Oslo the capital of Norway is a city which reflects the worthy expression of Nordic identity in all its essence,image and soul,with its approximately 600.000 inhabitants and its special atmosphere that Scandinavian centre offers a stupendous natural scenery thanks the presence of unforgettable fjords,green areas and parks.
In addition to all those splendid features it shows a mixture of old and modern,its urban architecture was perfectly studied to enter in harmony with the woody areas which surrounds that splendid city.
In addition to all those splendid features it shows a mixture of old and modern,its urban architecture was perfectly studied to enter in harmony with the woody areas which surrounds that splendid city.
Many are the positive aspects visible at first sight in the Norwegian Capital,Oslo is a a very safe city,the transport system works very well,the distances when you move from an area to another are not so long, its magnificent image on the captvivating Oslofjord,the maritime Skagerrak scenery surrounded by the forests of Marka,gave that major Norwegian centre a beautiful aspect,a sublime picture completed by an outstanding frame.
Thanks to all that the city received numerous awards, in the year 2007 the Reader's Digest ranked the city among the top greenest and most livable cities in the world,it is among classified in the top 10 world cities with a very high standard of living although it is also one of the most expensive city of the globe and it was also declared as the best sustainable city in Scandinavia and Europe.
Many other aspects elevate that city as a prominent European and International centre.Its University was inserted in the top 100 ranking in the world,its harbour is one of the most important in Northern Europe and furthermore Oslo is today a relevant place particularly developed in Science research,new studies linked to the most sophisticated technologies,a high quality of architecture and furthermore great infrastructures.
The name Oslo is protagonist of some debates with different versions about its origin.The first and probably the most real is from the Old Norse language deriving from a large farm situated in an ancient settlement in the area of Bjorvika,called Äslo meaning meadow.During the Middle Ages the name was initially Ásló, later transformed in Óslo.In Norwegian modern language As can also means divinity so the interpretation could be also meadow or also a divinity or a God.
A curiosity and legend about the city is the he story of a young man who conquered the hearts of the all Norwegians.Many years ago Halvard (that was the name of the protagonist) saw a couple of men on a boat in the fjord of Drammen,not far from Oslo while they were trying to draw a woman.The man rushed to save the woman but he was hit several times by the arrow and died.His sacrificial gesture made him immortal through sanctification and becoming the Patron Saint of the city.
Historically Oslo was founded in the 11th century,exactly in the year 1049 by King Harald Hardrada despite it was a centre very famous in the Reign the most important settlement was Bergen which today is the second city of Norway.The former town had a good maritime activity and furthermore it was also developed a busy commerce with the interior thanks to the development of important routes starting from Oslofjord which was already in that time a relevant waterway.
In the early 14th century,King Hakon V installed a military fortress the famous Akershus Festning.The main reason of that construction was to defend the territory by the continuous Swedish invasions and to establish a stronghold which could protect the former town by the incursions of that powerful neighbouring
A plague which killed half of the population was an event in which the Monarch decided to join the Kingdom of Denmark in that case the areas of Marka and Drammen and the eastern side of the Norwegian territory at the border with Sweden in the current area of the city of Mälmo were protected by the Danes,all that was a sort of strategic alliance against a rival which was in continuous expansion.
A plague which killed half of the population was an event in which the Monarch decided to join the Kingdom of Denmark in that case the areas of Marka and Drammen and the eastern side of the Norwegian territory at the border with Sweden in the current area of the city of Mälmo were protected by the Danes,all that was a sort of strategic alliance against a rival which was in continuous expansion.
In the year 1624 Oslo was destroyed by a huge fire, but it was immediately rebuilt by King Christian IV, who renamed the city Christiania.Despite the strong efforts of Denmark to defend Oslo and Norway the land was conquered by the Swedes and in the year 1814 Norway joined the Kingdom of Sweden.It is from there the current Norwegian capital started to live its golden ages.
A strong economic and political growth,a constant urban development and a great quality of life elevated Oslo as the most important centre of the country,despite that union of those two Nordic countries was interrupted by a historic separation which took place in the year 1905.
That "divorce" was the desire by the Norwegian to have autonomy,independence and to play important cards at European level.Norway and Oslo after that event,established several diplomatic contacts all around the Continent,the country continued to live peaceful periods and the Kingdom declared its neutrality during the 2nd World although it was occupied by German troops in the year 1940.
The Nazi occupation was a strategical operation to have total control of North Sea facing Great Britain.As you know Norway thanks to its longitude,its several harbours developed on a long coastline in very strategic geographical positions was an ideal place to place a relevant fleet or warships and submarines facing the enemy.During the war there was an active and strong resistance of the locals and the Government in exile,continued to proclaim,declare and represent the independence of the country.
The post war was another period of golden ages for the city and for the country also because Norway did not suffer relevant damages.The local port gained a superb importance thanks to the discover of oilfields,all that generated an intense exportation of those products discovered in the North Sea and the country also joined the European Free Trade Association in the year 1960 with a relevant and significant image about trade and commerce.
