Oslo, the capital of Norway is unlike any other capital city. My first visit to the city in October and it felt like the city hugged me literally. There is so much that I can't point at one thing and tell you that that's why one must visit Oslo. It is arty, vibrant, corporate, modern, cultural, fast and lightfelt. One must visit to know the kind of energy I am refering to. I was in the city for about a week and one week is more or less enough to breath in Oslo in your heart. From the famous Munch Museum, Noble Peace Centre to the fjords- to the night life- Oslo has everything for everyone. A few places I would recommend on the basis of my travel are:
- Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park: The Sculpture Park in Oslo amazed me in every sense of the word; the fine lines- expressions portrayed--like they would come out alive. The unique sculpture park is the life work of the sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron. Gustav Vigeland modelled all his sculptures in full size without any assistance of pupils or other artists. The carving in stone and the casting in bronze were left to a number of talented craftsmen. Vigeland also designed the architectural setting and the layout of the grounds with their far stretching lawns and long straight avenues bordered with maple trees. The 80 acre park is a must visit.
- Akershus Fortress: Oslo's rich history is on display in the grand buildings and museums at this13th-century fortress in the city centre. The fortress is also a popular recreational area with great harbour views.
- Munch Museum: Remember the famous Scream painting, Munch museum-- is an art museum in Oslo, Norway dedicated to the life and works of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch
- Holmenkollen: Wish to have a 360 degrees view of the city, go to Holmenkollen for some speactacular panoramic views of the city.
- Oslo Fjord: Take a boat ride to the Oslo fjord in the evening. Each of the islands in the innermost part of the fjord has its own identity and distinguishing history. Visit a few of them, early morning and evenings are a preferred time.
- Royal Palace Oslo: Right in the heart of the city is the Royal Palace. The royal guards around the palace are a must watch. They are friendly and would happily click selfies with you
- Norwegian Troll: Trolls are supernatural beings in Norwegian forklores. Don’t forget to buy one of these as souveigners on your way back home.
- Noble Peace Centre: The centre is a showcase for the Nobel Peace Prize and the ideals it represents. The Center is also an arena where culture and politics merge to promote involvement, debate and reflection around topics such as war, peace and conflict resolution. The Center presents the Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their work, in addition to telling the story of Alfred Nobel and the other Nobel prizes. It is a must visit if you are interested in knowing about the lives and history of Noble laureates. Also, one can buy some exquisite collection of books from here.
- Karl Johans gate – This is the most famous street is Oslo. It stretches from theRoyal Palace to Oslo Central Station. Here you find hundreds of shops of all kinds and lots of street artists.
- House of Literature (Litteraturhuset): A must visit for all writers and book lovers. Norway's first and Europe's largest house of its kind is dedicated to literature in the widest sense of the word. On the ground floor you find Kafé Oslo, a well-equipped book shop and the main stage room, Wergeland. On the higher floors, there are five other stages and rooms for conversation, debate and presentation. Children and youth also have a floor of their own. The loft has a separate floor where writers can work and meet, and The House of Literature also has a writer's apartment for writers and intellectuals visiting from abroad. The house is meant to be a creative meeting place for everyone who is interested in books and literature.
Apart from this, you can just walk around the city and discover new places, cafes, gardens. Oslo has a lot to offer.
Happy Journey!