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You are now standing at the entrance of perhaps the world's most spectacular sculpture park executed by a single person, Gustav Vigeland. He didn't only design and shape the statues, but also the magnificent park and all artwork formed in wrought iron. The wrought iron art in Vigeland Park are thus independent works of art, and many people don't always realize that this too is part of Vigeland's art. The gates you see have three circular fields where the top and bottom circles have the same motif with eight radii radiating from the center. In the middle, you'll find a circular motif with lizard reliefs that vary on all the gates. The lizards have been recurring in Vigeland's art since he worked on the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. The ideas about lizards could have been inspired by the large dragon reliefs found in Norwegian stave churches, and in many ways represent the contrast to humans. With the lizards, there is a struggle to survive and they do not hesitate to take each other's lives. In 1928, Vigeland established a smithy outside his studio where his collaborator and art blacksmith Alfred Mikkelsen became the chief of the smithy. There were also five blacksmiths employed, in addition to twelve skilled craftsmen who worked as plasterers or stonecutters directly under Vigeland's competent leadership. Among the blacksmiths, Vigeland was nicknamed "The Master", and without a doubt, the monumental gates you see clearly show the excellent teamwork that must have prevailed during their production. Whether you are coming or going, I wish you a great journey ahead.
King Haakon VII was Norway's first king in 600 years, following the country's independence from Denmark in 1814 and the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905. He was born on August 3, 1872, just outside Copenhagen. His original name was Prince Carl, and he was the second eldest son of then King Frederik and Queen Louise of Denmark. In 1905, the Danish prince Carl was offered the Norwegian crown and took the name Haakon VII after a referendum. At the time, he was married to Queen Maud, the daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of Great Britain. When they arrived in Oslo in 1905, they were met with jubilant crowds and the ringing of church bells throughout the city. The royal couple was officially crowned in the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim on June 22, 1906, after a longer coronation journey through Norway. King Haakon VII was a popular king in both good and bad times. During the occupation of Norway during World War II, he followed the government to England, where he, along with the Allies, made a significant contribution to the liberation of Europe. The King adopted the motto "Everything for Norway," which followed him until his last breath on September 21, 1957. (Text only: Artist: Stinius Fredriksen – 1972)
You are now standing right outside the monumental National Museum, where you can experience older and modern art, contemporary art, architecture, and design all under one roof and in completely new ways. The National Museum’s mandate is to develop, conserve, research, make available and promote public knowledge about Norway’s biggest collection of art, architecture, and design. The museum opened its doors for the first time in 1837. Since then, the museum has changed both its character, location, buildings and contents, but in 2022 Norway finally gathered many of its greatest national treasures under one roof. And here you are now. Go in, check out the exhibitions or use the links below for more information and booking.
"...if there is anyone who doubts the democratic will to win, let him look to Norway." The words belonged to the then American president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, during World War II. Crown Princess Märtha's persistent efforts for a free Norway left a clear impression on the American president. The Norwegian freedom struggle also became a motivator on the other side of the Atlantic. Crown Princess Märtha was born as a Norwegian-Swedish princess in Stockholm in 1901. She was the daughter of Prince Carl of Sweden and Princess Ingeborg of Denmark. Her full name was Märtha Sofia Lovisa Dagmar Thyra. She met Crown Prince Olav during the Olympic Games in Amsterdam where Olav won his famous sailing gold. They got married that year and moved into Skaugum in Asker, where they had three children. Crown Princess Märtha had great work capacity and an open, winning nature, and she soon became a popular and respected representative of the Royal House. She had a number of representation tasks, and also gave several speeches - something that was not common among the Royal House's women at this time. However, the Crown Princess's health was not good either. It was a blow for Crown Prince Olav and his family when Crown Princess Märtha died in 1954. She never became queen, but Oslo's bishop, Johannes Smemo, summed up her position as follows: "She has long held the queen's seat in our minds and she will never lose that."
Watch out! The renowned contemporary artist Brendan Murphy has brought his iconic Boonji Spaceman series to Oslo in the form of an almost 7. meter high, impressive installation with the appropriate title What's Next. Murphy takes the pulse of the zeitgeist and future of Oslo's dynamic centre and pays tribute to the city's rich historical roots and heritage by matching the matte blue body to the exact same colour as that of the Norwegian flag. What's Next represents Oslo's monumental metamorphosis and exciting future, while at the same time paying tribute to the city's rich history and culture. This gigantic blue Boonji is a beacon for Oslo's exciting future. The work is an artistic feat, and the sculpture, which weighs 1,360 tonnes, required extensive transport in five crates to cross the ocean. (The sculpture has been installed in collaboration with Norwegian Property and Fine art, Murphy's gallery partner in Oslo).
The man you see on the pedestal is none other than Gustav Vigeland himself, gazing upon his life's work, Vigeland Park. The entire area, with its over 200 sculptures, was designed and formed by the artist himself. He was born in Mandal in 1869, where his father was a master carpenter. Even as a boy, Gustav Vigeland demonstrated special skills in wood carving, and when he was just 15 years old his father took him to Kristiania (now Oslo) where he was apprenticed. However, he didn't want to become a wood carver, but a sculptor. After many lean years as a budding artist, he finally held his first solo exhibition in 1894, which resulted in several scholarships and made it possible for him to study in Europe. Upon his return to Norway, he worked as a sculptor for a few years at Nidaros Cathedral before he began to create several of what have become Norway's most famous busts and sculptures, including those of Camilla Collet and Henrik Wergeland that you can see in downtown Oslo. In 1921, the municipality of Oslo and Gustav Vigeland reached an agreement on Vigeland Park. In return for the municipality financing his work, studio, and living space, Vigeland agreed to donate all his works to the municipality without further compensation. Vigeland's home and studio have today been turned into a museum, and are also his final resting place. After his death in 1943, the urn containing his ashes was placed in the loft above his former dwelling in the museum, where it still resides.
Norwegians have been a traveling people since the dawn of time. Vikings, traders, explorers, footballers, students and business people have traveled the globe in search of new experiences. And many start their adventure right here where you stand now. Color Line has transported passengers, goods and vehicles out into the wider world since 1872, but then under the name "Kristansands Damskibsselskap". First, they established a fixed route between Kristiansand and Ferdrikshavn in Denmark. Today, the boats go between Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The "Kiel" ferry is a beloved and well-known route to Europe both with and without a car. Check out the links below for more information and booking.
