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 From cobalt mine to cultural meeting point |
Blaafarveværket Oslo 3340 Norway +47 32 78 6700 http://www.blaa.no |
This is a former cobalt mine, which has been turned into a cultural heritage site. The mineshafts, which were in operation between 1773 and 1893, are open to visitors. There is an art gallery and collections displaying cobalt-pigmented glass and china. There is also an animal farm and a splendid waterfall, Haugfossen. Home-cooked food is also available. The museum of the work of Th. Kittelsen, a Norwegian painter famous for his trolls and mystic landscapes, is also well-worth a visit. Admission to Blaafarveverket is free. Admission to the museum costs NOK55 for adults and is free for children under 15. Students and senior citizens get in for NOK40; groups (of min. 15) for NOK40 each. A guided tour (for a min. of 15 people) costs NOK20 per person. Take the train to Åmot (you may have to change trains at Drammen); it is a one and a half-hour ride. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Swimming, camping and golf |
Sørkedalen 826 Oslo 0758 Norway |
Lake Bogstad is situated in Sørkedalen and forms the border between Oslo and the municipality of Bærum. At the southeastern end of the lake, you will find a public beach and walking areas. By the lake, you can also see the magnificent old manor house,Bogstad Gård, which is open to the public. There is a golf course and a campsite here. Bus 32 takes you from the city centre to the campsite. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Eirik Olsen |
 Photo: Morgan Lythe |
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The Oslo fjord aquarium |
Sjøtorget Oslo 1440 Norway +47 64 93 5087 |
Drøbak Aquarium was founded in 1995 and is one of Drøbak's greatest tourist attractions. The aquarium contains most underwater species that live in the Oslo fjord, the fjord with the highest number of species in Norway. 100 different kinds organisms live here in aquaria that contain the clean water of the fjord. The size of the aquarium is about 150m2, divided into four departments; it is also constantly growing. Guided tours can be arranged (also in English) for a maximum of 20 people, and last about one hour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The Norwegian Constitution was written here |
Carsten Ankers vei Oslo 2074 Norway +47 63 92 2210 http://www.eidsvoll1814.museum.no |
This beautiful old manor house is where Norway's Constitution was written and passed on 17 May 1814 (this day is therefore celebrated as Norway's National Day). Situated about 80km north of Oslo, the house has a collection of portraits of the members of Parliament in 1814. If you are driving a car, a visit here is easily combined with a drive along scenic Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake. Otherwise, take a train or bus to Eidsvoll Verk from Oslo central station. The trains leave every hour and take about 45 minutes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great views, steep bike ride |
Ekeberg Oslo 1178 Norway |
The hill of Ekeberg, on the east side of Oslo, provides you with a panoramic view of the city. It is possible to walk all the way up, and the hill is a good challenge if you have hired a bike. Make sure you stop on the way to look at the rock carvings (sign-posted), which are 4,000-5,000 years old and show several animals and human figures, as well as a kind of bird trap. The heath on top of the hill is home to the annual Norway Cup, an international football championship for children of all ages. Bus 34A and trams 18 and 19 go there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Asbjørn Floden  |
 Photo: zbig108 |
 Photo: Didier Brouwers |
 Photo: Erik Aspden Schyberg |
 Photo: balsamia |
 Medieval stone church |
Gamle Ringeriksvei 86 Oslo 1356 Norway +47 67 53 32 83 http://www.menighet.net/haslum/ |
Those with an interest in medieval stone churches should see Haslum Church, which celebrated its 800-year anniversary in 1990. Behind its imposing stone walls (1.5 metres thick), the wooden statues of the Virgin Mary and the Bishop are copies of Medieval originals that have been moved to the Antiquities Collection at the University of Oslo. Also of interest are the Renaissance altarpiece (1631) and pulpit (1590-1642), as well as the baroque baptismal font (1736). The paintings on the ceiling were executed by Axel Revold in 1920. The thirteenth-century church bell is still going strong. Underground line 3 (in the direction of Kolsås) or bus 143 will take you there from the city centre in about 25 minutes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Norway's largest collection of modern international art |
Sonja Heniesvei 31 Oslo 1311 Norway +47 67 80 4900 http://www.hok.no |
This art centre was established when famous Norwegian figure-skating star Sonja Henie and her husband Niels Onstad donated their private art collection to it. Located in impressive surroundings only 30 minutes from Oslo, with a sculpture park and its own little beach, the museum invites you to view temporary exhibitions of modern art, partly based on its own collections. The museum shop has a great selection of objects, and the award-winning restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: astrid westvang |
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Art and nature by the Oslo fjord |
Ljansbrukveien 2-4 Oslo 1250 Norway |
