Oslo was founded around 1000 AD and then spent centuries under the rule of Denmark, Sweden and Germany. Norway’s capital city typically ranks among the best places to live in Europe. You will understand why after using this travel guide to explore this wonderful city.
This boat is peacefully sailing in the Oslofjord inlet. This area of the Bjørvika neighborhood once was a container harbor. It has undergone significant redevelopment since 2000. Seen next to the sail is the mouth of the Akersela river. Behind it is a row of high-rises along Dronning Eufemias gate. They are collectively called the Barcode Project. The first of the five glass towers opened in 2008. They are predominately office space with some apartments. On the left is the impressive Oslo Opera House.
Sørengkaia 103, 0194 Oslo, Norway
At first glance, this glass and steel sculpture resembles a sailboat. According to artist Monica Bonvicini, “She Lies” represents an iceberg. Hun ligger floats and turns in the wind in front of the Oslo Opera House. This artwork was made possible by a donation from Christen Sveaas and unveiled in 2010. The unique sculpture quickly became an Oslo landmark.
Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
Oslo Opera House was built in 2007 with reflective glass, La Facciata marble and white granite to give it the appearance of an iceberg floating in the Oslofjord inlet. The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet conduct over 300 performances a year in the 1,300 seat capacity auditorium and additional stages. The Opera House is a beautiful centerpiece to the growing arts and cultural district along the Bjørvika waterfront.
Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
The architect firm Snøhetta designed the Oslo Opera House with enormous white stone ramps. They provide magnificent views of the Oslofjord from both inside and out. They are also a favorite with athletes who get an incredible workout by running up and down the steep walkways. The woman who is barely seen at the top had just completed her third round trip. Amazingly, she barely seemed out of breath.
Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
Lady Ellen is a triple-masted, Swedish luxury yacht that was launched in 1982. She is 179 feet long and was designed by Lars Johansson. Currently, this beautiful schooner is available as a charter for special events and sailing exhibitions. She is moored in front of the “Pink Palace in Bjørvika,” a nickname given to the Havnelageret. When it was constructed in 1921 to accommodate trade in the commercial harbor, it was Europe’s largest concrete building. Today, the vivid waterfront structure is the headquarters of Dagbladet. The company publishes a large tabloid newspaper. It is also an agency that manages military real estate and the Norwegian Intelligence Service’s achieves.
Havnepromenaden Infopunkt 10 Langkaia 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
Approximately 250,000 people a year arrive in Oslo, Norway by cruise ship. They dock along one of four piers. Most of them are a short walk to begin your day of sightseeing. However, Revierkaia, which is shown here with the docked Holland America Line’s MS Eurodam, is the closet pier to Sentrum or city center. Oslo also hosts about three million hotel nights a year.
Langkaia 1, 0150 Oslo, Norway
The “Sun and Earth” statue by Ørnulf Bast has stood on top a fountain in Christian Frederiks plass since 1986. Historically, this location was the garden of Paléet. The former royal residence was constructed in 1745 and destroyed by fire in 1942. In 1914, the square was named after Christian Frederick. He was the King of Norway for less than five months in 1814 when Norway declared their short-lived independence from Denmark. He then transferred his power to the Storting (Norway’s new parliament). The politicians negotiated a union with Sweden and elected Charles XIII of Sweden as their new king. Christian Frederick returned to Denmark and later became the Danish King Christian VIII from 1839 until 1848.
Christian Frederiks plass Chr. Frederiks plass 2, 0154 Oslo, Norway
Oslo’s Central Station (Oslo Sentralstasjon) was built in 1987 next to the old East Station. Rather than tear down the 1880s Østbanehallen railway hall, it was completely renovated and then reopened in 2015 as a spectacular mall filled with shops and restaurants. Østbanehallen, which the locals are already referring to as “Ø,” also features the Comfort Hotel Grand Central Oslo. Most of the 170 rooms are uniquely decorated with bold graphics by artist Ariel McMillion. After the hotel opened in 2012, its focus on an exciting décor, friendly service, lots of amenities and moderate prices earned high accolades by reviewers and guests. For a special treat, grab a bite to eat on this terrace of the Brazzerie French and Italian restaurant. The eatery is housed in the old railway station’s ticket office.