Also culturally,Oslo is an important centre in several aspects,destination for international events,conferences and congresses,the Nobel Peace Centre opened its doors in the summer of the year 2005 in the city. That Institution proudly every Nobel Prize for Peace with the shows and telling the story of its founder,the Swedish Alfred Nobel.Also thanks to all that,cultural life continued to be very active and increased year by year placing the city in the group of Elite at International level.
Opera House in the Peninsula of Brovirka,is an excellent point to start the visit of the city,considered nowadays one of the most important landmarks of the Scandinavian Capital.Admired for its stylish modern design it is one of the most photographed places in the Capital,overlooking the fjord and not far from the centre.
The local Institutions wanted something of very representative also in modern key reflecting the worthy expression of Nordic identity also in terms of new infrastructures creating something linked to the cultural aspect and that centre mainly focused about Opera and Ballet with its imposing contemporary image had a great success,that building undoubtedly has an architectonic and also monumental in its kind quality expression.
The use of different materials as stone and wood was the result of an authentic masterpiece of progressive and modern art,the concept of that construction was to build something enduring for many years representing art in the present and future.
The local Institutions wanted something of very representative also in modern key reflecting the worthy expression of Nordic identity also in terms of new infrastructures creating something linked to the cultural aspect and that centre mainly focused about Opera and Ballet with its imposing contemporary image had a great success,that building undoubtedly has an architectonic and also monumental in its kind quality expression.The use of different materials as stone and wood was the result of an authentic masterpiece of progressive and modern art,the concept of that construction was to build something enduring for many years representing art in the present and future.
Karl Johans Gate is the main artery of the city,a splendid pedestrian boulevard 1050,0 metres long linking Oslo Ostbanhehallen the Central Station to the Royal Palace.Designed by the Danish-Norwegian architect Hans Ditlev Frants Von Linstow well known to have developed the project of the Royal Palace, along that avenue you can find several shops,vendors,street performers and entertainers.The name is in honour of King Karl Johan who was Monarch of Sweden and Norway.
Immediately on the right side you can admire Domkirche the Cathedral also known as Church of Our Saviour.It is a beautiful example of a cruciform Church in Dutch Baroque style with a brick facade and a magnificent tower with a bronze dome.
Erected in the 17th century,exactly in the year 1697 and consecrated two years later,it definitely very interesting to admire the elaborate stained
glass windows made by Emanuel Vigeland brother of Gustav Vigeland and the superb
ceiling paintings completed between the years 1936 and 1950.Another highlight is the clock tower which is dated 1718 and it is the oldest of all the Churches of Norway.
Relevant is its interior is the high altar in Baroque style developed in the year 1748 by the architect Michael Rasch depicting the Last Supper and the Crucifixion it was later moved to various locations around the country before returning to their original location from the church of Prestnes Majorstua in the year 1950.
The front of the organ and pulpit both belong to the original construction and occasionally concerts are held in that Church.Restored in the year 1849 by the architect Alexis de Chateauneuf,that Religious building is very famous about Royal events and ceremonies and King Harald and Queen Sonja celebrated their wedding there,in addition it was also the place where was crowned Prince Haakon Magnus and his wife Mett-Marit.
Across that street you can see Oslo’s largest department store,the famous Glas Magasinet, which offers many productsv and it is a notable place to enjoy shopping offering a wide range of design articles,clothes but particular appreciated for the presence of high-quality glass works.In Stortorvet,a square along the old Church walls there is the Bazaar Halle dated the year 1848, now occupied by craftsmen, greengrocers and other shops.
Eidsvolls Plass is a very charming square in which is situated Stortinget,the Parliament,completed in the year 1866 by Swedish architect Emil Victor Langle.Called Storting or Stortinget,which literally means The Great Thing,that building is famous for its unique architectonic aspect,dominated by a semicircular central section,it is a typical masterpiece of Neo-Romanesque Nordic architecture but with a combination of different elements with inspiration mainly from France and Italy.
The building presents a structure made by yellow bricks,relevant details very similar to a Louis XIV
Belle Epoque construction,in particular in its windows and Tuscany Romanesque brick arches.The basement is in grey granite with huge windows is particularly captivating and it is very suggested to see the building at sunset in a sunny days with scenic and shining reflections.
In the square you can also see a statue depicting Henrik Wergeland,a sculpture by Brynjulf Bergslien dated 1881 and it was unveiled in occasion of the Norwegian Constitution Day.
The name Eidsvolls Plass derives from the park which occupied the area before of the construction of the Parliament.In the year 1956 the architect Arnstein Arneberg reformed that surface with a creation of a decorative pool,a work which was commissioned by the company Christiania Spigerverk (spikerverk means nail factory),and that park was nicknamed Spikersuppa ('the nail soup).That area was developed with a fountain in the middle and during winter it is used as skating rink.
There,you can also visit Astrup Fearnleay Museet,the Museum of Modern Art Astrup Fearnley,which is a private Exhivtion of Modern Art opened in the year 1993 to house works by controversial artists such as Knut Rose, Bjorn Carlsen, Arne Ekeland,Damien Hirst, Yoko Ono,Francis Bacon,Gerhard Richter and many others.For the presence of those works it had a very successful answer becoming in a short time a very interesting attraction.
