Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun, an outdoor adventure land, cultural and historic significance, art and Vikings, a myriad of experiences await visitors to Norway. There’s no better place to start your visit than Oslo, the gateway to the country. Referred to as the most beautiful country in the world, is Norway on your bucket list? GetAway Travel advisors are ready to help you “check it off” your list and get you there.

 

Gateway to Norway

 Oslo is the economic and government center of Norway. Trade, banking, industry and shipping are all represented in this capital city. It is a city of incredible nature beauty. There is the stunning waterfront, but also a plethora of green space.

There are also some amazing examples of architectural innovation. Visit the opera house, not only to attend a performance, but to walk on the roof to enjoy views of the city and surrounding area.

There are marvelous examples of Scandinavian architecture, galleries, art and design centers, take a walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House. Speaking of opera, a 20-year concentration of development around the city has made it a world-class cultural capital. The art and modern history museums are fabulous.

The Nobel Peace center is in Oslo. Nobel prizes are presented in Stockholm, but the Peace Prize is presented at Oslo City Hall with the winner making the keynote speech at the ceremony.

And, you can go island hopping. A short ferry ride can take you to one of the islands near Oslo for beach time, visiting a fishing village or two or sightseeing among the historical ruins.

Museums? Oslo has got ‘em

 There are 40 museums in Oslo, so there’s likely something to see for anything a visitor might be interested in. In addition to the art and history and cultural offerings, there’s the Armed Forces Museum, the Nordic Bible and Book Museum, the Labour Museum, the Salmon Center, the Norwegian Mining Museum and Silver Mine and you can take a look at the world’s largest collection of miniature bottles at the Mini Bottle Gallery.

But, let’s go through some of the popular museum choices.

The National Gallery houses the country’s largest collection of traditional and modern art including many of native son Edvard Munch’s best known works including “The Scream.” There are also pieces by Gauguin, Claudel, Picasso, El Greco, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Matisse, Cezanne and Monet.

Munch’s paintings, drawings, wood cuts and photographs, the largest collection of his works in the world, is at Munch Museum. There you will also be able to see traveling international exhibitions of art as well as musical performances and film. Plan for some time there, the museum has 13 floors.

 

Norway’s largest open-air museum is the Norsk Folkmuseum. It is one of the city’s most popular attractions. More than 140 buildings have been moved here to showcase what life was like in the 17th and 18th century. There are barns, raised storehouses and timbered farmhouses with sod roofs. Gorgeous wild flowers grow on the grounds, there are farm animals and horse and cart rides. There is a complete 20th century town reproduction including a village shop, gas station and homes. There are artisan and cultural activities going on throughout the site including weaving and pottery making.

An exhibition hall near the entrance is packed with exhibits of Norwegian folk art, historic toys and national costumes.

The Fram Museum is dedicated to early polar exploration and the Kon-Tiki museum pays homage to Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl who sailed from Peru to Polynesia on a balsa raft in 1947.

Some other awesome attractions

 The Royal Palace, home to Norway’s royal family, allows tours. The 172-room palace was completed in 1849. Visitors can see about a dozen rooms including the lavish banquet hall, the Cabinet parlor and the palace chapel. Be sure to catch the changing of the guard performed here every day.

 

Vigeland Park, the world’s largest sculpture park, is a truly extraordinary sight. It is an open-air exhibition of 212 granite and bronze pieces done by beloved Norway sculptor Gustav Vigeland. There are intertwined lovers, gentle senior couples, crying babies and beggers.

The Oslo Opera House is a jaw-dropping architectural marvel. Located on the waterfront, it is constructed of 36,000 luminous marble blocks and resembles a glacier floating in the water. Go to the roof to enjoy the views — and to be able to say you walked on the roof.

You can zip line down the spectacular ski jump at the Holmenkollen and Ski Museum. You can also immerse yourself in all things skiing. The nearby Rose Castle is an outdoor installation that commemorates the attack on Norway and the subsequent liberation during WWII.

Seven of the stained glass windows at the lovely Oslo Cathedral were designed and created by Vigeland and 17 more were gifted to the church in 1952 by Borgar Handlid. It’s done in Baroque style now and during a restoration, gorgeous paintings were revealed on the ceiling.

The Nobel Peace Center is dedicated to the peace prize and the Nobel laureates. Interactive exhibitions highlight human rights, conflict resolution and the importance of peace.

Akershus Fortress is a medieval castle where visitors can explore the old walls, art, towers and the castle. Enjoy great views of the city and harbor.

What about food, you ask…

 Norwegians are the world’s second largest coffee drinkers. There are great coffee places everywhere.

Kjøttkaker are Norwegian meatballs served with mashed peas, potatoes and gravy. Smoked salmon, Røkelaks is served in various forms at most eating establishments, often as a meal starter. Pølse is a hot dog, closer to a sausage, served on a soft potato flatbread which is almost tortilla-like. It is topped with ketchup and mustard.

Sandwiches or smørbrød, are served open-faced and garnished with a variety of toppings including meatloaf, eggs, smoked salmon or prawns.

Sweets? Oh yes! Waffles are enjoyed with brunost, sour cream and jam. Brunost is a sweet, Carmel-like cheese. Rømmegrøt is a traditional sour cream porridge garnished with butter, sugar and cinnamon. Buns, or holler, are sweet wheat buns served plain or filled with raisins or chocolate. A variation is skolebrød, filled with custard and topped with grated coconut.

Interested in visiting the gateway to Norway? Travel advisors at GetAway Travel are ready to help you with your adventure plans.We can be reached at:  (262) 538-2140, e-mail: sue@getaway.travel or paul@getaway.travel