Østbanehallen, Jernbanetorget 1, 0154 Oslo, Norway
Oslo’s nickname is Tigerstaden or The Tiger City. In 2000, residents wanted to celebrate their millennium in grand fashion. Part of the ceremonies was erecting this 14.8 foot bronze statue by Elena Engelsen in front of Jernbanetorget, Oslo Central Station. Tigeren has become a favorite among tourists and locals. Sometimes the fierce sculpture can scare even the bravest of little boys.
Jernbanetorget, 0154 Oslo, Norway
Trafikanten Tower stands tall in the center of Jernbanetorget square in Oslo’s center city called Sentrum. At the base of the glass clock tower is a tourist and transportation information office. A few steps away are the Sentralstasjon, the city’s central train station, and the Byporten which is a large shopping mall.
Jernbanetorget 1, 0154 Oslo, Norway
This bronze statue by Carl Ludvig Jacobsen shows Christian IV pointing toward the ground and declaring “Here lie the city.” It recreates where the king decided to rebuild after the devastating fire of 1624. He then renamed the new city Christiania after himself. In 1877, it became Kristiania before becoming Oslo in 1925. Christian den Fjerde was the ruler of both Denmark and Norway for 59 years from 1588 until 1648. This memorial was erected at Stortorvet (The Grand Plaza) in 1880.
Kirkegata, 0155 Oslo, Norway
Oslo Domkirke is the city’s third cathedral since the early 12th century. This stunning Church of Norway was commissioned by Christian IV in 1632. It was completed at Stortorvet square in 1697. Guided tours of the cathedral are available by pre-booking. Admission is free every day to look around and pray. If you are visiting Oslo during July and August, consider attending one of the organ concerts that are held every Saturday.
Karl Johans gate 11, 0154 Oslo, Norway
Oslo Cathedral was consecrated in 1697 and extensively restored in 1850. During the rebuilding, architect Alexis de Chateauneuf specified the addition of this bronze clock tower designed in Neogothic style. Inside the church you will find a 1748 altar, an exquisite painted ceiling, stained-glass windows by Emanuel Vigeland, bronze doors by Dagfin Werenskiold and an 18th century, five-story organ.
Karl Johans gate 11, 0154 Oslo, Norway
Eating at a local restaurant while traveling is usually fun. The experince becomes charming when set in a building over 300 years old. A good example is the Café Cathedral located inside “Kirkeristen.” It is an annex of the Oslo Cathedral. This outdoor section is part of their beer garden. It is a perfect setting for enjoying the sunshine and a romantic meal of pizza, pasta or reindeer. If the temperature gets chilly, the restaurant is happy to turn on their heating lamps and offer you a cozy blanket.
Café Cathedral Dronningens gate 27, 0154 Oslo, Norway
Karl Johans gate is one of the primary pedestrian boulevards in Oslo. This west portion was constructed in the late 1840s in order to connect the inner city with the Royal Place seen in the background. On the left is the Storting, Norway’s Parliament building. Prior to 1852, this street was called Østre Gade. Then it was renamed in honor of Karl Johan. He was king of Norway and Sweden from 1818 until 1844.
Karl Johans gate 22 0159 Oslo, Norway
Toward the end of the Napoleonic Wars and during the Treaty of Keil in 1814, Denmark agreed to cede Norway. This gave the Norwegians the opportunity to establish their own parliament. May 17th, Syttende Mai, is still celebrated as Norwegian Constitution Day. However, a few months later during the Convention of Moss, they were forced into a Swedish union and were technically ruled by Charles XIII of Sweden. One of the conditions was they were allowed to maintain many provisions of their new constitution. So, the parliament proceeded to meet in temporary facilities until the Storting was finished in 1866.