You are now on the bridge with 58 statues of naked men, women, and children in all conceivable poses. The 100-meter-long granite bridge with lanterns and bronze sculptures was built over an older bridge, constructed in connection with Norway's Centennial Exhibition in 1914. Vigeland designed a new bridge and modeled the 58 bridge sculptures between 1925 and 1933. They constitute a rich variation of children, women, and men of different ages, some alone, others in groups. Calm standing figures flank the cube-shaped bronze lanterns, while running or otherwise dynamically moving groups unfold in freer spaces. Where the waterfall between the northern and southern Frogner dam runs, the bridge body is expanded on each side and marked with figures surrounded by powerful rings. The famous 'Angry Boy' (Sinnataggen) statue is also located here. Despite being among the smaller in size, the little boy is one of the park's biggest attractions. Although the bridge sculptures belong to the latest ones Vigeland made for the park, they were mounted first. In fact, the bridge was already opened to the public in the summer of 1940, while the rest of the park was a large construction site. By then, the four flanking, tall granite columns with people and lizards were also in place. The shell-armored demons have full control over their victims, the humans, thus providing a dramatic contrast to many of the bridge figures' carefree play and joy of life.
Few authors have made a mark on literature as the man in front of you has now done. Henrik Ibsen's dramatizations have been published, performed and filmed all over the world. He is considered the founder of the modern, realistic drama. Ibsen was a technical virtuoso of drama, one of the most skilled at using dramatic devices. He was born in Skien in 1828 in a wealthy home, but he quickly caught up with the realities of life when his father went bankrupt. He started working and studying at the same time in the evenings. Eventually he came to Bergen and was allowed to assist as a co-author at Det Norske Theater. Not long after, he made his debut with his first piece in 1953, and then things went from strength to strength. He continued his writing in Oslo a few years later, but had a short stay abroad of 27 years, including in Italy, before he returned to Oslo again. Well-known plays such as "A Doll's House", "An Enemy of Folk" and "Peer Gynt" are some of his world-famous works. There are over 200 known film recordings. Legendary Jane Fonda played the character Nora in the American version of "A dolls house". German, Russian, Japanese and Italian versions followed on a continuous basis. Henrik Ibsen died and was buried in Oslo in 1906.
Discover the scenic Oslo fjord, the zero-emisson way on a comfortable and relaxing fjord cruise on board the electrical vessel Oslofjord on a 2 hour sightseeing cruise. Daily Boat departures at 11:00 and 13:30 Meeting by the zero emission ships on Rådhusbrygge 4 (City hall pier nr 4). The boat stops at 12:45 and 15:15 at Bygdøy, where you can find Hop On stop number 5 to continue your tour through the city.
"Yes, we love this country, as it rises forth" The verse belongs to our national anthem and was written by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. He was Norway's great national poet from the mid-19th century, and since then has held a place as one of the "big four" alongside Kielland, Ibsen, and Lie. As a brilliant public speaker and active participant in public debate both in Norway and abroad, he was highly controversial - and much loved. Bjørnson was born in Tynset in 1832, but grew up in Nesset in Møre og Romsdal. He moved to Oslo to attend university, but instead began working as a journalist. His ability to communicate in writing quickly became evident, a gift he also had orally. Multiple theater reviews contributed to close ties around theater activity. For a while, he was the artistic director at Ole Bull's theater in Bergen, before he returned to Oslo as both theater director and editor. Romantic nationalism flourished in Norway. Bjørnson was influenced by his time, but was also versatile in his writing and concerned with depicting the darker sides of Norwegian folk life. All his qualities were rewarded with the Nobel Prize in Literature. Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson died in 1910. He left behind his wife Karoline and their five children.
You have now moved on to Gustav Vigeland's place for children. Vigeland found a natural spot near the pond where children could play, laugh, and enjoy themselves in slightly less culturally conditioned surroundings. Nonetheless, he was interested in leaving impressions that children could identify with. The sculptures you see take you from the unborn child standing in the center, head down, surrounded by eight toddlers on pedestals. Each statue represents familiar motifs from children's lives and play. Vigeland also designed a children's ferry which was put into operation for the delight of the park's young users, and the boat received its monumental granite pier a few steps further down from the Children's Place. For many years after World War II, the children's ferry chugged around to the great joy of visiting families with children. Today, the ferry has been replaced with living creatures, and you will find beautiful swans and quacking ducks bobbing in the water.
The Fram is the most famous wooden polar vessel in the world, and a symbol of Norway's significant participation in the heroic age of exploration. It was the first ship specially built in Norway for polar research. She was used on three important expeditions. They were led by the famous explorers Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup, and last but not least with Roald Amundsen to Antarctica for his South Pole expedition in 1910-12. Fram is now placed and exhibited in the Fram Museum in front of you, where you can study the boat and take part in the exiting stories of both boat and crew. You can find more information and booking on the links below.
Now we have arrived at the Kon-Tiki museum, which is a tribute to the explorer Thor Heyerdahl and his world-famous expeditions. The Kon-Tiki Museum exhibits objects from Heyerdahl’s world famous expeditions, the original Kon-Tiki raft, and the papyrus boat Ra II. In 1947 he crossed the Pacific Ocean on the balsawood raft Kon-Tiki. This was his first expedition to be captured on film, and was later awarded Academy Award for best documentary in 1951. He later completed similar achievements with the reed boats Ra, Ra II and Tigris, through which he championed his deep involvement for both the environment and world peace. He was also responsible for important archeological excavations on the Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and in Túcume. Book a visit or read more on the links below.
The little angry boy who clenches his fists and stomps the ground is the most popular sculpture in the park, known as "Sinnataggen" (The Angry Boy). Due to its popularity, it is also referred to as "Vigeland's Mona Lisa". The sculpture is indeed so popular that its hands and feet shine because everyone who photographs him, touches them. The sculpture was first named "screaming boy," and it wasn't until the 1940s that it got the nickname "Sinnataggen". Vigeland rarely titled his works, which left room for freer interpretations. Over time, "Sinnataggen" became a popular postcard motif among tourists and a sort of mascot for the city of Oslo. Vigeland is said to have drawn the first sketch of "Sinnataggen" as early as 1901. Ten years later, he modeled a smaller version of the same motif, of which at least four casts were made. His son inherited this sculpture and made at least ten additional disputed "junior casts" of the same figure. The sculpture has been vandalized several times. It has also been stolen but has always been recovered, to the delight of both you and me.
The man towering on the pedestal above you is King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway, and the longest reigning king in Norway. He was only 11 years old when he ascended the throne and held it for a full 60 years. Christian IV was born a prince at Frederiksborg Castle in 1577. The King received a thorough education. He mastered several languages and had knowledge in mathematics, history, and music. A separate guardian government ruled the countries until Christian IV was crowned on his 18th birthday. After the city fire in 1624, in what was old Oslo, he founded a new city in the shelter of Akershus Fortress. This city was named Christiania after him from August 1624, a name the city retained until 1925. Both Kongsberg and Kristiansand were named after him. The King traveled a lot in Norway and accomplished much, like establishing a customs system, a Norwegian army, and Kongsberg silver mines, to name a few. Christian IV was married to Queen Anna Catherine of Brandenburg in Germany, and they had three children together. He had more children through relationships outside of marriage. All of these children were given the surname Gyldenløve. Christian IV died in 1648.
