If we talk about Northern Europe, Norway stands out among the most popular destinations, thanks also to the enchanting panorama of its fjords. An extremely green country, sensitive to the needs of eco-sustainability.
And if you haven’t taken this trip yet, be careful, because the places we are going to discover could cause an irrepressible desire to immediately buy a flight, or why not a cruise.
So get ready to immerse yourself in this extremely natural setting in search of tundras, colorful houses, woods, and the Northern Lights. Let’s start this guide with the first three main cities you can visit in this wonderful country.
What to see in Norway OSLO
Capital and largest city of Norway, founded in 1048 by King Harald Hardrade, although several studies certify the presence of peoples before the year 1000. The etymology of the city’s name is almost unknown, although it could have many connotations about the hill and the port.
The coat of arms of Oslo represents in a modern way an ancient medieval seal of the city, based on the legend of its patron saint, Saint Halyard, represented dressed in a red tunic, cape, and helmet sitting on a throne of lions holding arrows and a mill wheel. At his feet a naked woman. In the background a blue sky with four golden stars. Initially also a province of Denmark until its dissolution.
Also known in the past, after the destruction and reconstruction in 1624 caused by fire, as Christiania and subsequently as Kristiania until resuming its original name, Oslo became the most populous city after Bergen.
Oslo hosted the Winter Olympics.
In the city received the European Green Capital award, as the first city in the world to use the entrance to the center only by electric means.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THE CITY
THE AKERSHUS FORTRESS
Built towards the end of the 13th century, the castle was built by King Haakon V to protect the city. Some of the most important Norwegian monks were buried inside. Among the most interesting structures in Oslo, the fortress houses the Norwegian Resistance Museum and the Armed Forces Museum. Don’t miss the evocative changing of the guard, every day at 1.30 pm.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY
In this art gallery, we can admire the exhibition of many artists from the Romantic period up to the Second World War including Renoir’s sculpture, the “Triumph of Aphrodite” or “Degas’s Morning Toilet” and other works by Matisse, Monet, and Cézanne. Among the most significant works is Munch’s “The Scream”.
CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR
The building was consecrated in 1697, evocative thanks to its stupendous stained glass windows, created by Emanuel Vigeland, brother of the more famous Gustav. Painted on the ceiling scenes from the New and Old Testament.
VIGELAND PARK
You cannot visit Oslo without visiting this park, which is framed by the masterpieces of Gustav Vigeland, the famous Norwegian sculptor. Among his most famous works are “The Little Hot Head”, representing an angry child stamping his feet, and the “Monolith”, a 17-meter column, depicting 121 human figures entwined with each other. To best enjoy this open-air museum, it is advisable to visit it at sunset.
VIKING SHIPS MUSEUM
If you love boats and Vikings, this museum is for you. Inside are imposing Viking ships, a Norwegian symbol of transport, and funeral boats, used as coffins for nobles. Everything you thought you might need outside of this world was placed inside.
BALLET OPERA HOUSE
In the center of Oslo, the theater is considered the largest cultural building built in Norway.
TUSENFRYD AMUSEMENT PARK
An amusement park, the largest in Norway, both aquatic and otherwise, is ideal for adults and children.
FRAMM MUSEUM
Besides a rich gallery of images and documents based on polar explorations, the structure houses the Fram ship, a small Norwegian ship built by the Scottish naval architect Colin Archer, and used by famous Norwegian explorers in the Arctic and Antarctic.
OSLO CITY HALL
Home to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, inside you can admire works from the first half of the 20th century by Norwegian artists, representing the history and culture of this city. Furthermore, several spaces in the museum have been given free of charge for exhibitions of various artists in the area.
MUNCH MUSEUM
Next to the natural history museum and the botanical garden, this museum is dedicated to the artist Edward Munch, where we can find among the most important world-famous works including “The Kiss”, “The Madonna”, “Jealousy” and many still others.
HOW TO MOVE IN OSLO
The advice is to use the excellent public transport network, Ruter, by purchasing the “Oslo Pass” thus avoiding using expensive taxis. The city center can be visited on foot or by bicycle, enjoying the streets of the center at 360°. Bike rental with 243 stations served by a single company available with a figure of around 5 euros per day. It is advisable to take advantage of a guide on the first day to know all the cycle paths.
Even the ferries, to visit the neighboring fjords, are managed by the same Ruter company, with the same price list.
WHERE TO EAT
Among the most popular restaurants, we recommend Del Glade Gris, a family-run restaurant with an average price.
If, however, we don’t want to spare any expense, the top of the best restaurants in the world is Maaemo.
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENING
Oslo is spoiled for choice with pubs and clubs. Rosenkrantz and Karl Johans Gate are among the busiest streets, full of clubs, jazz clubs, and much more. Among the most famous nightclubs, Raspoutine stands out, but pay attention to the prices. Let’s remember that we are in one of the most expensive cities in Europe.