Sightseeing in Oslo - what to see. Complete travel guide

Oslo, the capital of Norway, lies deep in the picturesque fjord that has the same name. Although this is a large and a modern city, nature has always played an important role here. Oslo is the oldest city among the Scandinavian capitals. The population of Oslo is approximately half a million of inhabitants. Residents of Oslo are known as very friendly and hospitable people. The central part of Oslo is rather small and cozy. Almost all the tourist attractions are within a walking distance here.

The city has the full right to be called the cultural capital of the region. In Oslo you will find a lot of interesting museums, unique architecture and stunning works of art. The city’s Town Hall with its unusual towers is a wonderful example. Tourists are also recommended to visit the historic Akershus Fortress and the cozy Aker Brygge embankment . The embankment is equipped with numerous terraces that offer stunning views of the harbor. The main street of the city is Karl Johansgata . The very first thing you will see when you arrive there is the Royal Palace . The street is also home to a large number of shops where you can find everything you want. Trendy boutiques, cozy restaurants, and old pubs – you will find all of them in Karl Johansgata.

The Norwegian Museum of Ethnography.
This is one of the largest museums in the open air in Europe. The exhibition of the museum is devoted to peculiarities of life, morals and culture of Norway. It is situated in a picturesque place and offers visitors an interesting look at life of Scandinavia in the past. The territory of the museum includes more than 150 fully reconstructed traditional buildings from different parts of Norway. There are also exhibitions that tell about regional folk costumes, folk art and culture of indigenous people of Norway. Besides this, during summer months the museum hosts performances of numerous dancing and music bands. Visitors will also be able to enjoy various artworks and crafts, and trips in wagons. Especially for the children the museum usually makes historical playgrounds and antique shop that sell sweets. Do not forget to visit the wooden church built in 1200 that certainly deserves closest attention. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Fortress Akershus.
Akershus Fortress belongs to the most important sights of Oslo. Built approximately in 1300, the fortress was used as a fortified royal castle. In 1592, the building was expanded and was turned into a defensive fortress. In the XVII century, after one more renovation, the building was turned into a palace of the Renaissance style with numerous solemn halls for banquets and public receptions. The royal mausoleum of the palace has become the last home for two Norwegian Kings, Haakon VII and Olav V. The palace, surrounded by a beautiful park, is still used in special cases by members of the royal family. A part of the castle is used as a garrison. Changing of the guard in front of the palace takes place every day, and attracts a large number of tourists. It has already become a real show. Besides this, in summer the castle regularly hosts various concerts, dancing and theater performances.

The Kon-Tiki Museum.
Two years after the end of World War II, when it was very strange and unusual to make an expedition, Norwegian scientist Thor Heyerdahl set off to one of the most exciting expeditions of the XX century. He made this journey together with 5 comrades. The scientist built a simple wooden raft, which was made according to descriptions of ancient Indian rafts. On this raft he tried to cross the Pacific Ocean and reach Polynesia from Peru. Almost everyone thought that was not possible, but the scientist proved the opposite. On August 7, 1947, after 101 days of the journey, the "Kon Tiki" raft arrived in Raroia atoll in the middle of the South Sea, finishing its 7,000 km journey. This way Heyerdahl managed to achieve his goal – he proved that the Indians of South America had an opportunity to reach Polynesia. The Kon-Tiki Museum exhibits not only the original raft, but also other floating structures and objects from various expeditions of Heyerdahl, statues from Easter Island and the largest fish in the world - a 10-meter long whale shark.

Vigeland Park.
This park is one of the most popular attractions in Oslo. Vigeland Park attracts more than a million visitors a year. The unique garden exhibits more than 200 sculptures of a human height and higher made of bronze, granite and wrought iron. All the sculptures were made by sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943), who spent a large part of his life in Oslo. The figures represent the entire world of human feelings: sadness, joy, love... The 17-meter tall stone Monolith composed of 121 interlaced bodies usually leaves the biggest impression. This is the largest granite sculpture in the world. Vigeland created not only the sculptures. He was also the designer of the park, which is an idyllic place with a duck pond and shady paths.

Munch Museum.
During his life the Norwegian Edvard Munch (1863-1944), just like Picasso, was famous as one of the most significant artists of his time. Munch bequeathed a large number of his works to Oslo, where he lived for a long time. Munch Museum Collection consists of more than 5000 drawings, graphic works and paintings, among which, unfortunately, visitors will no longer see the most famous work by the artist - "the Scream." The painting was stolen in 2004, but it was found two years later. After this the canvas has been transferred to the National Gallery of Norway.