Would you fancy a trip in a historic wooden schooner? Thats possible here at Norwegian Maritime Museum, or NMM, witch is a national museum with the responsibility to collect, research, and teach our Norwegian maritime cultural heritage. The museum has a wide range of interesting indoor and outdoor exhibits placed in a unique maritime environment. NMM was founded in 1914 as Norsk sjøfartsmuseum. Today, the museum is both a cultural history museum as well as an archaeological administrative museum with important responsibilities for cultural heritage, above and underwater, in ten counties. The museum is actively involved in historic vessel preservation, and it is possible to book trips with some of their museum vessels. Read more and book on the links below.
You are now standing by the beautiful Fountain, the oldest part of the Vigeland installation. Vigeland started modelling the fountain sketches as early as 1900. At first, he planned to place urns and human statues on the edge of the basin, but later altered these plans to the tree sculptures with people that you see today. Besides the practical task of transporting water, the central group also has a symbolic character. Just like the tree, water has been a symbol of fertility from ancient times, and it is possible that the flowing water in the fountain should be perceived as an expression of nature's renewing ability. It is certain that Vigeland saw the bearing men as a symbol of life's burden. Around the basin, there are a total of 23 tree sculptures and 60 reliefs on the edge of the basin. The symbolism of the fountain trees is entirely clear. The tree has been a symbol of life since time immemorial, and there are many references to it, from the Assyrian reliefs to Christian depictions of Adam and Eve under the tree of knowledge. The Ash Yggdrasil from Norse mythology could also be the starting point for the tree sculptures. The first main motif in the tree groups is therefore the introduction of the vast, life-giving nature that embraces humanity. The second main motif is that the groups together should give a picture of humanity; all age groups are represented in equal distribution, children, young people, adults and the elderly. The third main motif is the idea that existence is an eternal cycle without beginning and end. The individual ages and dies, the generation renews itself. The 60 reliefs around the edge of the basin depict, just like the tree groups, humanity's eternal cycle. As you walk around the basin, you will see the beginning of life from a child's curiosity to the daring initiative of youth. When you have come around, you will see old age where life fades out before death catches the reliefs in the eternal realm.
Right here, Queen Maud would stroll around alone or with her family. I wonder what she thought as she walked around these beautiful gardens and surroundings? Queen Maud was born in London in 1869. She was an English princess, daughter of the later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of Great Britain. Her full name was Maud Charlotte Mary Victoria. She married the then Prince Carl of Denmark at Buckingham Palace itself in 1897, and was offered the Norwegian throne in 1905 after the dissolution of the union from Sweden. Prince Carl then took the name Haakon VII, and the following year was signed as king in Nidaros Cathedral together with Queen Maud. The queen was seen as a somewhat quiet and reserved person in public contexts, but in private she was known as a caring, smiling and warm person. She enjoyed the outdoors, often on horseback or walking with her dogs. Queen Maud was famous for her excellent taste in clothes and beautiful dresses. She retained her close ties to Great Britain, and this became of great importance to the Norwegian government and royal family during the Second World War. Queen Maud died on 20 November 1938 during a stay in London. She is buried in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Castle.
You are now standing in front of the sculpture of King Olav V, who was the King of Norway from 1957 to 1991. He was a very popular king and always had an amusing story to share. The King always stood by the people, and when the oil crisis paralyzed Norway, he left his limousine in the garage and took the tram like any ordinary person. He was the son of King Haakon VII and Queen Maud and was baptized Alexander Edward Christian Frederik and was the Prince of Denmark. When his father was crowned king after the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905, the Prince was only two years old and took the name Crown Prince Olav. The Crown Prince was then the first Norwegian heir to the throne to grow up in Norway since the Middle Ages. He developed an early interest in sports and was an active sailor for over 70 years. The highlight of his sports career was when he won an Olympic gold in Amsterdam in 1928. The year after, Crown Prince Olav married Princess Märtha of Sweden and they had three children together. Monarchy has always been strong in Norway. The motto for the Norwegian kings has been "Alt for Norge" (Everything for Norway). Approachability, warmth, and empathy in good times, and decisive action in bad times, are descriptions that contribute to the Norwegian people not only standing behind our own king but also looking up to and admiring him.
Do you fancy a guided tour in The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet? Then you have the opportunity here. The Opera stands as an iconic testament to modern architectural brilliance. Designed by Snøhetta architects, its sleek marble exterior resembles an iceberg floating in the fjord, inviting exploration. When they opened their doors in 2008, they also revealedd a unique concept where visitors can walk on its roof, offering panoramic views of the city. Its interior mirrors the purity of Scandinavian design, featuring wood, glass, and steel elements. It is also the home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet companies, it hosts diverse performances, ranging from classical operas to contemporary ballet. The opera house embodies Norway's cultural prestige and architectural innovation. Read more and book performances or guided tours on the links below.
You are now standing in one of the world's most spectacular labyrinths. Vigeland's labyrinth is an over 1,800 square meters large mosaic in black and white granite that covers the square around the fountain. Like other labyrinths, it consists of a path that winds back and forth in intricate twists, creating a dense, geometric pattern. Due to the twists, the path is close to 4,000 meters long. Vigeland's labyrinth is therefore perhaps the largest ever laid in mosaic. He got the idea for the Labyrinth from the "roads" on the surface of a piece of coral reef. The labyrinth is likely intended to be a visual adornment around the beautiful fountain, but Vigeland definitely had a deeper philosophy with the labyrinth. The long, complicated path is a depiction of humans' journey through life on a road they cannot choose themselves, or otherwise change the direction of. Other labyrinths usually have an entrance that leads to a center where the path stops. To get out again, you have to turn around and go back the same way. Vigeland's labyrinth, however, has two entrances, one on each side of the fountain. If you enter one way, the path doesn't stop until you come out on the other side. Just try it!
You have just entered SALT, a complete cultural village with six stages, catering facilities and a sauna. SALT will be a display space for the city's creative environments, with a program that includes concerts, theatre, film, festivals, clubs, lectures, exhibitions, debates and family events. Throughout all seasons, visitors can relax in the sauna, quench their thirst and taste exciting food. The idea and the name are based on old Norwegian traditions. They call themselves a nomadic art project with pyramid constructions called "hesje", which is based on traditional construction methods along the coast of Norway. Norway has one of the world's longest coastlines and an old coastal culture where the people have fished in harmony with nature. The fishermen set up fishing lines to dry the fish in the wind. Dried fish not only provided people with nourishment, but also became an export item that has been significant in terms of building Norway. Try the food, have a drink, try the sauna and check out the versatile program on the links below.
You are now standing on the Monolith Plateau. Around you, you have the Monolith, 36 statues in granite, and the monumental circular staircase with its beautiful wrought iron gates. Unlike the bronze sculptures on the Bridge, this entire plateau consists of granite sculptures, demonstrating Vigeland's mastery in shaping various materials. The installation of the 36 figure groups started in 1947, four years after Vigeland had passed away. In 1947, the mounting of the 36 figure groups in granite on the monumental circular staircase leading up to the Monolith began. Although the style is different, the theme isn't so dissimilar from the fountain trees. Here, the cycle of generations and the emotional relations of humans to each other are expressed. The eight wrought iron gates you see are also different from those you see at the main entrance, and were forged after they were completed. Here are four single gates and four double gates, all with beautiful and exciting motifs of humans. To hear more about the monolith, you must move a little closer to the pillar.
