From The Campbell Collaboration

Culture and sights

Posted in: Visit
Oslo

The Opera House
Oslo's new opera house opened on 12 April, 2008 and is now the home of the Norwegian Opera and Ballet. The new opera house is one of the world's most spectacular opera houses, with a fabulous location by the seaside.

Renowned Norwegian architecture firm Sn�hetta designed the building, for which they have received several architectural prizes.

Address: Kirsten Flagstads plass 1, 0106 Oslo

How to get there: Walk over the bridge, next to Thon Hotel Opera, from Oslo Central Station.

The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace (in Norwegian: Slottet or formally Det kongelige slott) in Oslo was built in the first half of the 19th century as the Norwegian residence of the Norwegian and Swedish king Charles III (Carl Johan, Charles XIV of Sweden) and is used as the official residence of the present Norwegian Monarch, King Harald V.

How to get there: From Nationaltheatret Station, take left up Karl Johans road, about 200 meters.

The Vigeland Park (Frognerparken)
The Vigeland Park is the largest sculpture park made by one singel artist in the world, and is open to visitors all year. The unique sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland's lifework with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Vigeland was also in charge of the design and architechtural layout of the park. The Vigeland Park was mainly completed between 1939 and 1949.

Address: Kirkeveien/Middelthuns gate, 0268 Oslo

How to get there: The underground train to Majorstua Station, walk right down Kirkeveien for about 800 m, or take bus # 20 "Sk�yen" to Vigelandsparken Station. From the city it is possible to take tram # 12 "Majorstuen" to Frognerparken Station, the tram stops in front of the main entrance.

The Vigeland Museum (Vigeland-museet)
Oslo's unique sculpture museum is located in the previous studio and home of sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943). The beautiful building is regarded as one of the finest examples of neo-classical architecture in Norway. The collection comprises Vigeland's early works, his portraits and monuments, as well as plaster models for the sculptures in the Vigeland Park. The artist's working process is also well documented in the museum. The museum shows changing exhibitions of contemporary art.

Address: Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo

Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 12-16. Closed 17 May.

How to get there: Take tram # 12 or bus # 20 to Frogner plass Station, and walk 200 m to Halvdan Svartes gate, and the museum is on your left hand side.

Nobel Peace Center
The Nobel Peace Center is one of Norway's most modern musuems with an exciting combination of changing and permanent exhibitions. The Peace Prize laureates are all presented in the Nobel Field comprised of 96 digital display screens set in a garden of 1000 fibre-optic lights. The Peace Center combines exhibitions and film presentations with digital communication and interactive installations, and also serves as an arena for a variety of events.

Address: R�dhusplassen

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10-18

How to get there: Tram # 10, # 12, # 13 or # 19 to Aker Brygge Station, or walk from Nationaltheatret Station.

Holmenkollen
Destination Homenkollen at the very top of Oslo acts as a gateway to the Marka forest. Holmenkollen is a perfect starting point for activities in Oslo, such as downhill skiing, bicycling, cross country skiing and walking.

The Holmenkollen Chapel
The Holmenkollen Chapel, which opened in 1923, is inspired by historic Norwegian church architecture. The victim of an arson attack in 1992, the chapel was razed to the ground. Thanks to the efforts of a few dedicated enthusiasts (Norwegian Princess Astrid, in particular), the chapel was reopened in 1996. It is much used by Holmenkollen Park Hotel for a variety of purposes, including concerts. Service every Sunday and public holiday. Http://

Address: Holmenkollveien 142, 0791 Oslo

How to get there: You may walk from the hotel, ask the reception for directions.

Holmenkollen Visitor Center
The Holmenkollen ski arena embodies more than a century of skiing tradition, and it is a historic landmark in the Norwegian consciousness. The Ski Museum and Jump Tower are now closed due to the rebuilding of Holmenkollen. In the rebuilding period it is possible to visit the Holmenkollen Visitor Center where you get information about the new building project.

Address: Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo

Opening hours: 10.00-17.00

How to get there: You may walk from the hotel, ask the reception for directions.

Bygd�y
Bygd�y is a peninsula on the western side of Oslo, and here you find several of Oslo's most popular museums. Bygd�y is mainly a residential area, but in addition to the museums Bygd�y is also a popular recreational area during summer, offering several beaches, and beach volleyball court and restaurant at Huk. There are also several beautiful trails both for cycling and walking.

Museums to visit in Bygd�y: