The Danes would have preferred Oslo to be called Christiania. But this is Norway, not Denmark. The capital of Norway, Oslo presents a cosmopolitan feel and design. Very much an international city with a healthy mix of nationalities and cultures, Oslo was formed in 1000 A.D. The Danes played the name changing game in the 17th century, but Oslo would go back to its original name, much like its attitude. Oslo is a place where what you see is what you get. The down to earth capital keeps the peace probably far better than the city of Christiania ever could.
Flickr: rodcasro
Oslo spills out with a number of pieces that make it what it is to Norway. The biggest city in the country and the sight of the Nobel Peace prize award, has several pieces you won’t want to miss, from the ultimate screamer to the Oslo Fjord and all of its serenity.
I Scream You Scream
In 2004, the city of Oslo put on faces similar to The Scream when the work of art was stolen. It would later be recovered and placed under high security in the Norwegian National Gallery. The gallery holds some of the biggest names in art. Do the names Matisse, Degas, Rembrandt, Cezanne, El Greco and Rubens ring a bell? The majority of crowds come here however to see Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Seeing the original rather than a reprint on a bad 6th grade teacher’s tie is an incomparable experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the National Gallery’s free admission on certain days throughout the week.
Statues in the Park
In the Vigeland Sculpture Park, you will find plenty of fountains, sculptures and statues. The works are all credited to Norway’s best-loved sculptor Gustav Vigeland. The park holds 212 sculptures alone. Among the most famous are the entwined lovers.
Spend the Day With The Vikings
The area in and around Oslo belonged to the powerful Vikings, as evident at the Viking Ships Museum. A little ways out of town, the Viking Ships Museum holds three authentic Viking Ships. The three ships date back to the 9th century. They were discovered not too far from Oslo, in the nearby fjords. The museum makes admiring the ships from the top to the bottom fairly simple. You can climb up perches on the corners of each room to see the ships from above.
Linger on the Oslo Waterfront
The main waterfront area in Oslo, with its long promenade, litters with restaurants, shops and street performers. Ships so large in size dock here, but there are also those moments with small town charm in the midst of a big city. From certain angles, this area can resemble a tiny fishing village, where fishermen chat the day away, surrounded by worn ships, tires and water. Other artifacts in the museum include old carts found near the ships and even some Viking shoes.
Be Prepared to Open Your Wallet
Oslo has, for the last few years in particular, been one of the most expensive cities not just in Europe, but also in the world. Budget travelers seldom get up to Oslo for this reason. Pocketbooks empty quickly. Travel budgets go to die in this city. You will have to cough up far more for meals and accommodations than you would in other European capitals. However if your dream is to see Oslo, budget at least double what you think you might spend. Take advantage of free attractions such as museum specials and walking tours.
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Written by Suzy Guese
