Discover Oslo, the Capital of Norway

Oslo, the capital of Norway and by far the most cosmopolitan city in Norway, offers its visitor's diverse nightlife, many cafes and bars and some wonderful museums.

The difference between Oslo and other capital cities is the immediate closeness to open wilderness areas. Oslo is located at the head of a fjord with a mountainous forest penetrating its boundaries.

Once in Oslo many of the central city sights are within a 15-minute walk from Karl Johans Gate.

Sights

The Emanuel Vigeland Museum (www.munch.museum.no)

Here you will find the life work and mausoleum of Gustav's brother. Within the dark windowless nave you will see frescoes depicting human life from birth to death (occasionally erotically).

When visiting this remarkable place you will be asked to wear cloth booties as the chamber has such incredible acoustics. Even clicking the fingers sounds like a gunshot.

The Akershus Festning (free admission 6am-9pm)

The Akershus Festning is a medieval fortress begun in 1299 by King Hakon. From here you will some excellent views due to its positioning on the eastern side of the harbor.

With the grounds of the fortress you will be able to visit the Akershus Slott, which is a medieval palace with Renaissance modifications. The upper floors of the palace house staterooms and banqueting halls whilst down in the dungeons you will see dark, dreary cubby holes where many a noble was outcast to suffer.

The Frognerparken

Should you wish to linger and take in more nudity then head to Frognerparken's central walkway. This is a processional walkway that is lined with screaming babies, entwined lovers and other naughty people and eventually leads to a giant phallus.

People flock to this place to enjoy its monumental elegance and the surrounding green spaces, shady trees and ponds.

The Norske Opera & Ballet (www.operaen.no)

The building that that is home to the Norske Opera and Ballet is amazing and really has to be seen to be believed. It is a spectacular architectural triumph that features a performance space that is wooden and elegant but the spectacular feature is the fact that this is set dramatically in a translucent cube.

But, you may decide that the roof of this construction is the best part. Its large sloping plans extend to the sidewalk and the crowds can scramble up and look out over the wonderful fjord. All in all an adult playground that just happens to host ballets.

Bygday

The Bygday Peninsula is home to many attractions and an excellent attraction that springs to mind is the Vikingskipshuset (the Viking Ship Museum).

In the Vikingskipshuset you will see three 9^th century ships that were excavated from the Oslofjord region. The amazing thing about these ships is the fact that two of them are intact. These ships were brought to shore and used as tombs for nobility who were buried in blue clay with all that they would need in the next world including servants, food, furniture and jewels.

The Vikingskipshuset is located at Huk Aveny 35 and is open 9am -6pm May-Sept and 11am - 4pm Oct- April.

Close to the Vikingskipshuset is the Norsk Folkemuseum. Made up from mostly the 17^th and 18^th centuries you will find approximately 140 buildings clustered according to regions. You will walk along dirt paths past sturdy barns, storehouses on stilts (stabbur) and farmhouse roofed with sod that sprouts wildflowers.

On Sundays during the summer there is usually folk music and dancing starting at 2pm.

The Norsk Folkemuseum is open 10am-6pm mid May - Sept with shorter hours during the rest of the year.

Activities

The ski season in Oslo is from about December through March. The downhill slopes that are at Tryvann Ski Center (www.tryvann.no ) are close to the Voksenkollen Station.

Tryvann Ski center is open 10am -10pm Mon-Friday and 10am-5pm Sat & Sun.

If you fancy a good urban walk then walk along the banks of the Akerselva River. Along your way you will encounter several waterfalls and the converted factory buildings that make up the trendy Grunerlokka district and this is the place where you will more than likely end up spending the rest of your day drinking.

Events and Festivals

Inferno Metal Festival - www.infernofestival.net Held during the month of April and to fit in the dress code is black.

17 May Constitution Day - This is probably the most festive annual festival that is held in Oslo with city residents in traditional garb descending on the palace.

Holmenkollen Ski Festival - www.skiforeningen.no this festival attracts ski jumpers enthusiasts from around the world and is held on March.

Oslo International Jazz Festival - www.oslojazz.no six days of fantastic gigs held in August.

Oya Festival - www.oyafestivalen.com during the month of August over 200 bands play everywhere even in medieval ruins.

Accommodation

Anker Hostel - located at Storgata 55, www.ankerhostel.no

Oslo Vandrerhjem Haraldsheim - located at Haraldsheim 4, www.haraldsheim.no

Sentrum Pensjonat - located at Tollbugata 8. www.sentrumpensjonat.no

Perminalen - located at Ovre Slottsgate 2, www.sentrumpensjonat.no

Ellingsem's Pensjonat - located at Holtegata 25

MS Innvil - located at Langkaia, www.msinnvik.no . This B&B used to be a car ferry and traveling theatre.

Cochs Pensjonat - located at Parkveien 25

Rica Holberg - located at Holbergs plass 1, www.rica-hotels.com

Residence Kristinelund - located at Nkr690-1070, www.kristinelund.no. This is set in an impressive stately home.

Oslo Fjordcamping - located at Ljansbrukveien1, www.oslofjordcamping.no

Eating

The best way to eat in Oslo is to frequent the bakeries simply because eating in Oslo is super expensive. Other than that visit the grocery stores such at Rema and Kiwi.

If you want to eat out then it is possible to get good value meals at some cafes.

Gay and Lesbian Scene

In Oslo there are few clubs that are strictly queer but most venues attract mixed crowds with some offering one gay night a week.

For more information get the free Pink Planet or look in Streetwise at the tourist office.

Source-- Europe on a Shoestring - The Lonely Planet