Karl Johans gate 22, 0026 Oslo, Norway
Behind the yellow brick walls of this semicircular structure is the Plenary Chamber. This is where the 169 members of Norway’s legislative body conduct their meetings. Eight political parties are represented in the Storting parliament. The Stortingsbygingen, called the Parliament of Norway Building in English, has been the home to the country’s government since it was built in 1866 except for a few years when it was occupied by German forces during World War II.
Karl Johans gate 22, 0026 Oslo, Norway
If you are Norwegian, you are familiar with the name on the top of this building: Olav Thon Gruppen. It is a conglomerate owned by Olav Thon, a billionaire and the country’s richest person. This entrepreneur was born into a farming family in 1923. 90 years later, he owned over 450 properties including hotels, shopping centers, commercial and residential properties and other businesses. At the end of 2013, he announced the majority of his wealth would become a foundation focused on medical science.
Karl Johans gate 25, 0159 Oslo, Norway
Two highlights for many tourists are shopping and eating. You will find plenty of both at Peleet. The mall is named after a former royal palace in Oslo. Inside is a shopping center with over 30 stores catering to high-end tastes. Outside are sidewalk restaurant tables. They are an ideal perch for people watching along Karl Johans gate, the city’s major pedestrian boulevard. Peleet offers a very modern experience because it reopened in 2014 after an extensive renovation. But the façades are very old. The white one on the left was built in 1869. Next door was constructed in 1844.
Karl Johans gate 37 - 43, 0162 Oslo, Norway
There are three names engraved above the entry of the National Theater. Henrik Ibsen, a Norwegian playwright who is considered the father of realism. Ludvig Holberg, an 18th century author who is often called the founder of Norwegian and Danish literature. Finally Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1903, wrote the Norwegian National Anthem and was a political activist. Plays by each of these great men were performed on the first three nights when Nationaltheatret opened in 1899.
Johanne Dybwads plass 1, 0161 Oslo, Norway
I enjoy studying classic buildings to learn their history and meaning. A good example is the National Theater in Oslo. I looked beyond the Ionic columns toward the relief inside the pediment. The carving shows armed soldiers chaining a Norse woman. I suspect this is a scene from the play “The Vikings at Helgeland.” The 10th century plot begins when Dagny, the daughter of Icelandic chieftain Ørnulf, is abducted by a sea-king named Sigurd the Strong. It ends with the deaths of her seven brothers who try to rescue her. The tragedy was written by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen in 1857.
Johanne Dybwads plass 1, 0161 Oslo, Norway
Henrik Ibsen was a famous 19th century Norwegian playwright. He has been called the father of modern drama. His plays are only second to William Shakespeare in terms of the most staged productions around the world. This statue by Stephan Sinding has stood outside the National Theater since it was built in 1899. On opening night, the author and his wife Suzannah sat in the front row. The couple’s last home is nearby and known as The Ibsen Museum. In the background is the Theatercaféen. Also called the Annex, this Vienna-styled café is part of the 5-star Hotel Continental built in 1900.
Johanne Dybwads plass 1, 0161 Oslo, Norway
This bronze statue celebrates the illustrious 76 year career of Norwegian actress Wenche Foss. She started in an operetta in 1935 and became famous for almost continuous performances in TV shows, movies and theater until shortly before her death in 2011 at the age of 93. She was also an activist for gay rights and a humanitarian for people with disabilities and cancer. This bronze tribute by artist Per Ung was unveiled in 2007 at Johanne Dybwad Square while the actress and queen were in attendance.
Studenterlunden Park Johanne Dybwads plass, 0161 Oslo, Norway
The original campus for the University of Oslo when founded in 1811 was in the center of the city. Most of their facilities have moved to their Blindern campus but the Faculty of Law has remained behind. The Law Library is in Domus Bibliotheca. It contains research and reference materials on Scandinavian, German and international law. Although the collection is intended to serve the university’s students and staff, the volumes are publicly available for anyone.
