TRAVEL OSLO
(with Day Tour of Norway in Nutshell)
(with Day Tour of Norway in Nutshell)
GENERAL INFORMATION- Oslo is the capitol of Norway. Founded in 1048 by King Harald III. Oslo is the economic and governmental centre of Norway. City is also hub of Norwegian trade, banking, industry and shipping. Here are some largest shipping companies of the world exists. It is one of the most expensive cities in the world and ranked 10th.The history of the city can be traced back over 1,000 years back. Oslo was founded in 1048, by the King Harald Hardråde. The city became capital of Norway around 1300, but lost its privileges during the Danish-Norwegian union from 1348 to 1814. In 1624, a fire devastated old Oslo, and the city was moved some kilometres west to gain protection from the fortress at Akershus. The city was renamed Christiania, after the Danish King Christian IV, a name that remained until it was officially renamed on January 1st 1925 to Oslo. During Christiania's rapid expansion in the 19th century, as the capital of a new state, the site of the original Oslo (old Oslo, or 'Gamlebyen') was included in the city. Due to the rapid inclusion of surrounding agricultural areas in the 19th century, a large number of remains from the city's farming history are still clearly visible in place names and farm houses. The remains of historical pastures can be found at parks, St. Hanshaugen for example is now used as a recreational park for Oslo's residents. Oslo is surrounded by green hills and mountains. There are 40 islands within the city limits, the largest being Malmoya (0.56km2)
AREA-454.00 Km2
POPULATION- 6, 13,000
LOCATION- 590 56' 58" N 100 45' 23" E
TIME ZONE- UTC+1 Summer – UTC+2
CLIMATE- Because of the city’s northern latitude, day light varies greatly, from more than 18 hours in midsummer and to 6 hours in midwinter. Despite the northerly location, the climate is relatively mild throughout the year.
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
HIGH 1 2 6 9 16 20 22 20 16 10 4 -1
LOW -7 -7 -3 1 7 11 13 12 7 4 -1 -5
RAIN DAY 3 3 7 11 10 13 15 14 14 14 5 3
POPULATION- 6, 13,000
LOCATION- 590 56' 58" N 100 45' 23" E
TIME ZONE- UTC+1 Summer – UTC+2
CLIMATE- Because of the city’s northern latitude, day light varies greatly, from more than 18 hours in midsummer and to 6 hours in midwinter. Despite the northerly location, the climate is relatively mild throughout the year.
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
HIGH 1 2 6 9 16 20 22 20 16 10 4 -1
LOW -7 -7 -3 1 7 11 13 12 7 4 -1 -5
RAIN DAY 3 3 7 11 10 13 15 14 14 14 5 3
DATE SUNRISE SUNSET LENGTH OF DAY IN HRS SOLAR NOON
1 20.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
2 21.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
3 22.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
4 23.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
5 24.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
6 25.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
1 20.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
2 21.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
3 22.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
4 23.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
5 24.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
6 25.06.13 03.54 22.44 18H.50M.01S 13.19
AIRPORT- Oslo Airport, Gardemoen (OSL) is the principal airport serving Oslo, the capitol of the Norway. Oslo is also served by Torp Airport and Rygge Airport. Gardermoen serves as the main domestic hub and international airport for Norway.21, 00,000 people travelled through the airport in 2011.The airport is 35kms from Oslo. It connects 28 domestic and 100 international destinations. There is one terminal 820 meters long. The terminal has 52 aircraft parking stands and 34 are connected with bridges and 18 are remotely parked. The fastest way to downtown Oslo is by Flyoget, the shuttle train (airport express train), which takes you to city centre in 20 minutes. One way tickets is for 160Kr.Trains run from 5.35am to 12.35am at every 10 minutes from Oslo Central Station(Oslo S).Half of the train originate in Drammen, making five stops before Oslo Airport and again at Lillestrom .The stops are-Oslo Airport-Lillestrom-Oslo Central Station(Oslo S)-Nationaltheatreet-Skoyen-Lysaker-Sandvika-Asker-Drammen. Oslo taxi charges from Airport to Oslo 610Kr before 5pm and 720Kr after 5pm.
OTHER INFORMATIONS-
FAMOUS CITIES-
i-Oslo (capitol city of Norway)
ii-Bergen (Norway second largest city and famous for cute wooden buildings and is the gateway to western fjords. It has 250 days of rainfall,
iii-Bodo-The gateway to Lofoten islands and place of Saltstraumen.
OTHER DESTINATIONS-
i-Atlanterhavsveien-The most beautiful road in the world. A unique road connected with spectacular bridges surrounded by wilderness of the Atlantic Ocean,
ii-Jostedalsbreen-The largest glacier on the main land of Europe.
iii-Lofoten-Experience the midnight sun .
iv-Sognefjorden- Glaciers, mountains and picturesque towns and Naeroyfjorden .
NATAURAL ATTRACTIONS- Galdhopiggen Mountain (highest mountain -2469mts), Nigardsbreen Glacier (an arm to the Jostedalsbreen Glacier- in Luster in Sogn og fjordna) and Voringsfossen Waterfalls.
VIKINGS-In the Norway the agriculture was poor .The people lived on the coast were having building skill of boat and they were the best in Europe. The Vikings made long ships with broad-flat –bottom hulls. There were hundreds of long ships sailing to England, Scotland, France and Ireland. The Vikings could easily reach far into Caspian Sea .The Vikings came as pirates to plunder and skill. Their reputation spread as pirates but they were also skilled traders and administrators. They found Dublin and Normandy. They colonized Iceland. The Viking age ends with the fall of Harald Hardrade in 1066, when lost battle with England.
