Oslo Things to Do Tips by suvanki

Karl Johans Gate Karl Johansgate Review

Karl Johans Gate is probably the best known street in Oslo. With the Royal Palace perched at the top, this central thoroughfare stretches downhill to nearly reach the central station.

This road is interrupted at regular intervals, by smaller streets crossing through.

Along the roadside are some of Oslos most important buildings, including the Parliament Building (Stortinget), National Theatre, and University.

The Grand Hotel (No 31)(where Nobel Peace prize winners, heads of state, and the rich and famous stay), plus restaurants, shops, bars catering to all tastes and budgets (well not if on a Very tight budget!) can all be found.

On 17th May (syttende mai) Norwegians celebrate their National Day (Constitution Day).

In Oslo, Karl Johans Gate is the place to see Norwegian traditional costume (bunand), as almost every family dresses in their finery, to join a parade, leading upto the Palace, where the Royal Family stand and wave to the children passing by!

Address: Karl Johans Gate, Oslo

Karl Johans Gate Karl Johansgate Review

Karl Johans Gate (KJG or Karl Johans Street) today runs in one long line uphill from the East ( near the railway station) to the West (The Royal Palace)

The eastern part was originally part of Christian 1V's old city,which was surrounded by the city ramparts. Removal of these to make way for the City Cathedral, enabled 3 sections of roadway to join and become Ostre Gade.
When it became necessary for the Royal Palace to be connected to the city, the western roadway was constructed.

The building of the Parliament building , in the centre of this area, caused the two sections to join to form one long thoroughfare. King Karl Johan had recently died, and so the street was named in his honour.

In the photo, you can see the statue of King Karl Johans, looking down 'his street'

Oslo Fjord Oslo fjord Review

There is some controversy as to whether Oslo Fjord is actually a Fjord!

I'm afraid that we didn't get to venture along this waterway, due to time and weather constraints.
Luckily we got to see this view on Saturday, and took our photos, because on Sunday, it was overcast and snowing, so we couldn't see beyond the harbours edge.

Ferries run frequently to the 40 islands , and points on the mainland, carrying both locals and tourists.

During the summer, pleasure boats also offer various trips along the waterway.

Apparently, for many years the fjord was heavily polluted, due to industrial waste being discharged into the waters. However, the waters are now clean enough for anyone brave enough to swim - the water is VERY cold!While we were here, parts of the harbour and fjord were frozen, even in summer, the water is still quite cold.

The National Theatre Nationaltheatret Review

The National Theatre is one of Norways largest theatres, where many important works of art are performed.

The theatre can trace its origins to the Christiana Theater which was opened in 1829. The current building opened with its first performance in September 1899 and was designed by Henrik Bull.
Apparently the Auditorium is worth seeing. There are also rare portraits of famous artists by some of Norways best known painters including Munch and Krohg.

I'm afraid that I didn't get to see the interior during my visit, but the outside was quite attractive, both the architecture, and the many statues in the surrounding garden, including ones of Norwegian writers Henrik Ibsen and Bjornstjere Bjornson. In the photo below is a statue commemorating Norwegian actor Per Aabel (1902 -1999)

Almost all of the plays performed are in Norwegian. During the annual Ibsen Festival (Late August -Early September) Plays are presented in the languages of the visiting foreign companies. Some locals refer to this venue as Ibsens Theatre, as most of his plays have been performed here.

Address: National Theatre, Johanne Dybwads Plazza N-0161

Directions: Off Karl Johans Gate (Royal Palace end) Opposite the University.
Nearest Underground is NationalTheatret.

Other Contact: Fax +47 22001690

Phone: +47 2200 1400

Website: http://www.nationaltheatret.no

Tiger Spotting in Oslo!

One of my ambitions is to spot a tiger in the wild, although I was a bit surprised to see this large cat in Oslo! However, I now know that Oslo was once named The City of Tigers.
Apparently the Norwegian writer Bjornstjerne Bjornson named the city Tigerstaden (The City of Tigers).

When Oslo commemorated its 1000 year Jubilee in the year 2000, the Tiger was to feature heavily in its celebrations, with a row of tiger sculptures surrounding the City Hall. (Where the other tigers went to I'm not sure, but this tiger is the only remaining one).

