These are some landmarks you surely shouldn’t miss during your trip:
The Royal Palace
Norway is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is King Harald. Located at the upper end of the Karl Johan Street, with a statue of Karl Johan situated in front of the Palace (king of Sweden and Norway from 1818 to 1844). The Royal Palace was completed in 1848 and has been recently renovated. Every year on 17th May (Constitution Day) marching bands, dancing children and at least half the population of Oslo parade past its balcony, waving to the Royal Family.
Opening hours:
Each day at 2:00 pm there is a guided tour in the Palace. Tickets must be purchased in advance at tel: +47 815 33 133 (ticket service). You can aslo enjoy a stroll in the palace garden and watch the Royal Guard. There is a change of guard at 1:30 pm.
More information: http://www.kongehuset.no/default.asp?lang=eng
The City Hall
At the edge of Oslo’s colorful harbor is this modern twin-towered landmark building. It was opened in 1950 to celebrate the city’s 900th anniversary. Its interior is marvellous – with colorful frescos and murals depicting daily life, viking gods and Norwegian cultural figures. Many leading Norwegian painters and sculptors contributed to the decorations. The Nobel Peace Price is handed out in the Main Hall each December.
Address: Rådhusplassen, Aker Brygge area
More information: http://www.norway.com/guide/directories/company.asp?lang=44&id=652
The Norwegian Parliament Building
Located on a small hill about half way down the Karl Johan Street. The building was completed around 1850. The Legislature is a unicameral one made up of 165 members. The prime minister is officially appointed by the Monarch.
Address: Karl Johans gate 22
Opening hours: During the Parliament session the public gallery is open to onlookers. During summer when
Parliament is not in session there are free tours.
More information: http://www.stortinget.no/english/index.html
Akershus Fortress
Norway’s most important medieval monument – built around 1300. Overlooking the harbour the fortress is used today for state occasions. The Akershus Castle contains dungeons, plush upper floors with banquet halls and staterooms, and the chapel used for royal events. The chapel holds the crypts of King Haakon VII and King Olav V. See also the Defense Museum and the Resistance Museum displaying the resistance movement during World War 2.
Address: Oslo Military, Akershus
Getting there: Tram 10 or 12 to the City Hall Square
More information: http://www.norway.com/directories/no_ac_company.asp?id=654
The University
The great hall (Aula) of the center building is decorated by Edvard Munch. This great hall was also the site of the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony until 1989.
Address: Karl Johans gate 47
Getting there: Located at Karl Johan street right below the Royal Palace and across the street from the National Theater.
Oslo Cathedral
17th century cathedral – completed in 1699. Study the original bronze doors and stained glass. The interior is a delightful surprise.
Address: Stortorget 1
Getting there: Located at the lower end of the Karl Johan street.
Opening hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
The National Theater
In front of the National Theatre are statues of Bjornstjerne Bjornson (who wrote the national anthem and received a Nobel Price in literature) and Norways’s most famous writer Henrik Ibsen. See the lavish Rococo hall – built to stage Henrik Ibsen’s plays.
Address: Johanne Dybwads plass 1
Location: Centrally located near the Royal Palace, the University and the Karl Johan street.
Opening hours: Most performances are in Norwegian. Occasional guided tours in English during the summer (ultimo June – July) when no performances are on.
More information: http://www.norway.com/guide/directories/company.asp?lang=44&id=657
Ovrevoll Galoppbane (Racetrack)
Ovrevoll Galoppbane, the only racecourse in Norway, is also a leading racecourse in Scandinavia. It has both turf track and an all-weather track. The racecourse is situated in the countryside on the outskirts of Oslo, only a 15 minutes drive west of Oslo City center.
Address: Vollsveien 132
Tel: +47 22 95 62 00
E-mail: galopp@online.no
Getting there:
By car: E18 from Oslo, get off at Jar by Lysaker. Follow Vollsveien to Ovrevoll.
By tram: Get off at Jar or Eiksmarka Subway station.
By bus: Take bus 131 to Ovrevoll from Oslo.
More information: http://www.norway.com/guide/directories/company.asp?id=682
Holmenkollen
Holmenkollen, the most visited tourist attraction in Norway! Skimuseum, ski jump tower, souvenir shop and cafeteria. World Cup events in Holmenkollen Ski Arena. Open all year. Ski tracks and biking tracks in the surroundings. Tryvannstårnet view point. They offer a range of activities for companies/groups at Holmenkollen throughout the year.
Address: Kongeveien 5, N-0787 Oslo
Tel: +47 22 92 32 00
Fax: +47 22 92 32 50
More information: http://www.norway.com/guide/directories/company.asp?lang=44&id=677
Baerums Verk
65 different shops and handicraft stores are located in an old iron works from 1610 surrounded by pristine forests. You can find everything from applied art and handicraft exhibitions to book stores and an iron works museum.
Address: Verksgata, N-1317 Baerums Verk
Tel: +47 67 13 00 18
Fax: +47 67 13 83 82
E-mail: baerumsverk@lovenskiold.no
More information: http://www.norway.com/guide/directories/company.asp?id=681
Bogstad Manor
Bogstad Manor holds a central position in Norwegian history, both as an industrial estate and as a center during important periods of our political history. Peder Anker, landowner, proprietor and Norway's first prime minister, and the Wedel Jarlsberg family, have handed down to posterity a beautiful home, with its original furniture, paintings and chinaware, a home almost unchanged and today open to the public.
Address: Sorkedalen
Tel: +47 22 06 52 00
Fax: +47 22 06 52 01
Getting there: By bus 32 or tram 2 from down town Oslo to Roa and then bus 41.
