Oslo is one of those rare European cities where nature and metropolis mesh and connect in ways that cruise passengers can enjoy without a great deal of effort. The Norwegian capital's compact city center puts many attractions within walking distance and others only a short transit away on ferries, trams, bikes or city busses.
Cruise ships deliver you directly to the city's doorstep. Step off the ship, and you're already in the city center. The main cruise port is situated alongside Akerhus Fortress, the medieval castle and royal residence dating back from 1299.
Radhuset (City Hall), worth a visit, is only a short walk away, as is the beautiful and bustling waterfront known as Aker Brygge, with its many shops and restaurants.
Between City Hall and Aker Brygge is the fascinating Nobel Peace Center. You could make a full day of visiting these attractions and never lose sight of your ship.
If you'd like to combine cultural excursions with some good shopping and a chance to enjoy Oslo's natural beauty, start your journey by picking up a 24-hour Oslo Pass (Norwegian Kroner 230), which gives you access to local transportation, admission to museums and more. You'll be able to find the card at Visit Oslo's information center in the cruise terminal.
Inspiring Museums
Show your Oslo Pass for free entry into the Nobel Peace Center, situated near the City Hall in a converted, historic train station. Opened in 2005, the Nobel Peace Center is worthy of a full-day's visit, but you're only going to be able to get a sampling of the interesting exhibits, intriguing presentations, and inspiring films. The current exhibit “From King to Obama” portrays the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s — the effort that paved the way for Barack Obama’s historic election.
Just a few steps from the Nobel Peace Center, use your card again to board the ferry at the sign that reads "Bygdøy Museums." Hop off the ferry at stop number two to visit three fascinating martime museums, all accessible with your Oslo Pass.
- The Polarship Fram Museum, featuring the entire original Arctic exploration ship FRAM, built in 1892, exhibited with its original interior and objects.
- Kon-Tiki Museum, containing the original vessel and objects from Thor Heyerdahl’s many exhibitions, including famous Kon-Tiki raft from 1947 and the papyrus raft RA II from 1970.
- It's a short walk from these two museums to see the world’s best preserved Viking ships at the Viking Ship Museum, featuring the 9th-century restored Oseberg, Gokstad and Tune ships as well as other findings from royal burial mounds around the Oslo Fjord.
Use your map to walk to the Norwegian Folk Museum, where you can see what life was like in the small villages around Norway in the past two centuries. Europe's largest and oldest outdoor museum features rural and urban houses from throughout Norway and a 13th century stave church.
[Continue reading: One Perfect Day In Port: Oslo part 2]
- Login to post comments
