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Europe Norway Oslo Do & See Akershus Fortress

Overview

Akershus Fortress

The guide was updated: 2024-02-12

Originally constructed as a medieval fortress in 1299 by King Håkon V, it was later transformed into a Renaissance castle and royal residence under the reign of King Christian IV. Throughout the centuries, this historic landmark has stood witness to pivotal events that have shaped the country's history. Guided tours are available daily.

Useful Information

Address: Grev Wedels Plass 5, Oslo
Website: kultur.forsvaret.no/forsvarets-festninger/akershus-festning
Phone: + 47 23 09 39 17

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Oslo Opera House

Oslo Opera House

An iconic city landmark, the white-oblique building of the Opera House is located right next to the harbour and was constructed to emulate a floating glacier. Offering a rich program of opera and ballet, this emblematic building has oak interiors, street-level windows, and a shimmering marble rooftop. To climb it and enjoy great views over Oslo and its fjord is a must for every visitor.

Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen

Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen

Aker Brygge is a lively and very popular area situated right by the fjord. It has witnessed enormous development since the days when it used to be a shipyard up until the 80s. Now, visitors and locals come here for shopping, al fresco dining at one of the countless restaurants and bistros, or just to take a stroll along the waterfront. Tjuvholmen is an area located on a peninsula adjacent to Aker Brygge, between Pipervika and Filipstad. It has also undergone remarkable transformations throughout its history. Once a bustling dock, shipyard, and warehouse district, Tjuvholmen has evolved into a modern hub characterised by innovative architecture and bustling with stylish apartments and trendy restaurants. Tjuvholme also hosts many art galleries, a sculpture park, and a city beach. Here you'll also find the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, housed in a spectacular wooden building designed by Renzo Piano.

Vigeland Park

Vigeland Park

Located in Frogner Park, Vigeland Park is home to more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite, and cast iron by Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland, and is one of Norway's most popular tourist attractions. Every year, over one million visitors come here to discover this curious park and its sculptures, including the mighty Monolith, The Angry Boy, and the touching Wheel of Life sculpture. There is also a museum displaying the works of Gustav Vigeland, plus temporary art exhibitions.

Munch Museum

Munch Museum

Boasting an impressive 13 floors and 11 exhibition spaces, the Munch Museum, known simply as Munch, houses a remarkable collection of 26,000 works by Munch, including 1,183 paintings, providing a comprehensive exploration of Munch's artistic legacy. Notably, visitors can marvel at the iconic painting "The Scream", which is on permanent display within the museum.

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress

Originally constructed as a medieval fortress in 1299 by King Håkon V, it was later transformed into a Renaissance castle and royal residence under the reign of King Christian IV. Throughout the centuries, this historic landmark has stood witness to pivotal events that have shaped the country's history. Guided tours are available daily.

Royal Palace

Royal Palace

The neo-classical Royal Palace lies right at the end of Karl Johann Gate and makes for a very impressive sight. The park, which surrounds the palace, is a popular picnic and sunbathing spot thanks to its grassy areas and majestic trees. Every day at 1:30 pm the guard changing ceremony takes place.

Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset)

Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset)

The double-towered building made of red bricks housing the city council, the city's administration, and various other municipal organisations is a major symbol of the city. The interiors are decorated with scenes of Norwegian culture, history, and working life from the first half of the 20th century. The ceremony for the Nobel Peace Prize awarding is held here every year.

Bygdøy

Bygdøy

Bygdøy is a beautiful peninsula not far from district Frogner. There are many popular museums here, but the peninsula is also a well-appreciated recreational area during the summer months, with beaches, hiking trails, and cycling paths.

Damstredet & Telthusbakken

Damstredet & Telthusbakken

Damstredet & Telthusbakken is a picturesque area in central Oslo with characteristic wooden houses from the 19th century. These two narrow and winding streets, lined with colourful houses are the perfect way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience some authentic old-Norway atmosphere. Surrounding this idyllic setting, you'll find the peaceful Egebergløkka, an area boasting allotment gardens, as well as the medieval Gamle Aker Kirke (Old Aker Church), adding to the historical charm of the surroundings.