At the corner of Karl Johans Gate and Rosenkrantz Gate,you can admire a beautiful building the famous Gran Hotel Oslo.The construction is of clear French inspiration in Louis XVI revival style,decorated with a touch of Nordic Art Nouveau.Opened in the year 1874 by a pastry chef called Julius Fritzner,the block on Karl Johans Gate consisted of three buildings: the Bardoe,the Fuhr and the Heiberg.
Only one of them was equipped as accommodation and later Nicolay Fritzner brother of the chef bought the entire building but was Julius who ran the establishment.The famous painter Edvard Munch was a regular client at the Hotel Grand Cafe where he spent a lot of time.
The Hotel is a splendid mixture of tradition and new styles,it is absolutely a first class international accommodation for luxury,comfort and location and the famed writer Henrik Ibsen and the Nobel Laureate Fridtjof Nansen have received ovations from the famous corner balcony.Many Nobel Peace Laureates were hosted there such as Dalai Lama,Nelson Mandela,Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Calcutta,Mikhail Gorbachov and Lech Walesa among others.
Akershus Festning,is the iconic Oslo Fortress.Without doubt,it is one of the most important Norwegian medieval constructions,dated 14th century that fortress is historically famous because it was besieged in a long battle in the early 14th century,concretely started in the year 1308 with protagonist the Swedish Duke Erik Södermanland who became later King of Sweden.
In the early 17th century the fortress was modernised and remodelled under the Reign of the active King Christian I,with those works the castle lost its medieval aspect,taking a Renaissance image surrounded by strong bastions.Occupying a strategic location along the Oslo Fjord,Akershus Fortress is the result of several military buildings, whose name comes from a farm named Aker,owner of the land where was built the fortress and the medieval citadel.
That complex of more than 700 years,has survived several sieges but it has never been conquered by force by a foreign army.Throughout its history was used as a royal residence,as a prison and as place of execution too.
Protected by towers and and a walled perimeter which surrounds the units,it is organised on two large courtyards with a massive central tower overlooking the Citadel,a relevant detail is the various renovations and restorations which transformed it in the current austere appearance generating strength contrasts with the rich interior decorations.
That complex of more than 700 years,has survived several sieges but it has never been conquered by force by a foreign army.Throughout its history was used as a royal residence,as a prison and as place of execution too.
Protected by towers and and a walled perimeter which surrounds the units,it is organised on two large courtyards with a massive central tower overlooking the Citadel,a relevant detail is the various renovations and restorations which transformed it in the current austere appearance generating strength contrasts with the rich interior decorations.
Very close to the fortress,you can see Akershusstranda Vippetangen,it is the maritime point where the boats leave Oslo sailing towards the islands on the Oslofjord. The trip takes about 30 minutes depending on which island you want to visit.Hovedoya is a destination particularly suggested for its historical past,it is a place in which were found the ruins of a Monastery built by monks from England in medieval times, exactly in the 12th century.
Det Kongelige Frederiks Universitet,the University is the iconic institution which was founded in the year 1811 and the building was designed by the architects Christian
Grosch and Karl Schinkel when Norway was still under Danish rule,
with that name,which means Royal Frederik
University in honour of the King Frederik.The building was erected shortly after the newly founded University
of Berlin and its original name is attributed to the Monarch Frederick VI of
Denmark and Norway who was particularly active to develop an intense cultural life in the Kingdom at that time.
The central building is a typical example of Neoclassical Style, a Greek Classical Revival with a beautiful entrance hall lined with tall
columns and a beautiful pediment,ceiling and with a stylish hallway leading to the Aula
(auditorium) where you will see three walls covered with large murals
by painter Edvard Munch Norway’s most famous artist,that masterpiece so famous called Solen (The Sun).
The hall is
often used for ceremonies,classical concerts and cultural events.The
seal of the University of Oslo features Apollo with the Lyre,with an inscription in Latin language : Universitas Osloensis - Universitas Regia
Fredericiana.
Considered as one of the best Universities in
Europe many Nobel laureates have studied there such as Ragnar Frisch and Trygve Haavelmo who received the Nobel in Economy,Odd Hassel, Ivar Giaever and Lars Onsanger Nobel laureates in Chemistry and Knut Hamsun Nobel Prize in Literature.Apart those prominent figures the city has
another Nobel Prize, Fridtjof Nansen the famous explorer was awarded
with Nobel Peace Prize.
Next to the splendid Slottparken (Caste Park) is situated Nationaltheatret The National Theatre.The building was erected in the year 1899 designed
by the architect Henrik Bull.It is a beautiful representation of Rococo with a touch of Neoclassical style as well.
Guarded by the statues of
Henrik Ibsen and Bjornstjerne Bjornson,the interior in typical Rococo
style can host 800 seats and it has its own gallery with a
special collection of portraits.Among the 20 theatres in Oslo it is the
most important with the Opera and very famous for dramatic arts.