FJORDS-Norway has the highest concentration of fjords in the world .So it is also called as Fjord Norway. The fjords are nature’s work and formed when the glaciers retreated in Ice age and sea water flooded the U-shaped valleys. Due to Gulf Stream the Fjord are of mild climate and are ice free. Seals and fish are in abundance. The fjord which consists of saltwater are very deep in their upper and middle reaches .The Sognefjord –it is 1308 meters deep below sea level and is deepest in Norway. Due to their depth they permit large ships to navigate and see the beauty at close range. Along the fjord the soil is very fertile.
NORTHERN LIGHTS-The northern lights can be seen at the Lofiten Islands (Northern Norway) and at all the way up to the North Cape. The driest weather gives clear skies and is found inland and provides the best chances. In order to have best view the full moon be avoided. The lights are between 21september to 21 March i.e .between autumn equinox and spring equinox. It is dark from 6pm to 1am and have the maximum chances of spotting the lights in February and March, the evening offers maximum chances to spot the northern lights.
SAMI PEOPLE-The Sami are the indigenous people of Norway. Known for their colourful clothes and huge herds of reindeers.
THE ROYAL FAMILY- King Harald V, the King of Norway and Queen Sonja have two children a son Crown Prince Haakon who married to Crown Prince’s Mette-Marit and a daughter, Princes Martha Louise who married to ari Mikael behn.
TROLLS-They are the important part of Norwegian folklore. They vary in size and appearance but are ugly and messy creatures and always mischievous .They usually live in caves or deep in the forest and only emerge from their hiding places after sunset.Legend has it that they turned to stone upon contact with sun. Several places have been named after them.
WINTER GAMES-In 1952 Winter Olympics were held at Oslo and in 1994 held at Lillehammer.
MID NIGHT SUN-During the summer ,the sun never sets .The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon which means that the sun can be seen for 24 hours continuously .The duration of midnight sun depends upon how far north one is situated. At the Arctic Circle in the country of Nordland , one can see the midnight sun from 12 June to 1 July. At Tromso from 20 May to 22 July. There are several cruises visiting Norway to experience Norwegian coast and to enjoy midnight sun. Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage).The whole cruise is from Bergen to Kirkenes and back .The journey takes 11 days .There are 34 Ports of Call along the coast line and one can make a short tour. Bergen-Alesund-Trondheim-Svolvaer-Tromso-Honningsvag.
GLACIERS-More than 2600 km2 is covered by glaciers .The Svalbard area is 60% covered with glaciers .The ice mass is in constant movement and can be dangerous from deep crevasses (often covered with snow), avalanches, large blocks of ice breaking off (calving).Therefore have an authorized guide for the safety .The glaciers grow and shrink, change direction and shape and colour. The melted water from glaciers accumulates and turn into rivers and waterfalls and lakes. Norwegian largest glaciers are-1-Austfonna-Located on Svalbard and is the world’s third-largest icecap after Antartic and Greenland.2- Jostedalsbreen-this is the largest glacial in Europe and covers about 487km2 area. It has more than 50 glaciers branches .This glacier is the part of Jostedalsbreen National Park in Sogn og Fjordane.
WATER FALLS-Voringsfossen Waterfall in Mabodalen is 182 meters high and 145 meters is direct drop.
i-Oslo (capitol city of Norway)
ii-Bergen (Norway second largest city and famous for cute wooden buildings and is the gateway to western fjords. It has 250 days of rainfall,
iii-Bodo-The gateway to Lofoten islands and place of Saltstraumen.
OTHER DESTINATIONS-
i-Atlanterhavsveien-The most beautiful road in the world. A unique road connected with spectacular bridges surrounded by wilderness of the Atlantic Ocean,
ii-Jostedalsbreen-The largest glacier on the main land of Europe.
iii-Lofoten-Experience the midnight sun .
iv-Sognefjorden- Glaciers, mountains and picturesque towns and Naeroyfjorden .
NATAURAL ATTRACTIONS- Galdhopiggen Mountain (highest mountain -2469mts), Nigardsbreen Glacier (an arm to the Jostedalsbreen Glacier- in Luster in Sogn og fjordna) and Voringsfossen Waterfalls.
VIKINGS-In the Norway the agriculture was poor .The people lived on the coast were having building skill of boat and they were the best in Europe. The Vikings made long ships with broad-flat –bottom hulls. There were hundreds of long ships sailing to England, Scotland, France and Ireland. The Vikings could easily reach far into Caspian Sea .The Vikings came as pirates to plunder and skill. Their reputation spread as pirates but they were also skilled traders and administrators. They found Dublin and Normandy. They colonized Iceland. The Viking age ends with the fall of Harald Hardrade in 1066, when lost battle with England.
FJORDS-Norway has the highest concentration of fjords in the world .So it is also called as Fjord Norway. The fjords are nature’s work and formed when the glaciers retreated in Ice age and sea water flooded the U-shaped valleys. Due to Gulf Stream the Fjord are of mild climate and are ice free. Seals and fish are in abundance. The fjord which consists of saltwater are very deep in their upper and middle reaches .The Sognefjord –it is 1308 meters deep below sea level and is deepest in Norway. Due to their depth they permit large ships to navigate and see the beauty at close range. Along the fjord the soil is very fertile.
