Oslo is an artistic hub and home to world-renowned artists. Additionally, Oslo houses the Nobel Peace Center.
Visit the center and tour it if desired, while also sampling some local cuisine such as polse i lompe or kjotkabolle dishes. Oslofjord will surely leave an impression!
1. The MUNCH Museum
Norway reveres Edvard Munch’s expressionist paintings, so much so that now there is a museum devoted solely to them in Oslofjord. MUNCH–an upgraded version of an institution first opened for Munch in 1963–comprises 13 floors, providing more space than its predecessor did for Munch’s artwork, prints and drawings.
The museum is a striking modern structure featuring translucent perforated aluminium panels clad on its facade and a distinctive “bend” at its top section, described by its architects as an act of respect toward its host city – something evident upon entering its doors.
Inside MUNCH’s 11 gallery spaces is an experience like no other: more of Munch’s motifs have never been displayed so comprehensively! His art becomes all the more poignant when considered against current events; since COVID-19 emerged, Munch’s image of a hand sanitizer canister has appeared on protest signs across Norway. MUNCH stands as an artistic landmark at the core of Oslo, making this museum an invaluable destination.
2. The Oslofjord
Oslo sits amidst vast forests and has long enjoyed close ties to nature. Locals take great pleasure in Oslo’s many green spaces; locals especially appreciate Bygdy Peninsula with museums like the Norwegian Maritime Museum and Viking Ship Museum while Holmenkollbakken offers ski-jumping with panoramic fjord views.
Brentetangen fjord’s eastern and western shores both boast beaches with fine sand that are popular with Oslovians during summer. While its waters can be cool during May-November swimming season, birdwatchers come flocking here from May through August for bird watching opportunities with skuas, loons and geese being regularly seen there.
The Fjord provides essential infrastructure for the city’s coastal industrial facilities and freight harbors that serve global exports, with its rich freshwater environment supporting blooms of phytoplankton that form food chains topped by cod and pollock. Furthermore, its tidal currents transport oxygen and nutrients that sustain an array of seabird colonies as well as whales and sharks – an exceptional place that should be explored on foot, bike or by boat!
3. Edvard Munch
Edvard Munch was one of Norway’s best-known artists, and this museum houses most of his works. It’s an inspiring place where visitors can get inspired by his art.
This museum boasts 11 exhibition halls of various sizes to present more of Munch’s work than ever before, while providing research and conservation facilities as well as a 13th-floor restaurant with breathtaking views of Oslofjord.
While most of its collection consists of paintings, the museum also houses an array of other forms of artworks including drawings, prints and lithographs as well as pastels sculptures and watercolors. Along with showcasing all this work, the museum has also developed several groundbreaking exhibits – for instance “The Scream” Hectographies offer new insights into its most iconic motif while providing clues as to its cultural-historical context and The MUNCH provides deeper understanding of Munch by studying his broad artistic vocabulary; specifically how he incorporated aspects of Synthetism practised by Norwegian followers of Paul Gauguin into his works.
4. The Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony
The Nobel Peace Centre (Vestbanen) in Oslo is a museum designed to stimulate reflection and engagement on issues surrounding war, peace and conflict resolution. With permanent and temporary exhibitions, guided tours, activities for children as well as various other events happening daily, visitors are free to access this facility for themselves at no charge. It is open daily until 4 p.m.
Every year on 10 December in Oslo, Norway hosts the Nobel Prize Ceremony, where participants include both the Chair of the Nobel Committee and all laureates attending with their representatives. Laureates usually give acceptance lectures at this event; however this year Narges Mohammadi, an imprisoned Iranian dissident for her human rights work remains behind bars; instead her twin 17-year-old children delivered her speech in her place.
As opposed to its Swedish-based siblings, Alfred Nobel stipulated in his will that the Nobel Peace Prize be administered by a Norwegian committee – with no clear explanation as to why. Perhaps it had something to do with Norway being part of an alliance between Sweden and Norway at that time?
5. The City Hall
City Hall stands as one of Oslo’s most remarkable structures and can be found on Radhusplassen. While initially it may appear austere, its interior boasts stunning beauty that visitors should see for themselves.
Arneberg and Poulsson, architects of this building, invited prominent Norwegian artists to decorate its interior walls with art that showcased Norway’s cultural heritage and crafts. This resulted in an exquisite art collection which provided a showcase for Norway’s cultural traditions and crafts.
In the main hall, an impressive mural presents an inspiring picture of nation at work and play. Here, poor countryfolk are being educated, employed, and housed through State institutions while famous figures like Fridtjof Nansen and Bjornstjerne Bjornson can be found along either side of this scene.
The halls are further embellished with sculptures and reliefs, such as Saint Hallvard – the patron saint of Oslo according to legend – who heroically saved an expectant woman from being attacked by merchants by risking his life for hers. Because of this act, Hallvard became revered throughout Oslo and his statue can be found scattered throughout its streets.
6. The Nobel Peace Center
The Nobel Peace Center demonstrates the power that lies behind Alfred Nobel’s vision for peace through exhibitions, conventions and digital experiences. Situated between Oslo City Hall Square and Vestbane train station in Oslo, Norway; it invites reflection and participation on topics related to war, peace and dialogue.
The centre also hosts events and activities for children, such as a children’s course where participants learn more about Alfred Nobel and those who have received his prize. Led by an expert guide, this interactive learning experience provides children with an engaging opportunity to discover its history while having fun!
Visitors to The Will to Change the World exhibition can explore Yoko Ono’s artistic universe in YOKO ONO: PEACE is POWER and gain more insight into his ideas through The Will to Change the World permanent exhibit, while Nobel Field, honoring all laureates with LCD displays and illuminated grass, is designed by Small Design Firm in collaboration with London architects Adjaye/Associates; visitors can view his Nobel Peace Prize medal in its Medal Chamber.
7. The Opera House
The Oslo Opera House is a remarkable feat of architecture that has become a landmark of its own in terms of tourist attraction and economic opportunity for the area. Additionally, its presence has defined the waterfront as a cultural district.
The Opera House architects wanted to design a building that was both monumental and accessible, so they created spaces clad with white carrara marble that are designed for people to walk on while providing stunning views of both city and fjord. Visitors can enjoy picnics here or even watch performances while sitting comfortably.
Oslo Opera House’s interiors combine contemporary design with classical influences, from large windows that overlook stunning water views outside to its horseshoe-shaped Main Stage that brings intimacy of traditional theatres. Plus, its exceptional acoustics create an unforgettable experience for every visitor!
8. The Food
Mathallen, Oslo’s inaugural food hall, provides visitors with plenty of delicious treats. Once used as a cast-iron factory, today it houses restaurants and shops selling everything from locally produced lamb to delicious fresh sea urchins from Lofoten.
If you’re in search of quick, cheap food solutions, there are numerous convenience stores across the city. But for something truly unbeatable head to one of the local grocery markets – Rema 1000, Coop, Kiwi, Bunnpris or Meny are popular brands with wide selections as well as special offers or discounts available to them.
Vippa provides a more modern dining experience. This trendy scheme brings together food stalls from across the globe – everything from freshly peel-n-eat shrimp at Albatross to authentic Syrian street food and shawarma at Aleppo Bahenbek is here! Plus with views across the harbor it provides an ideal spot to experience sunset and the city lights!