I was curious to find out why this Scandinavian city had 'adopted' the tiger mascot, and why BB had named the city as he had.

Well thanks to Google, I now know that Mr Bjornson, had not intended the title as a compliment! - He'd suffered some hassle from the politicians of his city, (which was then called Christiania) during the late 1860's/ early 1870's. He compared the city to a tiger, with his beloved rural Norway as an old workhorse. !!!

The Year long celebrations of 2000 were broken into different themes. The tiger was seen as a way to promote Oslo as 'A city which leaves its mark'

Some photos of the tiger sculptures can be seen by clicking onto this page http://www.naturnett.org/tigers

Directions: Near Central Station, opposite Peppes Pizza!

RadhusBrygge - The Harbour

The harbour is a pleasant place to wander, with views to Akershus fort to the left, Oslofjord in front, Aker Brygge to the right, and behind is a small park with statues in front of the City Hall (Radhus).

Moored to the harbour are some old wooden boats, as well as some small fishing boats and yachts. To the right handside of the harbour we could watch ferries bustling too and fro. We also saw a few pleasure boats advertising trips to the museums, but these didn't appear to be running.

As you can see from some of my photos, there was quite a lot of ice on the water.

Directions: In front of the City Hall , cross through the park, the harbour is right in front.

The Storting - Parliament Building Stortinget (Goverment building) Review

This impressive building is situated on Karl Johans Gate, the home of the Norwegian National Assembly. Storting, or The Stortinget means Big Thing!

Completed in 1850, the architect was Emil Victor Langlet. There was a competition for the best design plan, and this had already been awarded to a partnership. Langlet, who'd been holidaying in Italy when the competition was set, submitted a late entry, his design being so superior, he was given the prize.

When Parliament is sitting, the Public Galleries are open for visits, and there are guided tours.
July to Mid August daily at 10.00hrs, 11.30 and 1300hrs.
Mid August to June open Saturdays only.
Tel 23 31 31 80 for details

The webpage , www.stortinget.no gives useful information about tours, history etc.

For more details about Norwegian Parliament, its history, political parties etc etc check out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storting

Address: Karl Johans Gate 22,No-0020- Oslo.

Directions: About midway along Karl Johans Gate. Nearest underground station is Stortinget.

Other Contact: fax +47 2331 3697

Phone: +47 2331 3596

Website: http://www.stortinget.no

Akershuis Fortress Akershus Fortress Review

This Medieval Fortress is another Oslo Landmark, poised above the harbour it is easily visable from the road from the airport, and from Aker Brygge. A good place to view Oslo fjord, and the city.

The first castle was built around AD1300 by Hakon V Magnusson, then was rebuilt in the late 16th Century by Christian 1V. Further rebuilding took place between 1637 and 1648, and early 20th Century restoration has ensured that much of the building looks as it would have during the 15th Century.

The castle was used as a prison during WW2 , holding members of the Norwegian Resistance. It is also a mausoleum, containing the tombs of King Hakon V11, Queen Maud and Crown Princess Martha. The builder Hakon V Magnusson is also entombed here.

To be continued.....

Spikersuppa

Wandering around Oslo on the Sunday in the snow, we soon became aware of music drifting towards us! A few more metres, and we landed up outside this skating rink- Spikersuppa! Situated between the Stortinget (Parliament Building) and the National Theatre.
In the summer, this is a pool, but in Winter, the 25 x 10 metre area becomes an Ice skating Rink.
We spent quite a while watching skaters of all ages, and degrees of ability, skating around this arena.
We thought that you had to bring your own skates, but apparently you can hire them too! (30 N Kr per hour)

Directions: Between Parliament Building and National Theatre, Off Karl Johans Gate.

Karl Johans Statue, Royal Palace

This impressive statue of King Karl 111 Johan (or Charles X1V John) sits in front of the Royal Palace, facing down Karl Johans Gate.

It was made by Brygsulf Bergslien, who lived from 1830 - 1898.

This king of Sweden and Norway (from 1818 to his death in Stockholm on 8th March 1844) was born in Pau, France on 26th January 1763, and was named Jean Baptiste Jules Bernadotte.
Entering the French Army in 1780 as a private, he quickly advanced through the ranks, and following the French Revolution became a colonel.

To be continued...