The capital city of Norway with its backdrop of hills, lies at the head of the Oslofjord, a 40-mile stretch of sheltered water surrounded by wooded hills dotted with summer houses that narrows dramatically about half-way up. Dominating the harbour is Akershus Fortress, a medieval stronghold and royal residence built around 1300, while the twin towers of the town hall face onto an exciting waterfront with shops, restaurants and pubs.
Among the special attractions of Oslo are the new spectacular Opera House resembling an enormous iceberg, the Viking Ship Museum at Museum Peninsula Bygdoy, housing discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune as well as other finds from Viking tombs around the Oslofjord. The exhibits include the world’s two best preserved Viking ships dating from the 9th century, small boats, sledges cast with exceptional ornamentation, tools, harness, textiles and household utensils all about 5-6km from berth by road or a short ferry ride across the harbour from the Town Hall. Nearby are the Kon-Tiki and polar ship Fram museums.
The Norwegian Folk Museum (close to the Viking Ship Museum) provides an opportunity for visitors to see the whole of Norway in a day! Norway’s largest and the world’s oldest openair museum presents 153 antique buildings from all over Norway including the Gol Stave Church dating from 1200, urban settings from 1700 and 1800 and an old petrol station. Urban and rural community life is also depicted with folk costumes and art, Sami and toy exhibitions.
Vigeland Sculpture Park (3km from berth) is Norway’s most popular attraction. Designed by Gustav Vigeland, who also sculpted the 200 or so monumental figures, it is a staggering artistic creation with a human message – the journey of life.
Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Ski Museum (under construction during 2009, the new Holmenkollen facility opens in the beginning of 2010) is set above Oslo with magnificent views of the city and fjord. From 2010 the Holmenkollen national facility is open for use all year. A ski simulator allows visitors to experience the thrill of a jump as well as downhill racing at Kvitfjell near Lillehammer. The museum displays the history of skiing over a period of 4,000 years, including equipment from the Polar expeditions of Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. In 2011 Oslo will host the World Ski Championship.
‘Oslo, Norway’s capital city, has an active and vibrant culture scene. Adventure, natural scenery, art and architecture are only a few things you can experience. Oslo’s city centre is small and very compact, and most museums, entertainments and shops are within walking distance. At the same time, Oslo is a green and environmentally friendly city, surrounded by the fjord and open woodland,’ says Margrethe Austad, Oslo Port Authority.