Hvervenbukta is a place to visit for many reasons, one being the workshops, where pottery, textiles, jewellery, hand-woven products, gilding, paintings, glassware and furniture are made. This is not a gallery, but you can make appointments with the artists to see their work. Another reason is the scenery. You can walk by the beach, within unspoiled nature, or go for a swim in the Oslo fjord if you want to. In summer it is also possible to camp here. The houses here date from the times of the old Stubljan farm built in 1765, which burned down in 1913. You can still see the ruins. The other buildings are used by the artists, and there is a cafe and a restaurant down at the beach. The cafe is open every Sunday in winter and Tuesday to Sunday in the summer. The restaurant is only open in the summer. The best thing about Hvervenbukta is how all the different elements merge into one; the studios, the nature, the old houses and the campsite make a beautiful whole. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: taa2r |
 Photo: John Ivar Andresen |
 Photo: Richard Moe |
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Island in the inner Oslo fjord |
Oslo 1300 Norway +47 6752 2300 (Tourist Information Centre) |
Kalvøya is an excellent place for families to go swimming. Only 20 minutes by bus or train from Oslo, Kalvøya offers beautiful nature and fresh air. Walk the short distance from the bus stop in Sandvika, cross the bridge to the island and you are there. Close to the two sandy bays on the west side of Kalvøya, there is a large park, often used for football matches and other ballgames. Rock festivals and other events take place here several times during the summer. An alternative to the island is Kadettangen, turn left just before the bridge and find a good spot on the sandy beach. Kadettangen has facilities such as showers and a volleyball court. Many families prefer the shorter walk and stop here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ellen M Mikkelsen |
 Photo: Øystein Lystad |
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Countryside Buddhist temple |
Blystadveien 2 Lørenskog Oslo 2006 Norway +47 67 97 1905 http://www.buddhistforbundet.no |
If you drive north towards Gardermoen (leave the motorway to Løvenstad at Lørenskog), only 15-20 minutes north of Oslo you will find a real Mahayana temple set in a typical eastern Norwegian landscape of wooded, sloping hills interspersed with fields and farms. Buddhism was introduced to Norway as a means of expanding one's mind in the 1970s; today, Tibetan, Japanese, Burmese, Laotian, Thai, South Korean and other communities ensure Buddhism stays alive. The Khuong Viet Temple belongs to the biggest Buddhist Congregation in Norway, namely the Vietnamese, which has 5200 members. In 1989 they bought a dwelling here to serve as their assembly hall and headquarters. Five years later it was replaced with today's temple, designed by one of the resident monks. It can be visited by appointment. All Buddhist communities in Norway can be reached through Buddhistforbundet (tel and fax +47 22 11 2296, P O Box 9340, Grønland, 0135 Oslo). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Early eighteenth-century manor |
Trondheimsveien 319 Oslo 0593 Norway +47 22 64 1531 |
This is an exceptional, early eighteenth-century manor, with one of Norway's nicest gardens kept the Baroque style. The house is full of antiques dating from 1750 to 1900. Guided tours are arranged in English, German or some other languages in the summer. The place is open to the public on weekends, but you have to check opening hours in the newspapers or by phone. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Breathtaking nature |
Maridalen Oslo 0890 Norway +47 90 68 4145 |
Magnificent natural scenery awaits you just a short distance away from Oslo (between ten and 20 minutes by car or bus). Maridalsvannet is one of the sources of drinking water for Oslo and an excellent location for day trips of various lengths. This is the source of the Akerselva Miljøpark river, but fishing and swimming are not allowed here. You can also visit the ruins of the Maria Bebudelses Kirke. Bus 37B will take you to Brekke, or you can get the train to Kjelsås. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: An T |
 Photo: Ultima Thule |
 Photo: Claudio Santambrogio |
 Photo: Geir Rosset |
 Photo: Mia Frogner |
 Photo: Fantoma Foto |
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Chapel of the wilderness |
Sørkedalen Oslo 0891 Norway +47 22 49 9037 http://www.nordmarkskapellet.no/ |
In winter, cross-country skiing Christians can drop in for services at this sporty student chapel at Slaktern. In the summer, the same goes for cyclists. Commissioned by the Norwegian Christian Students' Association, the chapel was designed by architect Kathinca Lexow and consecrated in 1933, and can seat up to 400 people. It was built in timber up to the cornice, and the rest consists of upright wooden panels. The belfry is 12 metres tall, decorated with a wrought-iron cross. Unless you are an early bird who can get here in time for services, you have the option of spending the night before at the neighbouring cabin, where meals are served too. To get here you can take the Sørkedalen bus and then cover the last stretch on foot or a bicycle. In the winter you can ski here using Frognerseteren as point of departure. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Norwegian farm |
Strømsveien 350 Oslo 1081 Norway +47 22 90 65 90 |
This is a farm open to the public, with many kinds of traditional Norwegian farm animals: goats, sheep, cows, pigs, hens, ducks, rabbits, turkeys and horses. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is possible to go horse riding, or to have a tour with a horse and carriage. Children may ride the ponies on Sundays. The farm has a café, open every day (10a-2p M-F, 12p-3p Sa-Su); in the summer you can bring your own food for barbequing. In the daytime, many schools and kindergartens visit the farm. If you wish to have a party or maybe celebrate a wedding, the place is also available for hire. Buses 25 and 79 go to Lindeberg or Furuset. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Museum of science and technology |
Kjelsåsveien 143 Oslo 0491 Norway +47 22 79 6000 http://www.norsk-teknisk.museu... |