Peter Wessel Tordenskiold was an admiral in the Danish-Norwegian fleet and born in Trondheim in 1690. His father was a loyal man and was both a merchant, councilor and ship owner. He had a total of 18 children. Peter hired his father's boat at an early age and as a 15-year-old he served on several slave ships before starting the sea cadet school in Copenhagen. Peter Wessel Tordenskiold was an admiral in the Danish-Norwegian fleet and was born in Trondheim in 1690. His father was a wealthy man who was a merchant, councilman, and shipowner. He had a total of 18 children. Peter started working on his father's boat at a young age and at the age of 15, he served on several slave ships before he started at the naval cadet school in Copenhagen. His path to the navy was short from there and he quickly rose in rank, eventually becoming an admiral. Peter was known as an excellent sailor and is often described as courageous, quick-thinking, and cunning. As the commander-in-chief, he led the fleet to several victories in battles against the Swedes and is credited with sinking the entire Swedish fleet in Gothenburg. This was also a significant factor in the Swedish King Karl XII giving up his attempts to conquer Norway. Perhaps he was sometimes a little too overconfident. He died in Germany in 1720, at just 30 years old, where he lost a duel with a sword.
The building that rises before you now, is the Munch museum, which is a tribute to Edwards Munch's life, work and art. The magnificent building opened in 2021 and offers 13 floors of experiences in front of the district's new skyline and reinforces the area's cultural diversity. Edward Munch is best known for his iconic work SKRIK, "The Scream", which, has become one of the most recognizable images in art history. Munch's artwork is known for exploring deep emotions, the fragility of life and human vulnerability, and his style combines symbolism, impressionism and early expressionism. Throughout his career, Munch created a number of other well-known works, such as "Madonna", "Pikene på broen" and "Livets dans". These works often reflect on universal themes such as love, death, jealousy and existential anxiety. Munch's ability to capture human emotions on canvas has secured him a place among art history's most prominent artists. Please check the links below if you would like more information or to order tickets.
You are now looking up at King Carl III Johan, who was the shared king of Norway and Sweden. When Norway became an independent country in 1814, this was met with considerable dissatisfaction by the Swedes. They occupied parts of Norway, and the Danish-Norwegian king, Christian Frederik, eventually had to abdicate. Norway entered a union with Sweden, and as part of the agreement, Norway was allowed to retain large parts of its constitution and self-rule. The king would be the same as in Sweden, and thus Karl II became the second Norwegian king in 1814. King Karl II died in 1818, and he was succeeded by Carl III Johan, who was crowned in the Nidaros Cathedral the same year. His real name was Jean Baptiste Bernadotte and he was a French private soldier who quickly rose through the ranks. After several years of opposition to Napoleon Bonaparte, they reconciled in 1804 and Bernadotte was appointed to France's highest officer title. His career did not go unnoticed. In Sweden, the aging king had no heir. The former French private soldier was offered the title of Crown Prince in Sweden and accepted it in 1810. The monument shows the saluting king on horseback in his officer's uniform and has adorned the Palace Square since 1875. King Carl III was married to Queen Desideria and he lived to be 81 years old. He was buried in Sweden in 1844.
Right now, you are at the highest point of Vigeland Park, and here stands the Monolith, a column over 17 meters high, consisting of 121 figures, carved out of a single block of granite. Hence, it was named the Monolith, meaning an artwork carved out of one stone. While the melancholic underlying theme of the fountain is the eternal cycle, the column allows for a completely different interpretation, human longings and aspirations for the celestial and divine. Many believe the column can be understood as a vision of resurrection. People are drawn upwards towards the sky, and traces of melancholy and restrained despair, but also ecstasy and hope can be detected. Moreover, the sculpture shows both solidarity and empathy among people. Gently, they support each other and hold each other firmly in this peculiar feeling of bliss and uplift from earthly life. Vigeland began to sketch the first ideas around the Monolith in 1919, and 8 years later, work began on carving the 121 figures in the stone block, which lasted for a total of 16 years. Vigeland himself stated that "the column is my religion," and with that, he probably expressed a recognition that the sculpture was a culmination of his artistic career where he got to gather all his visions. Vigeland never got to unveil the Monolith as he died the year before it was installed in 1944.
This stop takes you to The National Opera House, The Barcode Buildings , The Munch Museum, Deichman main library, Sørenga Seawater Pool, Oslo Cathedral, Oslo Central Station, Shopping Oslo City, Tourist info, into the Karl Johans gate and lots of others experiences. Time schedule Bus stop: 11.00, 11.30, 12.00, 12.30, 13.00, 13.30, 14.00, 14.30, 15.00, 15.30, 16.00, 16.30, 17.00
The stop at Karl Johans Gate takes you right into the heart of Oslo, and Karl Johans Gate, The Royal Castle and The Parliament are a few of the attractions you will experience.
You are standing by the sculpture "The Wheel of Life", which represents the end of the park. The wheel is a symbol of eternity and here it is formed as a rotating wreath of women, men and children holding on to each other forever. In this way, this sculpture summarizes the entire park's dramatic theme: A sculptor's reflections on humanity's journey from cradle to grave, through joy and sorrow, through dreams, imagination, hope, and longing for eternity. The Wheel of Life was modelled in clay between September 1933 and February 1934. Then it was cast in plaster. The method used in the plaster casting is called the lost form because the mould was broken apart at the end. The work on the Wheel of Life was technically very challenging, but Vigeland was pleased with the result and is said to have stated, "I have never been as skilled as I am now." After wandering around the park, you may wonder why all the sculptures, reliefs, and port figures are naked? Vigeland created the park for people, all people regardless of affiliation and class, regardless of time or space, irrespective of economics, gender, or ethnicity. Everyone should be able to identify with the art. Enjoy your journey ahead and thank you for your company.
Check out the 12 magnificent buildings that rise towards the Skyline behind the opera. They are called Bjørvika Barcode, and comprises twelve narrow high-rise buildings, varying in heights and widths, arranged with intervals akin to a barcode. Hosting prominent national and international businesses, the area accommodates 10,000 daily workers, alongside 400 apartments and a daycare center. Street level offerings include diverse restaurants, shops, galleries, and services, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere. The Barcode concept emphasizes architectural distinction, openness to the fjord, and ample light. Each building, designed by different architectural firms, embodies unique characteristics, creating an extraordinary architectural experience. Barcode stands as a testament to modern architectural innovation and urban vibrancy.
The stop at the Cruise terminal takes you to the beautiful center of Oslo. The Akershus fortress, The city hall, The Nobel peace center., The National museeum is some of the big attractions you can experience.
