NORWAY

Oslo (Capital)

Oslo, the capital of Norway, located in the Southern Norway and in the northern part of the Oslo Fjord, is the largest city of the country and also a province. During the years 1624 – 1877 the city was known as Christiania, and between 1877/1897 – 1924 the name was Kristiania. Bygdøy peninsula almost divides the fjord in two parts. The area is known for verdant mounds and mountains. The highest point is Kirkeberget (629 meters). The largest lake of the country, Maridalsvannet, is located in Oslo.  There are 40 islands in the Oslo region, and the Akerselva River flows through the city. Oslo is especially remembered from the 1952 Winter Olympics, and Holmenkollen Ski Festival is held annually.

Mount Floyen and the Funicular

Fløyen is a must-do while in Bergen. Fløibanen, the funicular brings you up the hillside, from Bergen city center to the top of the mountain in 6 minutes. At Mount Fløyen you will find beautiful views of Bergen, the nearby islands, fjords, and mountains surrounding Bergen. Fløyen is a great destination for hiking, mountain biking, and soft adventures.

Viking Ship Museum

Address: Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo, Norway

In the Viking Ship Museum are displayed the best-preserved Viking Ships of the world as well as findings from the tombs of Vikings. A novelty which started on 1, April 2014 is the show The Vikings Alive which is displayed on the ceilings and wall over the ship Tune. In the exhibition objects include findings from Gokstad, the ships Oseberg and Tune, little boats, sledges, a magnificent cart, textiles and household utensils. With the ticket of the Viking Ship Museum you also have the entrance to the Historical Museum, but the advantage should be used within 48 hours.

Vigeland Museum

Address: Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo, Norway

The Vigeland Park is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist and is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions. The park is open to visitors all year round. The unique sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland’s lifework with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite, and wrought iron. Vigeland was also in charge of the design and architectural layout of the park. The Vigeland Park was mainly completed between 1939 and 1949. Most of the sculptures are placed in five units along an 850-meter long axis: The Main gate, the Bridge with the Children’s playground, the Fountain, the Monolith plateau, and the Wheel of Life. 

Fram Museum

Address: Bygdøynesveien 39, 0286 Oslo, Norway

In the Fram Museum is displayed the strongest wooden ship in the world, with which has been sailed to the southernmost and northernmost places of the world. The visitors can come on board the ship and find out how the crew managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places of the world, Arktis und Antarktis. The simulator of the museum reproduces the weather and dangers of the polar area one hundred years ago. In the Gjøa-building is an exhibition about the Arctic and Northwest Passages. There is also a souvenir shop in the museum. The exhibition can be explored in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Norwegian. 

The Norweigian National Opera and Ballet

Address: Kirsten Flagstads Plass, 0194 Oslo, Norway

The Opera House of Oslo is an imposing, angled and white building which seems to be rising directly from the water. The visitors can climb to the roof to admire the view over the city. At the street level are large windows, from which the passers-by can follow the rehearsals and workshop activities. The interiors are mainly made from oak, and the main hall is built in the form of a horseshoe resembling historical theaters. The house was designed by a Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, and it has received lots of awards. There are three stages which have a total capacity of 1969 spectators. Also on the roof and in the foyer are concerts. Guided tours are available in Norwegian and English.

Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf (UNESCO 1979)

Address: Bryggen, 5003 Bergen, Norway

Bryggen, the old wharf of Bergen, is a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century. Many fires, the last in 1955, have ravaged the characteristic wooden houses of Bryggen. Its rebuilding has traditionally followed old patterns and methods, thus leaving its main structure preserved, which is a relic of an ancient wooden urban structure once common in Northern Europe. Today, some 62 buildings remain of this former townscape.