The Museum of Science and Technology encompasses the historical development of all sorts of technology in Scandinavia. Exhibits include Norway's first car and first plane. The second floor is devoted to the development of telecommunications. The section in the basement encourages children of all ages to create their own scientific experiments. The museum contains a good souvenir shop and café. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Curtolo |
 Photo: Jørgen AM |
 Photo: Hanne & Christer |
 Photo: Martin Solli |
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Flightseeing Oslo |
GA-Terminalen, Gardermoen Vest, Sundt Air hangar Postboks 186 Oslo 2061 Norway +47 48 30 3000 http://www.pegasus-as.no |
Experiencing Oslo by helicopter is not the cheapest thing to do, but if you have the means, this company promises you a spectacular trip over and around the city. A recommended tour starts at Gardermoen, the first sight being Holmenkollen. As the helicopter goes over the west side of Oslo, you will fly over Frognerparken before you go out to Fornebu over the Oslo fjord. Then the helicopter will take you over the town of Drøbak, with the Oscarsborg fortress, and back to Oslo along the east side of the Oslo fjord, from where you get a final glimpse of central Oslo. A typical trip takes 45-60 minutes. Longer trips are of course also possible. The price of a helicopter tour lies between NOK7,000 and NOK9,000 for one hour, and there is room for five people in the helicopter. Should the weather turn out bad, the trip can be cancelled without problems. If the weather is good, it will be an unforgettable experience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sombre Medieval Church |
Tanumveien 133 Oslo, Bærum 1341 Norway +47 67 54 8065 |
Tanum Church, built in the 1100s was made famous by a painting by Harriet Backer (1845-1932). Someone had foreseen its collapse on a Whitsunday, but there is little to suggest that the prediction will ever come true, as the mortar-coated stone walls look as solid as ever. Legend tells us that the Church was not originally planned to be located here, but one dark night the building materials were moved here by unknown pranksters. The sombre interior contains fourteenth-century murals and sculptures, as well as Frederich Zebal's Renaissance altarpiece (1663). Around 1722 the church was enlarged by eight metres. The ceiling frescoes date from that period, as do the pulpit and the baptismal font (1724). The whole church was restored in the 1970s. On one corner of the wall that surrounds the churchyard, you should see the "Singing Bridal Stone", off which newlywed brides used to mount their horses. The church's southern entrance was bricked up after a jealous murder took place under it. There are Iron-Age grave mounds close by, at Tanum farm. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Christmas all year |
Torget Oslo 1440 Norway +47 64 93 4178 |
This is a house full of Christmas all year round. Norway's largest Christmas shop, this is also Santa's main post office in Norway, with its own official postage stamp. The shop answers letters addressed to Father Christmas by children from all over the world. A collection of 200,000 letters from children is on display in the tourist information office, next to Julehuset (the Christmas House). A nice day trip can be made from Oslo, here to Drobak. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic amusement park |
20 kilometers south of Oslo on E6/E16 Oslo 1407 Norway +47 64 97 6497 http://www.tusenfryd.no |
Located some 20km south of Oslo, TusenFryd has all the ingredients of a classic amusement park: roller coasters, carousels, water slides and over 20 other rides. There are restaurants and shops selling souvenirs like T-shirts, balloons and toys. The park is open from 29 May to mid-Sept. Free buses run from the information centre at Vestbanen. Visitors should also leave time for a stop at VikingLandet whose admission fee is included in the TusenFryd ticket. This educational theme park takes visitors back a thousand years in Norwegian history. Visitors can see how the Vikings lived and take part in a Viking expedition. Parents and children are free to ask questions of the 'Vikings' who inhabit the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Oyvind Solstad |
 Photo: Arild Nybø |
 Photo: Mawra |
 Quiet park away from the city |
Sonja Henies Vie Oslo 1363 Norway |
Veritas-parken includes shaded walking paths in quiet woods and a long, narrow, often deserted beach with fabulous views of the fjord. This park stretches from the Henie-Onstad Art Centre to the offices of the Norwegian Veritas in Blommenholm just outside the city. Why not combine a stroll or a swim with a visit to the museum or lunch at the museum's renowned restaurant, Bølgen & Moi? To get there by car take the E6 from the city centre towards Sandvika/Blommenholm/Bærum and use the museum's car park; by bus you can get nos. 32, 36 or 37 from the Old University in the city centre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Henning Jansen |
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Cultural activity centre |
Årvollveien 35 Oslo 0590 Norway +47 22 64 68 04 |
This is a farm run by volunteers which differs from other farms in that it focuses more on cultural activities than on farming as such. The activities include theatre, painting, belly dancing, literature, crafts, sewing, gardening and much more. The café is open from 11a-2p between Tu and Th and from 12p-3p on Su. The farm dates back to 1350, and the main buildings are from 1850. If you need a venue for your party, you could rent out this space. Naturally, being a farm there are also plenty of animals to see! A lot of activities are arranged outside of opening hours, but not all of them are open to the public, so call for more information. Facilities include handicapped access to most parts of the farm, including the toilets. Buses 25, 31 and 32 go past. Review © 2007, Wcities |