The answer is: both! Oslo is – what few people know – Europe’s largest capital in terms of area and Scandinavia’s oldest capital. Norway’s seat of government is also the Green Capital 2019. Above all, Oslo is wonderfully located, directly on the Oslo Fjord between forests, lakes and the sea. No wonder that the approximately 640,000 likeable inhabitants of the capital love their city and like to share the relaxed attitude to life with visitors from all over the world. No matter whether you make a stopover in Oslo during a Norway round trip or book a city trip to Oslo. You should not miss these highlights:
Oslo’s Opera House – Highlight for Outdoor, Art and Music Lovers
Yes, you read that right: you don’t necessarily have to be an opera fan to love Oslo’s temple of music. The Norske Opera & Ballet is Oslo’s architectural landmark and a popular jogging or cross-country skiing route in the morning. Throughout the day, cheerful people cavort on the walkable roof and enjoy the spectacular view of the fjord. It gets particularly romantic in the evening, when tourists and locals marvel at the magnificent sunset. If there is enough time, a guided tour through the opera of superlatives is more than recommended. A visit to the opera anyway, of course.
Aker Brygge – exciting trendy district by the fjord
In summer, when the days are particularly long in Oslo, the city’s former shipyard site is transformed into a vibrant waterfront promenade. Bars, cafés and restaurants invite you to enjoy the cheerful harbour flair. Architecturally, the mix of old brick buildings and modern glass and steel constructions is successful. If you have a little more time, the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is a good place to go. You will experience works by Norwegian and international contemporary artists in a spectacular ambience.
Nobel Peace Prize, Edvard Munch and the Royal Castle
In Oslo’s striking two-towered City Hall, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded every year on December 10 since 1901. But the government building is also worth a look inside or a guided tour. The painting The Life of Edvard Munch in particular will captivate art fans. Oslo is the city of the famous Norwegian painter and is home to the world’s most extensive collection of his paintings. The National Gallery, the Edvard Munch Museum and the university’s auditorium are home to outstanding works by the artist. The Norwegian Royal Castle is also nearby. The changing of the guard is particularly beautiful every day at 1.30 pm.
Bygdoy – by ferry to the museum
A city trip to Oslo definitely includes a visit to the Bygdoy Museum Island. You can quickly cross from the Rathauskaj by boat. And then you are spoilt for choice: all museums very short or a favourite museum intensively? Depending on the time and interest, the spectacular Viking Ship Museum, the polar ship Gioa by Roald Amundsen and the Fram Museum are particularly worth seeing. You can even marvel at Thor Heyerdahl’s famous raft Kon-Tiki at the Kon-Tiki Museum on the island. The Norwegian Folklore Museum is like a small round trip through the fascinating country: many buildings, stave churches and farms from all parts of Norway can be seen in the open-air museum.
The Circle of Life in the Vigeland Sculpture Park
On the outskirts of the city in Frognerpark there is another attraction for art lovers. 212 huge human sculptures by the sculptor Gustav Vigeland adorn the extensive park. Look, take pictures and be amazed is the motto here. Ever new details of the intertwined human bodies fascinate and amuse the viewer. If you’ve seen enough, you can jog and walk in the park in summer.
Only Holmenkollen makes a holiday in Oslo complete
The ski jump at Holmenkollen is an unforgettable highlight at the gates of the city. Winter sports fans should not miss the ski museum with interesting unique pieces from the beginnings of skiing. Everyone else can go directly up to the viewing platform and enjoy the magnificent view over the city and fjord. A bit of goosebumps arise when you vividly imagine whizzing down the ski jump and flying towards the sea. The Holmenkollen is the winter sports area par excellence of the Oslo people and even in summer you train vigorously here.
Oslo – a destination for every season
Vacation Oslo? Always a good idea! The green capital inspires in summer with vibrant life on the water and many outdoor attractions. Midsummer is happily celebrated with glittering parties. But Oslo is also an extraordinary destination at Christmas time. The whole city dresses up and everything shines in the glow of lights. There is an ice skating rink in the city centre and atmospheric Christmas markets in the city and in the open-air museum. Whether for a long weekend, a stopover on a round trip through Scandinavia or for a longer holiday. Oslo has it all and more. The hygge metropolis for a relaxed and varied city holiday.
