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 The Synagogue of Oslo |
Bergstien 15 Postboks 2722 Oslo 0131 Norway +47 22 69 6570 http://www.dmt.oslo.no/ |
The 1940-45 Nazi occupation all but exterminated the Jews living in Oslo, but for some mysterious reason this synagogue survived. It is still the only one in the city, and with the next-door Community House (at no. 13) it is unchallenged as the centre of Mosaic community life in Oslo. Synagogues have no architectural style of their own, but rather tend to resemble each country's own religious buildings; so you have to look twice to tell it is not a church. The foundation stone was laid down in 1918, and the architect, Herman Herzog, had it ready for Hanukkah in December of the following year. In 1920 it was consecrated by Rabbi Marcus Melchior from Copenhagen. Prayers are said in Hebrew. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 An oasis in the middle of Oslo |
Sars gt 1 Oslo 0562 Norway http://www.toyen.uio.no/botanisk |
These well-kept botanical gardens are open year-round and create beautiful surroundings for the university museums located here. Nature herself is master of ceremonies throughout the year, whether you are visiting the "systematic" part, the Rock Garden or the Fragrant Garden. In the greenhouses there are also tropical plants. Inside the Botanical Museum you can enjoy the exquisite botanical drawings by Norwegian artist Dagny Tande Lid. On the top of the hill there is a nice café. The other museums within the Gardens are the Geological, Palaeontological and Zoological Museums. Free admission. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anna |
 Photo: Vegar Norman  |
 Trade, handcrafts and history |
Verksgt. 15 Oslo 1353 Norway +47 67 13 0018 http://www.baerumsverk.no/ |
This is a modern shopping centre in a beautiful environment of old buildings and natural scenery. It contains ordinary shops like any shopping arcade, but also workshops for glass-blowing and various other crafts, as well as galleries and museums. It is almost like a park, with a small river running through. There is an exhibition of sculptures that changes as they are sold. There are many places to eat and drink in, and in the summer also an outdoor marketplace. The history of Bærums Verk started in 1603 when a promising trend of iron was found there. Gradually Bærums Verk became the leading ironworks in Akershus. In 1988 the owners received an international architectural prize for "building aesthetics" for this new development. They also have free parking places. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Ecological animal farm for kids |
Skedsmogata 23 Oslo 0655 Norway +47 22 19 7071 http://www.koebb.no/ |
A horse, a goat, rabbits, ducks, chickens and pigs are among the numerous animals that live here. An ecological farm for children, Kampen Barnebondegård is a place where urban kids learn to take care of animals and grow food. After a visit here your children will definitely know where the milk comes from (not the carton). There is also an ecological herbal garden and a vegetable garden. The main attraction for many Norwegian children is Hulda the pig, known from children's television. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The grain silo by Akerselva and Marseligate |
Marselis gate 24 Oslo 0551 Norway |
If you look at Oslo from one of the many panorama spots available, you will see this strange green building, many metres high, with circular towers. This was a grain silo in the old days, but now they are rebuilding it to become apartments for some of Oslo's many students. Just behind the building some steps go down to the river, with a waterfall in which you can watch fish jumping. Fishing is not permitted right here, but watching them is always enjoyable. Bus 30 and trams 11, 12 and 13 go to Grünerlokka, where Cuba is. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Asbjørn Floden |
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Oslo's oldest church |
Akersbakken 26 Oslo 0172 Norway +47 21 93 8185 |
Oslo's oldest building was constructed on a countryside hill around 1080, using limestone quarried from the nearby cemetery. The expansion of the city has caught up with the church, and now it lies only a ten-minute walk from the Royal Palace. The views over the city are good. The Anglo-Romanesque stone church has an elongated three-nave plan with a choir and one side chapel, both ending in semi-circular apses, and it can seat up to 450 people. The belfry was added in 1861 by architects H.E. Schirmer and Wilhelm von Hanno. The church has been plundered and set on fire several times over the years; in 1703 it was even struck by lightning, and all contents were lost. The Baroque bishop's throne and baptismal font date from 1715. Today's austere stone walls were uncovered in the 1952-55 restoration. Attending Mass here still takes your mind back to Mediaeval times, although the Bishop no longer tolerates the holy water, incense, icons, superfluous hymns and music, and other Orthodox elements that used to mark this church's liturgy. During World War II, Queen Maud's sarcophagus was hidden from the Nazis inside this church. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eudaemonius |
 Photo: MalinMark |
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Central cultural church |
Hausmannsgate 14 Oslo 0506 Norway +47 22 99 3450 http://www.kkv.no |