It is also considered the home of Ibsen's performances,where the great artist was protagonist with the work Enemy of the People probably the best dramatic show in the history of that Venue.Other prominent authors gave the theatre a relevant prestige and fame such as Vilhelm Krag who was also artistic director of that Institution, Ludvig Holberg and Bjornstjerne Bjornsonamong others.
It is also considered the home of Ibsen's performances,where the great artist was protagonist with the work Enemy of the People probably the best dramatic show in the history of that Venue.Other prominent authors gave the theatre a relevant prestige and fame such as Vilhelm Krag who was also artistic director of that Institution, Ludvig Holberg and Bjornstjerne Bjornsonamong others.
In Slottenparken is located Det Kongelige Slott.Norwegian people calls it simply Det Slottet the Royal Palace.It is an impressive building currently official residence for the Norwegian Monarchy.The King Karl Johan III of the Bernadotte Dynasty was crowned as a prince there in the 19th century,later also the Sovereign Karl III resided in that place during his frequent visits to the capital of Norway.That Monarch chose that building as permanent residence in the year 1821 and during his reign he called a young architect to design that construction Von Linstow a Danish architect who was living at that time in Norway.In the year 1825 the King laid down the foundation stone underneath of the altar for the future Royal Chapel and the project was changed several times during the construction.
You can see a massive statue of Karl Johan right front of the Palace which was completed in the year 1848 and in recent time it has been restored and remodelled in different periods.Surrounding the building there is a wide park with beautiful manicured gardens and several small lakes giving it a charming aspect
The evident impression of Royalty and wealth is undeniable when you stand before that imposing and expansive construction,furthermore you can see armed guards at the palace entrances, and the ceremony of changing of the guard takes place every day at 1.30 p.m.
The evident impression of Royalty and wealth is undeniable when you stand before that imposing and expansive construction,furthermore you can see armed guards at the palace entrances, and the ceremony of changing of the guard takes place every day at 1.30 p.m.
Radhus Plassen is the Town Hall Square is the wide square where is situated Oslo Radhus,the City Hall.The building houses the City Council and it was designed by the architects Arnstein Arneberg and Poulsson.The construction started in the year 1931 but paused by the outbreak of the 2nd World War,before the official inauguration celebrated in the year 1950.That imposing structure has facades in red bricks,decorated with historical themes highlighted by splendid murals by Norwegian artists depicting life in Oslo during the 2nd War including illustrations of the Nazi occupation.
You can admire in that huge construction developed on an ample rectangular plan two impressive tall twin towers,the roof of the eastern tower has a 49 bell carillon which plays every hour.Oslo City Hall hosts every year the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and that modern building was named in the year 2005 as Oslo´s structure of the century.
From that square you can take Stranden a busy street leading to Aker Brygge.That place until the year 1982 was a complex of shipyard,oil stores,and mechanical industry but since the tear 1985 all changed.The area was totally transformed in an attractive site full of restaurants, cafes,disco-bars and shops.It is undoubtedly a great place,you can compare Aker Brygge to Nyhavn Copenaghen or Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco or also Port Vell in Barcelona also something in commo with South Street Seaport in New York.
Considered by locals the right place to have fun and to find several places to eat well,Aker Brygge’s restaurants have a seating capacity of 5,000 people, 2500 of which are outdoors.
Considered by locals the right place to have fun and to find several places to eat well,Aker Brygge’s restaurants have a seating capacity of 5,000 people, 2500 of which are outdoors.
In the western side of the city you can visit one of the major attractions of Oslo,Frogner Park, inside which is housed Vigeland Sculpture Park and Museum.That immense green area is so famous and it is called Vigelandsparken, a large park developed on 30 hectares,it is the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist : Gusvav Vigeland.
Definitely that site is One of Norway's most visited attractions with over 1 million visitors a year and it is home of over 230 granite and bronze sculptures works by that prominent figure.That iconic character was born in Mandall a small Norwegian coastal town and he moved to study to Oslo,he worked in Copenhaghen,Paris and Rome before to come back to Norway establishing his residence in the Norwegian Capital.
Vigeland modelled all his sculptures in full size without assistance of pupils or other artists and the Municipality was the main contributor to the realisation of Vigeland Park.However, a number of private figures and companies gave generous financial supports,so that the capital of Norway could get a park to which there is no equal in the world.
Today Vigelandsenparken is a pride of Oslo and Norway and immediately,you can see the impressive main entrance consisting of five large gates which was ended in the year 1942 and two others smaller pedestrian entrances with wrought iron gates,
Today Vigelandsenparken is a pride of Oslo and Norway and immediately,you can see the impressive main entrance consisting of five large gates which was ended in the year 1942 and two others smaller pedestrian entrances with wrought iron gates,
The sculptor was an artist rich of talent and imagination and that park is an authentic expression of the world in all its aspect and essences,transmitting in his works happiness,daily life,sufferance,love,work,relationships, life,sensations,moods and also different interpretations.
