Oslo

By Joyce Ira

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Stortinget

Oslo Cathedral

Oslo is Norway’s largest city and capital. As a tourist destination Oslo is overshadowed by the natural landscape of more rural parts of the country, and the other large cities like Bergen and Trondheim which tend to be more "typically" Norwegian. Nevertheless, Oslo has plenty of sights, good nightlife and is worth seeing.

Must see places in Oslo.

Opera House – located near the central station. In 2008 it has been awarded as the best cultural building at the World Architecture Festoval in Barcelona. This is all because of the stunning design it displays. On top of the Opera House you will be able to see the great view of Oslo.

Royal Palace – located at the end of KarlJohans gate. There are tours organized in English on weekdays. Tickets are all sold at the post offices so do not expect them at the site when coming as you won’t be able to purchase any.

University of Oslo – houses the Faculty of Law. The university could be found in between the Royal palace and Stortinget on the Karl Johans gate.

Oslo Cathedral – it is under construction these days but will be finished in a year’s time. The church is one of the city’s main attractions which is located in between Jernbanetorget and Stortinget.

Kirkeristen – an old bazaar near the church.

City Hall – the spectacular main hall displays huge murals with Nordic socialist themes. It’s the venue for the yearly Nobel Peace Prize and admission is free.

Akershus Festning – a medieval castle built in 1299. This castle will give you a feeling of adventure with its tight passages and staircases. The two museums with Norwegian military history could be found inside.

Holmenkollen – one of Norway’s biggest attractions where more than 1 million visitors come every year. You can enjoy biking and other popular activities in this place during summer.

Stortinget – the Norwegian Parliament is open to public where guided tours in English and Norwegian are organized. It’s roughly 45 minutes and limited to 30 people. To join the tour, be at least 10 minutes early prior the start.

Henrik Ibsen Museum – located between Arbins gate and Henrik Ibsens gate. A must see museum especially for the kids.

Munch Museum – houses the famous paintings of Edward Munch. Admission is free.

Nobel Peace Centre – displays outstanding exhibitions.

Emmanuel Vigeland Museum – serves as a mausoleum for Emanuel Vigeland where his urns are placed inside. The main attraction in this museum with no windows is the 800 square meters fresco "Vita", (Italian for "life"), showing the human life from conception till death.

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History – an open air museum that features typical buildings from various periods in Norwegian history.
Viking Ship Museum – you will find two old Viking ships which is 1100 years old that contains Viking artifacts and burial chamber. There are skeletons in there, too.

The Holocaust Centre – located in Bygdoy, the former residence of the Norwegian World War II collaborator and nationalist leader Vidkun Quisling. This is the place if you want to do a research about the Holocaust.

Frogner Park – within 10 minutes from the city, you will be able to enjoy a large green recreation area perfect for relaxation. There are hundreds of sculptures decorated in the park they are made by Gustav Vigeland. The relaxing atmosphere is good for children who want to play. There is also a cafeteria, and two museums, the City Museum of Oslo and the Vigeland Museum. If you fancy an outdoor swim, Frognerbadet is situated next to the Frognerpark with 3 pools, several diving towers and a water slide.

Botanical Garden - the garden is a wonderful and relaxing area. Free entrance, opening hours 1 Apr-30 Sep: Sa-Su 10AM-8PM, M-F 7AM-8PM, 1 Oct-31 Mar: Sa-Su 10AM-5PM, M-F 7AM-5PM.

St.Hanshaugen - is a delightful public park on the highest hill in central Oslo. Great view of the city and surroundings. 1000 meters easy walk from Karl Johan Street along Akersgata-Ullevålsveien past Vår Frelsers Gravlund (cemetery). The park has also given name to this popular neighborhood as well as to the larger administrative district (borough) that includes major parts of central Oslo.

Slottsparken – is also known as Palace Park, surrounds the Royal Palace at the top of Karl Johan street. Oslo's most central park is a pleasant grass covered area with majestic old trees. Wide walkways crisscross the park.

Birkelunden and Olaf Ryes Plass - two cool parks in eastern Oslo, situated in the Grunerlokka, a so called Greenwich Village look-alike area. On Sundays a market is open.

Sofienbergparken - a lot of activities all day long and especially in the weekends; ball play, pick-nick, public barbecue, especially nice area for children.

Visit Ekeberg - the steep, green hill east of centre. From the wide hairpin bend at road Valhallaveien there is a great view of the city. This point is assumed to be the background for 'Scream', Edvard Munch's famous picture.

Stensbergparken - is close to Bislett Stadium. This charming park has an old church and a café on the top, and is your best bet if St. Hanshaugen is too crowdy (only a few minutes’ walk away.)

Var Frelsers Cemetery – is located in the north of city center on Ullevalsveien holds the graves of Edvard Munch and Henrik Ibsen.


Arrive at Norway's largest airport - Oslo International Airport, which is 45 kilometres from the city.

There is a comprehensive public transport system in Oslo, consisting of buses, trams, trains, metro and boats. All run on the same tax scheme, and the same tickets are valid for all modes of transport. A single ticket costs 25NOK when bought in advance from a kiosk or a machine, and 36NOK when bought from a bus or tram driver. The ticket is valid for one hour of free travel.

Trafikanten is the information centre for public transport in Oslo. It is situated just outside Oslo Central Station, by the foot of the clock tower. They hand out free maps, give information and sell all kinds of tickets. Their website has timetables, maps and search engines for all city transport in Oslo, as well as all transport in the nearby counties of Akershus, Ostfold, Oppland, Hedmark, Buskerud, Vestfold and Telemark. The Oslo Tourist Information Centre is in the same office, at the rear counters.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Oslo




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