Here are, according to us and our local team, the things to do and see in Oslo in order to get the real vibe, real essence of the city.
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1. Of course you could do all of the following or just register to our cultural scavenger hunt!
2. Take a look to this map of the city, to have a real idea on how it is built and organized.
3. Oslo Opera House
Home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet as well as the National Opera Theatre, the 1364 seat Oslo Opera House seems to almost want to slip into the city's harbor, an effect exaggerated by its angled exterior surfaces. Clad in Italian marble and white granite, the Opera House is the largest cultural building constructed in Norway since Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral in the 14th Century. In addition to its many performances, visitors can also participate in a variety of interesting public programs and behind-the-scenes tours… and, of course, enjoy a stroll on the building's roof.
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4. Akershus Fortress
Rising above the Oslofjord on the promontory of Akersnes sits the majestic Akershus Fortress, built by Håkon V at the end of the 13th Century. Take your time to wander the grounds and ramparts with their wonderful harbor views before exploring the quaint chapel with its tomb of Håkon VII (1872-1957) and the remains of the original medieval castle. Also located in the grounds is the Museum of the Norwegian Resistance. Be prepared to spend a few hours here learning about the German occupation of 1940-45. If you've any energy left, head over to the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum in Oslo's old Arsenal with its displays of weapons and exhibits illustrating the history of the Norwegian forces and the defense of Norway down the centuries.
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5. Oslo Cathedral
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6. City Hall
Oslo's enormous City Hall (Rådhuset) is undoubtedly one of the city's great landmarks. This imposing square building, built of concrete faced with brick, was designed by Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulson and has two towers, one of them adorned with a huge clock face. One of the towers houses the 38 bells that can be heard chiming throughout the harbor area. Along with its fascinating facade with its sculptures and reliefs, the interior is also worth a visit, boasting a rich fresco created by Henrik Sørensen, Per Krohg, Edvard Munch and other famous Norwegian artists.
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7. Aker Brygge
Built around an abandoned shipyard, Oslo Aker Brygge area is the heart and soul of the city. Bustling and vibrant day and night, its stunning architecture - that magnificent blend of new and old that perfectly compliments Norway's stunning natural beauty - is everywhere on display, and everywhere breathtaking. It's estimated that 12 million visitors find their way to Aker Brygge every year, drawn by its sea-front boardwalk, fine shopping, great restaurants, and cozy year-round patio bars with their snug rugs and fireplaces. While visiting, be sure to pop into the newly opened Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. The museum consists of two buildings: one for its own collection of works by such greats as Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, and Jeff Koons, the other for rotating exhibitions. Get Google maps directions>
8. National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design
Oslo's National Museum is a must-see, and in fact incorporates a number of exhibition venues across the city, so be prepared to spend time exploring them. The venues include the National Gallery (Norwegian artists from the 19th Century to the present, including J. C. Dahl and Edvard Munch); the Museum of Contemporary Art (modern Norwegian and international artists); the National Museum: Architecture (historical themes through to contemporary architecture); and the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design (design and crafts through the ages). Get Google maps directions>
9. Royal Palace
Located high up on the northwest end of Karl Johansgate, the Norwegian Royal Palace, built in 1825, dominates the cityscape. Although the impressive 173-room building is not open to the public, visitors are free to wander the grounds and gardens or watch the regular changing of the guard. Just to the south of the palace sits the Norwegian Nobel Institute, where the Nobel Peace Prize is presented. Get Google maps directions>
10. Vigeland Sculpture Park
The iconic Vigeland Sculpture Park - the largest such park in the world - is one of Norway's most famous tourist attractions. Open year round, this unique sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's lifework and contains 650 of his dynamic sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Vigeland was in charge of the design and layout of the park (completed in 1949), placing the majority of sculptures in five themed groups along a 2,800 ft long axis. The oldest is the fountain group, depicting the cycle of human life, beyond which can be seen the 55 ft high Monolith comprising 121 intertwined human bodies. (If you're interested in learning more about Vigeland the artist, visit the Vigeland Museum near Oslo's Municipal Museum.) Get Google maps directions>
11. Natural History Museum & Botanical Gardens
Oslo's Natural History Museum - consisting of the Geological Museum, the Zoological Museum and Botanical Gardens - is Norway's largest natural history collection. The Geological Museum includes minerals, precious metals and meteorites, plus an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons, while in the Zoological Museum you'll find dioramas of Norwegian fauna. Best of all, however, is the exquisite Botanical Garden. Founded in 1814, the garden features 7,500 different plant species from Norway and other parts of the world, 1,500 of them located in the beautiful Rock Garden with its waterfalls. Get Google maps directions>
12. Munch Museum
Dedicated to the life and work of Norway's greatest painter, Edvard Munch (1863-1944), the Munch Museum contains a vast collection of paintings, graphic art, drawings, watercolors and sculptures from the great artist's life. Containing almost 28,000 works of art in addition to personal effects and tools - even his private library - the museum also puts on special exhibits devoted to particular aspects of Munch's work through film screenings, concerts, guided tours and lectures.
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Petra is our Oslo local representative, we asked her what an ideal day of leisure in Oslo could look like, what would she suggest to do from early morning to late at night?
Here is what she suggests. Don't hesitate to contact Petra on Twitter @bigcitychase #Petra #questionforPetra if you have questions for her, we may publish your conversation in this blog if she thinks it might be useful to other Oslo visitors.
Petra from Osloo for Big City Chase Oslo :
"Hello big city chasers, my name is Petra, I was born in northern Norway (yes O know that makes it pretty much North!!) I moved to Oslo to study and stayed after when I started working. It's been more than 15 years now that I enjoy life in Oslo and I'd like to share my tips with you :
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