The first attraction is the Bridge 100 metres long and 15 metres wide,the parapets are in granite,the bridge is lined with lanterns and 58 sculptures in bronze representing a variety of men,women and children,some in groups and others alone.The philosophy and main concepts are the the relationship between man and woman and between adults and children,paternal and maternal love and relationships between two different ages,including the way to see life.
The artist designed the Bridge on an previous one dated the year 1914,and from
1925 to 1933 he adorned the structure with the sculptures mentioned.When
the park was still in phase of development and it was opened to the public
in the year 1940 Vigeland added four tall granite columns portraying humans
fighting lizards.That representation shows demons in absolute control of
their victims with a dramatic contrast to the more unconcerned play and
joy of life depicted on the bridge.
Others highlights are love and attraction, you can admire a sculpture in bronze consisting in a wheel which encloses a man and woman linked together in a rotating movement.It may indicate the constant attraction and love between them or a figurative version of the Chinese Eastern,that symbol so called Yin and Yang,that famous Oriental philosophy based on the duality and where two fundamental forces apparently opposite and complementary found in everything.
A superb iconic symbol of the park is the Fountain and the history of that sculpture is curious.The Municipality of Oslo wanted to place it in Eidsvolls Plass,the Parliament Square but the idea was rejected.That work found its actual location and it is the earliest sculpture unit in the park.
The concept about that representation is very deep.As you know water is an universal symbol of fertility and it is used within the fountain complex in a meaningful position with twenty sculptures in tree groups close to the surrounding parapet,the latter evidently symbolising the tree of life.In the centre of the basin,you can admire six giants holding the large saucer-shaped a symbol of effort to keep that important human resource,the water.
The men are represented in different ages of life.Vigeland created a combination of human beings and trees in two metres high sculptures and it is one of the most original concepts also in size.The tree groups represent a romantic expression of Man's relationship with the nature.
They also form the setting for life's evolving stages, stretching from childhood and adolescence through adulthood to old age and death,the result is that in such fountain there is the whole human life.
They also form the setting for life's evolving stages, stretching from childhood and adolescence through adulthood to old age and death,the result is that in such fountain there is the whole human life.
The 20 tree groups were modelled between the years 1906 and 1914 and in 1936 the artist finished 112 pieces but only 60 were used.In the year 1947 the installing of the fountain was finally ended and the ground around that consists in a 1800 square metres surface paved by mosaic in black and white granite.The geometrical pattern shapes an almost 3000 metres long labyrinth and today the Fountain is probably the most important highlight with the Monolith in Vigelandsparken.
The Monolith is a column 14,0 metres high and the artist made that sculptural masterpiece in a progressive sequence.The first smaller sketches to a giant column dates 1919.Later, between the years 1924 and 1925, he modelled it in full size in clay and in the year 1927 he used a giant granite block which came from a stone quarry in the proximity of Halden.
The Monolith Plateau surrounding that imposing work is a complex of blocks of granite subdivided in 36 groups of sculptures.Every sculpture include at least two figures depicting man in a variety of typical human situations and relationships.A man and a woman sit facing each other with a little child between them. Children playing,young men and women dreaming and embracing and the old age is represented in several groups who show a certain variation in composition and form.
Vigeland did not directly sculpt in granite,he modelled the groups in full size and employed professional artisans to do the time-consuming work of transferring the original models into stone.There are various interpretations about the Monolith complex such as man's resurrection,the struggle for existence,man's yearning for for spiritual spheres,the transcendence of daily life and a cyclic repetition.
If you are interested in the works and history of Gustav Vigeland or to know more about that talented artist visit Vigeland Museet,which is just 5 minutes away from the park.That exhibition is hosted in the house where the artist lived until his death in the year 1943.Inside, in addition to his ashes,there are many of his works and design drawings of the famous sculptures in the park,sculptures, plaster casts,sketches and woodcuts.
Bygdoy is a must during a visit of Oslo.It is a peninsula situated in the Western area of the city with some of the most admired museums of the Norwegian Capital.It is primarily a residential which appart its famed exhibitions is also a popular recreational site in summer,offering beaches,as the famous Huk,volleyball courts,excellent trails for both cyclists and pedestrians.
That area was called until the year 1877 Ladegaardsoen,while the current name derives from the King Bygdoy Kongsgard.Until approximately the year 1800 it was an island but the alteration of water levels eventually linked it to the continent.The Royal family installed there for personal use structures,buildings,a palace and developed gardens next to the beach.
The major highlights are definitely thr Kon-Tiki Museum,Viking Ship Museum and Frammuseet among others.
The major highlights are definitely thr Kon-Tiki Museum,Viking Ship Museum and Frammuseet among others.
Kon-Tiki Museum is undoubtedly a great attraction containing the famous boat the Kon-Tiki, on which the famous navigator Thor Heyerdahl made his famous journey across the Pacific in the year 1947 to prove the theory that the first Polynesian settlers could have sailed 6923 kilometres between Peru and Polynesia.In addition the exhibition displays the original reed raft, Ra II, on which Heyerdahl sailed across the Atlantic in the year 1970.