Deprived of its finest gems, including the altarpiece by Eilif Petersen, a statue in carved wood and the silver cross decorating the pulpit, the church was abandoned within its lively frame of the Aker river, the Anker bridge and the heavy traffic on Hausmannsgate. On 18 February 2000, Jakob was re-inaugurated as a Cultural Church. The concept belongs to Kirkelig Kulturverksted, a small record label that publishes Norwegian crossover music in an open-minded and vaguely Christian vein. There are art exhibitions, live acts and so on, and it can also be rented for private arrangements. Jakob can no longer be used for official Church rituals, but people who like to stay up late can attend services here at 10p every Sunday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Idyllic old wooden houses |
Bogata and Toyengt Oslo 0654 Norway |
Located not far from the Munch Museum and the Botanical Gardens, the area of Kampen is full of idyllic, old wooden houses on narrow streets. Being there feels like walking in a children's book. In this area, you should see the church, walk around in the area in general, and maybe end up at the local cafe, Kafe Kampen. Oslo's water reservoir used to be where Kampen Park is now located, a great place for children to play in freely with sculptures and fountains, and a beautiful view of Oslo. Bus 60 will take you there from the centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: m_janitz |
 Photo: Eirik Newth |
 Photo: gelbe Kanalratte |
 Photo: Frank Paul Silye |
 Photo: Gunnar Danielsen |
 Photo: Gunnar Danielsen |
 Photo: AN Kim |
 Photo: quincunx1973 |
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The Swedish church in Oslo |
Hammersborg torg 8 A Oslo 0179 Norway +47 23 35 3250 |
In a neighbourhood that is already packed with churches, the Swedish Church in Oslo is housed in a rather inconspicuous building piled up against the headquarters of the Deichmanske municipal library. The building, a neo-classical mortar-coated brick church, was designed by architect Lars Israel Wahlman, and consecrated by Bishop Nathan Söderblom on 20 December 1925. There is also an adjoining reading room. The altarpiece by Gunnar Torhamn depicts the Sermon on the Mount. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Orthodox church |
Thor Olsens gate 9 Oslo 0177 Norway +47 22 11 5033 |
There is no telling what God's plan was for this strange little church, known at least locally as the "Day of Judgement Church". The Catholic Apostolic congregation that had it built in 1892 more or less died out around 1960, and so the church was out of use for over two decades. During this period the rumour started going around that a re-inauguration would herald the end of the world. The Greek-Orthodox congregation obviously had no time for superstition, as they moved here in 1986 (or maybe no one told them about the sinister prediction). The Congregation of the Annunciation (Evangelismos Tis Theotokou) has some 500 members, and frequently they bring in a priest from Sweden. From time to time the church is lent to the Serbian Orthodox community (+47 66 90 6384) as well as the Bulgarian one. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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One of several museums inside the Botanical Gardens |
Sars gate 1 Oslo N-0318 Norway +47 22 85 1700 http://www.toyen.uio.no/geomus... |
This granite-clad building, dating from 1916, is one of the museums within the Botanical Gardens, and is nearly identical to the Zoological Museum on the other side of the lawn. The original plan of joining them together was never executed. In the Geological Room you can learn about Norway's geological history. The Mineral Room on the first floor includes a meteorite from Mars and a piece of the moon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ann-Sofi S. Emilsen |
 Extensive collection of Munch's work |
Tøyengt. 53 Oslo 0578 Norway +47 23 49 3500 http://www.munch.museum.no |
Edvard Munch's works were donated to the city of Oslo after his death in 1944 and the museum was purpose-built in 1963. The collection contains half of Munch's paintings as well as several graphics, all his surviving etchings and a few biographical items. In the basement, an exhibition of letters, photographs and other mementos gives fascinating insight into the painter's life. Guided tours are given every Sunday at 1pm. Café Munch and a shop with everything from simple prints to giant inflatable Scream figures is within. Ordinary price: NOK 65 Students & and other discounts: NOK 35 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dirtymouse |
 Photo: f.orlandi |
 Photo: Esteban Manchado |
 Photo: Micah MacAllen |
 Photo: Marc Lostracco |
 Photo: René Stout |
 Photo: Andrea Kog |
 Photo: kennichi78 |
 Photo: Tim Vienckowski |
 Photo: serife tekin |
 Photo: Giuseppe Nardacchione |
 Photo: Paul Littlewood |
 Photo: Wil van Otterdijk |
 Photo: Char James-Tanny |
 Photo: erika giannini |
 Photo: iseut |
 Photo: Chris LeBlanc |
 Photo: Jamie Unger-Fink |
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Highest point on Tøyen |
Ola Narr and Frydens gate Oslo 0564 Norway |
Situated within walking distance from the Botanical Gardens and the Munch Museum, this is one of the many places with a panoramic view of the city. In the summer you can have a picnic in this park, let the children run freely, play with your Frisbee, take pictures or sunbathe. Ola Narr is the highest point in the Tøyen area. The name comes from a servant who was expected to dress nicely both on and off duty. So the other working-class people nicknamed him "Ola Fool" because of his style. This man got his own business after a while, and lived at Tøyen until most of his farm became the Botanical Gardens. He left to live on the west side of Oslo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anja |
