It´s all about Oslo

The question of every year is:  Where to go for summer holiday? First thing that came to my mind: Sardinia. Summer, sun, beach and the sea. But some conjunctures at the end took me all the way up north – to Norway. And to the beautiful capital Oslo.

What did I know before about Norway and Oslo?

- It’s cold.
- It’s expensive.
- Somewhere there is the North Cap.
- There are mosquitoes ( in my imagination they were about my size )
- Norwegian sweaters are from there
- They got a royal family

Well, that wasn’t much, but thank god that has changed now. And I can only recommend this destination to everyone. Oslo is not comparable to any other capitals in Europe. It’s very modern, very traditional, very Scandinavian and of course very green. And my personal highlights?

Den Norske Opera & Ballett:

The Opera House, is a huge building made of marble, glass and steel. It is located near the central station at the Oslo Fjord. The aspect that you can enter the roof of the opera house, where you have a fantastic view over Oslo makes it even more special. A tour to this wonderful building is recommended.

The Port:

At the port, there are three important buildings of Oslo. The akershus festining ( the old fort), the town hall (Radhus) and the Nobles Fredssenter (theNobelPeaceCenter).

Norsk Folkemuseum:

Maybe it’s funny, that a museum about Norwegian culture and history is in my highlights, but it’s really worth to see it. It’s a huge area, which is showing you the history of Norway from different decades. You can bake bread, watch folk dances, make a carriage ride and do many other fun things. When you want to know something about the history and culture, discover this great museum.

Hollmenkollen:

“The blue, the green and Oslo in between”. Winter sportsmen will know about Hollmenkollen. It’s the ski jump area directly in Oslo. And the view from the top is breathtaking. The ski jump area is one of the oldest in the world, yet very modern. Even if your no ski jump fan – a trip to go there is worth it. Enjoy the perfect view over Oslo.

Munch-Museum:

Edward Munch is avery well know Norwegian artist.  His painting “The Scream” is world famous and definitely worth to be seen. But since the last robbery, the museum is more like FortKnox. So don’t  take huge bags with you and be aware of the controls, which are like at the airport.

Vigelandpark:

This park shows sculptures from the artist Gustav Vigeland. The bronze and natural stone sculpture are showing different periods of life.” The stubborn lil’ boy” (Sinnataggen) is the favorite sculpture of most people from there.

Well so after this trip here is what I now know about the country:

- Yes, it is expensive.
- Oslo is a very young capital with many things to discover.
- Norwegian is a very interesting language
- The weather is different and feels different
- Yes, it’s very expensive
- There is no bad weather just wrong clothes
- Try Norwegian cuisine
- Driving with the car can take hours !!!
- Sheep’s are traffic blocks !!!
- I’ve never seen such a beautiful landscape
- And yes it is very, very expensive !!!!!

Text and Images by Laura M. Zoder