Besides the rafts there is a huge stuffed whale shark,artifacts from his expeditions and exhibits from his visits to Easter Island,furthermore an intriguing collection of archaeological finds from Easter Island,Galapagos, East Polynesia and Peru.
The museum is home of the permanent exhibitions about: Ra, Tigris, Fatu-Hiva, Kon-Tiki,it also has a cinema and a souvenir shop.In the year 1952, Heyerdahl received the Oscar for best documentary of the year and several other nominations and awards,as well as various honours, including that of Grand Officer of the merits of the Italian Republic.
Viking Ship Museum is another brilliant highlight also because it traces the history of the first settlers of the Scandinavian Peninsula.The great attractions are three 9th century Viking ships,such as the Gokstad, the Tune and the Oseberg, dating back from the 800 and 900 A.D and the excellent condition visible today is due to the clay in which they were embalmed.
Those three vessels are the best preserved Viking ships in the world. The Oseberg is the most impressive,it is 20,0 meters long ,richly ornamented dragon ship with an intricately carved animal head post.It was found in the year 1903 and in that time required 30 oarsmen.Its burial chamber held the largest collection of Viking age artifacts ever uncovered in Scandinavia and it was the burial chamber of a Viking queen,the Queen Åsa, grandmother of the first King of Norway, Harald I.
The biggest and best preserved is the Goksta which was found in a mound in the Sandefjord.Many ornaments were found, including fragments of slide and a skeleton which is thought to belong to King Olaf Gudrodsson.The Tune is the least well preserved of the three and it is so called because found near the village of Tune in the county of Ostfold.
Viking ships were used as tombs for Royalty who were buried with everything they might have need of in their life after death.Raised platforms allow you to view the inside of the ship's hulls and in addition to those great and unique attraction there is also a fine collection of beautiful ceremonial sleighs,household utensils, and tools on display.
Frammuseet,the Fram Museum is a very interesting attraction to discover the famous polar ship Fram, built in the year 1892.The exhibition pays homage to polar Norway and to three great Norwegian polar explorers such as Fridtjof Nansen,Otto Sverdrup and Roald Amundsen and it was inaugurated in the year 1936.
That boat shows the original,with its intact interior and you can enter into the ship and look at inside.The museum introduces thr visitor to the story of Norwegian polar explorations,compared with the global history of research on those areas,furthermore you can see many pictures of wildlife depicting bears and penguins.
Some photographic expositions explain the visitor Nansen's journey in the Arctic Ocean and his desire to ski to the North Pole,in addition you can discover the accident with the dirigible Italia,which started from Svalbard in the year 1928,which frustrated its way back after reaching the North Pole besides Sverdrup's expedition to Greenland, discovering more than 200000 square kilometres of land not mapped and Amundsen's journey to the South Pole and the Northwest Passage and his goal to reach the North Pole.
If you are interested to discover more about Norwegian culture you can visit Norsk Folkemuseum which is a special and amazing open air museum,the oldest in its kind in the world founded in 1894 by Hans Aall.It is the only national collection of the period from the 16th century to the present and it is the largest in Norway and one of the most visited in the entire Scandinavia.
Situated in a perfect natural area consisting in a ample park of Oslo,Folkenmuseum contains about 155 buildings forming like a village and it could considered the worthy expression of Nordic identity for its architecture which reflects in those examples all the history and culture of Norway and Scandinavia.
Those constructions were moved to Oslo representing many areas of the country,,there are really authentic jewels of architecture as one consisting in the oldest Norwegian wooden Churches the Gol Stavkirke dated the 13th century coming from the small town of Gol situated at 230,0 kilometres north of Oslo.
Those constructions were moved to Oslo representing many areas of the country,,there are really authentic jewels of architecture as one consisting in the oldest Norwegian wooden Churches the Gol Stavkirke dated the 13th century coming from the small town of Gol situated at 230,0 kilometres north of Oslo.
Another splendid building you can admire there,is an old house dated the 14th century called Raulandstua there are furthermore other wooden buildings dated 16th century and some courtyards are arranged just like in the 17th and 18th centuries.The atmosphere is really fantastic and thanks to that open air museum every Christmas is celebrated there a fantastic Christmas Market.
Norsk Folkemuseum is also a full immersion in Norwegian life showing you life in South Norway,on the Fjords and lakes,representation of Sami lifestlye and a large exposition of agricultural utensils,clothing,old and more modern furniture,including different traditional objects of the country of different age.
Oslo is so famous to be the site of the Nobel Peace Center,founded in 2005, that centre is also the most technologically advanced exhibition in the city.The number of digital exhibitions hosted inside,offers the visitors all sorts of information and do not miss to look at the Nobel Book on the second floor or the movie theatre which shows films about the history of the Prize and its winners.
Next to that relevant Institution is situated the Nasjonalgalleriet,the National Gallery.The building itself is a work of art, designed in a Neo Renaissance style by the architect Christian Grosch and completed in the year 1830.That exhibition is a must in Oslo if you are a lover of art and it is the most important Art Museum of the country,a superb exhibition displaying a rich collection in a wide space consisting in 60 rooms on 3 floors.