 Photo: Ali Kesmaei |
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The university's museum of natural history |
Botanisk Hage Sarsgt. 1 Oslo 0562 Norway +47 22 85 1670 http://www.toyen.uio.no/palmus |
This is one of several museums located within the Botanical Gardens. A ten-metre skeleton of the dinosaur Iguanodon bids you welcome when you enter. This museum offers permanent exhibitions on four to 500 million year-old fossils from the Oslo area, as well as copies of dinosaur footprints from Spitsbergen. On the first floor there is a saurian exhibition. There is a small shop by the entrance. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Free maps |
Kingos gate 17 Oslo 0457 Norway http://www.oslo.kommune.no/ |
If you want to walk in Oslo, check out Park- og Idrettsvesnet's (the park and sports department of Oslo) maps with suggested walks in the east and west sides of Oslo. There are also maps of the islands and the forests that surround Oslo, with tour suggestions and places of interest marked on the maps. These maps are free; inside Norway you can get them mailed to you by calling and leaving your address. Most of the guides are only written in Norwegian, but walking in the forest you will most probably meet many nice and helpful people, keen to lend a hand. These maps are beautiful openings to the city, your investment will be your feet and your curiosity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Grünerløkka's parish church |
Thorvald Meyers gate 31 Oslo 0555 Norway +47 23 12 1720 http://www.kirken.oslo.no/paulus |
Originally a working-class area, in the last years Grünerløkka has become renowned throughout Norway for its street-life and its large and ever-increasing number of restaurants and bars. One of the things that remain is the Sunday morning toll of the bells in the local church. Paulus Kirke, a Neo-Gothic brick building consecrated in 1892, was constructed by architect Henrik Bull as part of a popular overall design that included the public park of Birkelunden and the public primary school on the opposite side. For this reason the church has the peculiarity of a main entrance facing west, above which is the belfry. Up to 800 churchgoers can be seated in the spacious interior. Occasionally the church hosts the so-called Forum Gatherings, where representatives of religions as varied as Buddhism, Islam or ancient Norse beliefs gather to debate and exchange ideas. The altar painting was made by Christen Brun, and the statue of Christ is a replica modelled by Gunnar O. Alvær of an original by Danish sculptor Thorvaldsen. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Oslo's Catholic Cathedral |
Akersveien 12 Oslo 0177 Norway +47 22 98 2165 http://www.katolsk.no |
Of about 36,000 Catholics living in Norway, 60% have been born abroad, so there is a clear need for celebrating Catholic Mass in a variety of languages. This was Norway's first Catholic congregation to be formed since the Lutheran Reformation, and was established in Oslo in 1843. Their church, built by architect H.E. Schirmer in a Neo-Gothic style, was inaugurated in 1856. On that occasion, Queen Josephine presented the congregation with the altarpiece, a copy of Raphael's Sistine Madonna executed by Countess Sophie Adlersparre. In 1953, this parish church became the main church of the Catholic Diocese of Oslo. The church boasts a tabernacle in Italian marble, donated by Pope Pius in 1857, a bishop's throne used by Pope John Paul II on his visit in 1989, and the only existing relic of King Olav, the patron saint of Norway. The church was restored in 1975-76 by architects Thomas Thiis-Evensen and Sigurd Østberg; the new high altar and the pillars in the naves are made of Norwegian granite. The new organ has 20 stops and was produced by the J.H. Jørgensen Organ Factory in Oslo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Quiet, green space in the middle of the city |
St. Hanshaugen Oslo 0456 Norway |
One of the quietest green spaces in the city, this park is situated on a hill, with paths flanked by leafy old trees. St. Hanshaugen lies between Ullevålsveien, Collettsgate and Geitmyrsveien. Climb to the top of the park, and you can enjoy refreshments at the outdoor café. Various kinds of entertainment are offered during the summer season. A little stream runs through the park, with a small pond at one end. Buses 21 and 37 run past the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sulaiman Thompson |
 Photo: Luis Fonseca |
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Oslo's largest church |
Akersgaten 60 Oslo 0177 Norway |
In 1849 Hamburg's great city planner Alexis de Chateauneuf won the competition to build a church for the Congregation of the Trinity. He fell ill shortly after, and his work was taken over by Wilhelm von Hanno, he completed it following (and slightly modifying) his predecessor's designs. The building has a cruciform plan, crowned at the centre with a copper-plated dome and a lantern at the apex. The Church of the Trinity was consecrated in 1858 and the entrance staircase was added in 1883. Inside you will find an altarpiece depicting Christ being baptized and a marble baptismal font. The stained-glass windows in the choir were designed by Frøydis Haavardsholm in 1936. In 1956-58 architects Hofflund, Hvoslef and Sælleg restored the Church, removing the interior plaster coating and replaced the asphalt floor with square slates. The church was re-consecrated in 1958. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: phototouring |
