A City Break to Oslo
Breathtaking scenery
Few destinations can match Oslo for spectacular scenery. An Oslo city break will not only feature the charms of the oldest Scandinavian capital, but also offer an experience to see the breathtaking grandeur of Norway’s fjords, mountains, waterfalls and numerous lakes.
Fantastic walking and skiing can be reached quickly by underground and train. If you are staying longer in Oslo you should consider one of the amazing longer tours that combine the unforgettable train journeys, stunning fjord cruises and mountain roads.
The Nordic atmosphere
You should visit the mighty fortress, the royal palace, the renovated quayside warehouses and countless waterfront cafes. Oslo offers a pleasant shopping experience in its indoor and outdoor markets. With its luscious green parks, vast open spaces, animated waterfront quays and a collection of low-key attractions make Oslo a good choice for relaxed sightseeing. With it’s location summer breaks in Oslo enjoy long hours of sunshine and daylight. Whereas in winter they have a special atmosphere, with snowy squares and a cosy atmosphere in the warm cafes, bars and restaurants of the city.
Viking ships
If you are considering a short break in Oslo it is a city rich in Viking folklore and maritime history. It’s only a short ferry trip to the Bygdøy Peninsula with its collection of well-preserved Viking ships and the iconic vessels such as Thor Heyerdal’s Kon-Tiki as well as the 19th century boat Amundson used in the Antarctic. The city also offers delightful small galleries and museums. It has a thriving cultural scene that includes classical concerts, opera and ballet. The Oslo nightlife cannot compete with Reykjavik or Stockholm, but Oslo can offer buzzing cafes and pubs, with live music that includes jazz, blues and rock, and a small but rather stylish clubbing scene.
Sightseeing
The Akershus Palace and Fortress which dates back to the 13th century with it’s ancient walls and medieval tower occupy a privileged seafront locale. The castle has superb banqueting halls and medieval dungeons and passageways. The Resistance Museum which is in the castle grounds, is a moving tribute to the Norwegian resistance of the Nazi occupation. Whilst by the waterfront you should take a look inside the waterfront City Hall as it has some rather astounding murals.
Oslo cathedral also hosts regular concerts.
Museums & Galleries
The National Gallery includes works from artists Picasso, Cezanne, Gauguin and El Greco and it is also home to an extensive collection of Norwegian art. The Museum of Applied Art features fashion, costumes, furniture and ceramics dating all the way back to the seventh century. There is also the Munch Museum, dedicated to impressionist painter Edvard Munch, also has fine gardens.