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Norsk folkemuseum, shows how people lived in Norway from 1500 to the present through its collections from around the country. The160 buildings in the Open-Air Museum represent different regions in Norway, different time periods, as well as differences between town and country, and social classes. The Gol Stave Church dating from 1200 is one of five medieval buildings at the museum. The contemporary history is presented through exhibitions and documentation projects. Permanent indoor exhibitions include folk art, folk costumes, toys and Sami culture. There is also a variety of temporary exhibitions and audience programs all year round. Manage your booking and read more in the links below.
"Yes, when one is about to die, it is a debut, as it will also be the first time for that!" These words belong to Wenche Foss, who was the grand diva of Norwegian theater and film in the post-war era. She was born in Oslo in 1917 and made her debut on the theater stage at just 18 years old. The reviews were stellar, and she went on to perform on stages throughout Oslo. In 1952, she played for the first time at the National Theater, before moving on to the Oslo New Theater. On the theater stage, she played everything from Mother Aase in "Peer Gynt" to Marilyn Monroe in "After the Fall". She handled everything from operettas, melodramatic theater, and comedies. She also had success on the big screen in several films. Theater and film no doubt shaped her life, but Wenche Foss is also remembered for her passionate commitment to the disadvantaged, as well as her effervescent humor. In 2011, she said goodbye to this world, and who knows, perhaps she is playing major roles where she is now. Wenche Foss was appointed Commander of the Order of St. Olav with a star, in 1988. She has the Red Cross's badge of honor and is a knight of the Order of the Dannebrog.
This tour takes you to the DFDS Terminal and the beautiful surroundings of the ferry terminal, hereby the well known attractions Akershus Fortress, The Fish Hall, VIPPA, Salt. It is also a short distance to the Norwegian Opera and the center of Oslo.
The Bygdø Royal Manor, Bygdø Kongsgård, has a past that stretches back to around the 12th century as a monastery estate, further as a barn under Akershus fortress and from 1905 as a permanent summer residence for the Royal Couple. Today Bygdø Kongsgård is Oslo's largest organic milk producer with a visitor farm, riding school, organic food production and horticulture. They mediate both modern and historical agriculture. There is a cafe/restaurant that serves food from the farm's own resources at the horticulture, Gartneriet. The restaurant is Debio certified and has the gold label. HM The King disposes of the main building and Oscarshall Castle with associated parks, while the Norsk Folkemuseum foundation has the right of disposal over the farm. The area has several marked hiking trails. The Royal manor hosts many activities and offers guided tours for schools, kindergartens and families. Check out the information on the links below.
The tall tower that looms before you was formerly a fire station in Oslo. It was built at the same time as the expansion of the adjoining building, the Bazaars, in the late 1850s. The station went by the catchy name, Fire Watch, and initially, the fire brigade counted over 35 men. The tower you see was not, as many believe, used to keep a lookout for fires. It was actually used to dry the water hoses. The much taller tower of the Cathedral, looming behind the station, was used for fire watch instead. The Fire Watch was the city's main fire station until 1939. The fire brigade never made it to the dramatic city fire in 1858 when the station was still under construction. As a result, 41 townhouses were swallowed by the flames. The fire probably hastened the process so that the station could become operational before it was planned to be finished. There was never a shortage of work at this fire station, and if there were no fires raging, there was perhaps always some cat that had strayed up a tree.
This stop takes you to the The Color Line Terminal, and further to the fantastic Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen towards the city centre.
Are you hungry and fancy some local short-distance food? "Gartneriet spiseri" is a cafe and restaurant that serves delicious flavors based on local ingredients they find every day in their kitchen garden, from Kongsgården or from the dairy or cheese-factory Ysteriet. They believe that good raw materials are made where the raw materials are allowed to grow on nature's own terms, and then of course they are organic, which also means that Gartneriet is certified with a gold label from Debio. They have what a restaurant should have, varied food, tasty drinks and good desserts.
This building has always been bustling with activity, and it exudes old history, quite literally. The distinctive name, the Bazaars, comes from the building's original use as butcher's stalls. It still has a certain aroma today, but not exactly of fresh meat - rather, the delightful odors of food and drink from around the world. The building was erected between the years 1840 and 1859, with over 50 butcher's stalls. Oslo was experiencing rapid growth with a massive influx of people, and in the years from 1850 to 1900, the city grew from 30 thousand to 230 thousand people. A bazaar is a market, often with an overbuilding. The name originates from Persia about 5 thousand years ago. The rapid population growth not only led to the expansion of this building, but more bazaars were also established in other parts of the city, including at Youngstorget. A beloved child has many names. The Bazaars were also known as Kirkeristen, named after an old bridge from the 1700s that was laid from here to the Oslo Cathedral cemetery. The bridge had open wooden bars to prevent animals from crossing over to the cemetery.
You are now standing in front of one of the last statues Gustav Vigeland made and the very last to be erected in the park, nearly 60 years after his death, in fact. The sculpture is called "Surprised" because the model, Ruth Maier, was surprised when she was standing naked for Vigeland as a model. While she was standing there in the nude, another person entered the studio. Ruth frantically tried to hide herself with her hands, and hence the sculpture got its slightly bent forward posture. Gustav Vigeland first used the motif with such a woman in 1904. The model was the artist's partner and assistant at the time, Inga Syvertsen. The model for the same motif well over 30 years later was the aforementioned Ruth Maier. She was a young Jewish refugee from Vienna who was studying art and writing literary texts. Half a year after she modeled, she was tragically and brutally sent to Auschwitz and killed. In Norway, over 760 Jews were deported and killed in this dark chapter of Norway's history. Feel free to take a moment to remember Ruth and the other Jews.
This road takes you to the summer palace of Oscarshall. The palace was commissioned by King Oscar I and Queen Joséphine, and was completed in 1852. Today it is the property of the state and is placed at the disposal of the King. Many Norwegian contemporary artists received commissions during the building of Oscarshall, and today it stands as a monument to Norwegian art and applied art from the 19th century. The palace, with its secondary buildings and surrounding park, is considered to be one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in Norway and is one of the country’s most important embodiments of the National Romantic style so popular in Norway during the period. In 1881, King Oscar II opened the palace to the public as a museum. The palace is usually open to the public every summer. Check out links below for opening times and guided tours.
This stop takes you to the Fram Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum. This stop is also quay for the Fjord Crruise.
The painter and author Christian Krohg sits overlooking Pipervika, which is the outlet to the Oslo fjord behind the City Hall. For half a century, he was one of the central figures in Norwegian art life. His art was influenced by where he was, be it Oslo, Skagen, Germany, or Paris. Krohg was born in Oslo in 1852 and eventually studied law with drawing on the side. Both interest and talent led the young man out into Europe where he continued to study art. Several of his paintings became widely known and hang today in galleries in several countries. As a painter, he excellently expressed naturalism, portraying people in their usual environment in a fantastic way. As an author, Krohg is especially known for his novel "Albertine" from 1886, a realistic portrayal of prostitution in Kristiania (now Oslo) in the 1880s. At that time, this was quite bold and the book was confiscated and Krohg was fined. Christian Krohg was engaged in artistic communities and was the first professor and director at the National Art Academy. He left this earth at 73 years old and is buried at Vår Frelsers Gravlund.
