Oslo on the Akerselva River

Oslo the capital of Norway is one of the world's largest capitals in terms of area. It is a lovely city with many parks, protected forests, hills, and lakes.You can explore the city center walking the many trails and pathways that connect to public spaces.

To get a feel of the city take the Riverwalk along the Akerselva River from Maridalsvannet Lake to Vaterland Park in the center of the city. The Riverwalk takes you along forested areas, historical buildings, fishing and swimming spots, and waterfalls.

The highest waterfall is next to Honse-Lovisas hus and the Beier Bridge.

Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park also referred to as Frognerparken is a popular place for both locals and tourists, Here you can have a picnic and take walks in the summertime. It is also beautiful in the winter with snow on the ground. The park has 212 sculptured by Gustav Viegeland. Among the most famous sculptures is the Monolith, a column over 14 meters tall and carved from a single stone. People enjoy the park with its lawns and long straight avenues that are lined by maple trees. You can visit the Vigeland Museum south of the park or take a rest at the Cafe Vigeland.

Akershus Fortress rises above the Oslofjord on the promontory of Akernes. It was built by Hakon V at the end of the 13th century. You can enjoy excellent harbor views and walk around the grounds. There is a lovely chapel with the tomb of Jakon VII.

While visiting the fortress take a look at the Museum of Norwegian Resistance where you can learn about the German occupations of 1940-45.

Another museum is the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum in the Old Arsenal displaying weapons and exhibits that illustrated the history of Norwegian forces and the defense of the country through the centuries.

Viking Ship Museum houses three historic 9th century Viking vessels the best preserved being the Oseberg Ship. The vessel was built around AD 800 and used for the burial of a chieftain's wife and two other women. Along with them many treasures were buried including furniture, clothing, and personal items. Another vessel Gokstad Ship was a seafaring vessel and finally the Tune Ship, The museum lets you take a look at Viking life and many interesting artifacts. You can see how Vikings built their ships through the sue of CGI animation.

The National Gallery established in 1837 is home to Norway's largest public collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, The main exhibitions include The Scream and Madonna by Edvard Munch. There are also painting by Cezanne and Monet. Other exhibits offer a look at Norwegian art and artwork from the Romantic period to the mid-1900s. Artwork and sculptures by international artists including French Impressionists.

Munch Museum is dedicated to the artwork of Norway's greatest artist Edvard Munch. There is a large collection of paintings, graphic art, watercolors, and sculptures. Altogether there are almost 28,000 works of art as well as personal effects and tool and his private library. The museum also offers special exhibits of Munch's work through film screenings, concerts, lectures, and guided tours.

The Norwegian Royal Palace dating from 1825 sits up high on the northwest end of Karl Johansgate. The palace has 173 tooms and is open to the public for guided tours in the summertime. English-language guides are available. Among the rooms of the palace included in the tour are the Cabinet Parlour and Cloakroom, the White Parlour, the Mirror Hall, the Great Hall, and the Banquet Hall, among others. Visitors can walk about the grounds and gardens. You can see the changing of the guard. To the south of the palace is the Norwegian Nobel Institute, where the Nobel Peace Prize is presented.

The Museum of Cultural History houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in Norway among them mummies and funerary objects, In the Medieval Gallery you can see an impressive collection of daily items and examples of church art and religious artifacts. A large exhibit is dedicated to the history of gold coinage. Other exhibits explore the lives of the indigenous people. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits.

Oslo Cathedral was consecrated in 1697 and has been rebuilt and renovated many times. Highlights include the main doorway's decorated bronze doors and ceiling paintings by H.L. Mohr. Take the time to visit the Oslo Bazaar along the old church walls. The halls date back to 1841 and there are galleries, cafes, and antique dealers.

City Hall or Rådhuset is one of Oslo's great landmarks. The large building has two towers with one of them adorned by a huge clock face. One of the towers houses 38 bells that can me heard all through the harbor area when rung, Along the facade there are sculptures and reliefs.

Aker Brygge was built around an abandoned shipyard and is an area that is the hearts and soul of Oslo. There is impressive architecture and a mix of old and new. You can walk along the boardwalk, go shopping, dine at great restaurants and enjoy their year round patio bars with rugs and fireplaces. Of interest is the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art with rotating exhibits.

TusenFryd is Norway's largest amusement park 20 minutes south of Oslo. It is opne from April to October. The park has 30 attractions such as the Speed Monster and Thunder Coaster roller coasters. If the weather is hot in the summertime visit the TusenFyrd Waterpark to cool off.