Domus Academica Kristian IVs gate 8, 0164 Oslo, Norway
Domus Media is the most impressive of the three buildings that constitute the Faculty of Law at the University of Oslo. Its Neoclassical design resembles an imposing Greek or Roman Temple. Built in the mid-19th century, Domus Media now houses lecture halls and offices for law professors. This was also the venue for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize from 1947 until 1989.
Europarettsbiblioteket Karl Johans gate 47, 0162 Oslo, Norway
Construction of the Norwegian Royal Palace was proposed by King Carl Johan in 1822. The first monarch occupant was King Oscar I in 1849. The Neoclassical design by Danish architect Hans Ditlev Linstow features Ionic columns above a portico with two wings. Flying above Det Norske Kongehus is the red flag called the Royal Standard of Norway. It is flown whenever the king is in Norwegian territory. On the right in the Palace Square is the equestrian statue of King Charles III John.
Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, Norway
Jean Bernadotte was born in France in 1763. He served as an accomplished military leader under Napoléon Bonaparte. Then he was given the opportunity to succeed Charles XIII who died without an heir. In 1818, he became the Swedish monarch (Charles XIV John) as well as the King of Norway (Charles III John) and ruled until his death in 1844. An interesting side note is Karl III Johan could not speak either Swedish or Norwegian. This bronze equestrian statue by Brynjulf Bergslien was erected in front of the Royal Palace in 1875.
Johan Henrik Ibsens gate 1, 10 Oslo, Norway
Since 1849, the Norwegian Royal Palace has been the residence of the country’s king, queen and royal family. Det Kongelige Slott is also where most of the monarch’s work is conducted and the venue for receiving guests. Guided tours of about a dozen of the 173 rooms are available during the summer. The Royal Palace is protected 24/7 by sentries who are part of the King’s Guard.
Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, Norway
Tourists love watching the pomp and circumstance associated with the changing of the guard. The event often starts at Akershus Fortress at 1:10 when the King’s Guard march down the boulevard called Karl Johans gate. Other days they emerge from behind the Royal Palace at 1:30. The ceremony lasts about 40 minutes and is conducted in two phases so make sure you stick around for the second part. Interestingly, members of the Royal Guard are not soldiers. They are young Norwegians who are assigned this duty as part of their one-year mandatory service.
Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, Norway
These young children were walking single file around one of three ponds located inside Palace Park. The 54 acre green space encircles the Royal Palace. Slottsparken was constructed in the early-19th century around the same time Det Kongelige Slott was built. This inviting public space has groves of huge trees, plenty of grassy areas, six statues, flower beds, creeks and footbridges.
Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, Norway
When Victoria Terrasse was finished in 1890, the ornate façade with towers and a slate roof stretched over 590 feet. Inside were luxury apartments. The flats were so fancy they were among the first residences to have electricity. In 1913, the government purchased the structure for administrative offices and a police station. Its dark history occurred during World War II when the Germans occupied Norway. In 1940, they converted Victoria Terrace into the headquarters for their Gestapo (Secret State Police) and Sicherheitsdienst (State Security for intelligence and covert operations). Until 1945, Norwegian citizens and political prisoners were jailed, interrogated and tortured here. In 1942, the British tried unsuccessfully to destroy Victoria Terrasse in an aerial bombing called the Oslo Mosquito Raid. The building now serves as the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Victoria Terrasse 0251 Oslo, Norway
On one of City Hall’s two brick towers is a huge, fairly non-descript clock. What makes the east tower special is the carillon. The bells provide a delightful song every hour and extended concerts on summer Sundays and the first Wednesday of every month. Most interesting is this astronomical clock. It graces the west tower facing the northern or main entrance of the brick building. The intricate clock displays the time, month, position of the moon and sun plus the zodiac signs.
