This striking waterside fortress was originally conceived as an opulent royal residence, but later fortified for military needs. The magnificent Akershus Fortress was originally built in the 1290s to guard Oslo's vulnerable eastern waterfront against invaders while accommodating the royal family of Norway. Over the years it has performed crucial roles like operating as the country's primary military base and seat of the government with distinction; however these days it is mainly used for hosting important official functions. Some of the fortress' most popular attractions include Akershus Castle church, the armory door and the royal mausoleum where King Haakon VII and Olav V were buried alongside Queen Maud and Märtha.
Beautifully set next to the small mountain lake at the Holmenkollen ski jump, this log chapel was designed by architect Holger Sinding-Larsen in 1903, in a Nationalist style inspired by medieval stave churches. It was built to seat up to 300 students, but nowadays the congregation is more likely to consist of the elegant residents of this upmarket neighborhood. The chapel is popular for weddings. Old as it may appear, the actual church is in fact a copy made in 1996 of the original which was destroyed in a fire some years before.
This handsome building on Drammensveien near the Royal Palace is the home of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Every year the Committee selects a Peace Prize winner, based on the criteria that Alfred Nobel (the Swede who left a fund for an annual Peace Prize) specified in his will. Up to 1946, the Peace Prize was awarded at the Institute, but today, the award ceremony takes place in Oslo's Town Hall. The ceremony takes place on 10 December every year, to mark the day of Alfred Nobel's death in 1896.
Oslo's main library was established more than 200 years ago, when Carl Deichman bequeathed his vast collection of books to the city. Today, the Oslo Public Library houses over one million volumes. You will find the library building not far from the Trefoldighetskirken and the Goverment Offices. It is within easy walking distance of the city center. Supplementing the main building, there are 16 more specialized branches of the library scattered throughout the city.
Many of the cathedral's contents date back to 1697, the year the building was consecrated. Alexis de Chateauneuf, the architect of the Trefoldighetskirke, restored the cathedral between 1849 and 1850, and further work was done on the structure from 1948 to 1950. The cathedral is located close to Stortorget in the center of Oslo. King Harald and Queen Sonja were married here, as were Crown Prince Haakon Magus and Mette-Marit. The cathedral is also used for concerts and the crypt house exhibitions. Admission is free.
A symbol of Norwegian opulence, the Slottet og Slottsparken or the Royal Palace and its imperial gardens have been the centerpiece of Oslo's sweeping cityscape since 1849. Constructed in the Neoclassical style, the lavishly-decorated palace has been the primary residence of Norwegian monarchs. Designed by celebrated Norwegian architect Hans Linstow, the palace features a grandiose facade with Corinthian columns. A magnificent statue of a horse-mounted King Charles III stands high on a pedestal on the square in front of the palace, completing the regal setting. The annual National Day parade in Oslo, that passes the Royal Palace on its way is one of the few times when the royal family makes a public appearance to greet the proud Norwegians on the happy occasion.
Founded by Norwegian monarch Harald Hardrada in 1049, Norway's capital city is wrapped around the craggy terrain of the Oslofjord at its foreground, while its backdrop is shrouded in lush forested hills. Between these natural landscapes, Oslo has flourished to represent an environmentally aware nation, a rapidly developing European metropolis that wholeheartedly supports a green atmosphere. A row of breathtaking modern architecture crowds its stellar skyline, while a rich cultural spirit holds you in perpetual awe. Oslo is also home to an impressive line-up of illustrious museums that house everything from regional and international art, and riveting accounts of Nordic history and culture. The annually held Oslo Jazz Festival and a repertoire of world-class concert halls and theaters indicate its passionate inclination toward the arts. One of Norway's most livable cities with a commendably low crime rate, Oslo offers its residents a safe haven in which to live and thrive.
This is Oslo's main street, a pedestrian area leading from the central station to the palace. Visitors can watch the world go by at one of the street's numerous watering holes or simply follow the crowds down the road, past street vendors and entertainers, past the parliament, national theatre, Grand Hotel and the university. With hundreds of different shops, the street is also a Mecca for shopaholics. The park between the parliament and national theater is turned into an ice-rink in the winter.
Eidsvolls plass is located in the capital city of Oslo, Norway. It is also known as the National Mall of Norway owing to a large number of national symbols that are found here. It was a marshy land earlier, but with the number of buildings that developed around this place, it was converted into a park. In the year 1956, a water pool was added to the park. This pool is used for ice skating during the winter season and has become a major attraction here.
The Parliament building houses the Norwegian Storting (Parliament) and dates back to 1866. The magnificent building was designed by the renowned architect Emil Victor Langlet. The facade is a beautiful blend of styles, mainly inspired from Italy and France. Visitors can enroll themselves for a guided tour of the entire structure. Private tours for groups can also be arranged upon request. The tours last approximately one hour. Admission is free.
Egertorget is located in the capital city of Oslo, Norway. The square, named after the Eger brothers, came into existence in the year 1840 because of the empty area that was formed when Slotsveien was connected to the Ostre Gade. It is a popular meeting place owing to a large number of cafes that are around the square. It is very vibrant during the summers as street performers and jugglers attract the crowd with their performances.
Wessels Plass is located in the capital city of Oslo, Norway. The square originally included a knoll and a house. The Parliament building was constructed in the year 1866. The Knoll was destroyed in the year 1880 and a park was built on the square. The square has been given it's name after the local poet Johan Wessel.