Many visitors travel to the Norwegian Capital to admire one of the four versions of the famous masterpiece by Edvard Munch,The Scream, painted in the year 1893. As you know one of the versions of that painting was stolen in 1994 and recovered after a few years by Norwegian police.
The collection is a large representation of Norwegian Art with over 2000 paintings starting from the Impressionism to the Naturalist Realism.A significant section contains paintings by relevant Expressionists and works by other important Norwegian artists such as as Johann Christian Dahl, Harriet Backer and well represented is the Scandinavian painting hall with many works by Swedish and Danish artists.Another area is devoted to religious art of the 16th and 17th centuries including the dark icons of the Russian Novgorod School.
The most rich collection is definitely the modern French works including paintings by Henri Matisse Paul Cézanne,Edouard Manet,Paul Gaughin,Pierre Auguste Renoir with a wide number of works of those famed French painters.A highlight is a work by the Dutch Master Vincent Van Gogh,the famous Autoritract and other important rooms are dedicated tot the Masters from Renaissance to Baroque time, including relevant works by Velasquez and El Greco.
A section about contemporary art with works by Braque and Picasso shows the visitor another gem of the museum and on the ground floor you will discover a room filled with plaster casts and a great set of statues from ancient Greece,Rome and East Asian objects.
The Historisk Museum is an exhibition very considered in Norway because it is a walk in the Norwegian history and culture with objects and items from the prehistoric era,medieval period and a collection of items found all around the country in different periods,from Viking to the Bronze Age.
A large section displays documents,antiquities,coins and medals and in addition to that rich collections you can also enjoy in the Ethnographic Museum a very interesting exposition of objects from the Far East,Egyptian mummies and a wide number of items from African countries.
A large section displays documents,antiquities,coins and medals and in addition to that rich collections you can also enjoy in the Ethnographic Museum a very interesting exposition of objects from the Far East,Egyptian mummies and a wide number of items from African countries.
Munchmuseet the Munch Museum is another of the great galleries the Capital of Norway entirely dedicated to the works of that famed artist called Evard Munch and it contains over 5000 drawings and paintings. Of course you know the history of that museum on newspapers and TV when in the year 2004 gunmen subtracted a version of the famous painting by Munch and found two years later in 2006.
That superb collection offers a great representation of that famous painter and other artists,the impressive exhibition contain a wide range of prints,over 17,000,more than 10,000 paintings and about 4,500 watercolours,many of those works were donated by the artist to the city and today they are hosted in that fantastic place considered a mecca for who love that iconic artist.
Another Museum worth a visit if you are interested about Modern Art
is Henie-Onstad Kunstsenter, particularly interesting to house the
largest collection of modern art in Norway.The activity of that Institution started in the year 1968 with the works of art belonging to the figure skater
Sonja Henie.The collection is rich of great works including
masterpieces by Miró and Picasso and several famous Scandinavian
painters.
Norway and the city have always been an important literary
centre and its literature is well known worldwide.Henrik Ibsen writer
and poet is often referred as the father of modern theatre and also
one of the founders of Modernism in the theatre and literature.
Ibsensmuseet pays homage to that unforgettable artist with that House-Museum which was the former residence of one of the greatest European composers who lived there in the last 11 years of his life, from 1828 to 1906 and that place is a real replica of the original apartment of the writer.
Ibsensmuseet pays homage to that unforgettable artist with that House-Museum which was the former residence of one of the greatest European composers who lived there in the last 11 years of his life, from 1828 to 1906 and that place is a real replica of the original apartment of the writer.
Norwegian
literature is very famous through the world particularly in the Viking
epic sagas,the modern drama,the World of Sofia, a real
best seller by Jostein Gaardner,published in 1992, which has sold more
than 20 million copies worldwide and been translated into nearly 50
languages.
Three great artists from Norway been awarded with the Nobel Prize for
Literature: Bjornstjerne Bjornson in 1903, Knut Hamsun and Sigrid Undset
in 1920 and in 1928.Many other important writers and poets were born
in Oslo as Tom Egeland,Egeland's novels are published in 20
languages.His most famous novel is Circle's end, which deals with
several of the same topics as the Da Vinci Code.Other prominent Oslo
writers are Lars Saabye Christensen, Tove Nilsen and Roy Jacobsen who also described Oslo in their novels.
A visit to Holmenkollen (I wrote a post about that place) is another must when you are in Oslo.That place is just 20 minutes from Oslo in the area of Vestre Aker,surrounded by beautiful Scandinavian forests,not far from the Marka district.
Located is a mountainous area,it is the temple of winter sports as jump ski,Nordic ski,biathlon.Norway has a great tradition about Nordic ski also all that represents the expression of Nordic identity,where sport is also culture and if you are fond about thee history of those sports,visit that fantastic complex with the legendary ski jump,the tower and a great museum which is one of the most visited attraction in Norway.
