Akershus Castle is a historic Norwegian landmark that dates as far back as the medieval period when it was built in 1299 as a residence for the royal family. Since then it has been used for multiple purposes, such as a fortress, a renaissance castle, and even a full-fledged prison. Today it serves as the headquarters to the Ministry of Defense and is used to hold major events. A visit to the castle turned into a historical lesson for us, including my Norwegian friends as the audio guide was very informative. We received a peek into the lifestyles of Norwegian grandeur in the past, with magnificent hallways and immense banquet rooms.
*Free with Oslo pass

view of the port from Akershus fortress

Karl Johans Gate is Oslo’s equivalent of the Champs-Élysées. It is the leading venue for the city’s parades, home to the Royal Palace, and the site of an ice-skating rink in winter. This shopping street is bustling with restaurants and stores for those who like to go shopping or have a  cup of coffee at one of the cafes lining the street.

Just down the street from Kark Johans, the Royal Palace (Det Kongelige Slott) is situated next to Slottsparken, a public park in the middle of the city. Everyday around 1:30 p.m., you can watch the daily changing of the guard parade in front of the palace. We were not too fascinated with the parade as there was no band playing when we were there; it was just marching and shouting of commands by the soldiers. Those lucky enough to visit on a weekday when the king is in residence will also have the opportunity to hear the Royal Guard band play during the ceremony.

changing of guards parade at the Royal Palace

Home to the Noregian National Opera and Ballet, Operahuset is a landmark in the city due to its unique design. From the outside, the most striking feature is the white sloping marble roof which rises directly up from the Oslofjord, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll and take in views of the city.

the whitewashed exterior of the Opera house

Vigelandsparken, the 212-sculpture park within Oslo’s Frogner Park, is possibly the most popular and visited art attraction in the city. The famous Norwegian Gustav Vigeland created each of the park’s sculptures from “Angry Little Boy” to the 50-foot-tall “Monolith,” carved from a single stone. The statues of naked people in various poses might be disturbing for some, but I see this park as a huge piece of art.

interesting statues carved of stone at Vigeland park

For an escape to the suburbs, the Holmenkollen ski jump, offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Oslo, the surrounding country, and the Oslofjord on a clear day. It is accessible by the T-bane (metro). Being the world’s most modern ski jump, it is one of the first designer ski jumps of its kind to be built. You can also choose to zipline down the steep ski jump which is made entirely of steel, soaring over 60m above ground. While you are there, visit the Holmenkollen Ski Museum for the history of sport and expedition skiing, with a ski simulator & tower views.
*Free with Oslo Pass

Oslo Holmenkollen ski jump for the winter Olympics

Oslo’s art scene is all about Edvard Munch. His expressionist paintings have made their way all over town, from the Assembly Hall of Oslo University, to the Munch Museum. We spent a whole afternoon at the museum where there was a temporary exhibition on Van Gogh and Munch. It compared the lives of the two artists, showing how similar they were and the style used in their paintings.
*Free with Oslo Pass

Lastly, I would highly recommend a visit to the Oslo fjords to get away from the bustle of the city and to relax in the countryside. There are plenty of forests with marked hiking trail or you can also take a leisurely stroll along the coast. The best way to reach the fjords is to take the public ferry (again, free with the Oslo card) the Ruter boat which has ferries to the surrounding islands every hour. You can take a ferry from Aker brygge (the ferry terminal in Tjuvholmen waterfront) to Vollen (in Akershus municipality) to enjoy the scenery of the Oslo fjords and also visit the Oslofjordmuseet.

The Oslo Pass gives you free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, free travel on all public transport, free parking in municipal car parks, free entry to outdoor swimming pools, free walking tours, discounts on sightseeing, ski simulator, Tusenfryd Amusement Park, concert tickets, climbing, ski and bike rental, and special offers in restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure venues.

You decide whether you want a card that is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The card is valid from the time you validate it by writing the time and date in the space provided. From that moment, the pass is valid for the number of hours indicated on it. An Oslo Pass for children is available at a reduced rate. Along with the Oslo Pass, you will receive the Oslo Pass booklet, describing all the benefits for Oslo Pass holders. – See more at: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/oslo-pass/#sthash.obPgFE8w.dpuf

The Oslo Pass gives you free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, free travel on all public transport, free parking in municipal car parks, free entry to outdoor swimming pools, free walking tours, discounts on sightseeing, ski simulator, Tusenfryd Amusement Park, concert tickets, climbing, ski and bike rental, and special offers in restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure venues.

You decide whether you want a card that is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The card is valid from the time you validate it by writing the time and date in the space provided. From that moment, the pass is valid for the number of hours indicated on it. An Oslo Pass for children is available at a reduced rate. Along with the Oslo Pass, you will receive the Oslo Pass booklet, describing all the benefits for Oslo Pass holders. – See more at: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/oslo-pass/#sthash.obPgFE8w.dpuf

The Oslo Pass gives you free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, free travel on all public transport, free parking in municipal car parks, free entry to outdoor swimming pools, free walking tours, discounts on sightseeing, ski simulator, Tusenfryd Amusement Park, concert tickets, climbing, ski and bike rental, and special offers in restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure venues.

You decide whether you want a card that is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The card is valid from the time you validate it by writing the time and date in the space provided. From that moment, the pass is valid for the number of hours indicated on it. An Oslo Pass for children is available at a reduced rate. Along with the Oslo Pass, you will receive the Oslo Pass booklet, describing all the benefits for Oslo Pass holders. – See more at: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/oslo-pass/#sthash.obPgFE8w.dpuf

The Oslo Pass gives you free entry to more than 30 museums and attractions, free travel on all public transport, free parking in municipal car parks, free entry to outdoor swimming pools, free walking tours, discounts on sightseeing, ski simulator, Tusenfryd Amusement Park, concert tickets, climbing, ski and bike rental, and special offers in restaurants, shops, entertainment and leisure venues.

You decide whether you want a card that is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The card is valid from the time you validate it by writing the time and date in the space provided. From that moment, the pass is valid for the number of hours indicated on it. An Oslo Pass for children is available at a reduced rate. Along with the Oslo Pass, you will receive the Oslo Pass booklet, describing all the benefits for Oslo Pass holders. – See more at: http://www.visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/oslo-pass/#sthash.obPgFE8w.dpuf