Until the 20th century, the Norwegian capital Oslo was still called Christiania, named after the Danish King Christian IV. It was he who had the former Oslo rebuilt after it had burned down in the 17th century. He decided on the characteristic checkerboard pattern that still characterizes the metropolis today. In Oslo, international winter sports, art, modern architecture, the fascinating nature of the fjords and attractive green spaces meet. Several museums complement the multifaceted kaleidoscope of Nordic culture. Especially popular with locals and tourists is the boulevard Karl Johans Gate in the immediate vicinity of the central station.
Attractions and sights
Nasjonalgalleriet
The National Gallery of Oslo houses the largest collection of Scandinavian, Norwegian and international art in Norway. It includes works from the beginning of the 19th century until today.
Akershus Fortress
The Akershus fortress and castle (Akershus festning), built on a rocky spur, is perhaps the most important landmark of the Norwegian capital Oslo. The impressive, striking building, which rises on the shore of the Oslo Fjord, documents more than 700 years of military and representative architectural history.
Munch Museum
The Munch Museum in Oslo shows the life and work of the Norwegian painter Edvard Munch (1863 - 1944). Among other things, numerous works are exhibited, which the world-famous artist bequeathed to the city during his lifetime in 1940.
Viking Ship Museum in Oslo
The Viking Ship Museum (in Norwegian: Vikingskipshuset) on the island of Bygdøy is where you can admire the best-preserved Viking ships in the world.
Norsk Folkemuseum
One of the cultural highlights during a visit to Norway's capital Oslo is the Norsk Folkemuseum, the Norwegian Folk Museum. The open-air museum is the main museum in all of Norway for content related to the history of the Norwegian people. Moreover, there are classical exhibitions in addition to the ...
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in Oslo has been around since 1814 and is not only the oldest but also the largest of its kind in Norway. It is located in the heart of Oslo and is divided into the following three areas: the Geological Museum, the Zoological Museum and the Botanical ...
Oslo Opera House
One of the most famous roofs in the world awaits visitors to the Opera House in the Norwegian capital Oslo. The venue of the Norwegian Opera is a modern building made of concrete, marble, glass and wood. Opened in 2008, the opera house has a few surprises in store, both inside ...
Oslo Cathedral
Oslo Cathedral is the largest house of worship in the Norwegian capital. The Evangelical Lutheran cathedral is located in the centre of Oslo, not far from Karl Johanns Gate, the boulevard in Oslo's city centre. Until 1950, the church was called Vår Frelsers kirke ("Redeemer's Church"). It was then renamed ...
Oslo City Hall
The City Hall of the Norwegian capital Oslo is considered a representative landmark of Norwegian independence. Visitors to the Norwegian city should definitely take the time to visit the historic building. The Oslo City Hall is known worldwide not least due to the fact that the Nobel Peace Prize is ...
Reptile Park in Oslo
The reptile park "Oslo Reptile Park" is located in the middle of the city and is home to over 100 animal species. The mini-zoo, which looks rather inconspicuous from the outside, opened its doors in 2002. In addition to grass snakes, dwarf crocodiles, geckos, chameleons and other lizards, more poisonous specimens such ...
Royal Castle in Oslo
The Royal Palace is located at the end of Karl Johans gate and fulfils several functions. In addition to its function as the king's residence, it is also used as a state representation place, administration place of the monarchy and as a guest house.
Parliament in Oslo
One of the most important buildings in Oslo is the stately Stortinget Parliament House of Norway, located on Oslo's grand boulevard Karl Johans gate 22, which leads up to the Royal Palace. From the windows of the rotunda, the view extends directly to the Royal Palace and the National Theatre.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Vigelandpark in Oslo is the largest sculpture park in the world created by a single artist. The extensive grounds are the best-known part of the popular Frogner Park, located on the site of a historic 18th-century estate. The public park is home not only to a unique collection of roses, ...