Oslo is not just the Norwegian capital. This city is also a genuine gem in Europe, having been transformed into a world-class center of art and design. There are myriads of reasons why you should come and see the countless attractions on your own, but we’ve selected our top 10 reasons to visit Oslo that will make your stay here unforgettable.
If there is a city that can feature a museum at almost every corner, you may think of Paris or Madrid, but Oslo is at this level. Even though many of the city’s museums have merged over the last several decades, there are at least several dozens of museums that are worth your attention, not to mention the large selection of small museums and exhibits scattered through the city.
When it comes to museums, oslo has more than simple galleries. You can find anything to suit your taste. Are you a thrill-seeker? The Fram and Kon-Tiki museums are more than daring. Do you tend to prefer experimental and grim art? Then the lifelong work of Emanuel Vigeland, the brother of the famous sculptor, will surely impress you. Want to see some history in action? Visit the Norsk Folkmusseum, with it’s historical structures and skilled re-enactors. Just fancying a classical art gallery? The National Gallery and Munch Museum welcome you. Or, perhaps, you are a curious mind who wants to delve into something new? Head to the Norwegian museum of science and technology and the Holmenkollen ski museum!
If there is a genuine place for admirers of sculptural art, it’s definitely Oslo. Three unbelievably beautiful and impressive sculpture parks are located in this city. Vigeland Park, which is a part of the larger Frogner Park, is known worldwide and displays the lifelong work of Gustav Vigeland. Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park is also an admirable sculpture garden, and the park is located beside the Gallery of Contemporary Art. Tjuvholmen is considered to be the center of art and design within the Norwegian capital.
Don’t forget to spend a day exploring the recently opened Ekeberg park, which features the works of world-class artists. In this park, Edvard Munch created his famous masterpiece “The Scream.” But be ready to spend at least a half of a day here – the park is huge. After all, where else you could find such a treasure like these three parks with free entry than Oslo?
Norwegians are known as adventurers and explorers. In particular, you should pay a visit to the Fram museum with a known guide, who will narrate the exciting stories about the adventures of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, who used the vessel Fram to reach the North and South Poles. This ship is housed in the museum, open for all to see and walk on! Considering that this ship was the first to reach each both Poles, it would be a pity not to see it.
If you’re at Fram, don’t forget about visiting the Kon-Tiki museum, located nearby. It narrates the story of Thor Heyerdahl, who, with his partners, crossed the Atlantic in a simple wooden boat. You can also drop in Holmenkollen, the world’s oldest ski museum, which contains really precious artifacts. The statue of Fridtjof Nansen, an avid skiier among other accomplishments, stands in front of the museum. You can get up to the top of ski jump and observe the city from the observation deck.
Among the top 10 reasons to visit Oslo, Henrik Ibsen, Gustav Vigeland, and Edvard Munch shouldn’t be forgotten. These legendary personalities have brought Oslo into the world’s spotlight. They lived and worked in this city, bringing it to prominence. Gustav Vigeland created the world-known sculpture park of the same name, while his brother Emanuel laid the foundation for his astounding museum. Edvard Munch is known worldwide thanks to his work “The Scream,” which was painted in the Ekeberg Park in Oslo. Ibsen lived in a house at Karl Johans Gate and even visited the official ceremony of the National Theater opening.
As far as notable places in Oslo go, Akershus Fortress cannot be missed. This fortress has stood at the waterfront since the end of the 13th century and is a genuine symbol of the city. The one who controls the fortress controls Oslo. This fortress was located on its site long before the city of Christiania, which is now Oslo, was rebuilt near it.
Today, you can stroll through the fortifications, wonder at the restored interior, and view the resting place of kings. It is really a fascinating window into life in the age of castles.
Norway is truly a paradise for skiers. That’s thanks to a number of ski jumps and top-notch locations for skiing, as well as the world’s first ski jump and ski museum. Just take the metro and head to Holmenkollen. After you explore everything in the museum, you can climb up to the observation deck and get a spectacular view of the city.
Oslo can be called the Scandinavian center of art and design, as the city hosts an astonishing number of international exhibitions every year. This reason, among other top 10 reasons to visit Oslo, can be proven simply by observing the number of art galleries and studios that opened in the Norwegian capital during the last decade.
Amazing architecture is another excellent reason why you should come to this city. Who hasn’t been awed the Oslo Opera House or felt the impact of Stortinget. Another building to pay attention to is the Munch museum in Oslo, a strange cantilevered construction that suits its namesake artist. Just stroll across Tjuvholmen and observe the stunning contemporary architecture, or take our guided city walking tour to learn the history of several historical buildings.
Oslo is located next to the fjord of the same name, and a number of docks are located throughout the city. Whether you sit in a riverside restaurant and enjoy the views, or take a boat and head to one of the neighboring islands, you can enjoy the fjord. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even take a kayak out on the fjord!
Even though Norwegian cuisine is not as well-known as Spanish or French, it is still well worth trying. It has a major focus on fish, seafood, lamb, and reindeer. You can, for example, grab a good deal of seafood and fish at Fiskeriet or drop in the special place Pjoltergeist. Oslo also houses Maaemo, a restaurant touting three Michelin stars.
If savoury foods are not to your taste, be sure to enjoy the cultural favourite of sweet buns! From the classic cinnamon spice skyllingsboller to the delicious coconut coated skoleboller, you will not be disappointed. If you are taking a ferry, you can also try the tradition snack of svele or lefse, a sort of pancake eaten with cream, jam, and brunost, a caramelized brown cheese. There are lots of locations in Oslo where you can try traditional Norwegian food at a range of prices!
These are just the our top 10 reasons to visit Oslo, but this list can be truly countless. There is something genuinely magical about Oslo, which suits everyone’s tastes. This magic will keep you returning here again and again, even after you’ve experienced our top 10 reasons to visit!
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