Oslo, An Introduction to Norway

My web research did not show Oslo as a prime photography destination. But to reach Tromso for our cruise to Svalbard, Oslo was one of the only connecting options. Why not check out the capital enroute?

I reached out to friends and came up with an itinerary.

An early morning walk along the waterfront to check out the unique architecture of the Opera House. The building’s angled design enables visitors to walk outside up to the roof without stairs, providing views across the harbor.

After breakfast a walk through the city up Karl Johans street, through the oldest part of town, up to the Royal Palace.

Around the palace and up to the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park.

A walk through the sculpture park was a walk through a beautiful garden past numerous sculpture installations. The pathway went through tall trees,  across a river, past an immense fountain and through a rose garden that culminated with large obelisk at the to of a hill. 

It was a beautiful day at a beautiful park, but it was the sculptures along the bridge that captivated me with the emotion shown in each one. (I enjoyed the park so much that we returned for a second visit the next day.) The sculptures were designed to capture every aspect of human life.

The next day, we enjoyed a visit to the Akershus Fortress, and a quick ferry trip at the island of Hovedøya to view ruins of a Cistercian monastery from the 1100’s and an old cannon embattlement.

We wrapped up our day with a Super Hero Encounter and a burger and beer  (Yes, Oslo does Gluten free well!)

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Oslo and would welcome the opportunity to return.