Oslo is built in the Oslofjord
and is surrounded by forests.
It is a city that reminds almost nothing of the
rest of the European capitals, not because they are better than Oslo, but
perhaps because it looks too good to be true. It is a small city with a perfect
public transport system. It is a clean city, where recycling is mandatory,
while it is the first capital in the world in the use of electric cars. People
here are very friendly and smiling despite the often dull weather.
Oslo, however, is also known
as one of the most expensive cities in the world. The truth is that it is the
most expensive city I've ever visited, especially when lunch time comes. But
this should not prevent anyone from visiting the beautiful capital of Norway.
One more reason is that there are so many things you can do in Oslo, which are
completely free.
Vigelandsparken
Vigeland Park is located in
the city center and is the largest sculpture park in the world, made by a
single artist. Gustav Vigeland, who also gave his name to the park, created
more than 200 sculptures of granite, copper and iron and placed them in the
park he also designed himself. The most important of the sculptures is
Monolith, located at the highest point of the park, symbolizing the circle of
life.
Karl Johans Gate
Karl Johans Gate, is the main
street in central Oslo leading from the railway station to the Royal Palace. It
is a beautiful street always full of people, with many shops, restaurants and
cafes. Around this street, there are many of the city's major attractions, such
as the Cathedral, the National Theater and the Ice Rink.
Aker Brygge
Aker Brygge is one of the most
expensive areas of the city with good restaurants and bars, expensive shops,
trendy apartments and fine boats. I can not think of a better way to spend a
sunny day in Oslo from a walk in Aker Brygge. It is also the best place in the
city to watch, the spectacular sunrise or the sunset.
Akershus Fortress
Akershus Castle is located in
the city center, opposite the harbor and Aker Brygge and is the perfect place
to walk around and explore the history of the city. It is a medieval fortress
built in 1290 and renovated in 1899. The view from this point on the Oslofjord
is beautiful.
Ekebergparken
One of my favorite places in
Oslo, Ekebergparken is a beautiful park in a great location, which offers you a
panoramic view of Oslo and its fjord. In many places within the park there are
"hidden" sculptures and works of art.
Operahuset
The Oslo Opera House is the
landmark of the city. Made of Italian marble and glass, it looks like it
emerges from the sea, it is one of the most impressive buildings of modern
architecture I have ever visited. Entrance to its beautiful interior, as well
as to the roof with magnificent views, is also free.
Oslo Town Hall
In case you want more art from
free apart from the parks I have already mentioned, without visiting a museum,
a visit in Town Hall is also a good and inexpensive idea. The entrance of the
Town Hall is an art gallery in which there are paintings, sculptures and
photographs by Norwegian artists.
Sognsvann
Lake Sognsvann is about a
20-minute metro ride from Oslo city center. It is surrounded by a huge green
forest and is a place that is beautiful all year round and is a very popular
destination for city residents who go there for picnics, fishing or swimming,
while in winter the lake freezes, turn it into a natural ice rink.
Royal Palace Park
The Royal Palace is one of the
most important sights of the city of Oslo. Entrance to the palace is not free,
but you can admire it from the outside, while strolling around the huge and
majestic park of the palace with its beautiful statues and royal lakes. If you
are there at noon, you can see the change of guard that is done daily at 1:30
pm.
Oslo
Bymuseum
The City Museum has free
entrance and free audio guides. Here you can learn about city’ s history from
the 12th century to today, through pictures, videos, paintings and models.
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