NORWAY
Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe with 5,5 million inhabitants.
The capital and largest city in Norway is Oslo with 690.000 inhabitants. The city is nicely situated by Oslofjorden.
17 May, the National Day
Karl Johan street and Castle park
The National Day, 17th May, is a big party for the people. Starting with a champagne breakfast at home, before the children’s parade in front of the royal castle in Oslo. The Royal family is standing at the balcony waving at the parade for hours.
People are dressed up in national dresses (bunader) or the Sunday suit.
The 17 May 1814, the Norwegian constitution was signed for an independant Norway after the separation from Denmark and before the union with Sweden later the same year.
Vigelandsparken
Nobels gate 32, Oslo
The biggest sculpture park in the world. It’s named after Gustav Vigeland, born in Oslo 1869 and shows more than 200 of his sculptures in bronze, granite and iron.
Vigeland himself decided the design and the layout of the park.
Royal Castle
Henrik Ibsens gate 1, Oslo
The Royal Palace is the official residence of the current Norwegian monarch and was built in the first half of the 19th century.
The palace is located at the end of Karl Johans gate in central Oslo and is surrounded by the beautiful Palace Park with the Palace Square in the front.
Holmenkollen
Vestre Aker, Oslo
Holmenkollen is a mountain and a neighbourhood in the borough of Oslo, Norway.
In addition to being a residential area, the area has been a ski recreation area since the late 19th century, with its famous ski jumping hill, the Holmenkollbakken, hosting competitions since 1892.
It goes up to 500 metres above sea level and is well-known for its international skiing competitions.
Munch Museum
Edvard Munchs Plass 1, Oslo
This art museum is dedicated to the life and works of the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch.
The old museum had in its permanent collection well over half of the artist’s entire production of paintings and at least one copy of all his prints.
In summer 2021, 28000 pieces of art was moved from the previous museum to the new museum situated on the waterfront, next to the Oslo Opera House.
The museum was opened by the King Harald V in October 2021.
The new museum has been widely criticised for its design.
Opera House
Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, Oslo
The Oslo Opera House is the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and the national opera theatre in Norway. The building is situated in central Oslo.
It opened in April 2008.
The roof of the building angles to ground level, creating a large plaza that invites pedestrians to walk up and enjoy the panoramic views of Oslo.
Deichman Oslo Public Library
Anne-Cath, Vestlys plass 1, Oslo
The library opened on 12 January 1785 and from the start the library was open to all citizens. ,
Today, the library’s main building, Deichman Bjørvika, opened to the public in June 2020, next to the Opera and the new Munch Museum, part of the Fjord City renewal project.
The building has won several awards.
Bar Code district
Bjørvika, Oslo
The Barcode Project is a section of the Fjord City redevelopment on former dock and industrial land in central Oslo. It consists of a row of new multi-purpose high-rise buildings that was completed in 2016. There has been intense public debate about the height and shape of the buildings.
The name Barcode refers to the 12 different buildings in different heights, very narrow but still with some space in between.
Cochs Pension
Parkveien 25, Oslo
Simple but proper 2-star hotel in the centre of Oslo, very close to the Castle park. Closest train station is Nationaltheatret. It’s situated in a building from the beginning of 1900.
I had a room facing the street and it was rather noisy with the traffic in the morning.
The hotel offers coffee for free, but no breakfast. But there are 2 coffee shops just outside on the street.
Lorry
Parkveien 12, Oslo
Lorry is one of Oslo’s oldest restaurants, and has been run by the same family through three generations. There is a nice atmosphere and smiling waiters. The decoration is surprising, you’ll be greeted by exotic animals, unique artwork and rare objects.
There is a choice of food from a scrim sandwich to a savvy hamburger and the portions are generous.
Lille Herbern
Herbernveien, Oslo
The Barcode Project is a section of the Fjord City redevelopment on former dock and industrial land in central Oslo. It consists of a row of new multi-purpose high-rise buildings that was completed in 2016. There has been intense public debate about the height and shape of the buildings.
The name Barcode refers to the 12 different buildings in different heights, very narrow but still with some space in between.
Frognerseteren
Holmenkollveien 200, Oslo
Frognerseteren has always had a special meaning for the people of Oslo. The place dates from the end of the 19th century and is situated on top of Holmenkollen, 435 meters above the city. From the tales inside you have a spectacular view. The kitchen continues to prepare the food according to old Norwegian food traditions.
A great place with great food and nice staff.
Aker Brygge
Sentrum, Olso
This is a popular area in the harbour in the center of Oslo. The docks are full of bars and restaurants and it’s very nice to take a drink in the sunset on a beautiful spring evening.