NORTHERN LIGHTS-The northern lights can be seen at the Lofiten Islands (Northern Norway) and at all the way up to the North Cape. The driest weather gives clear skies and is found inland and provides the best chances. In order to have best view the full moon be avoided. The lights are between 21september to 21 March i.e .between autumn equinox and spring equinox. It is dark from 6pm to 1am and have the maximum chances of spotting the lights in February and March, the evening offers maximum chances to spot the northern lights.
SAMI PEOPLE-The Sami are the indigenous people of Norway. Known for their colourful clothes and huge herds of reindeers.
THE ROYAL FAMILY- King Harald V, the King of Norway and Queen Sonja have two children a son Crown Prince Haakon who married to Crown Prince’s Mette-Marit and a daughter, Princes Martha Louise who married to ari Mikael behn.
TROLLS-They are the important part of Norwegian folklore. They vary in size and appearance but are ugly and messy creatures and always mischievous .They usually live in caves or deep in the forest and only emerge from their hiding places after sunset.Legend has it that they turned to stone upon contact with sun. Several places have been named after them.
WINTER GAMES-In 1952 Winter Olympics were held at Oslo and in 1994 held at Lillehammer.
MID NIGHT SUN-During the summer ,the sun never sets .The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon which means that the sun can be seen for 24 hours continuously .The duration of midnight sun depends upon how far north one is situated. At the Arctic Circle in the country of Nordland , one can see the midnight sun from 12 June to 1 July. At Tromso from 20 May to 22 July. There are several cruises visiting Norway to experience Norwegian coast and to enjoy midnight sun. Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage).The whole cruise is from Bergen to Kirkenes and back .The journey takes 11 days .There are 34 Ports of Call along the coast line and one can make a short tour. Bergen-Alesund-Trondheim-Svolvaer-Tromso-Honningsvag.
GLACIERS-More than 2600 km2 is covered by glaciers .The Svalbard area is 60% covered with glaciers .The ice mass is in constant movement and can be dangerous from deep crevasses (often covered with snow), avalanches, large blocks of ice breaking off (calving).Therefore have an authorized guide for the safety .The glaciers grow and shrink, change direction and shape and colour. The melted water from glaciers accumulates and turn into rivers and waterfalls and lakes. Norwegian largest glaciers are-1-Austfonna-Located on Svalbard and is the world’s third-largest icecap after Antartic and Greenland.2- Jostedalsbreen-this is the largest glacial in Europe and covers about 487km2 area. It has more than 50 glaciers branches .This glacier is the part of Jostedalsbreen National Park in Sogn og Fjordane.
WATER FALLS-Voringsfossen Waterfall in Mabodalen is 182 meters high and 145 meters is direct drop.
OSLO SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS -
001-FROGNER PARK- It is a public park located in the borough of Frogner in Oslo. It contains famous Vigeland Sculpture Arrangement designed by Gustav Vigeland. Sometimes it is referred as Vigeland Sculpture Park .This park contains bridges, fountains and a picnic area, popular in the summer for games and relaxation. It also contains Frogner Stadium. Its area is 45 hectares.
002-EMANUEL VIGELAND MUSEUM AND VIGELAND SCULPTURE PARK-This is the world largest sculpture park built by a single artist and most popular tourist attraction of Norway. It covers 80 acres of area ad features 212 bronze and granite sculptures,by Gustav Vigeland , all sculptures are positioned along the central axis of the park. Vigeland started work on the park in 1924 and by 1950 most of the pieces were in place .The sculptures were modelled in full size in clay by Vigeland himself and carving in stone and bronze were carried by others .Top sights are-Wheel of Life – Monolith – The Clan- Triangle – Fountain. 58 sculpture reside along the Bridge, which was built in 1940 and was the first part of the park .The bridge is 100 meters long between Main gate and the Fountain. The park most popular statue is Angry Boy (Sinnataggen).At the end of the bridge is a children playground with eight bronze statues. The fountain is fabricated by bronze with 60 reliefs. Portraying children and skeleton in the arms of giant trees .The fountain suggests that from death comes new life .On the ground surrounding the fountain lies an 1800sq mts mosaic in black and white granite. The main gate to the Vigeland sculpture arrangement is forged of granite and wrought iron and serves as an entrance to Frogner Park .It consists of five large gates, two small pedestrian gates and two copper-roofed gate houses .The park most popular attraction is The Monolith (Monolitten).It took 3 stone carvers 14 years to make it. It is a 14.12 mts high and composed of 121 human figures rising towards sky, it stands in the centre of the park. This meant to represent man’s desire to become closer with the spiritual and divine. It portrays the feeling of togetherness. At the end a Sundial, symbolizes the Wheel of Life. Vigeland also designed the architectural setting and the layout of the grounds with their far stretching lawns and long straight avenues bordered with maple trees. The construction of the park lasted for a number of years.
