10 Great Things to do in Oslo

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Oslo: Vikings, Peace, and Fjords

Many people dream of the fjords of Norway, and Oslo is one of the destinations that people flock to year around. One of the most expensive countries in Europe, Norway does not receive as many tourists as France or Italy, making it much more enjoyable as there are not unbearably long lines. Oslo, the capital, is one of the many great cities of Norway. It offers an abundance of museums as well as natural beauty. Here are some great things to do:

Radhus

10. Radhus: this unique town hall is different from the rest of Europe. This brick building, with its two towers, overlooking the fjord, also houses an art collection and is open to the public. Its sheer size and unique design makes it worth the stop to check it out on the way to the fjord.

9. Vigeland Sculpture Park: this large park near the city center is a great place for an afternoon stroll. With interesting sculptures lining the walk, you are constantly wondering what unique statue will be next? The sculptures by Gustav Vigeland can also be seen at the Vigeland Museum.

View from the Maritime Museum

8. Norway's Resistance Museum: although it may not be the top of everybody's list, this museum about the Norwegian resistance against the Nazis, is well made and sends an important message. It tells the story of the length that Norwegians went to sabotage the Nazi cause and resist occupation.

7. Center for Studies of the Holocaust and Religious Minorities: the museum within the center is very well done and explains what happened to Norwegian Jews and the Nazi resolve to exterminate them. It also explains how these ideas came to be, and can serve as a warning so that we can do commit the same atrocities today.

Also Opera House Seen from the Fjord Cruise

6. Royal Palace: built in the 1800s, this royal palace is not that old. But it is beautiful. And the road leading up to the palace is a quite enjoyable walk through a park. You can even go inside for some guided tours of the life of royals in 19th Century.

5. The Fram Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum: both of these museums tell the story of brave Norwegians hoping to explore more of the world with new designs of their ships or rafts. The Fram Museum is about the polar exploration and the ship that led people on this journey. The Kon-Tiki Museum tells the story of Thor Heyerdahl, who sailed the Pacific on his raft made from reeds, and it even has an Academy Award on display from the film Kon-Tiki.

Oslo Fjord

4. Akershus Fortress: built in the 13th Century, this fortress looks over the fjord and houses quite a few museums within it. But what makes this fortress so enjoyable is the abundant parks within it. It is a great place to take a walk, high above the fjord, with the green trees and ancient fortress walls.

3. Nobel Peace Center: this center explains how people are selected for the prize and gives background information on all of the past Nobel laureates. The exhibit is always changing to reflect the importance of remembering the past, and those who stoop up against injustice, and connecting it to the present, to encourage the promotion of human rights.

Viking Ship Museum

2. Viking Ship Museum: this appears to be one of the most popular museums in Oslo, and rightfully so. The museum has on display two to three original Viking ships, and you are able to admire the sheer size of these ships. The museum also has artifacts, such as swords and coins, used by the Vikings. This museum is fun for everyone that wants to learn more about Viking history.

1. Oslofjord: when people think of Norway, they think of fjords, and Oslo has one! Although not the cheapest of activities, you can spend the afternoon on the boat, cruising down the fjord, and checking out some of the beautiful houses and cities along the way.

The Fjord by Boat