Rådhusplassen 1, 0037 Oslo, Norway
Above the main entrance of the Oslo City Hall is this gorgeous frieze. The reliefs exhibit Norwegians in everyday activities such as building, farming, fishing, heavy labor, dancing and commerce. The Nordic etchings carved in stone grace the second story balcony. When you walk inside you will find more permanent art including huge murals by Henrik Sørensens. The Oslo Rådhus also hosts the Town Hall Gallery. This is a rotating exhibition of works by contemporary artists. This 1950 building, which was voted the city’s “Structure of the Century,” houses municipal offices and the Oslo City Council.
Rådhusplassen 1, 0037 Oslo, Norway
Numerous statues and reliefs surrounding the Oslo City Hall portray images of legends, historic figures, and allegorical figures of mythological deities plus Norwegian citizens. Perhaps the most interesting is this artwork located near an east bay window called Albertine. The carving by Alfred Seland shows a high-society gentleman with a cane and top hat standing on a ledge next to a proper appearing woman. She is secretly holding hands with a commoner who is hiding around the corner. You might assume this gesture represents an extramarital affair. It turns out the woman is a prostitute, the john is on her right and her pimp is on the left. The image is based on the novel “Albertine” by Norwegian author Christian Krohg. Within days after it was published in 1886, all copies of the book were confiscated and she was jailed. The ensuing uproar led to laws criminalizing prostitution.
Rådhusplassen 1, 0037 Oslo, Norway
This exquisite building served as a railway station called Oslo Vestbanestasjon from 1872 until it closed in 1989. All trains were rerouted to the new Oslo Sentralstasjon. After a significant renovation, it reopened as the Nobel Peace Center in 2005. The Nobels Fredssenter is a museum tracing the coveted award’s history from the posthumous trust established in 1896 by Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, to the present day. Another Nobel Museum is located in Stockholm, Sweden.
Brynjulf Bulls plass 1, 0250 Oslo, Norway
During the construction of the new National Museum, a 200 foot safety wall was converted into a canvas for public art by the Nobel Peace Center. It was called the Peace Wall. This mural is a detail of art called Mare Nostrum – Our Ocean. It was painted in June of 2015 by Torunn Skjelland and Vigdis Fjellheim and remained on display until April of 2016.
Nobels Fredssenter, Brynjulf Bulls Plass 1, 0250 Oslo, Norway
Norway is host to about five million foreign visitors a year. Most tourists come to see coastal fjords and city landmarks. What they often overlook is the country’s other attributes such as their strong economy. Norway has the world’s fourth highest gross domestic product per capita and the highest standard of living. They are also the second-largest exporter of seafood. This leads to the little qualities of life such as this Norwegian woman purchasing a sack of fresh shrimp from a local fisherman.
Pipervika Rådhusbrygge 4, 0160 Oslo, Norway
Olivia Italian Restaurant is an example of the approximate 40 eateries, bars and nightclubs along the Pipervika waterfront at Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen. It is housed in one of the old mechanical workshops of Akers Mekaniske Verksted. The operation was a major Norwegian shipyard from 1841 until they closed in 1982. The red brick Verkstedhallen building is also part of the Aker Brygge shopping center containing about 50 stores.
Brygge Stranden 3, 0250 Oslo, Norway
This copper clock tower that now graces the pier at Aker Brygge stood on top of the Verkstedhallen building from 1949 until 1982. It signaled employees at the Akers Mekaniske Verksted shipyard when they had three minutes left before the end of their break. If they reported back to work even one minute late, they were docked for fifteen minutes pay.
Clock on Aker Brygge Dock 0250 Oslo, Norway
This lighthouse stands along a pedestrian walkway called Strandon meaning Beach. It is the main boardwalk facing the Pipevika harbor in the Aker Brygge district. Locals and tourists flock to this area for shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Another favorite pastime is to leisurely view the waterfront while enjoying a Mövenpick ice cream cone.