003-OSLO OPERA HOUSE-The Oslo Opera House is located near Stock Exchange and Railway Station. It is an Iceberg shape with inclined white lines which rises directly up from the Oslofjord, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll and take in views of the city.The complex was completed in 2007 after five years of construction .It is the largest cultural building in Norway. Officially opened in April 2008.The structure contains 1100 rooms and the main auditorium seats 1360 seats and have two other performances spaces. The floor area of the base of the building is equivalent to four international standard football fields and measures more than 38,000 square meters. The building boasts three stages and a total of 1,100 rooms. The foyer is a huge open room with a minimalist décor, using simple materials such as stone, concrete, glass and wood. The main classical horseshoe shaped auditorium, which is one of the most technologically advanced in the world, offers great fantastic acoustics. The stage area measures several thousand square meters and parts of it are as much as 16 meters below the surface of the water. The roof of the building angles to ground level creating a large plaza to walk up to and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The building from the fjord one will notice a façade of solar panels. In fact, this is Norway’s biggest area of solar panels supplying the building with some of the energy its needs. Tours are available at weekends, and last for about 50 minutes. They must be booked in advance.
004-HOLMENKOLLEN SKI MUSEUM & TOWER-The ski jump is located at Holmenkollen a small hill. Norway’s ski museum is an attraction for tourist and most famous sporting arena .The ski jump was opened on 03.03.2010 and is the world’s most modern ski jump. The start house is about 60 meters above ground and in construction 100 tons of steel was used. The vertical height difference between the top of the in-run and the off-run was 121 meters. It has a capacity of 30,000 spectators. At this location Olympic was held in 1952 and World Champianships in 1930, 1966, 1982 and 2011.
005-AKERSHUS FORTRESS-The fortress is located in the centre of Oslo by the harbour. This fortress was built to protect Oslo, the capitol of Norway. The fortress was built in 1290 by King HaakonV. Akershus Fortress is also ranked as a national symbol because of its age-old role as a seat for kings and centres of government and many important and dramatic events that have taken place here throughout history. Its national importance is underlined by the fact that even today it is the Norwegian Government's principal location for official functions and state occasions. It also houses the Royal Mausoleum .The fortress was strategically important for the capitol as the majority of commerce in the era was by sea. Its stout walls and strategically situation on hill bear the scars of many battles. The fortress has never been captured by foreign enemy. There is also a prison in the fortress. The central location makes the fortress grounds a popular recreational area for tourists and locals alike .The fortress is still a military area but is open to the public daily until 21.00hrs. There are two establishments serving refreshments at Akershus, the Karpedammen Café and Café Festningen. Akershus Castle Church is part of Akershus Castle and the Church is the Norwegian Military's principal church. The Garrison Chaplain is in charge of planning and coordinating services and church events. Persons connected to the Norwegian Armed Forces are permitted to use the Castle Church for weddings. Persons connected to the Armed Forces are able to use the Castle Church for christenings. The Norwegian Resistance Museum offers exhibitions and library/archives, and is Norway’s leading institution on the history of the Nazi occupation. Open all year. Guided tours available on appointment for schools, groups and companies. The Norwegian Armed Forces Museum at Akershus Fortress displays Norwegian defence history from the Middle Ages to the years following World War II. The exhibition shows how the Defence, military thinking and the reality of war have been connected to technological, financial and political developments. The Norwegian Armed Forces Museum in Akershus Fortress is open year-round and is situated on the lower grounds of the fortress.
006-VIKING SHIP MUSEUM (VIKING SKIPS HUSET) -It is located at Bygdoy in Oslo. It is the part of Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo .The Viking Ship Museum presents great Viking Ships discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tunes and other finds .The museum displays the world’s two best preserved wooden Viking Ships built in 9th century as well as small boats, sledges, a cart with exceptional ornamentation, implements, tools, harness, textiles and household utensils.
007-OSLO CITY HALL (RADHUS) - Oslo City Hall (Norwegian: Oslo rådhus) houses the city council, city administration, and art studios and galleries. Its characteristic architecture, artworks and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, held on 10 December, to commemorate Alfred Noble’s death, makes it one of Oslo's most famous buildings. The roof of the eastern tower has a 49-bell carillon which plays every hour. It is situated in Pipervika in central downtown Oslo. The area was completely renovated and rebuilt to make room for the new city hall.
008-NOBEL PEACE CENTER-The Nobel Peace Center is a foundation and network of Nobel institutions by Nobel Foundation. It was opened in 2005 by King Harald V of Norway .It is near to Oslo City Hall and overlooking harbour. Total 101 individual have received the Nobel Peace Prize since 1901 and 24 prizes gone to organizations.( the famous names are:-Obama-Jimmy Carter-Kofi Annan-Yasser Arafat-Nelson Mandela-Aung San Suu Kyi-Dalai Lama-Mother Tresa)
009-FRAM MUSEUM (THE POLAR SHIP FRAM-FRAMMUSEET)-Fram is the strongest wooden ship ever built and still holds the records for sailing farthest north and farthest south. In the Fram Museum one can come on board the ship and see how the crew and their dogs lived and managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on earth, the Arctic and the Antarctic. In 2013 the new Gjøa building opened with new exhibitions on the Arctic, and the Northwest Passage from the first trials four hundred years ago to find a northern route to the East until Roald Amundsen's journey through the passage in 1903-06.The exhibitions are illustrated with the help of modern design, photographs, film, an interactive map, special lighting effects, an model of the Fram frozen in the ice and the ship itself. In the polar simulator lets you experience both the cold and the dangers of polar expeditions over a hundred years ago. Exclusive polar merchandise is available in the museum shop.
