Oslo"s architectural and cultural sights
Oslo is one of Europe's most vibrant capital cities. Every year, Norway's capital attracts thousands of visitors from across the continent and further afield. And with its captivating mix of historical monuments and modern museums and galleries, it's not hard to see why. Oslo is a heady mix of history €" from Viking relics to the plays of Henrik Ibsen €" and contemporary culture. If you haven't visited the city before, it's never been a better time for a short break in Oslo.
Oslo isn't renowned for its architecture, but there are several must-see buildings that tourists should explore when visiting the city. The Royal Palace, for instance, is centrally located on Karl Johans Gate, the city's main boulevard, and is an example of architectural grandeur that rivals even Buckingham Palace. Tours can be arranged in summer and, since they can be very popular, it's advisable to book well in advance. Oslo Cathedral is also worth a visit, as is the city's Opera House, which was awarded the prize for Best Cultural Building at the 2008 World Architecture Festival in Barcelona. Its unique ship-like shape has won the Opera House many admirers and in the summer, visitors can climb up the building's marble slopes for a breath-taking view of Oslo.
Away from its buildings, Oslo is also known for its first-rate collection of galleries and museums. For valuable insight into Norwegian history and culture, the National Gallery, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and DogA (The Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture) are essential sites to visit. The Viking Ship Museum is also a must-see; the attraction showcases a range of Viking artefacts, including two 1100-year old Viking ships. And at the Fram Museum, visitors will get a taste of Norway's role in the history of polar exploration.
Moreover, many museums are also dedicated to Norway's greatest cultural figures. Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, for instance, is widely regarded as one of the greatest European dramatists of the 19the century and he features prominently on Oslo's tourist trail. The Henrik Ibsen Museum attracts thousands of visitors every year, and many die-hard fans flock to the National Theatre in the city, where his name is engraved over the main entrance. In the art world, Edvard Munch is one of Norway's most celebrated painters, and the Munch Museum is a major gallery for fans of the artist.
What's more, at Frogner Park, visitors can see hundreds of sculptures by celebrated Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland, part of the Vigeland Sculpture Park. This park is located 10 minutes from the city centre by subway, so if you plan to spend a lot of time here on your city break, it might be worth looking for a hotel in this area. It's especially popular with children, who are free to climb the sculptures. And with its three swimming pools, diving towers and water slide, nearby Frognerbadet is a great place to unwind after a long weekend of sightseeing and exploring.
Oslo isn't renowned for its architecture, but there are several must-see buildings that tourists should explore when visiting the city. The Royal Palace, for instance, is centrally located on Karl Johans Gate, the city's main boulevard, and is an example of architectural grandeur that rivals even Buckingham Palace. Tours can be arranged in summer and, since they can be very popular, it's advisable to book well in advance. Oslo Cathedral is also worth a visit, as is the city's Opera House, which was awarded the prize for Best Cultural Building at the 2008 World Architecture Festival in Barcelona. Its unique ship-like shape has won the Opera House many admirers and in the summer, visitors can climb up the building's marble slopes for a breath-taking view of Oslo.
Away from its buildings, Oslo is also known for its first-rate collection of galleries and museums. For valuable insight into Norwegian history and culture, the National Gallery, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and DogA (The Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture) are essential sites to visit. The Viking Ship Museum is also a must-see; the attraction showcases a range of Viking artefacts, including two 1100-year old Viking ships. And at the Fram Museum, visitors will get a taste of Norway's role in the history of polar exploration.
Moreover, many museums are also dedicated to Norway's greatest cultural figures. Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, for instance, is widely regarded as one of the greatest European dramatists of the 19the century and he features prominently on Oslo's tourist trail. The Henrik Ibsen Museum attracts thousands of visitors every year, and many die-hard fans flock to the National Theatre in the city, where his name is engraved over the main entrance. In the art world, Edvard Munch is one of Norway's most celebrated painters, and the Munch Museum is a major gallery for fans of the artist.
What's more, at Frogner Park, visitors can see hundreds of sculptures by celebrated Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland, part of the Vigeland Sculpture Park. This park is located 10 minutes from the city centre by subway, so if you plan to spend a lot of time here on your city break, it might be worth looking for a hotel in this area. It's especially popular with children, who are free to climb the sculptures. And with its three swimming pools, diving towers and water slide, nearby Frognerbadet is a great place to unwind after a long weekend of sightseeing and exploring.
