Oslo, set in beautiful surroundings, is the oldest of the
Scandinavian capital cities, founded by a Viking king in 1048.
Situated at the inner extremity of a 70-mile (110km) long
fjord, the city’s boundaries encompass large areas of forest,
the setting for many Norwegian tales about princesses, heroes and
trolls.
Despite being Norway’s largest city, it has a relatively
small population and a low-key atmosphere, with a mixture of old
medieval buildings and churches, modern architecture, wide streets,
a surprising number of excellent museums and galleries, and
acres of parks and gardens.
The Bygdøy Peninsula, a short ferry ride across the water,
is a sought-after residential area encompassing a fascinating
cluster of museums, including the large open air Norwegian Folk
Museum that presents a walk-through insight to the country’s
geography and history. Nearby, the Viking Ship Museum, the Polar
ship Fram Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum provide an
intriguing look into Norway’s varied seafaring past.
Other attractions include the Munch Museum, housing a vast
collection left by the city’s famous artist Edvard Munch,
Vigeland Park with its interesting collection of sculptures, and
the medieval Akershus Fortress dominating the seafront.
Oslo is a capital city representing national and
international cultures, with a centre that pulsates with bars and
pubs, busy cafes, restaurants and theatres. The main street, Karl
Johans Gate, is lined with shops and is the popular haunt of street
artists. The city’s thriving and vibrant character has given
it a cosmopolitan atmosphere and it has become a natural choice for
important events such as the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony that it
hosts annually in the City Hall.
Oslo, set in beautiful surroundings, is the oldest of the
Scandinavian capital cities, founded by a Viking king in 1048.
Situated at the inner extremity of a 70-mile (110km) long
fjord, the city’s boundaries encompass large areas of forest,
the setting for many Norwegian tales about princesses, heroes and
trolls.
Despite being Norway’s largest city, it has a relatively
small population and a low-key atmosphere, with a mixture of old
medieval buildings and churches, modern architecture, wide streets,
a surprising number of excellent museums and galleries, and
acres of parks and gardens.
The Bygdøy Peninsula, a short ferry ride across the water,
is a sought-after residential area encompassing a fascinating
cluster of museums, including the large open air Norwegian Folk
Museum that presents a walk-through insight to the country’s
geography and history. Nearby, the Viking Ship Museum, the Polar
ship Fram Museum and the Kon-Tiki Museum provide an
intriguing look into Norway’s varied seafaring past.
Other attractions include the Munch Museum, housing a vast
collection left by the city’s famous artist Edvard Munch,
Vigeland Park with its interesting collection of sculptures, and
the medieval Akershus Fortress dominating the seafront.
Oslo is a capital city representing national and
international cultures, with a centre that pulsates with bars and
pubs, busy cafes, restaurants and theatres. The main street, Karl
Johans Gate, is lined with shops and is the popular haunt of street
artists. The city’s thriving and vibrant character has given
it a cosmopolitan atmosphere and it has become a natural choice for
important events such as the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony that it
hosts annually in the City Hall.