Located is a mountainous area,it is the temple of winter sports as jump ski,Nordic ski,biathlon.Norway has a great tradition about Nordic ski also all that represents the expression of Nordic identity,where sport is also culture and if you are fond about thee history of those sports,visit that fantastic complex with the legendary ski jump,the tower and a great museum which is one of the most visited attraction in Norway.
In Karl Johans Gate and Aker Brygge in particular is concentrated the Oslo shopping area,very famous for the larger shopping malls and department ,Byporten,Steen & Strom and Paleet.At Grensen you will find a wide selection of shoes,leather,bags and accessories while Mollergata is the street where you can find furniture,but also gloves,hats,scarves,clothes,cosmetics and perfumes.
The city offers a wide range of Theatre shows, Festivals and concerts while the National Theatre and the Opera are well known all around the
world offering a very rich calendar.
About events the Capital of Norway is very active,Oslo Live is an important rock & roll event and Oslo Jazz festival is a six-day festival celebrated annually in August.Oslo's biggest Rock festival is the famous Oyafestivalen called by locals simply Oya also celebrated in August while Oslo World Music Festival is another event which takes place at end of October.
About events the Capital of Norway is very active,Oslo Live is an important rock & roll event and Oslo Jazz festival is a six-day festival celebrated annually in August.Oslo's biggest Rock festival is the famous Oyafestivalen called by locals simply Oya also celebrated in August while Oslo World Music Festival is another event which takes place at end of October.
Oslo Chamber Music Festival is held in August every year and
world-class chambers come to Oslo to perform at that festival.,Another one worth to be mentioned id the
Norwegian Wood Rock Festival held every year in June.
The city has a notable music tradition not only for its several gestivals but it also formed a long list of great talents about Classical music as the pianist and composer Ketil Bjornstad but also in Jazz Music as Jan Garbarek, the famous group A-Ha, and other talents as Christian Ingebrigtsen member of the British boyband A1.
The city has a notable music tradition not only for its several gestivals but it also formed a long list of great talents about Classical music as the pianist and composer Ketil Bjornstad but also in Jazz Music as Jan Garbarek, the famous group A-Ha, and other talents as Christian Ingebrigtsen member of the British boyband A1.
Oslo is a very lively city with a vibrant nightlife,many popular clubs are around the main street,Karl Johans Gate,as Z Clubs,that bar and club is built over three levels and offers a great selections of cocktails while.Stravinsky is a classy club with excellent and music,Herr Nilsen JazzKlubb can be another choice.
One of the most popular club THX is in Majorstua area it
is a venue with a large screen and very good music.Grünerlokka, and
Gronland are very trendy neighbourhoods,in the last decades are among
the favourite by locals and you can find there several clubs,Jazz Clubs and
live music.One of the best local is Bla others are Boca Bar,Aku
Aku,Café Kaos and Parkteatret.
About food a gastronomy,Norwegian salmon is absolutely one of the best in the world,smoked,grilled, baked it is prepared in a multitude of styles and do not miss to try the traditional and famous Gravlaks prepared with salt and sugar and flavoured with dill,herbs and spices.
Other kind of fish are equally excellent such as trouts,herrings,shrimp and cod.The Rakfisk fermented trout is not very different than the Swedish Surstromming and it is a typical national plate.About meat you can taste a fantastic reindeer roast with potatoes or a Betesupe a soup made with vegetables,meat and potatoes,while another typical national speciality is the Färikäl a stew of lamb and cabbage.
The Smorbrod are imaginative sandwiches assorted with seafood,vegetables and sauces,you can enjoy them as appetisers,starters,snacks or also in a lunch including in a dinner accompanied by other plates.Very typical is also the Pinnekjott a plate consisting in lamb chops marinated in salt or smoked served with cabbage, potatoes and gravy sauce.
The Fenälar is also very famous and it consists in leg of lamb roasted slowly and also the Morr which is a kind of smoked sausage is very popular and it can be combined with other specialities.A traditional dessert is the Valnott lukket marzipan cake covered with whipped cream and if you like cheeses you can taste excellent products such as the delicious Geitost or the Brunost.
Oslo Lufthavn Gardermoen is the main airport serving the capital of Norway.It is also the most important international airport in Norway with flights to a wide number of European airports and some Intercontinental flights including North America and Asia.Located in Gardermoen in the area of Ullensaker,48,0 kilometres north east of the city centre.
Oslo is a city which will capture your attention for many reasons, it is a great destination a splendid centre you can visit in a very comfortable way thanks to its excellent transport system,you can have multiple options of visit,a wide variety of museums,green spaces,gardens and parks.
The magnificent presence of the fjords is a further special attraction,kind people and a peaceful atmosphere that city will surprise for its variety of attractions,a great place to discover and for that worthy expression of Nordic identity which is another of its main feature,making it a place to enjoy it 100% and more.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Hotels in Oslo
Gran Hotel Oslo
Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion
Clarion collection Hotel Folkteateret
Hotel Rica Bygdoy Alle
Hotel Rica Holberg
Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza
Hotel Scandic Byporten
Hotel Thon Opera
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Thanks a lot to read and note.