010-NATIONAL GALLERY (NASJONALGALLE-RIET) -The National Gallery houses Norway's largest public collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures. The museum's central attractions include Edvard Munch's” The Scream and Madonna” and paintings by Cézanne og Manet. Ordinarily, the museum's exhibitions present older art, with principal emphasis on art from Norway. The permanent exhibition shows highlights from the collection and national icons from the romantic period until the mid-1900s. The National Gallery is part of the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design. Closed- Mondays, Easter (Friday and Monday), 1 May, 17 May, 23-25 December, 31 December, 1 January. Botanical Garden
011-NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM (NATURHIST-ORISK MUSEUM) - The Natural History Museum includes several museums as well as the Botanical Garden and greenhouses. The Zoological Museum shows animals from all over the world and the Mineralogical-Geological Museum building includes the Paleontological Museum and Norway's only dinosaur museum. The opening hours and prices below apply to the greenhouses and the museums. They are closed on Mondays, 1 January, 17 May, 23-26 December and 31 December.
Botanical Garden-The botanical variety and diversity in the Botanical Garden makes it an ideal place to relax from the stress of city life. Most of the area is designed as an Arboretum. Entrance to the garden is free. The Botanical Garden is open longer than the museums.
Botanical Garden-The botanical variety and diversity in the Botanical Garden makes it an ideal place to relax from the stress of city life. Most of the area is designed as an Arboretum. Entrance to the garden is free. The Botanical Garden is open longer than the museums.
012-NORWEGIAN MUSEUM (NORSK TEKNISK MUSEUM) - The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology is the national museum for technology, industry, science and medicine. The museum has over 20 permanent and temporary exhibitions about energy, oil, industry, medicine, airplanes, cars and trains. The Science Centre is a place for curious minds. Explore natural science and technological principles in the areas of energy, physical phenomena, the body, mathematics and the universe. The Robot Centre and The Planetarium are both found here. The National Museum of Medicine explains how people's lives have changed over the last 150 years through improvements in public health, medicine and healthcare. The museum is integrated in the Museum of Science and Technology .The museum café serves Italian and Greek food, hot dogs, coffee, ice cream and cakes. CLOSED- Mondays (winter), 1 January, 1 May, 17 May, 24-26 December, 31 December.
013-ASTRUP FEARNLY MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (ART ISLAND) - The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is a privately owned Contemporary Art gallery in Oslo in Norway. It was founded and opened to the public in 1993. The collection's main focus is the American appropriation artists from the 1980s, but it is currently developing towards the international contemporary art scene, with artists like Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, Cindy Sherman, Matthew Barney, Tom Sachs, Doug Aitken, Olafur Eliasson and Cai Guo-Qiang. The museum gives 6-7 temporary exhibitions each year. Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art collaborates with international institutions, and produces exhibitions that travel worldwide. The museum created a stir in the international art world in 2002 when it purchased the American artist Jeff Koons's monumental sculpture in gilt porcelain of the pop star Michael Jackson with Bubbles, his favourite chimpanzee, for USD 5.1m.
014 -OSLO CATHEDRAL- Oslo Cathedral (Oslo Domkirke) formerly Our Savior's Church is the main church for the Oslo bishopric of the Church of Norway, as well as the parish church for downtown Oslo. The present building dates from 1694-1697.The Norwegian Royal Family and the Norwegian Government use the Cathedral for public events. The current cathedral was erected on a small rocky outcrop in the east end of what would later become Stortorget. The foundation stone was laid in 1694 and the church was consecrated in November 1697. In 2001, Oslo Cathedral was the site of the wedding of Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway. Oslo Cathedral is located at Stortorvet square north/north-east of Karl Johans gate, between Kirke gate and Dronningens gate. The Cathedral's lower end is surrounded by the Bazaar (Basarene ved Oslo domkirke), a curved long building with a tower covered in green copper like the Cathedral. The Cathedral, Basarene and Brannvakten are all built in red brick. Both Basarene and Brannvakten were built between the years 1840-1859.
015-NORWEGIAN PARLIAMENT (STORTINGET) -This building was constructed in yellow brick granite base. It was first used in 1866. The building is built in yellow brick with details and basement in light grey granite. It is a combination of several styles, including inspirations from France and Italy. A characteristic feature of Stortingsbygningen is the way the plenary chamber is located in the semi-circular section in the front of the building, as opposed to the building's centre. The back side of the building mirrors the facade of the front.
016-OSLO CENTRAL RAILWAY STATION- Oslo Central Station (Oslo sentralstasjon, abbreviated Oslo S) is the main railway station in Oslo, and the largest railway station within the entire Norwegian railway system. It is the terminus of Drammen Line, Gardermoen Line, Gjøvik Line, Hoved Line and Østfold Line. It serves express, regional and local rail services by four companies. The railway station is owned and operated by Norwegian National Rail Administration and was opened in 1980.Oslo Central was built on the site of the older Oslo East Station (Oslo Østbanestasjon, Oslo Ø), the combining of the former east and west stations being made possible by the opening of the Oslo Tunnel. Oslo Central has nineteen tracks, thirteen of which have connections through the Oslo Tunnel. The station has two buildings, the original Oslo East building and the newer main building for Oslo Central. Each building houses a large shopping centre. The square in front of the station is called Jernbanetorget.
