OSLO NORWAY

Oslo Tourist Attractions

Oslo Norway Tourist Attractions - Oslo’s History is peppered with Royal characters beginning in 1048 when King Harald Hardtrade founded Oslo and settled in the area. Thus, you can expect a lot of tourist attractions that are in one way or another related to Oslo’s Royalty. One of these is the Akershus Fortress which was built by King Hakon V in 1289.

Oslo’s architecture is a sight to behold. The old castles provide a glimpse of Oslo’s colorful heritage. If this is your cup of tea then go visit Bogstad Manor (the furnishings of which goes back as far as 1750) and the Toyen Manor House (given as a peerage estate to Chancellor Jens Bjelke in 1640).

Oslo Norway boasts of various museums that cater to a specific niche. Those interested in science and technology can visit the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology at Kjelsåsveien 143 while those who want to know more about the Vikings of Norway can visit the Viking Museum.

The Holmenkollen Ski Jump is also a famous Oslo attraction that tourists should not miss if only to view the site before it is overhauled for the 2011 Nordic Worlds Ski Championship.

The location of Norway’s capital city at Oslo Fjord is an tourist attraction in itself. The city however offers a diverse mix of cultural and modern tourist attractions like the Viking Ship Museum, the Holocaust Center and the Nobel Peace Center. But if your time is limited make sure you visit at least the top ten attractions in Oslo.

Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology
Kjelsåsveien 143
Oslo, Norway
The museum is not limited to science and technology but it also specifically showcases Norway’s industry, transport and medicine. The newest addition to the museum is the Museum of Medicine. Founded in 1914 but opened to the public only in 1932, the museum used to be located at the Viking Ship Museum basement but now occupies its own building with 20,000 square meter floor area.

The Royal Court
The Royal Palace
Oslo, Norway
A visit to Oslo would never be complete without a visit to this place as it is symbolic of Oslo’s history. Its architecture, which dates back to 1814, is one of the most impressive in Oslo If you are curious about monarchy then this is your chance to see where they spend most of their time either working or hosting dinners. Time your visit during summer as it is the only time when the Palace is open.

Nobel Peace Center
Brynjulf Bulls Plass 1
Oslo, Norway
The Nobel Peace Center, which opened in 2005, is a showcase of the life and works of Alfred Nobel and the other Nobel awardees. It will also serve as a venue where peace workers can meet and discuss war and peace issues. The Center’s architecture and state of the art technology is also a sight to behold.

Akershus Fortress and Castle
Akershus festning
Oslo, Norway
Akershus holds a special place in the history of Oslo as it was built primarily to protect the capital from possible attack by Sarpsborg Earl Alv Erlingsson and Swedish forces. It was originally built as a fortress but was renovated in the 17th century giving it that renaissance castle look. The fortress was strategically located and provided vital military support not only to Oslo but also to Norway.

Oscarshall
Oscarshallveien 805
Oslo, Norway
The Oscarshall Summer Palace, which was built from 1847 to 1852, provides a good view of the Oslo Fjord. Its ownership has gone full circle from originally being owned by the Royal Family until it was sold by Carl IV to the State in 1863 and then back again. While the Royal Palace is the work of British, American and other artists, Oscarshall is a showcase of Norwegian artistry.

Holocaust Center
Villa Grande, Huk aveny 56
Oslo, Norway
The Holocaust has changed world history and this has made the Holocaust Center (as well as similar centers focusing on racism and religious oppression) an interesting place to visit. What makes the Center doubly interesting is the fact that it is located in Villa Grande, the same place where Vidkun Quisling (known Nazi leader and Norwegian collaborator) used to reside.

Tryvann Vinterpark
Holmenkollen
Oslo, Norway
The ski jump, which is among the top tourist attractions of Oslo and is visited by over a million tourists annually, offer visitors a chance to witness the regular ski jump competition. The highlight is the 60-meter tower (Norway’s Tommy Ingebrigtsen managed a record high of 136 meters) which offers a good view of the Oslogfjord. Visit the jump before it is replaced in preparation for the 2011 Nordic Worlds Ski Championship. A little over the top of Holmenkollen is Tryvann Vinterpark.

Oslo City Hall
City Center
Oslo, Norway
The Oslo City Hall was built on a land near the harbor which used to be a slum area. It overlooks the Oslo Fjord bay and is home to some of the best murals (created by respected Norwegian artists) depicting Oslo during the Nazi occupation. A nice place to visit in Oslo.

Vigeland Sculpture Park
Frogner Park,
Oslo, Norway
Make sure to visit Oslo during summer if you do not want to miss Vigeland Sculpture Park. Bask under the sun as you enjoy the Park’s outdoor swimming poor or their ice rink. The Park, which is home to 192 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, is a showcase of Oslo’s artistry. All works of art including the layout of the area was created by Vigeland who kept on adding sculptures until his death sometime in 1943.

National Theatre
Johanne Dybwads Plass
Oslo, Norway
The National Theater is a testament to Norwegian architecture and artistry. It boasts of notable works of art including statues of Nobel Literature winner Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (he also wrote the national anthem) as well as Henrik Ibsen, one of the most famous writers of Norway. The Theater was built for the staging of Ibsen’s plays.