The seemingly ordinary man on the bike is none other than one of Norway's greatest heroes. Gunnar Sønsteby was a resistance man during World War II, also known as "Kjakan". Sønsteby was born in Rjukan in 1918 and in his youth, he was a very active outdoorsman. When the war broke out in 1940, he was working as an audit assistant, but immediately joined the volunteer forces and the emerging resistance. Based in Sweden, he carried out several missions in Norway, before being stationed in Oslo as a British intelligence agent, codenamed "No 24". Between 1944 and 1945, Gunnar Sønsteby led Kompani Linge's action group in Oslo, the Oslo Gang, which carried out many daring and successful operations. Among his code names were "Kjakan" and "No. 24". He led some of the most spectacular sabotage actions during World War II, targeting NS authorities and war-important targets such as railways, industry, and fuel storage. After the war, Gunnar Sønsteby ran his own consultancy, in addition to being a loyal defense friend and champion for war veterans' issues. When he was buried at 94 years old in 2012, Gunnar Sønsteby was Norway's highest decorated citizen, and the first and only recipient of the War Cross with three swords.
This stop at Fredriksborg takes you to the Holocaust Centre. The bus also stops when it returns. It is approx. 10 minutes to walk to the Holocaust center. Download the map and get both directions and information along the way.
Now you have arrived the Oslo Town Hall Square between the City Hall and the piers that extend out into the fjord called Pipervika. To the right of the City Hall and the piers, you see Akershus Fortress, which towers majestically over the city and down to the cruise harbor and the fjord. To the left of the City Hall you will see the Nobel Peace Center which is located in front of the National Museum. The commercial area Aker brygge lies to their left again and Tjuvholmen with the Astrup Fearnley museum completes the visual journey into the versatile life that dominates Pipervika today. In the old days, you couldn't stand here without being run over by furious cars. Here, the main traffic route ran through Oslo from east to south and west. And at Aker Brygge was one of the most important shipyards in Norwegian history. Fortunately, all of this is gone today, but there are still many dangers lurking underground. No, it's not underground creatures, but cars. The traffic still rolls from east to west, but now, luckily, in a network of tunnels a few meters below you.
This stop takes you to The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. The museum shows how people have been living in Norway since the 16th century and up until our own times. Nearby you will also find Bygdø Kongsgård and Oscarshall Palace.
You are now well positioned in the middle of Egertorget and in the middle of Karl Johans gate between Oslo S and the Royal Palace. The square was named after the Eger family who owned one of the buildings here, including where you see W.B. Samson's pastry shop. The old venerable pastry shop was established in 1894 and still has an outlet here. It was never initially planned for a square right here, but the open area reflects the remains after the parade street Karl Johan was extended downwards. If you look towards the fjord, you see Oslo's first high-rise building, Horngården with 8 floors. It was built in 1930 and is now protected. If you look up now, you see the gigantic neon advertisement for Freia. The chocolate factory, which inspired Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", was the first to put up neon signs in Oslo. And you've probably seen them! Egertorget is a popular place for street musicians and jesters. If you have a song in store, then just throw out your hat.
Now you have arrived at Akershus fortress and hopefully ready for 700 years of exciting history. The fortess was originally built at the end of the 13th century as a medieval royal castle with a seat for the king's representatives. Inside you will find Akershus Castle, the Defense Museum and Norway's Home Front Museum,(Norway's Resistance Museum) the concert and theater stage Karpedammen as well as cultural institutions and restaurants. Throughout its more than 700-year history, the fortress has survived several sieges, but has never been taken by force by a hostile, foreign army. Today it lies like a pearl in the middle of Oslo city centre, surrounded by green oak trees in the summer. As well as being a popular tourist destination and recreation area, the area is still a military fortress under Akershus' command. All entrance to the fortress area is free. The museums, events and eateries have their own opening times and prices. You will find more information in the points of interess in this guide when you enter the fortress.
Welcome to Akershus fortress visitor center. Here you will get a full overview of what is happening at Akershus Fortress, exhibitions, information and a good starting point for exploring the fortress. They also provide guided tours about the fortress's unique history.
The man in front of you was one of the most important politicians in Norwegian history. Carl Joachim Hambro served in the Parliament of Norway from 1919 to 1957 and was the President of the Parliament for much of his political career. Internationally, he served as a delegate in the United Nations General Assembly for 11 years following the establishment of the organization. Hambro played a pivotal role in the April days of 1940 following the German invasion, with his organization of the evacuation of the Norwegian Parliament and government from the capital. He was also the person behind the Elverum Authorization, which gave the government the right to make decisions without processing them in the Parliament, as long as the war lasted. Hambro was born in Bergen in 1885 and eventually studied language and literature in Oslo. His studies led him into the newspaper business, and Hambro was known for his written and verbal expressions. He received a number of top honors and was an honorary doctor at 11 foreign universities. Carl Joachim Hambro lived to be 79 years old and is buried in the Cemetery of Honour at Our Saviour's Cemetery in Oslo.
The stop at The Vigeland Sculpture Park takes you through the world’s largest sculpture park created by one person.
The statue towering over you now is none other than Henrik Wergeland himself, on a pedestal. He is considered by many as Norway's foremost poet. His close ties to the constitution and love for the nation inspired his poetry. Wergeland was born in Kristiansand in 1808, but at the age of nine he followed his father to Eidsvoll, who was one of the Eidsvoll Men who drafted the Norwegian Constitution. He made his debut as an article writer in Norwegian newspapers at just 13 years old, and the spark was born. He later moved to Oslo where his publications were continuous. As a writer, Wergeland was known for his romantic approach and commitment to public education. With his burning national heart, he became an advocate for the children's parades at the constitution celebration. "We are a Nation, we too, we Small, a cubit long:" This verse belongs to the poem of the same name, to which music has been added. Today it is sung by hundreds of thousands of children during the constitution celebration. Wergeland was only 37 years old when he died and is buried at Vår Frelsers Cemetery.
Here, you can follow the gravel road to the entrance and ticket purchase to one of the country's most central institutions for occupation history, The Norway's Home Front Museum. It was founded in 1962 and is housed in a half-timbered house from the 17th-18th centuries. The exhibition shows several aspects of the resistance struggle and daily life in Norway during the Second World War. The story is brought to life through peepholes, sound recordings and film clips. You can find opening times and information in the links below.