017-KARL JOHANS GATE-Karl Johans gate is the main pedestrian street of Oslo, which is called after the Norwegian King Karl III Johan. The street begins at Jernbanetorget, where Oslo Central Station is located and ends at the Royal Palace. The route changes its direction and width slightly halfway between these two points, at Egertorget, a square at the intersection of Karl Johans gate and Øvre Slottsgate. This is the highest point and, here, both ends of the street may be seen. The street is 1,020 meters long; in addition there are 300 metres of direct extensions, Palace Hill (Slottsbakken) and Palace Place (Slottsplassen).On both sides of the street, you will see shops of all kind. Among the shops and malls, the street includes many of Oslo's tourist attractions: In addition to the Royal Palace, Central Station and Stortinget, there are the National Theatre (Nationaltheatret), National Parliament (called Stortinget in Norway), the old University Buildings (Universitetsbygningene ), the Palace Park and the pond ("Spikersuppa") at Eidsvolls plass, which serves as a skating rink in winter. Oslo Cathedral's (Domkirke),lower end is surrounded by the Bazaar Market (Basarene ved Oslo domkirke), which is integrated with the historic Fire Watch (Brannvakten) that served as Oslo's main fire station from 1860 until 1939. This is the most important parade street of Norway. Most special the street is each year on May 17, the national holiday of Norway. At this time, Karl Johans gate is full of children, who go on the street up to the Royal Palace (Slottet) where they see the Royal family congratulate and wave the people. A place for street musicians and singers, whose season is from May till October .It is in the heart of Oslo and is best known and busiest thoroughfare in Norway, about 1,00,000 pedestrian using the street every day. The lower part of the road is pedestrian zed.
018-AKER BRYGGE- The Parliament of Norway Building (Norwegian: Stortingsbygningen) is the seat of the Parliament of Norway, located in Central Oslo. The building is located at Karl Johans Gate 22 and was taken into use on 5 March 1866.
019-BARCODE BUILDING- The Barcode Project is a section of the Bjørvika portion of the Fjord City redevelopment on former dock and industrial land in central Oslo .It is situated on Dronning Eufemias gate, near the central railway sidings. At 22 stories tall, these black and white corporate structures are each divided by a 12-metre space. Each corporate building is different with a pixelated appearance that gives them the name 'Barcode'. In between the ground-level spaces is a sheltered public passage, and sculptures are displayed in open areas.
020- MATHALLEN- It is a restored factory building located on the riverside of Akerselva in east Oslo. It has a distinctive European market-hall feel. 33 gourmet stores, bars and restaurants offer food from Spain, Italy, France, Germany and Asia - but the main focus is on a variety of high quality Norwegian produce. Permanent restaurants, cafes, greengrocers, pubs (not bars), bakers and pie shops are situated in Mathallen. Producers of Norwegian homegrown meats, cheeses, seafood, apple juices and many more delicious foods and drinks are here to tempt .Local producers and farmers have set up market stalls in the centre of the hall, to introduce you and your pallet to the mouth-watering food choices that Norway has to offer.
DAY TOUR FROM OSLO -
NORWAY IN NUTSHELL -Norway in Nutshell is one of the most popular trips in Norway through some of the loveliest scenery in Fjord of Norway. Optional direction of travel, and may be started from any railway station along the selected route. These tours could be enjoyed as day excursions or as extended roundtrips. One can experience the Snow of Hardangvidda plateau, Flam Railway Line, the Aurlandsfjord, the Naeroyfjord (the narrowest part of the Sognefjord) and the steep Stalheimskleivane hairpin bends.
NORWAY IN NUTSHELL -Norway in Nutshell is one of the most popular trips in Norway through some of the loveliest scenery in Fjord of Norway. Optional direction of travel, and may be started from any railway station along the selected route. These tours could be enjoyed as day excursions or as extended roundtrips. One can experience the Snow of Hardangvidda plateau, Flam Railway Line, the Aurlandsfjord, the Naeroyfjord (the narrowest part of the Sognefjord) and the steep Stalheimskleivane hairpin bends.
001-BERGEN LINE- The Bergen Line (Norwegian: Bergensbanen), also called the Bergen Railway, is the name is for the route from Bergen via Drammen to Oslo, where the passenger trains go, a distance of 496 kilometres. It is the highest mainline railway line in Northern Europe, crossing the Hardangervidda plateau at 1,237 meters above sea level. The railway opened from Bergen to Voss in 1883 as the narrow gauge Voss Line. In 1909 the route was continued over the mountain to Oslo and the whole route converted to standard gauge, and the Voss Line became part of the Bergen Line. The line is single track, and was electrified in 1954-64.The Bergen Line is owned and maintained by the Norwegian National Rail Administration, and served with passenger trains by Norwegian State Railways (NSB) . The Flåm Line remains as the only branch line with junction at Myrdal .One can come from Oslo to Geilo by road which is 275kms and from Geilo to Bergen is 218kms.The journey from Geilo (794mts elevation) to Myrdal (867mts elevation) is on a high plateau area, where lots of ice can be seen and the highest railway station is Finse which is at 1222mts, where is the maximum ice and before the end of June, the ice can be seen.
