The capital of Norway is called "The Green Capital" because of all the beautiful parks. Oslo is situated beside a fjord and surrounded by forest-covered mountains. Around the 14th century it had a population of 3,000 and was the home of King Håkon V - famous for his Akershus Castle and Fortress. In 1624, Oslo was destroyed in a large fire. Denmark's King Christian IV rebuilt it, but renamed the city Christiania.
In 1925, the name was changed back to Oslo. In the 19th century, Oslo experienced many of the same changes as other large cities across Europe, as the Industrial Revolution made its mark and the city grew rapidly. The central parts of Oslo, around the Karl Johans Gate Boulevard and the Royal Palace, are simply referred to as Centrum - the centre. Popular sights in this area are the Stortinget Parliament building and Oslo Cathedral. Akershus castle and fortress are located in the heart of the city right next to the Oslo fjord.
(28 reviews)
Join us on a journey crossing the length of Norway from Oslo to the Arctic Circle. Set out on four of the country's world-renowned rail routes - the Flåm, Bergen, Nordland and Rauma Railways - and cruise across Geirangerfjord, discovering otherworldly landscapes and stunning archipelagos en route. On this exceptional tour, we experience a taste...
Experience the beauty of Norway, from its natural wonders to charming cities, on this rail tour across stunning landscapes. Journey through the impressive wilderness of plateaus and waterfalls on two of the world's most famous train journeys: the Bergen Railway and the Flåm Railway. Marvel at towering cliff faces on a sensational fjordland...
(75 reviews)Embark on spellbinding Scandinavian rail journeys from the ancient Viking capital of Trondheim to Swedish Lapland, visiting the best places to see the Aurora Borealis, with many opportunities to experience these swirling lights. Travelling by rail through amazing landscapes, cross the Arctic Circle to Bodø to seek the ethereal Northern Lights on...
Explore Norway's iconic mountains, glaciers and fjords, and discover Swedish Lapland's untamed wilderness on this epic vacation. Soak up hallmarks of regional culture and set out on each and every one of the great Scandinavian rail experiences, crossing the Arctic Circle to the "Land of the Midnight Sun." This ultimate tour combines...
(5 reviews)
Norway's breathtaking Sognefjord is home to rich Viking traditions and some of the country's most fascinating cities. Its beautiful blue waters are surrounded by charming villages and varied terrain, complete with mountains, plateaus, waterfalls, and emerald forests. Explore this region by train and cruise on this eight-day journey through Oslo,...
(5 reviews)Discover Norway in the summertime with guided tours and time to explore Oslo and Bergen before embarking on a six-night Arctic cruise through some of the world's most magical fjords. On our epic voyage north, we mark the crossing of the Arctic Circle with a ceremony, then continue into Norway's Arctic region, experiencing the extraordinary...
Another big tourist attraction is Aker Brygge, right across the water from Akershus fortress. Here you can find restaurants, shopping malls, cosy promenade areas and the terminal for the Nesodden boats.
One of the most popular places to visit in Oslo is Bygdøy, a peninsula not far from the Frogner district. Here are many popular museums, including the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, The HL Center (Holocaust Center), The Marine Museum and the Norwegian Folklore Museum. During the summer many people also head to Bygdøy for its beach.
Edvard Munch has a unique position in the history of art, as one of the Expressionist movement's early pioneers. The Munch Museum hosts a unique collection of more than 1,100 of Munch's paintings, including his most famous work, The Scream. The Viking Ship Museum presents great Viking ship discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune, as well as other finds from Viking tombs around the Oslo Fjord including the world's two best-preserved wooden Viking ships built in the 9th century.
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