A modern city where architecture and nature blend perfectly
Oslo, the Norwegian capital is constantly changing. The city has seen several districts emerge in recent years, but also buildings such as the Opera, the Munch museum in 2021 or the National museum in 2022. But Oslo is also a city turned towards ecology and nature. In 2019, it was awarded the prize for the greenest capital. I am going to present to you in this article this capital turning towards nature which I am sure will delight you. A trip to the center of a modern and ecological city...Don't forget your camera photo!! To start, a small map of the city to find your way
When to go to Oslo? Preferably in July and August...the temperatures are milder (between 18 and 20 degrees)...In recent years there have been peaks of 30 degrees!! Go find out why :) At this time you can enjoy the "midnight sun" In winter, average temperatures are around minus 7 degrees and the air is humid. It's another vision of Oslo...To discover too!!
Where to stay in Oslo?
You will find many very good quality accommodations in Oslo by following this link
How to get around in Oslo? You will discover that it is very easy to move around in this city whether on foot, by bicycle, by Tram, by tourist bus or by metro called T-Bane. The car was virtually banned from the city center. Moreover, Oslo has only 600,000 inhabitants, it is not a megalopolis. So a good pair of shoes or a bike and let's go!! If you choose public transport think about your - Transport pass with visit to museums included and other advantages or only the - Transport pass for 24 hours. I strongly advise you to take the first solution if you stay more than 24 hours or if you want to visit the museums, your Pass will quickly pay for itself and you will avoid queuing at the ticket offices.
One last tip before you leave...The currency in Norway is the Nok (Norwegian krone), which is equivalent to 100Nok = around 7.8 livres...So consider exchanging your currency before your trip. What to do in Oslo? in 2 days
You can make excursions such as
Let's start by visiting the Royal Palace at the end of Karl Johan gate, Oslo's main street. It was inaugurated on July 26, 1849 by King Oscar I It is the most important building in the country. It is at the disposal of the Norwegian head of state but it is also the place where the royal family works. This palace is open for guided tours in the summer until mid-August. I strongly advise you to reserve your places in advance with "tiketmaster.no" Going up rue Karl Johan, you will pass in front of the outdoor ice rink and then in front of the national theatre. Finally you arrive in front of the Royal Palace. Go up the tree-lined path, on each side the park that you can also visit a little later. You are now in front of the forecourt. A mounted statue of Karl Johan stands in the middle of the courtyard. You can start the visit outside the building then inside if you have taken tickets for this, otherwise take a walk in the flowery park, it is a very pleasant moment of calm.
We will continue our tour of Oslo through Vigeland Park and Frogner Park. Take the metro at Stortinget station (return 300m to the station) or the number 11 tram 150m behind the Palace at Riddervolds plass station...get off at Majorstuen, the parks are only a few meters away. You can also cross on foot or by bike the very wealthy district of Frogner for 1.5 kilometers and admire the beautiful houses all along your route to the parks. Here you are, cross Frogner Park to the 2 lakes on each side of the driveway...Don't forget to take some pictures of this heavenly place.
After passing the lakes you are in Vigeland Park This park is worth the sculptures that you will discover and which will surprise you I am sure. There are 214 of them, all sculpted by Gustav Vigeland at the beginning of the 20th century. These works in wrought iron, bronze or even granite represent humans in various attitudes, often intertwined. I agree that a few photos are better than a long speech to understand and admire the work of the artist.
Let's now leave the Vigeland Park to head towards the Vestre Gravlung (Western Cemetery). It is located right next to the park. This cemetery, typical of Scandinavian countries, is the largest in Norway. It was created in 1902, you will find 4 chapels dating from 1902 to 1930. In a separate area are the graves of WWII soldiers from several countries, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If some people think that visiting a cemetery is a bit morbid, personally I find that this place deserves a few moments simply because it is part of Norwegian culture.
Let's go back to the city center to discover the cathedral and the city hall of Oslo. Take the metro near the cemetery at the Borgen stop towards the Stortinget stop (line 1) The Cathedral was built in the 17th century and restored in 1950 in its original Baroque style. The pulpit, the altar and the organ are original. It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except Friday when it is open from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. You can hear organ concerts, gospel or choirs.
Now let's discover the Town Hall which is located 400m from the cathedral in the direction of the fjord and the piers. Completed in 1950, the building has large party and banquet halls and administrative offices. In its hall covered with murals by Norwegian artists, the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize is celebrated every December 11. Its carillon with 49 bells plays classical or pop music every hour from 7 a.m. to midnight. You have the possibility to visit this chime in groups of 30 people by reservation.
I can't help but tell you about another iconic place in Oslo to visit...The Vikings Museum...Unfortunately it is being restored and will not reopen until 2026.
While waiting for some photos below that will make you want to visit it as soon as it reopens.
I could have told you about other places to visit like the Opera, the National Gallery, the Parliament, the Munch museum, the Navy museum or these various parks...There are so many things to see in this peaceful and safe city. I hope I have made you want to discover this modern city close to nature. I wish you a good trip and good souvenir photos
Comments