Bella Bua Stranden 7, 0250 Oslo, Norway
This wedged-shaped building is a bold hint of what is inside: the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. The dramatic structure was designed by Renzo Piano and opened in the Tjuvholmen area of Oslo in 2012. The musset was founded in 1993 by two philanthropic organizations. The benefactor for the Astrup Foundation was Hans Rasmus Astrup. He is a billionaire and major art collector. The Thomas Fearnley Foundation was established by a successful shipping family. The museum exhibits artwork from the 1960s through to contemporary artists.
Strandpromenaden 2 0252 Oslo, Norway
Sailing along the Oslo Fjord gives you the best view of the Tjuvholmen neighborhood and its eclectic collection of architecture. In the foreground is the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. The green space is an outdoor sculpture park. The modern buildings in the background are primarily apartments. They were constructed from 2005 through 2014 as part of the Utsyn initiative (which means View) by the Fjord City urban renewal project. The supervising architect was Niels Torp. During the second half of the 20th century, this 82 acre peninsula was the location for commercial docks and a shipyard. Before then, this land was used to hang drunks and thieves. This is how the area got its name: “tjuv” means thief and “holme” is an islet.
Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway
The Pipervika small boat harbor defines the waterfront of downtown Oslo. Several landmarks are visible looking left to right. The apartment buildings in the recently developed Tjuvholmen neighborhood. The Aker Brygge entertainment and shopping area. The Radisson Blue Plaza Hotel which, at 384 feet, is the city’s tallest building. The twin towers of City Hall. And forming the eastern shoreline of this harbor but not shown in this photo is the Akershus Fortress.
Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway
Akershus Fortress was constructed along the coastline of the Oslo Fjord around 1299 as a defense against sea and land invasions. Akershus Festning successfully repelled at least six attacks by Swedish, Danish and Scottish soldiers from 1308 through the 16th century. The citadel was only surrendered in 1940 when Germany invaded Norway during WWII. The Germans used the big building on the right, called the Akershus National Penitentiary, as a military prison. Further on the right is the Crown Prince’s Powder Magazine Tower (circa 1755). It was used by the Nazis as death row for Norwegian Resistance fighters. The castle was liberated in 1945. Akershus Fortress is surrounded by Crown Prince’s Bastion, a stone wall built in 1618.
Akershus Castle Church 0150 Oslo, Norway
The Akershus Fortress complex consists of 21 buildings. The most interesting and oldest area is the inner medieval castle. It is reached by walking over a drawbridge to a large stone bastion, through a gate and into this inner courtyard. Notice the coat of arms. The lion in the center was first used by King Magnus VI who died in 1280, twenty years before the fortress was built. The paws holding an ax represent Saint Olaf and signify the king’s rightful heir to the throne. This combination is still used by Norway’s monarch and the state. On either side is a lion rampart guardant. A similar heraldry image was used by King Charles III John in the early 19th century while he was the king of Sweden and Norway.
Akershus Castle Church 0150 Oslo, Norway
The floor of the Akershus Castle served as the private apartments for Danish and Norwegian kings dating back to the 1600s. It was later remodeled into one large room designed in a Nordic Baroque style. Decorations include furniture, rugs and tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries. The room is called the Hall of Christian IV in honor of Denmark’s longest reigning monarch. He was also the King of Norway from 1588 until 1648.
Akershus Castle Church 0150 Oslo, Norway
Three tapestries hang on the north wall of the Hall of Christian IV at Akershus Castle. They represent scenes of a Spanish Riding School in Vienna. These large, gorgeous pieces of artwork were originally crafted in Brussels during the mid-17th century. They were presented to a member of the royal family as a wedding gift. This tapestry is the only original. A castle representative called it Tjøha.
