Women-Friendly Travel in Oslo
The Oslo women-friendly travel guide places explicit women-friendly and family confidence signals first, while keeping uncertain details visible for review.
Oslo
Ringstrom Bookshop
Here you will find second-hand books and other media, including CDs. Most products here will be found to be in good condition. Address: Wessels Gate 2 B Tel: +47 22-20-78-05
Oslo
William Schmidt
William Schmidt is one of Oslo’s best locations to go souvenir shopping. the store carries pewter items from Viking ships, woodwork, dolls, and a range of traditional Norwegian crafts. Address: Fridtjof Nansens plass 9, N-0160 Oslo Tel: +47 22-42-02-88
Oslo
Gronland Bazaar
This Middle-Eastern style bazaar should be an enjoyable way to spend a portion of your day exploring the wide variety of goods offered here. Address: Toyengata 2, Gronland Tel: +47 22-17-05-71
Oslo
The museum of Natural History
This museum is split into multiple sections that chronicle the history of life on Earth. The garden here is breath-taking, and children will enjoy spending time gawking at the dinosaur fossils, gemstones and meteorites contained within the museum. A well-presented display of the evolution of plants is also available for visitors. The museum is open year round has a café.
Oslo
The Museum of Norwegian Football
For children who cannot get enough sports, especially those who are in love with football, the Museum of Norwegian Football is sure to entertain. The museum is interactive and well-laid out, making this more intriguing than your average museum. The whole lay-out of the museum is meant to resemble a soccer game, with the first half chronicling football in Norway and the second half providing an account of the history of international play within the country.
Oslo
Akershus Castle and Fortress
Akershus Castle and Fortress is one of the flagship destinations in Oslo. The fortress was first built in the thirteenth century to protect the city from invaders. It has withstood many sieges and still serves a reduced military function today. The castle features intriguing dungeons, crypts and a still-functional cathedral. Several museums are located on the grounds of the fortress, and tourists can see the changing of the guard daily. Though it might be closed occasionally for state functions, the fortress usually closes at nine p.m. Tours are offered several times a day during the summer and on a limited basis (usually Thursdays) during the winter. Call +47 23 09 35 53 for information on tours. Address: Oslo mil/Akershus 0015 Oslo Tel: +47 22-41-25-21
Oslo
The Nobel Peace Center
The Nobel Peace Center is one of Oslo’s most modern museums and was completed in 2005. Inside, you will find a history of the award’s namesake, Alfred Nobel, along with profiles of each of the winners of the award. Informative movies and recordings of past ceremonies are also included in the museum. Sometimes, former winners come to give lectures within the museum’s confines. The museum is located in the city center; for more information, visit www.nobelsfredssenter.no.
Oslo
Norway’s Parliament building
Norway’s Parliament building is located in Oslo’s city center, right across from the Royal Palace. This yellow-brick building is quaint and one of the more beautiful parliament buildings in Europe. The inside is decorated by gorgeous art that spells out the history of Norway. Guided tours are short and available daily.
Oslo
The National Gallery
The National Gallery in Oslo houses the nation’s largest collection of Norwegian art and many of its most famous pieces. It is located in the city center and can be contacted by calling +47 22 20 04 04. The most famous piece found in the museum is Edvard Munch’s The Scream. The gallery includes more of Munch’s work, the pieces of many famous impressionists (including Monet, Renoir, and Degas), and those of other famous artists (like Picasso and Gauguin). The collection features art created until 1945, when Norway freed itself from German occupation. The gallery is worth a few hours of your trip to Oslo.
Oslo
The Ibsen Museum
The Ibsen Museum is a must see for fans of the famous Norwegian playwright, Henrik Ibsen. The museum is built in the playwright’s former house, and is decorated as if Ibsen still lived there; some call it a “living museum.” The museum is definitely worth a visit; for more information, go to www.ibsenmusset.no.
Oslo
Gamle Aker Kirke
Gamle Aker Kirke is Oslo’s oldest building, built in 1080. It is located north on the city center and provides Lutheran services on Sundays. The Church is associated with a mythical dragon and has quaint and historically relevant views to behold within its walls. Taking the bus is the easiest way to get here.
Oslo
Oslo Opera House
This building is home to the National Opera of Norway. Seated at the mouth of Oslo’s fjord, the building was awarded the culture award at the World Architecture Festival in 2008. Over one million people have already visited this beautiful building; we recommend you do the same, if only in passing.
