Oslo, Norway: Land of Vikings, Nobel Prize, Fabulous Opera House, and the Astonishing Vigeland Sculpture Garden in Frogner Park O.K. You've seen the Sydney Opera House, you've visited the Met and you've even
toured the opera house in Manaus on the Amazon River in Brazil. But, did any of
them allow you to walk on the roof?
Vigeland Sculptures in Frogner ParkIf you visited Copenhagen on your Baltic adventure you surely made a stop to see the Little Mermaid. After all, it is something of a national symbol and Hans Christian Anderson did write a story about her. But, now we're in Oslo and there is another interesting sculpture that you will certainly wish to visit.No one seems to know why "The Angry Boy" is so upset, but he is the most photographed and visited little guy in the whole of the spectacular Vigeland Park, an almost unimaginable collection of sculptures by the very prolific artist Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943.) Here you will find over 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron. Not only did Vigeland do all the sculptures, but he also designed the entire park. On the grounds of this collection of nude figures ranging from small children to closely entwined lovers to elderly couples and friends, you will also find the Vigeland Museum, built for Vigeland by the city as his home and workshop in exchange for what would appear to be his life's work.
I know that for many of you Oslo will be just a one day stop on your upcoming Baltic
cruise on your way to St. Petersburg. But, that is a mistake that can be easily
avoided. Wherever your cruise begins it is likely to be only an hour or two by air
from Oslo. Why not hop on an SAS flight and spend at least 2 or 3 days in Oslo
before heading to your embarkation point? That will give you plenty of time to
really get to know and enjoy all there is to see in Oslo. Plus, when your ship does
arrive in Oslo, you'll be prepared to catch the things you missed the first time.
And, believe me, there is plenty more to do here.
And MoreI didn't even mention the Munch Museum (think "The Scream"), the wonderful bike trails (a city bike card gives you access to over 1,000 bikes at 75 bike stands around Oslo), the Ibsen Museum, the Royal Palace, the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Norwegian Resistance Museum, the Holocaust Center, and several more museums. There is a go-karting track, a reptile park, an animal park, an outdoor swimming pool and beaches on some of the islands in the fjord. There is also plenty of shopping, but be warned, you won't find a lot of cheap prices. You may want to spend your money on beautiful Nordic sweaters that will remind you of your visit to this beautiful city. And, don't forget to claim your VAT refund of between 12 and 19% when you leave the country.There is a Norwegian saying that goes "what the heart is full of, the mouth bubbles over with," so don't be surprised when you hear Norwegians claim that Oslo is the finest city in the world. It comes from the heart and they mean it - and for plenty of good reasons. I know it is now one of my favorites.
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