Things To Do in Oslo

posted by Stacie on August 29, 2024 // 0 Comments »

Oslo, Norway, a vibrant city nestled between the Oslofjord and surrounding forests, offers a unique blend of urban charm and natural beauty. Known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Opera House and City Hall, Oslo is a cultural hub with world-class museums like the Munch Museum and the Viking Ship Museum. The city's parks, such as Frogner Park with its famous Vigeland Sculpture Park, provide peaceful green spaces for relaxation and exploration. Oslo's proximity to the mountains and fjords makes it an ideal base for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and kayaking. We hope this Things To Do and See in Oslo Norway post inspires you.

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Things To Do and See in Oslo Norway

Fjord City

Similar in concept to Hamburg’s Hafencity, the total Fjord City area comprises 225 hectares and stretches across virtually the entirety of the city’s waterfront. Included in the plans are several ambitious cultural venues. One of these has already received numerous international accolades.

The Oslo Opera House

The Opera House was completed in 2007 and has since been awarded with the World Architecture Festival Cultural Award in 2008 and the prestigious Mies van der Rohe Award in 2009. The building was designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta and uses white marble to simulate a floating iceberg. Besides housing an important cultural institution, it also doubles as a popular public plaza, and this is the real formula for success. Its sloping roof is freely accessible and offers sweeping views of the fjord and the city. Set on an imposing waterfront location, comparisons have frequently been made to the Opera House in Sidney.

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Things To Do and See in Oslo Norway

Kon-Tiki Museum

Oslo's Kon-Tiki Museum is dedicated to the sea expeditions of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl. The museum is home to Heyerdahl's balsa wood Kon-Tiki raft, which he used to sail from Peru to Polynesia in 1947, as well as numerous other exhibits. See artifacts relating to Heyerdahl's visits to Easter Island, marvel at the stunning craftsmanship of the RA—the first ship to sail under a United Nations flag—and learn about one of Norway's most legendary figures.

Museum of Modern Art

Several other architectural set pieces are planned for the fjord city. Currently under construction is the new venue for the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. The Museum has existed since 1993 but in 2012, moved to a new home designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. Piano has previously been responsible for such structures as the Pompidou Museum in Paris and London Bridge Tower, a skyscraper currently under construction in London. The design, which is reminiscent of sail aims to reflect the maritime traditions of Norway. A small artificial island is set adjacent to serve as an outdoor venue for modern sculpture.

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Things To Do and See in Oslo Norway

Library and Munch Museum

Impressive plans are also underway in the vicinity of the Opera House. Plans for a new Munch museum according to the design of the Spanish architect Juan Herreros have sparked controversy but have also gained considerable international recognition. The project known as Lambda will rise above the recently resurfaced Aker River, which previously had been hidden underground. The current motorway and elevated roadway are also to be removed.

Less controversial have been the plans for a new library, according to designs by Norwegian Lund Hagem Architects. The project Diagonale capitalizes on the utilization and recreation of public space pioneered by the Opera House, by cutting through the fabric of the building with small angular pedestrian lanes.

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That being said, the tradition of regenerating harbor fronts is not entirely new to Oslo. The capital's City Hall and environs were built on roughly the same concept between 1930 and 1950. The monumental structure is a hybrid inspired by historical as well as modern shapes of architecture. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in the grand hall of this building every year.

Viking Planet

The Viking Planet in Oslo, Norway, is a state-of-the-art digital museum that offers an immersive experience of the Viking Age. Through cutting-edge technology, visitors can step back in time and witness the Vikings' daily lives, their exploration of distant lands, and their remarkable cultural achievements. Interactive exhibits, virtual reality experiences, and captivating films transport guests to the heart of Viking society, allowing them to feel the wind in their hair as they sail on a Viking longship or witness the power of a Norse god in a dramatic reenactment. The museum's focus on storytelling and engagement makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and families alike.

Things To See and Do in Oslo Norway

Oslo has, for a long time, been the lesser-known of the three Scandinavian capitals. In a bid to change its low profile, the city has, since 2003, embarked on a massive regeneration project. The plans aim to transform former industrial harbor areas into prime real estate, for residential, business, and cultural purposes. With its friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and thriving arts scene, Oslo is a captivating destination for travelers seeking a memorable experience. We hope this Things To Do in Oslo Norway post inspires you. Happy travels!