Oslo Highlights with a visit to the Viking Museum

The Viking Ship Museum is part of the Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo, and houses archaeological finds from different areas of Scandinavia. The main attractions are the Oseberg ship, Gokstad ship and Tune ship. Additionally, the Viking Age display includes sledges, beds, a horse cart, wood carving, tent components, buckets and other grave goods.

Frogner Park is a public park, historically a part of Frogner Manor. The manor house is located in the south of the park, and houses the Oslo City Museum. Frogner Park contains, in its present centre, the well-known Gustav Vigeland installation of 212 bronze and granite sculptures. The Monolith Plateau is a platform in the north of Frogner Park made of steps that houses the Monolith totem itself. 36 figure groups reside on the elevation, representing a “circle of life” theme.

Akershus Castle and Fortress is a medieval complex that was built to protect Oslo. It has also been used as a prison. The main building now is used for official events and dinners for the foreign heads of state. Akershus fortress is still a military area, but is open to the public daily until 21:00.

Oslo Town Hall is one of the well-recognized architectural monuments of the Norwegian capital. The Oslo City Hall becomes the main building of the planet for one day a year - the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held here.

Karl Johans gate is Oslo’s main boulevard leading from the Central Station through the central shopping district and up to the Royal Palace. The street is famous for its trading shops and shops, artists and musicians.

The Royal Palace was constructed for the new French-born king of unified Norway and Sweden. It has been the official royal residence since then. The palace is open for visitors with the advance appointment late June to mid August. The beautiful baroque park of the palace is open for visitors every day.

Oslo cathedral is a very old church, dating to the 17th century. The Norwegian Royal Family and the Norwegian Government use the Cathedral for public events. In 2001, Oslo Cathedral was the site of the wedding of Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway, and Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby.

Built in 1866, Norway's yellow-brick parliament building is one of Europe's more charming parliaments. If you find yourself really hooked on Norwegian political debate, you can tune into the live action through the Stortinget website.

Oslo's National Theatre was inaugurated in 1899. The building is designed by architect Henrik Bull, and has served Norway's main arena for stage artists, theatre productions and large celebrations for over 100 years. Statues of the great Norwegian writers Henrik Ibsen and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson guard the theater's main entrance. They also have their names engraved on the theater's facade, along with the Dano-Norwegian playwright Ludvig Holberg.