Unique Things To See In Oslo Norway

An Overview of Oslo

Oslo is the capital of Norway, known for it’s ultra-modern design, unique architecture and access to Norway’s famed fjords, sea inlets and cliffs. The city extends along the waters of the Scandinavian Peninsula, a rugged and beautiful landscape caved out by glacial movement. Oslo itself is beautifully designed, with relaxing restaurants, a robust nightlife and numerous museums. The city is quite compact, so visitors can usually explore the majority of Oslo within two or three days.

Unique Things To See In Oslo Norway

Fram Museum

This compelling museum offers a modern glance at the Norwegian era of exploration, with exhibits dedicated to the history of the Norwegian Polar Exploration. It is located on the peninsula of Bygdøy, near other iconic city museums, including Kon-Tiki Museum, the Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.

Viking Ship Museum

This museum venue is built around four nearly-perfect specimens of Viking long-ships. This immaculate museum covers Norwegian ancient culture of shipping raids, extensive seaborne exploration, international trade and historical influence.

Fredriksten Fortress

This is an immense fortified fortress overlooking large bay areas, cementing the Swedish-Norwegian border. The fortress is part of the city of Halden, roughly two hours outside of Oslo.

Folkemuseum

Otherwise known as the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, this is an immense outdoor musuem. The museum is made from a recreated village of more than 150 buildings, showcasing different designs through the ages. The site’s architecture touches on the different religions, regions and cultures found in Scandinavia throughout history.

Vigeland Park

This is an open-air sculpture park with over 200 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. The park is attatched to the Frogner Park found just outside Oslo’s city center.

Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park

This is a modernist park with numerous upscale restaurants in the surrounding area. The waterfront park is located next to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art with views of the bay as well as a small beach space (the Tjuvholmen Bystrand)

Kon-Tiki Museum

This is strange museum dedicated to the explorations of an odd individual who fled across seas in a peculiar boat made through Andean-Indian sailing methods.  The outlandish vessel is one of the most unique things to see in Oslo. This musuem showcases the intriguing and fascinating tale of Thor Heyerdahl, Norwegian adventurer and ethnographer.

Aker Brygge

This is a stylish waterside walking area developed for shopping, built upon the shipbuilding and shipyard warehouses of the country. There are numerous sculptures, upscale restaurants and shops in the area.

Frogner Park

This is a large greenspace with an impressive centerpiece made of sculptures showing the circle of life according to Norse culture. The park contains several interesting attractions including the Oslo City Museum.

Ekebergparken

This is a large sculpture park and national heritage center with panoramic views overlooking the city.

The Royal Palace

Currently the official seat of the Norwegian monarchy, the immense stucco-clad palace is centered in Royal Palace Park. The Royal Palace is one of Norway’s most iconic and important buildings, serving as a concrete symbol for Norwegian development for centuries.

She Lies

This is a public sculpture by artist Monica Bonvicini created front glass panels and stainless seal, floating by the Bjørvika port district of Oslo. The sculpture depicts a deep ship floundering against an ice-like structure following a crash with nature’s wreckage.

Grass Roots Square

From a distance, this unique sculpture looks like stiff grass rising from the concrete. In reality, Grass Roots Square is made from tens of thousands of tiny bronze sculptures. The figures appear to be standing forth from concrete blockings, their actions and placement symbolizing grassroots movements.

Forest of the Future Library

Found in Nordmarka, this forest just outside of Oslo was planted specifically to supply paper for a special anthology of books, slated to be printed one century after being planted.

The Mini Bottle Gallery

This is a packed gallery full of tiny bottles stocked with various items. The gallery is part of the decorations for a dining & meeting space.

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress is known as the grand fortress of Norway. This battlement has withstood every assault placed against its defenses. The Medieval structure was originally built in the 13th century, and now hosts two military history museums.

Oslo Opera House

The Oslo Opera House is a creatively designed architectural masterpiece, looking somewhat like an iceberg building which reflects white, irregular surfaces in strong light.  The unique design has earned the structure several awards.

Nobel Peace Center

This museum is home to a series of exhibits dedicated to the winners of humanity’s highest honors and accolades, most especially the Nobel Peace Prize.

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