Oslo, Norway » Entertainment » Attractions

Akershus Castle and Fortress is an old castle built to protect Oslo and Norway. Its construction work began in 1929 under the rule of King Håkon V. This medieval castle whose work was completed around the 1300’s held a lot of importance due to its strategic location. It protected Oslo as well as Norway from a number of attacks through the ages. It was renovated by King Christian IV in the Renaissance era and had since become the residence for the Royal family. The castle itself was in bad shape during the 17th and 18th century till refurbishment work started in 1899.

Address: Akershus Festning, 0150, Oslo

Tel: +47 23 093 917

Fax: +47 23 095 670

Opening Times: Mon – Sun 06:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Oslo City Hall is where the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held. It is also the common address for the City Council and various art studios as well as galleries. Construction work of the structure commenced in 1931 and was inaugurated in 1950. The work of the hall was temporarily halted for sometime during World War II. The architectural design is by Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson. As the City Hall is responsible for hosting the ceremony of the Nobel Peace prize it is therefore one of the most visited attractions in Oslo.

Address: N-0037 Oslo, Postboks 1453 Vika, N-0116, Oslo

Tel: +47 22 861 600

Fax: +47 22 416 076

Opening Times: Mon – Sun 06:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Nobel Peace Centre is the place where you can learn and explore various Nobel Peace Prize Laureates and the various activities which they carried out making them worthy of the prize. One can also view Alfred Nobel’s works, after whom the prize was named. The centre combines state of the art technology with modern design where films are exhibited with the latest digital and interactive solutions.

Address: Rådhusplassen, Oslo

Tel: +47 48 301 000

Opening Times: Mon – Sun 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and the national opera theatre in Norway operate through the Oslo Opera House. All their musical dramas, ballets and operas are played out here. The structure stands right in the centre of Oslo in Bjørvika. The total area of the Opera House is 38,500 m² which includes 1,100 rooms. The main auditorium can accommodate up to 1364 people at a time. King Harald V of Norway established it on April 12, 2008, and was attended by all national leaders, as well as other Royals like Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark.

Address: Kirsten Flagstads plass 1, 0106, Oslo

Tel: +47 21 42 22 26, +47 81 544 488

Opening Times: Weekdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. or until the start of the performance, Saturdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. or until the start of the performance.

The TusenFryd Amusement Park is an attraction where the whole family can get together and have one of the best times of their lives. Along with spectacular roller coaster rides, there are various other games, shops and restaurants for people of all ages. Whilst the older, adventurous ones can enjoy rides like ‘Speed Monster’, ‘Super Splash’ and ‘Thunder Coaster’, smaller children have the choice of enjoying their time in Barna Fryd; a water park especially designed for them.

Address: TusenFryd ASA, 1407 Vinterbro, Oslo

Tel: +47 64 976 400

Fax: +47 64 976 401

Opening Times: Mon – Sun 10.30 a.m. – 7.00 p.m

Vigeland Sculpture Park is one of Oslo’s most visited attractions with over 1 million tourists visiting it every year. This innovative park was designed and built by Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) and exhibits nearly 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron. Also displayed are various drawing sketches, woodcuts and other items.

Address: City of Oslo, Agency for Cultural Affairs

and Sports Facilities, Vigeland Museum, Postboks 1453

Vika, 0116 Oslo

Tel: +47 23 493 700

Fax: +47 23 493 701

Opening Times: Tues – Sun 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m, Monday closed

The Oslo Cathedral (Our Saviour’s Church) was first built in 1697. The Cathedral, which is situated at Stortorvet Square in Oslo, is the main church for Oslo bishopric. The main church, the bazar, and the Fire Watch are all built of red brick. The church hosts weddings and public events of the Royal family and the Norwegian government.

Address: Karl Johansgt. 11, 0154 Oslo

Tel: +47 23 629 010

Fax: +47 23 629 011

The islands of Oslo fjord are a popular tourist spot in Norway. The fjord is a long stretch of a number of islands, about 100 km’s between Færder lighthouse and Oslo. This is one of the most densely populated areas of Norway. The islands are worth a visit during the summer and are easily reachable by ferry. Enjoy the soft tan on the beaches or play a good game of beach volleyball with your friends. The various islands like Hovedøya, Lindøya, Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Gressholmen, and Langøyene have their own history and are famous for various attractions like monastery ruins, beaches, rabbits and recreational facilities. On the fjord all kinds of boats are available for various activities like kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and sailing.

The Holmenkollen ski jump was built in 1892 and is one of the world’s oldest ski jumps. Over the years, many people have enjoyed the thrilling ride of the jump and tough competitions have been held at the arena. The attraction was last renovated in 1982 and today the ski tower is 60 metres above ground and 417 metres above ski level. The ski jump arena also played host to the 1952 Winter Olympics and other national and international skiing competitions. In 1923, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum was built at the base of the ski tower and is the oldest ski museum in the world.

Address: Skiforeningen, Kongeveien 5, 0787 Oslo

Tel: +47 22 923 200

Fax: +47 22 923 250