Oslo

Oslo is a metropolis with great recreational value. Oslo is Europe’s greenest capital. Oslo’s population has grown in the past few years and has nearly 550,000 residents.

Norway’s largest art collection is in the National Gallery. The most famous painting in this museum is the ‘skrik’ by the Norwegian painter Edvard Munch. This painting seems to attract a lot of thieves.  It was stolen in 1994 then found and taken again in 2004.  Unfortunately during the last heist, the painting was badly damaged and needs to be meticulously restored. The famous Norwegian painter’s artworks are displayed in two grand halls along with pieces of art from Picasso, El Greco and Goya that decorate the museum. 

Karl Johans Gate is the most expensive street in Norwegian monopoly. This famous street is packed with stores, hotels and tourist attractions and stretches from the train station to the royal family’s castle. An absolute must see is the Frognerparken.  Be sure to visit this park and see the many different sculptures that are so uniquely displayed.

Sport lovers are not the only ones who can enjoy the ski jump Holmenkollen.  From way up there you can get a great view of the Norwegian capital and enjoy a scenic walk as well.



A quick trip to the Vikinglandet park is well worth a visit.  Here you can get a taste of how the Vikings lived, learn about their history, sample some typical Viking food, and even see some of their hand craft.  Right next door is an amusement park filled with everything you could imagine; from roller coasters to bungee jumping.  Directions: E6 towards Sweden until you hit Vinterbro.

It is worth visiting the Museum island Bygdøy and seeing the famous author Henrik Ibsens’ office.  
For those ship lovers, another great museum to visit is the Fram museum.  In its heyday this very modern ship helped the famous Norwegian polar explorer Roald Amundsen travel to the North Pole from 1910 to 1912.  This ship was special because of the way it was constructed.  The belly of the ship was never compromised by the ice throughout its journey to the ice pole.  Instead of breaking through, the ship was raised onto the ice, and carried to its destinations. The stories and history of the polar explorers can be relived in this fascinating museum.  You can learn a lot about the life of a polar explorer from this museum, and also more about another famous ship the Gjøa.

With all of its tourist attractions, bars and restaurants this city offers a particular flair.  It’s even a lot of fun to wander around without a plan, and just stop in any café and treat yourself to a coffee.