth visiting:
National Gallery (Nasjonalgalleriet)
The National Gallery has Norway's largest collection of Norwegian, Nordic and international art from the beginning of the 19th century up until today. The main exhibition displays Norwegian and international paintings and sculptures from the 19th century up until today, including many of Edvard Munch's major works.
Changing exhibitions. Shop and café.
CLOSED: Mondays, 1 January, 1 May, 17 May, 24-25 and 31 December.
The National Gallery is part of the National Museum of art, architecture and design.
Vigelandsparken is one of Norway's most visited attractions with more than 1 million visitors every year.
The unique sculpture park is the life work of the sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron. Vigeland was also responsible for the design and architectural outline of the park. A monumental artistic creation with a human message that is well worth seeing.
The park is open all year at all times and is a popular recreation area.
The Viking Ship Museum presents great Viking-ship discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune as well as other finds from Viking tombs around the Oslo Fjord. The world's two best-preserved wooden Viking ships built in the 9th century. Small boats, sledges, cart with exceptional ornamentation. Implements, tools, harness, textiles and household utensils.
Closed every year: 1 Jan., Good Friday, Easter Eve, Easter Sunday, 24-26 Dec. and 31 Dec.
Free entrance with the Oslo Pass.
The University Museum of Cultural Heritage comprises the Viking Ship Museum and the Historical Museum.
The Kon-Tiki Museum houses a range of boats and artefacts from Thor Heyerdahl's expeditions. Here you can see the original Kon-Tiki raft (1947) with a 30 foot whale shark underneath, statues and a secret family cave from Easter Island (1956), the papyrus boat Ra II (1970), and an exciting collection of archaeological finds from Easter Island, East Polynesia, Galapagos and Peru. And, why not try out the interactive touch screen with CD-ROM facilities? Or visit the cinema with its non-stop showings?
The Kon-Tiki Museum can arrange birthday parties for children outside the museum's opening hours. It is also possible to host events (evenings) for groups up to 300 inside the museum and up to 500 outside.
The building of Akershus Castle and Fortress was commenced in 1299 under king Håkon V. The medieval castle, which was completed in the 1300s, had a strategical location at the very end of the headland, and withstood a number of sieges throughout the ages. King Christian IV (1588-1648) had the castle modernised and converted into a Renaisssance castle and royal residence. During the 17th and 18th century the castle fell into decay, and restoration work only started in 1899.
Guided tours of the fortress in the summer, all year on request.
Changing of the guards (HM The King's Guards) every day at 1.30 p.m.
The Kon-Tiki Museum houses a range of boats and artefacts from Thor Heyerdahl's expeditions. Here you can see the original Kon-Tiki raft (1947) with a 30 foot whale shark underneath, statues and a secret family cave from Easter Island (1956), the papyrus boat Ra II (1970), and an exciting collection of archaeological finds from Easter Island, East Polynesia, Galapagos and Peru. And, why not try out the interactive touch screen with CD-ROM facilities? Or visit the cinema with its non-stop showings?
The Kon-Tiki Museum can arrange birthday parties for children outside the museum's opening hours. It is also possible to host events (evenings) for groups up to 300 inside the museum and up to 500 outside.
Ahhh. I would love to see this museum one day. I had an intense childhood fascination with Kon Tiki. I didn't even know there was a museum dedicated to Heyerdahl and his amazing journey.
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Centrum Deck
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Cruise Places
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Europe
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Northern Europe
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Norway
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Oslo, Norway (Gathered Information)
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