002-FLAM RAILWAY (FLAMSBANA)-Flam Railway is a 20.20kilometre long railway line between Myrdal and Flåm in Aurland, Norway in Flamsdalen Valley and in this the Flamselvi River runs through the valley. The line's elevation difference is 863 meters. The maximum gradient is 5.5 percent (1:18), making it the steepest standard gauge railway in Europe. Because of its steep gradient and picturesque nature, the Flåm Line is now almost exclusively a tourist service and has become the third-most visited tourist attraction in Norway. Each year, this exciting stretch of railway attracts people from all corners of the world, making the Flåm Railway one of Norway's major and most spectacular tourist attractions. The train journey provides some of Norway's wildest and most magnificent scenery. On the 20-kilometre long train ride one can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascade down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains and mountain farms that cling dizzily to sheer slopes. At the foot of the mountains one can enjoy the natural beauty of the Flåm Valley and admire the majestic Aurlandfjord, a branch of Norway's longest fjord, the Sognefjord. A trip on the Flåm Railway is just as stunning in winter as well as in summer, as the landscape changes so dramatically with each season it makes for a radically different experience. The Flåm Railway offers for the most part wild and beautiful mountain scenery, with snow-capped peaks, lush pastures and historic traditions dating all the way back to pagan times .In 2010 The Flåm Railway is chosen as one of the top 10 most beautiful train journeys in Europe by National Geographic Traveller Magazine and in 2011 the Society of International Railway Travelers proclaims .The Flåm Railway to be one of the world's 25 most beautiful train journeys. In 2012 the passenger record is 6, 35,368. Construction of the line started in 1924, and the line opening was in 1940. Until 1991, the train connected with a ferry service from Flåm to Gudvangen. The trains remain operated by the Norwegian State Railways (NSB) on behalf of Flam Utvikling. From May through September, there are nine or ten departures in each direction per day. In the rest of the year, there are four. The travel time between Myrdal to Flam is 60minutes.The Flåm Line runs from Myrdal (is a Junction) to Flåm. Myrdal Station is located in a mountain pass at 863.6 meters above mean sea level, while Flåm is located at 2.0 meters. Maximum permitted speed upwards is 40 km/h, while it is 30 km/h downhill. The line has eight stops, twenty tunnels and one bridge. Mrydal is an area and it is only built-out to facilitate Myrdal Station on Bergen Line as Junction Station .At Myrdal Station, the Flåm Line runs in the same direction as the trains towards Oslo, but immediately starts running downwards into the Flåmsdalen valley. The first part of the line runs through snow shelters and several short tunnels. Vatnahalsen Station is located 1.13 kilometers from Myrdal, at 811 meters. The line then runs through a horseshoe curve and the 880-meter-long Vatnahalsen Tunnel. It exits the tunnel onto an artificial shelf on a cliff which falls several hundred meters down. Reinunga Station is located 2.20 kilometers from Myrdal and at 767 meters elevation. It is followed by Kjosfossen Station, 4.40 kilometers from Myrdal and 670 meters (2,200 ft) which serves no other purpose than allowing tourists to look at the waterfall Kjosfossen and it is a large open terrace replaced the old station platform. The railway then crosses the river Flåmselvi and runs through a series of short tunnels.
003-FJORD-Geologically, a fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep cliffs, created in a valley carved by glacial activity. The coasts of Norway, Iceland, and Greenland have many fjords. A fjord is formed when a glacier cuts a U-shaped valley by ice segregation and abrasion of the surrounding bedrock. Glacial melting is accompanied by rebound of Earth's crust as the ice load and eroded sediment is removed. Most fjords are deeper than the adjacent sea- Sognefjord, Norway, reaches as much as 1,300 meters below sea level. Fjords generally have a sill or bedrock at their mouth. Some coral reefs were discovered along the bottoms of the Norwegian fjords. These reefs were found in fjords from the north of Norway to the south. The reefs are host to thousands of life forms such as plankton , coral , anemones , fish, several species of shark, and many more. Most are specially adapted to life under the greater pressure of the water column above it, and the total darkness of the deep sea. New Zealand's fjords are also host to deep sea corals, but a surface layer of dark fresh water allows these corals to grow in much shallower water than usual. An underwater observatory in Milford Sound allows tourists to view them without diving.
004-SOGNEFJORD- The Sognefjord is the largest fjord in Norway, and the third longest in the world. It stretches 205 kilometres inland to the small village of Skjolden.The fjord takes its name from the traditional district of Sogn. The fjord reaches a maximum depth of 1,308 meters below sea level, and the greatest depths are found in the inland parts of the fjord. Near its mouth, the bottom rises abruptly to a sill about 100 metres below sea level. The average width of the main branch of the Sognefjord is about 4.5 kilometers. Cliffs surrounding the fjord rise almost sheer from the water to heights of 1,000 metres and more. The innermost arm of the Sognefjord is called the Lustrafjord. At its end, there is the village of Skjolden, which is an access to Jotunheimen National Park. In earlier times, transport from Bergen to the Scandinavian inland and vice versa was done by boat from Bergen to Skjolden and from there on a simple road over the highlands. Smaller fjords which branch off from the Sognefjord include Esefjorden , Fjærlandsfjord ,Sogndalsfjord , Lustrafjord , Årdalsfjord , Lærdalsfjord , Aurlandsfjord, and Nærøyfjord (which is also a World Heritage Site).
005-GUDAVANGEN- The Gudvangen is a village in the municipality of Aurland . Gudavangen is situated by the Nærøyfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord particularly noted for its unspoiled nature and dramatic scenery, and only 300 meters across at its narrowest point. The Nærøyfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fjord has become a tourist attraction with summer tourists being an important part of the local economy. The highway passes by the village. Heading southwest on the highway leads to Voss while heading northeast the E16 enters the Gudvanga Tunnel on its way to Flåm, Undredal, and Aurlandsvangen. The nearby village of Bakka lies about 5 kilometres to the north. The Kjelfossen waterfall is located just to the southeast of the village. The Lærdal Tunnel: The Lærdal Tunnel is located 30 minutes’ drive from Gudvangen is the world’s longest road tunnel, with a length of 24510 meters. The tunnel is a part of the E16, which is the main road between Oslo and Bergen. The tunnel opened on the 27th of November 2000. Inside the tunnel there are three big halls that are lit up so that the drivers don’t fall asleep in the long tunnel, and watch out, there are automatic traffic controls in the tunnel, in both directions so don’t speed.
