Oslo is one of those European capitals that is just far enough away that it may take you a while to visit it.
Far away from what? Well from the capitals popular with tour groups and tourists. As far as Nordic capitals go, Stockholm and Copenhagen are bigger, Norway’s capital called to me because Grampa was from Norway.
The Oslofjorden gives the city a beautiful backdrop. It is a pretty city. It’s also an expensive city. In fact, it’s probably the most expensive of the Nordic capitals, but that doesn’t mean you should leave it off your travel wish list. Stroll beside the fjord, then get out on it, and you’ll soon think it’s worth the splurge.
See the Akershus Slott. This castle complex overlooking the Olsofjorden is an important and beloved symbol of medieval Oslo. It was originally built in 1300 as a fortress and royal residence. After a fire, it was rebuilt in 1527 as a royal Renaissance palace. It’s not the King’s residence now, but it is still used for state occasions. Tours are available in many languages including English.
For a look at where the current King and Queen live, visit Det Norske Kongehus. This palace is open to visitors only on occasion, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Stroll the Slottsparken, the castle park, and take in the afternoon changing of the guard. When the King is in residence, the Royal Guard band adds music to the pageant. A stroll in the park won’t cost you anything.
Nestled among university buildings is the National Gallery. There is Norwegian and European art here, but what everyone wants to see is “The Scream” by Edvard Munch. See the Radhuset, the City Hall, for more paintings and sculptures.
Take the T-Bane (the Metro) or a tram to Vigelandsparken, the sculpture park which contains the life’s work of Norway’s revered sculptor Gustav Vigeland. It’s in Frogner Park which is beautiful all by itself.
Explore more of Norway’s Viking history by taking a ferry to Bygdoy Island. You can see the Vikingskiphuset, The Viking Ship Museum. It contains three of the best preserved Viking ships. They were burial ships which were excavated from the Oslofjorden, and they are now exhibited in a specially built hall.
In a building nearby see the “Kon-Tiki”, the balsa raft that Thor Heyerdahl sailed on. For more sea-faring history see the “Fram”, the polar vessel that was used by the famed polar explorer Amundsen. The ship ventured father north and south an any other ship before it.
Also on Bygdoy is the Norsk Folkemuseum – The Norwegian Folk Museum. It’s an open air museum with buildings moved here from all over Norway. Some are old wooden buildings from medieval times. There is even an old Stave Church.
This far north, you’ll have the most sunlight for exploring in the summer when the day almost never ends. Walk and take public transportation to save money. Buy your beer at a grocery store and picnic in one of those great parks.
Check out the Oslo Pass, which is a pass for 24, 48 or 72 hours that covers your admission to museums and public transportation. You can get the pass at tourists offices, at City Hall, the Central Station, or the cruise ship terminal.
Strike out like the Vikings did and explore… I have a feeling Oslo will conquer your heart.
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Here are the latest Oslo Tours from Viator.com
Oslo Shore Excursion: Oslo Combination Cruise and Tour
Price: $50.37
See the best of Oslo when you are in port on a shore excursion that combines a sightseeing tour and boat cruise! The guided tour takes you to Oslo’s old town center and the Oslo Opera House, and the sightseeing cruise will take you past the Bygd y peninsula, home to several museums like the Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Museum and the Maritime Museum.
Oslo Shore Excursion: Oslo City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Price: $30.93
No matter what cruise ship you arrive on, this is the perfect do-it-yourself shore excursion in Oslo. Explore the sunniest capital in Scandinavia with this one day ticket aboard an open-top double-decker bus. See the main sights of Oslo as you hop on and hop off 10 conveniently located stops around the city. The nearest stop to the cruise port is Stop 4 (Cruise Lines), located just outside the cruise terminal. However you may board the bus at any of the 10 stops around the city.
Oslo Shore Excursion: Oslo Experience Cruise and Tour
Price: $76.83
Enjoy a combination coach tour and boat cruise to see the best of Oslo while you’re in port! On this sightseeing shore excursion, you ll visit the city center and see the Fram Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and other relics of Norway s maritime history. You will also visit the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Oslo Experience Cruise and Tour
Price: $76.83
Enjoy a combination coach and boat tour to see the best of Oslo! Visit the city center, and see the Fram Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and other relics of Norway s maritime history. You will also visit the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Oslo City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Price: $30.93
Explore the sunniest capital of Scandinavia with this one-day ticket aboard an open-top double-decker bus. See all the main sights of Oslo as you hop on and hop off at 10 conveniently located stops around the city.