Oslo
The Munch Museum
Edvard Munch is perhaps Norway’s most famous artist, and was a pioneer in the expressionist movement. The museum contains a large amount of Munch’s work, most of which were left by the artist for the city. The display is constantly changing, which brings life and dynamism to this museum. For those who wish to see Munch’s most famous work, The Scream, take note that this masterpiece is located in the National Gallery, and not within the Munch Museum itself.
Oslo
Oslo’s City Hall (Radhuset)
Oslo’s City Hall (Radhuset) was inaugurated in 1950. Its quality as a building has been hotly debated, but all have come together to watch the annual Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony, which takes place within its walls. Inside, one will find stunning murals and frescoes. The building has two red-brick towers, one of which hosts a carillon that plays every hour. Guided tours of the building take place during the week and on the weekends during June and July. Check for listings on arrival or call +47 23-46-12-00.
Oslo
The Oslo Cathedral
The Oslo Cathedral is located near KarlJohans gate in Stortorvet Square. This beautiful building has been rebuilt several times, and currently serves as the main church for the Oslo bishopric. The Royal Family uses the cathedral for large events, like funerals and weddings. The organ within is impressive, with the view of Oslo from the steeple even more grand. There are several bazaars in the pavilion surrounding the cathedral. Entrance is free.
Oslo
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is located in the city center, right off of them main avenue at the end of KarlJohans gate. The palace is the home to the Norwegian monarch and has undergone extensive renovation since its completion in the first half of the 19th century. Tours are available for the general public during the summer and tickets can be bought in advance from local post offices or by calling +47 81 53 31 33. There is a line outside the palace for remaining seats, but it is recommended you buy yours in advance.
Oslo
The Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are a large oasis in the middle of Oslo. The gardens collect plants from around the world and are said to have more than seven thousand plants inside. The gardens, with waterfalls and other soothing features, are also home to several near-extinct plant species native to the city.
Oslo
Inner West (St. Hanshaugen, Frogner)
Frogner Park is a large recreational area about ten minutes outside the city center by subway. The centerpiece of this park is Vigeland Park, a sculpture garden featuring over 200 pieces Gustav Vigeland, Norway’s most cherished sculptor. This is a great place to sit and relax, especially at night after other tourist destinations have closed. The easiest way to get to this destination is to catch Tram #15 from the city center.
Oslo
The Kon-Tiki Museum
This museum houses a number of materials and the original boats from Thor Heyerdahl’s famous expedition, which attempted to prove that South Americans could have inhabited the Polynesian Islands by raft thousands of years ago. The museum has several interesting features, among them a cave tour and a water exhibit with a ten meter shark. Open year round, this museum is worth a visit.
Oslo
The Holmenkollen Ski Jump
The Holmenkollen Ski Jump is home to the world’s oldest ski jump competition and is visited by over one million tourists each year. The site also serves as a concert venue throughout the summer. At over 60 meters high (and over 400 meters above sea level) this destination also provides a great panoramic view of Oslo.
Oslo
The Children Arts
The Children Arts Museum is an excellent destination if you have kids in tow. The museum features children’s art from over 150 countries throughout the world. The museum seeks to promote children’s art worldwide. While you probably won’t be blown away by anything within the museum, your kids might be, and they will gain exposure to numerous cultures and styles of art.
Oslo
The Viking Ship Museum
The Viking Ship Museum or “Vikingskipshuset” is located in Bygdoy, a short bus or ferry ride from the city center. The museum features several Viking ships used in ancient burials that have been preserved amazingly well by the blue clay in which they were buried. The boats are filled with jewels and artifacts, and are definitely worth seeing. This is also an excellent stop for those with kids in tow; many children have been seen gawking at the ships long after their parents wish to leave. Nearby, you will find the Museum of Cultural Heritage, which is a large outdoor museum featuring buildings from various points in Norwegian history.
Oslo
The Viking Ship Museum “Vikingskipshuset”
The Viking Ship Museum or “Vikingskipshuset” is located in Bygdoy, a short bus or ferry ride from the city center. The museum features several Viking ships used in ancient burials that have been preserved amazingly well by the blue clay in which they were buried. The boats are filled with jewels and artifacts, and are definitely worth seeing. This is also an excellent stop for those with kids in tow; many children have been seen gawking at the ships long after their parents wish to leave. Nearby, you will find the Museum of Cultural Heritage, which is a large outdoor museum featuring buildings from various points in Norwegian history.