Akershus Castle Church 0150 Oslo, Norway
During the early 17th century, Christian IV, who was the King of Denmark and Norway, ordered the expansion of the Akershus Castle and reconfigured it into the current Renaissance style. He died in 1648, nine years before the castle’s Skarpenord’s Powder Magazine was completed. Embedded above the archway is the monogram of his second eldest son, Frederik III, King of Denmark. The Great Powder Magazine was an armory used to store gunpowder and other weapons. Look closely at the two sandstone reliefs. These mirrored faces are Hannibal Sehested. He was the governor-general of Norway in the mid-17th century before resigning after charges of embezzlement. He later regained favor with Frederick III by negotiating the Treaty of Copenhagen. The agreement restored peaceful relations among Sweden, Denmark and Norway. These carvings were originally created for his unfinished mansion.
Akershus Fortress 0150 Oslo, Norway
At the onset of World War II, Norway declared its neutrality. Despite this, the country was attacked by Germany in April of 1940. After two months of military skirmishes, the Norwegians succumbed to occupation. In response, some citizens and most of the government leaders escaped. As many as 15,000 joined the Nazi military ranks while others chose to continue fighting in clandestine ways. The Norway’s Resistance Museum tells the stories of these underground forces from 1940 until the country was liberated in 1945. The Norges Hjemmefrontmuseum was established in 1966 on the grounds of the Akershus Fortress.
Akershus Festning, 0015 Oslo, Norway
This ensemble of bronze statues is a small sample of what you will see at Frogner Park. The location of the sculpture garden derives its name from a manor built here in 1750 by Major Hans Jacob Scheel. After the sprawling estate exchanged hands several times, it was sold to the city. It is now famous for an outdoor display of over 200 larger-than-life bronze and granite sculptures called the Vigeland Installation. Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland spent nearly 20 years – from 1921 until he died in 1943 – creating these artworks. The Vigeland Sculpture Arrangement is the world’s largest collection of sculptures by a single artist in the world.
Sinnataggen 0268 Oslo, Norway
58 bronze statues by artist Gustav Vigeland adorn both sides of this pedestrian bridge in Frogner Park. It stretches 328 feet from the entrance of Frognerparken to the enormous water fountain in the center. In the background you can see the Monolith Plateau. The stairs on this platform lead you to the Monolith, a granite tower that is a stylistic totem pole.
Sinnataggen 0268 Oslo, Norway
This woman dancing while pulling her long hair is one of the sculptures you will see at the Vigelandsanlegget or Vigeland Sculpture Arrangement in Frogner Park. Artist Gustav Vigeland created 212 statues of naked men, women, children and even infants. Several are in everyday positions like walking. Most are interacting in various activities while some border on the bizarre like a man juggling babies. Admission to this outdoor exhibition is free. The park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Oslo.
Skulptuuripark 0268 Oslo, Norway
This elevated view from the Monolith Plateau shows the water fountain with sixty reliefs in the center of Vigeland Park and the bridge that leads to its front gate. In the background is the town of Frogner. It is part of a very exclusive borough of Oslo by the same name. The tall bell tower belongs to the Uranienborg Church.
Vigeland Park Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo, Norway
The Monolith is the centerpiece of Frogner Park. The tower consists of 121 intertwined naked people ranging in age from an old man to a newborn. Apparently it symbolizes human’s universal desire to be closer to each other and the divine spirit. The monument was designed by Gustav Vigeland in 1924. Then, starting in 1929, it took three carvers 14 years to sculpt all of the figures from the 46 foot tall solid piece of granite.
Monolitten 0268 Oslo, Norway
This little boy is sitting backwards on the head of one of 36 granite sculptures located on the Monolith Plateau encircling the tall Monolith tower. The figures represent the circle of life. This young man would fit right in with the other 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland at Foger Park except, of course, he is wearing clothes.
Monolitten 0268 Oslo, Norway
Dyna Light is perched on a stone islet resembling a ship bow. The lantern, which reaches a height of 40.5 feet, looks like a church steeple except it contains a fog horn instead of a bell. This navigational beacon was built in 1875 about 220 yards off the Bygdøy coastline. This is a couple miles away from Oslo. When Dyna Fyr was renovated in 1992, the white wooden keeper’s house was converted into a banquet and special event facility. However, it is still an active lighthouse.
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