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

Norsk Folkemuseum is an extensive open-air museum at Bygdøy displaying more than 150 traditional buildings from all around Norway, including the impressive Gol Stave Church from around 1200. Craft demonstration, animal feeding and horse and carriage riding are among the many activities available daily through the summer. An indoor exhibition showcases traditional handicraft items, national costumes, and folk art, and offers exceptional insight into Sami history and culture.

Museum of Cultural History

Museum of Cultural History

At the Museum of Cultural History, visitors will find a vast collection of artefacts that span Norwegian history, tracing back from the Ice Age to the era of Christianity. With a particular emphasis on the Viking period and the Middle Ages, it comprehensively explores these significant chapters. On the upper floors, visitors can immerse themselves in an ethnographic museum that showcases rotating exhibitions, offering a glimpse into diverse cultures and traditions.

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Escape the bustling energy of Oslo at the Botanical Garden, where you'll find a serene oasis of expansive greenery. Established in 1814, it holds the distinction of being Norway's oldest garden. It features an Arboretum showcasing approximately 1,800 plant varieties, including an array of exotic species, plus a scent garden and wooden sculptures by British artist Tom Hare.

Tusenfryd Amusement Park

Tusenfryd Amusement Park

Located just 20 kilometres south of Oslo in Vinterbro, Tusenfryd is Norway's largest amusement park. With a wide range of attractions to choose from, including a thrilling wooden roller coaster, carousels, and exciting long rides, a visit to Tusenfryd promises a fantastic time for both children and adults.

Holmenkollen Ski Museum

Holmenkollen Ski Museum

Nestled at the base of Holmenkollbakken, a renowned ski jumping hill in Oslo, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum is an absolute must-visit for sports enthusiasts. Established in 1923, it holds the esteemed title of being the world's oldest ski museum. It takes visitors on a journey through 4,000 years of skiing history, offering fascinating insights and exhibits. Furthermore, a visit to Holmenkollbakken provides an extraordinary experience, as you ascend to the top of the ski jump hill and behold breathtaking panoramic views of Oslo and its picturesque fjord. For added excitement, try the ski simulator to get a taste of the thrill of jumping from Holmenkollen.

Sognsvann Lake

Sognsvann Lake

Sognsvann Lake, a beloved recreational area, is conveniently located just a stone's throw away from Oslo's city centre. Throughout the winter, the landscape comes alive with skiers, while in the summer, the approximately 3-kilometre path encircling the lake attracts numerous walkers and runners. This picturesque destination offers a plethora of activities, including picnicking, swimming, and fishing, providing endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Kon-Tiki Museum

Kon-Tiki Museum

Thor Heyerdahl, a Norwegian adventurer and ethnographer, earned international fame for his expeditions across the Pacific Ocean on board the Kon-Tiki and Ra in 1947. And at the Kon-Tiki Museum, you can follow the intriguing events during his expeditions and their significance to world history. See the actual balsa and papyrus rafts, and learn more about Heyerdahl’s travels.

National Museum — Architecture

National Museum — Architecture

The combination of classical and modernist architecture makes the building signed by two of the most important Scandinavian architects, Fehn and Grosch, an attraction in itself. Here you can find changing exhibitions related to different historical periods, with photos, models, and drawings, as well as a gift shop and café.

Norwegian Maritime Museum

Norwegian Maritime Museum

The Norwegian Maritime Museum is located on the Bygdøy peninsula. Here, visitors can enjoy fascinating environmental exhibitions about fishing, shipbuilding, sailing, marine archaeology, and an impressive collection of boat models and marine paintings.

Center for Studies of the Holocaust & Religious Minorities

Center for Studies of the Holocaust & Religious Minorities

The Centre for Studies of Holocaust and Religious Minorities showcases a modern exhibition that sheds light on the Holocaust. Through a combination of powerful imagery, immersive sounds, films, artefacts, and informative textual documents, the exhibition chronicles the tragic genocide of European Jews. It also highlights the Nazi State's systematic mass murder and persecution of other targeted groups and minorities.

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