A visit to Akershus Castle is like a walk through Norwegian history from the 14th Century until the present day. Originally Akershus Castle was built as a medieval fortress in around 1300AD under the reign of King Håkon V. During the first half of the 17th Century, the Danish/Norwegian King Christian IV decided to modernise and rebuild it into a renaissance castle. In the 19th Century, the castle fell into disrepair and was close to demolition. Fortunately, Akershus Castle was rescued and restored during the first half of the 20th Century after Norway regained its independence in 1905. Today, the castle's splendid halls are home to the Norwegian government's official functions. When visiting the castle, you will find remains of the original medieval castle, rooms used as a residence for the Danish-Norwegian kings, gloomy dungeons, narrow hallways and majestic halls. The gorgeous castle church and the Royal Mausoleum are also part of your tour through the castle. More info and tickets follow below.
The Defense Museum is the main museum of the Norwegian Armed Forces, and has been housed in this old arsenal building at Akershus Fortress since 1860. The exhibitions show the history of the Norwegian armed forces, with an emphasis on the period from the 15th century to the present day. The exhibitions give an insight into the development of the Armed Forces and show how military thinking and the reality of war have been closely linked to technological, economic and political development. The museum has several thematic exhibitions and conveys information from all branches of defence. This is how you can, on a historical basis, take a stand on issues of defense history, and on the role of the Armed Forces today. The museum has many activities in and around the exhibitions for both young and old.
Do you have something on your heart that you wish to share with others? Then you have come to the right place! In front of the Parliament and the Lion Hill lies Eidsvolls Square. The square is one of the country's most important arenas for people's freedom of speech and engagement, and over 300 political demonstrations are held here annually. It got its current name in 1864 due to its proximity to the Parliament building, which was then under construction. In this way, the connection between the National Assembly at Eidsvoll and the new Parliament was made clear. Today, the square reminds us of Eidsvoll when Norway's constitution was written and adopted. On the square, you will find busts and statues related to political, constitutional, and artistic significance for Norway. The strategic politician C.J. Hambro, the poet Henrik Wergeland, and King Christian Frederick have all been unveiled at Eidsvolls Square. Democracy and freedom of speech are strong in Norway, and elected politicians traditionally have close connections to the grassroots. Therefore, it is fully possible to invite politicians from the Parliament to political demonstrations at Eidsvolls Square.
You are now in Spikersuppa, right in the heart of Oslo, and in the city's most visited area throughout the year. There's always something going on here! In the summer, you can enjoy the recessed pools and beautiful fountains with surrounding sculptures. In the winter, the pools are transformed into Norway's most popular ice rink and a traditional Christmas market is held every year. Spikersuppa has its history back to 1956, when Christiania Spikerverk gifted Oslo Municipality a makeover for the entire area. Part of the gift was a pond, which quickly got the name "Spikersuppa" in the local vernacular. The real name is Hjortedammen, after Arne Vigeland's sculpture of two deer in the middle of "Hjortøya". In Norway, we say that "we can't boil soup on a nail", a metaphor that means to make a fuss out of almost nothing, such as food. So Spikersuppa has nothing to do with this expression. By the way, you don't need money here, as this Spikersuppa can be experienced for free all year round.
The slightly squeezed statue in front of you is the memorial to the catastrophic fire on the car ferry Scandinavian Star in 1990. On the night of April 7, the ferry sailed from Oslo to Fredrikshavn in Denmark, but when it crossed the Skagerak, the fire alarm went off at two in the morning. In the hours that followed, several fires broke out elsewhere on board which indicated that they were arson. Scandinavian Star was towed to Lysekil in Sweden, where the fire was finally extinguished. 158 people were then killed, one person later died of injuries. Most of the dead were Norwegians. This is the biggest ship disaster in recent Norwegian history. The cause of the fire has never been clarified.
You are now standing in the open circular area, Fridtjof Nansens plass. Fridtjof Nansen is one of Norway's most versatile and internationally famous people of all time. He was a pioneering naturalist, polar expedition leader, writer and artist, diplomat and philanthropist. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922 and is one of the country's most decorated people. To the east, you can see the stairs leading up to the entrance to the Town Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each year. In the opposite direction, the road named after another famous Norwegian polar explorer, Roald Amundsen, stretches up to Karl Johans gate, the Palace and the Stortinget. If you follow the side street to the right of the City hall, you will reach the Crown Princess Mârtha's place before you enter the National Museum and the restaurant and shopping area Aker Brygge.
Here, in the middle of the city by Stortorvet, a sacred space opens up. Here is the Cathedral, which is open to the city and people in all their diversity. The doors are open every single day from Monday to Thursday during the daytime, and on Fridays in the evening. Then the visitors can light a candle and make an appointment for a conversation. As you can see, the cathedral is a magnificent building, and even though it is over 300 years old, services and events such as concerts, seminars, lectures and tours are still held throughout the year. Oslo Cathedral brings the city and the whole country together when they need something bigger than themselves. It is the church for the Royal House, the Storting and the Government. Check the links for more information and opening times.
Do you like to read? At least the man who originated the building and the library in front of you did, Carl Deichman. He lived in the 18th century and was a real voracious reader. Here at Deichman Bjørvika, which is Oslo's main library, you will find six floors of literature, reading and study spaces, stages, a cinema and workshops for young and old. In 1780, Deichman bequeathed his book collection to Christiania city, today's Oslo, just a few months before he died. He wanted the city's residents to finally have their first public library, and i 1785 the Deichmanske Bibliothek opened its doors for the first time. Today, Deichman has 22 libraries all over Oslo. The collection has grown to over a million books, films, CDs and other material. Carl Deichman's original collection is still intact and is well preserved on the main library's 5th floor. Enter, enjoy the atmosphere and see the rich selection and get to know the activities. Have a coffee on the roof cafe terrace or enjoy a better tasting experience in the restaurant. Opening hours and other information can be found on the links below.
You are now standing outside the apartment of Henrik and Suzannah Ibsen, which has been converted into a museum today. The world-renowned playwright lived here for the last 11 years of his life until his death in 1906. Alongside William Shakespeare, Ibsen is the most performed playwright in the world. The apartment has been restored to the time of Ibsen, with the poet's own furniture and inventory. The museum also shows exhibitions about the internationally known playwright's life and poetry. Every single day, Ibsen put on his hat and walked to the Grand Café, past the Parliament. With his characteristic white beard, he was a well-visible and popular man in the city streets, and he had his own regular table at the venerable café. Here he combed through newspapers in conversation with the city's elite and often enjoyed a beer and a dram. In the sidewalks along the route, there are now laid 69 quotes from his plays, speeches, or letters. Feel free to visit his apartment and familiarize yourself with the history of the playwright with a subsequent walk along all the quotes.
