Founded over a thousand years ago, Oslo only became Norway’s capital in 1905, when the Norwegian Kingdom was restored. Three-quarters of its territory is covered by forests, lakes, and islands, giving the city a unique rural atmosphere. Even the city’s geographic center is located in a vast forested area. It is the only capital in the world where you can ski in the winter and swim in the sea and relax on the beach in the summer.
Entertainment and Attractions
Since ancient times, the best views of Oslo have been from the shores of the Oslofjord. From here, the capital’s main landmark, the redbrick City Hall, is particularly impressive. Every year on December 10th, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place in the presence of the royal family.
From the high left bank of the fjord, where the medieval Akershus Fortress stands, the cruise ships appear even more majestic. On the opposite bank, near the Aker Brygge waterfront, modern buildings are clustered tightly. In good weather, the waterfront cafes and the wide wooden steps leading down to the water are always filled with people.
Every day at 1:30 PM, you can watch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace. Another favorite spot for Norwegians is the Gustav Vigeland Sculpture Park, which features 227 nude figures depicting the journey of a person’s life. It is the world’s largest collection of works by a single artist, and Vigeland worked on it from 1907 to 1942.
From the Aker Brygge waterfront, you can easily reach the Bygdøy peninsula by boat, with its museums dedicated to great seafarers. The Fram Ship Museum is built around the legendary schooner on which Nansen and Amundsen sailed. The Viking Ship Museum displays three ancient longships. The Kon-Tiki Museum is dedicated to Thor Heyerdahl’s expeditions and houses full-size replicas of his ships, the Ra II and Kon-Tiki.
Oslo’s contemporary art galleries are also very popular. The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, reminiscent of a glass sail, and the Munch Museum, home to the famous “Scream,” attract many visitors.