006-STALHEIMSKLEIVANE - The ship docks at beautiful Gudvangen. The next stage of the trip is the bus journey up the 13 steep, spectacular Stalheimskleivane hairpin bends, with views of the Stalheim and Sivle waterfalls, to the Stalheim hotel. After a brief stop here to enjoy the view, the journey continues to Voss followed by a relaxing trip to Bergen or Oslo.
007- VOSS-Voss is a village in the heart of fjord Norway. Voss as known as the winter ski destination with two ski stations .It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes and fast flowing white water rivers. The town proximity to the Songefjord and its position between Bergen and Flam on the scenic railway has made it popular with tourist. Fleicher’s Hotel is an old hotel and has been visited by royalty and nobility as well as ordinary tourists. This has led to its development as a notable centre of Sking, Water Sports, Skydiving, Paragliding, Kayaking, River Rafting, River Boarding, Kite-Surfing, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Walking and other adventure sports. From here one can reach to Songefjord and Hardangerfjord in less than one hour. Ekstremsportveko/Veko ( Extreme Sports Week) every year in the last week of June and regards the biggest adventure sport event ,established in 1998.The week contains competitions in Base Jumping, Parachuting, Paragliding ,Hanggliding, Kitesurfing ,Climbing, Longboarding, Mountainbiking, BMK, Rafting, Whitwater Kayaking, Big Air and Multisport. The local airstrip at Bomoen is home to Skydive Voss and as well as for gliding .The rivers provide various levels of white water rafting and attracting kayaking, rafting and river boarding. Kite –surfing and Para-bungee may be seen on lake Vangsvatnet .The ski area is accessible via a cable car, Hangursbanen from the town .There is also chair lift access from Bavallen , near to north-east of Voss. The Skydive Voss is in Bomoen and is 3kms from Voss. From Voss at 12 kms there is a waterfall-Tvindefossen it is situated on Flam Road .It is a 152 meters waterfall by Tvinde Camping. One can go to the top of the fall by foot. It has acquired a reputation for rejuvenation and revival of sex potency that made it one of the most important natural tourist attractions .It is visited by 2,72,000 visitors.
SHOPPING AT OSLO-
001-AKER BRYGGE SHOPPING-It is next to the City Hall on the wharf. Shopping and dining area along the harbour with about 30 shops and 40 restaurants and bars. The buildings are distinctive, with their combination of old, venerable shipyard buildings and modern architecture. This unique sea-front boardwalk is one of Oslo's primary attractions, and more than 7,000 people live and work in the area. The restaurants and bars have a combined 5,000 chairs, of which 2,500 are outside. The parking garage has room for 900 cars, and Aker Brygge's Herbern Marina has room for 125 boats.
002-KARL JOHANS GATE- It is the most famous street of Oslo. It stretches from Royal Palace to Oslo Central Station. Lots of street artists during summer can be seen. This street runs east to west from the Central Station to the Royal Palace. Here you will find several street entertainers, restaurants and not to mention countless shops. This street (and its back streets), is in particular famous for handicrafts, clothing, jewellery and look out for the home accessories within department stores. Cool your feet in the water fountain in Studenterlunden on sunny days. The street Akersgata crosses Karl Johans gate and is the home of design retailers such as Louis Vuitton, Mulberry and Moods of Norway. The street of Møllergata is a good place for furniture shopping, while the Grensen area offers a good selection of shoes.
003- OSLO CITY SHOPPING CENTER- Built by Selmer Skanska in 1998 and was largest building before Telenor Building at Fornebu .This is the Oslo's largest and most popular and most visited shopping centre. It has approximately 90 shops and restaurants on the five floors. This shopping centre is centrally located within walking distance to the central station. Oslo City owned by DnB Property is of 79,791 square foot.You can walk indoors to Oslo Central Station, Jernbanetorget metro station and the Airport Express Train from the shopping centre. During the warmer months, fresh groceries can be found at the entrance. It is on 5 floors and has got all the most popular stores, like H&M, KappAhl, Boys of Europe etc. and several restaurants in the basement. Oslo City's shops offer a wide selection of clothes, shoes, music, electronic articles, interior, kitchenware, cosmetics, jewellery, groceries and much more. Services include hairdresser, pharmacy, tailor, medical centre, cash points and shoe repair. Hours of Oslo City: Weekdays: 10-22 Saturday: 10-20
004- BYPORTEN SHOPPING CENTRE- On the other side of the street of Oslo City is Byporten which is also a good shopping mall. These two shopping centres are connected by a walkway that goes on to Oslo Plaza .Byporten Shopping is Oslo newest shopping center opened in 1999 and is right next to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S). It is on 3 floors and it includes more than 70 shops, a Scandic Hotel, Norways largest Egon Restaurant as well as underground car parking. This shopping center is open 10 am - 9 pm on weekdays, and 10 am - 6 pm on Saturdays.