Oslo, Oslo, NorwaySept 10-11: Bought 48-hr Oslo Pass that includes admission to most museums and public transportation.
Nobel Peace Center displays the Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their work, as well as the life and work of Alfred Nobel and the prizes he created.
The exhibitions, multimedia displays, and interactive technology made this a unique experience to learn more about the social and political issues and causes by the Peace Prize winners. Very interesting, especially the interactive one that determined your Peace Personality strength. Cousin's was spot on - Negotiator.
Nobel Peace Center displays the Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their work, as well as the life and work of Alfred Nobel and the prizes he created.
The exhibitions, multimedia displays, and interactive technology made this a unique experience to learn more about the social and political issues and causes by the Peace Prize winners. Very interesting, especially the interactive one that determined your Peace Personality strength. Cousin's was spot on - Negotiator.
National Museum: First floor lobby. Talked to a couple of the people working here that gave us advice about what rooms to see. Favorites were Rm 45-traditional Norwegian Rm 49-60. Gift shop had wonderful art items. Over 80 rooms of art, from traditional to modern and contemporary. Spent about an hour here touring a few of the rooms. Could be here all day and still not see everything. Headed for the well-known Edvard Munch collection that include ‘The Scream’ and ‘Madonna’.
- He wants to represent the inner life of the modern human being by depicting emotions. The picture is meant to stimulate reaction and reflection.
- Young Woman in Traditional Dress on the Balcony by Hedevig Thorine Christiane Lund 1849. Wearing a traditional dress on verandah overlooking a fjord landscape. The architecture and the girl's silver brooch indicate ancient heritage.
Sculpture area very thought provoking.
- Schjelder up-Ebbe depicts the human body in motion. The figure in marble is in a split, while turning her torso. A woman's body with wings. What kind of creature is she? The title means "butterfly," but perhaps she looks more like an elf? Ambiguity and mysticism are typical of 1890's symbolism, an art movement that often uses mythology and dream imagery.
Aker Brygge: Upscale harbor front is hub for culture, shopping, dining, and tourism. Nice boardwalk and pier along the water with great views of the marina and Oslo fjord inlet.
Jarmann Gastropub along the wharf for lunch. Delicious tempura shrimp. Came back again the next day when our other cousins arrived.
Jarmann Gastropub along the wharf for lunch. Delicious tempura shrimp. Came back again the next day when our other cousins arrived.
City Hall Square (Rådhusplassen) along the water. The red brick building looms over the square. Its Tower houses the largest carillon in the Nordics and rings every hour.
"Untuned Bell" hangs in the square. Fun pressing the foot pedal and to make it ring. Of course, we all had to ring it. Dykkaren Scuba -the silver sculpture is a nod to Norway’s strong maritime history. Much smaller than it looked in pictures.
The day we came to see inside City Hall, we had to infliltrate a Gay Pride parade in order to get from the harbor around to the front entrance.
City Hall (Radhus) is an architectural treasure inside and out. One of the country's most iconic buildings. Entry courtyard was lined with 16 wooden friezes made by Dagfin Werenskiold (1892-1977) showing "the motifs from Norse mythology: the life of gods and the stories of wisdom and love, war and hate, and magnificent visions of the future."
Main Hall is massive and impressive beyond words.
Epic wall murals are a storybook of Norway’s history, culture, traditions, and values created by renowned Norwegian artists. Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held here. What a spot for wedding photos.
Stairs up to the second floor balcony and more rooms with compelling frescoes, tapestries, sculptures and paintings.
Panoramic window had the best views of City Hall Square and the Oslofjord inlet.
What a place! - and entrance was free.
"Untuned Bell" hangs in the square. Fun pressing the foot pedal and to make it ring. Of course, we all had to ring it. Dykkaren Scuba -the silver sculpture is a nod to Norway’s strong maritime history. Much smaller than it looked in pictures.
The day we came to see inside City Hall, we had to infliltrate a Gay Pride parade in order to get from the harbor around to the front entrance.
City Hall (Radhus) is an architectural treasure inside and out. One of the country's most iconic buildings. Entry courtyard was lined with 16 wooden friezes made by Dagfin Werenskiold (1892-1977) showing "the motifs from Norse mythology: the life of gods and the stories of wisdom and love, war and hate, and magnificent visions of the future."
Main Hall is massive and impressive beyond words.
Epic wall murals are a storybook of Norway’s history, culture, traditions, and values created by renowned Norwegian artists. Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held here. What a spot for wedding photos.
Stairs up to the second floor balcony and more rooms with compelling frescoes, tapestries, sculptures and paintings.
Panoramic window had the best views of City Hall Square and the Oslofjord inlet.
What a place! - and entrance was free.
Sept 11: Akersus Castle
Came here late in the afternoon. Nice to have bright sunshine walking through City Hall Square along the harbor.
The Castle dates back to the late 1200s and early 1300s and was built to protect the city. Originally designed as a medieval castle and later renovated by King Christian IV so he could use it as a royal residence.
Visitor Center just inside the gate to get the self-guided audio tour around the old prison and state rooms--chapel, royal mausoleum
Finished tour just when they were closing. Excellent views of Oslofjord.
Came here late in the afternoon. Nice to have bright sunshine walking through City Hall Square along the harbor.
The Castle dates back to the late 1200s and early 1300s and was built to protect the city. Originally designed as a medieval castle and later renovated by King Christian IV so he could use it as a royal residence.
Visitor Center just inside the gate to get the self-guided audio tour around the old prison and state rooms--chapel, royal mausoleum
Finished tour just when they were closing. Excellent views of Oslofjord.
2025-05-22