Oslo, Norway
Oslo, Norway
Description
Forest-clad slopes plummet to an island-studded fjord. Welcome to Oslo, Scandinavia's oldest capital city. The commercial center of Norway, Oslo has been a major trading port for over a millennium. Its harbor is crowded with shipping that ranges from cruise ships to workaday shrimp boats. Though a relatively modest city in size - some 550,000 Norwegians call it home - Oslo is one of the largest capital cities in the world in terms of area. The hills and lakes of its outlying countryside are a paradise for lovers of winter sports. And the city itself boasts a sophisticated, yet cozy charm, with a blend of 19th- and 20th-century buildings, many decorated with woodcarvings and bright frescoes, and wide avenues dotted with public squares and parks.
Oslo is the least populous capital in Scandinavia. The city offers excellent theater, great cafés and quality shopping.
Points of Interest
- Vigeland Sculpture Park
- The Bygdoy Peninsula
- Holmenkollen Ski Jump
- National Gallery with "The Scream" Painting
- City Hall
- Hadeland Glassworks
- Akershus Castle
- Hadeland Glassworks
More about Oslo, Norway Points of Interest
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Vigeland Sculpture Park -
This strikingly designed park showcases the life work of renowned sculpture Gustav Vigeland. Stroll through five distinct gardens and view over 200 of his sculptures depicting the complete human lifecycle.
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The Bygdoy Peninsula -
Celebrate the great nautical history of Norway while visiting this charming, countryside peninsula home to a variety of maritime-themed museums including: the Open Museum, The Kon-Tiki, Viking and Fram Museums.
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Holmenkollen Ski Jump -
Perched high above Oslo, Holmenkollen is the cradle of ski jumping and the site of the 1952 Olympic ski-jumping competition and the 2011 Ski Jump World Championship.
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National Gallery with "The Scream" Painting -
Founded in 1837, Norway's most extensive collection of art and design is displayed in a magnificent historic building. The Gallery features works by Norwegian painters from the 19th century to the present day. View the major works by Edvard Munch, and his famous painting, "The Scream."
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City Hall -
Inaugurated in 1950, the building's unique architecture, vast collection of Norwegian artwork and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, makes this one of Oslo's most fascinating and treasured landmarks.
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Hadeland Glassworks -
Showcasing the age-old tradition of blowing glass - an art-form that has been practiced in the region for more than 230 years. The glass museum tells the fascinating story of the art and the artisans displays a unique collection of glassware dating from the 1700s to the 1990s.
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Akershus Castle -
Towering above the Oslo fjord, this medieval castle and surrounding fortress constructed to protect the capital of Norway during the reign of Hakon V, dates back to 1299.
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Hadeland Glassworks -
Nestled in the banks of Lake Randsfjorden, the Norwegian tradition of glasswork is artfully display in galleries and workshops. Watch glass-blowing craftsmen, learn the art's history and peruse the gift shop.