You may have already noticed it, words and letters embedded in street level everywhere. So, you are standing on one of the quotes from one of the world's most famous authors, Henrik Ibsen. His plays and dramas are read, performed, and filmed all over the world. You can find them embedded in the sidewalks from the Ibsen Museum on Henrik Ibsen's Street and past the Parliament on Karl Johans Street, the same route he walked daily from his apartment to the Grand Café. If you look around, you'll find a total of 69 quotes consisting of 4,011 sandblasted steel letters. The Ibsen Quote, also called Quote Street, consists of texts from Henrik Ibsen's poems, dramas, letters, and speeches. Famous plays such as "A Doll's House", "An Enemy of the People" and "Peer Gynt" are some of his world-renowned works. You can learn more about Henrik Ibsen by his statue outside the National Theater, not far from here. If you follow the quotes, you'll also come to the Ibsen Museum, where his home has been restored to the way it was when he and his wife Suzannah lived there, complete with the poet's own furniture, original colors, and décor.
Now you are standing at Jernbanetorget, midway between the start of Karl Johans gate and Oslo S, the bustling central railway station and transportation hub of Oslo! Oslo S stretces from the building Østbanehallen, up the stairs to Hovedhallen and then around the whole quarter which is as big as a small town. Trains have run here ever since Norway's first railway opened from Kristiania, today's Oslo, to Eidsvoll in 1854. Today, the station has grown and is connected to the entire railway network in Norway, as well as to Sweden and Denmark and further south in Europe. Oslo S is not just a station for trains and buses. There, travelers and others can relax, sleep, get information and explore a diverse range of stores offering fashion, electronics, dining, and more. Head inside, follow the map and check out the links to find more information about destinations, tickets and other information.
Here starts the harbor promenade from the Opera House to Sørenga, which takes you on an unforgettable trip packed with good experiences and impressions. First you come to the monumental opera roof, before you enter the idyllic Operastranda and the Munch Museum, then the promenade takes you to Sukkerbiten with its saunas and outdoor seating before you stroll across the fjord to the new vibrant district and the outcrop Sørenga with its popular sea bath. Operastranda in particular is suitable for families with children, and don't worry if you've forgotten your swimwear. The opera shop sells crab rope, towels and other nice beach effects. Good trip!
Do you use sugar in your coffee? They will surely fix that here! Now you have arrived at Sukkerbiten, which means sugar cube in Norwegian, is an artificial island, technically part of the Bjørvikautstikkeren. The name comes from the old administration building for Nyland's workshop that stood there in the old days, and which was a white, fairly square building, yes, almost like a sugar cube. Here you will find the outdoor restaurant with the same name, Sukkerbiten, and there you can lean back in comfortable sunbeds by the water's edge, and enjoy delicious music, a good atmosphere and a relaxing atmosphere that suits both young and old. Tempt it with a sauna and a refreshing dip. Both here and at other places along the harbor promenade you can hire a sauna. Information, prices and booking can be found on the links below.
Are you ready for an adventure! Then all you have to do is force the revolving doors of perhaps Norway's most famous shopping centre, Oslo City. Five floors of brands, delicious fragrances, great offers and a pulsating environment in safe surroundings await here. The center is connected by a footbridge to the Hotel Oslo Plaza and the Byporten shopping center across the road, and further on to the traffic station Oslo S. Check out opening times and other practical information below.
"It is important that art is not closed in. It must be shown and experienced. We have to learn from it.” The words belonged to Hans Rasmus Astrup, who is the founder of the Astrup Fearnley museum, which today has one of Europe's most extensive collections of international contemporary art. Astrup began buying art in the 1960s, and right from the start he built up a collection where the artistry was at the center rather than historical periods and styles. At the time of his death in 2021, the Astrup Fearnley collection consisted of more than 1,500 works, and it is constantly being expanded with new purchases. The works shown in the exhibition give an insight into one of the Nordic countries' most comprehensive collections of international contemporary art and show Hans Rasmus Astrup's unique contribution to the Norwegian art community. Visit, see, enjoy and learn! More information and booking at the links below.
Here in these beautiful surroundings is the Holocaust Centre, which communicates and conducts research on topics that stand in stark contrast to the surroundings. The center is a research, dissemination and documentation center with a spotlight on the Holocaust and other genocides, anti-Semitism, racism, extremism, conspiracy theories and the conditions of minorities in modern society. 766 Norwegian Jews were killed or perished as a result of the Nazi extermination policy. The Holocaust exhibition gives an insight into the fate of Norwegian Jews and Roma during the Second World War. Through exhibitions and events, the center communicates the stories of the victims and survivors, and reminds us of the importance of learning from the past. Visitors are encouraged to reflect and take action against intolerance and discrimination. The Holocaust Center is a crucial monument to honor the memory and promote human rights and dignity. We must learn from history! Visit, see, learn and reflect! More information on the links below.
Do you see the long quays with all the beautiful people crowding around the fashionable restaurants and apartment complexes? Now you are at Aker Brygge! In the old days there were no restaurants and no apartments here, but there were just as many people. They didn't have as nice clothes, and the good smell of food was replaced by diesel, burnt steel and old coffee grounds. Aker Brygge is built on what used to be the shipyard, Aker's mechanical workshop. The shipyard was established in the middle of the 19th century and gradually gained a large and central position in the Norwegian industrial environment which lasted for over 140 years. The shipyard was closed in 1982 and the old factory buildings were demolished or converted into modern housing. And suddenly the sounds that had characterized the center for just as long also disappeared. The banging against steel, the trucks and the countless signals for shift start, break or stop, ceased overnight. Walk round the quay, find a bench or a staircase and dip your toes in the water with a refreshment in hand. Drop by the side streets named after the old shipyard, find a comfortable place and enjoy life. More information and opening times on the links below.
Now you have arrived at Tjuvholmen, which is connected to Aker Brygge with its two small bridges. Previously, this was an abandoned part of Oslo, but now it has been transformed into a modern and artistic urban area. Here you will find many art galleries, a sculpture park, modern architecture, a five-star hotel and a number of good restaurants and cafes. Here you will also find the Astrup Fearnley Museum, which is a modern art museum located close to the water's edge. Tjuvholmen is a beautiful pearl today, but in the very old days, in the 17th century, the view that met the seafarers was probably a little different. The area was once a haven for the city's stray birds, and we're not talking about pigeons and seagulls. The name Tjuvholmen originates from the time when the city's thieves were taken to the court on the islet and hanged. It was not unusual for the spoils from both small and large robberies to be buried out here, which the police of course quickly caught wind of. If there is still a buried treasure here? Nobody knows, but you can always check out the links below with information and good offers.
What do Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Malala Yousafzai have in common? They have all received the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded here in Oslo at the Town Hall. Here, in front of the converted 1872 train station, you will see the Nobel Peace Center as is the public face of the Nobel Peace Prize. They use the power of the Nobel Peace Prize laureates’ ideas, work and causes, to engage and inspire small and large actions which make the world a more peaceful place. Experince exhibitions, guided tours, events, education programs, and digital content. The center disseminate laureates’ work, build knowledge and skills, and act as a meeting place to facilitate international engagement. The Center also serves as an arena for topical events and discussions related to peace, human rights, and conflict resolution. Visit the centre, or read more and book tickets on the links below.