Basking in the summertime sun of Oslo

- Viegeland Sculpture Park

- Holmenkollen Ski Jump

- Norwegian Resistance Museum

- Karl Johans Gate (main shopping and strolling street)

- The changing of the guard at the Royal Palace

- The nautical museums on Bygdoy (Kon-Tiki, Polarship Fram and the Viking Ship Museum)

- The Aker Brygge (Oslo Harborfront)

Quick Tips:

-Without a doubt the best tip that I could have used was to take the shuttle bus or the airport express train from the Airport. Oslo has a new airport called Gardenmoen...it is located 47 miles from the city center (translation - about a 100+ dollar cab ride). Use the bus or train and enjoy a nice bottle of wine at dinner for the money you saved.

Best Way To Get Around:

Once you are in Oslo, transportation is a breeze. Many of the main sites are within walking distance of the city center, and the others are very easily accessible on public transportaion (tram, bus or ferry).

Noble House is a very nice hotel in downtown Oslo. It is beautifully maintained and the staff was very attentive. Coffee and tea are always available in the sitting areas of the lobby, and a well prepared breakfast buffet is served in the bar/restaurant. The hotel is a part of the First Hotel chain in Scandinavia and I have yet to find one of their properties that I wasn''t satisfied with. The rooms are spacious and well decorated with hardwood floors and modern furnishings. The bed had soft sheets and warm duvets and the bath was luxorious by European standards.

The Scandic Byporten is a good value hotel in Oslo. Located next to the Oslo main train terminal and at the foot of Karl Johans Gate (the main shopping and strolling street), it has an enviable position. The hotel is somewhat difficult to find since it built on top of a shopping complex. The entrance is either through the mall or inside an alcove/parking garage. Once inside, the hotel is very well maintained and has all the creature comforts of home. The bath was very nice and the drapes were thick and dark to keep out the twenty hours of sunlight that Oslo has during the summer. This seems to be a perfect place to stay if you want to be on the perimeter of the action or if you want to be near the train station for a quick getaway.

The Engebret is the oldest restaurant in Oslo. It specializes in seafood with the Lutefisk being their signature dish. It has a wonderful ambiance and charm, plus if the weather agrees...you can dine outside. The outdoor dining area overlooks a charming pocket park near the Akershus. The Engebret is situated in a home built in the 1700's and is on the small side, so plan accordingly with reservations. Also, remember that lots of restaurants in Scandinavia close for holiday in July or August. You may have to ask the concierge at your hotel which restaurants are open and which he/she recommends. The Engebret is a fine choice, with a large wine selection..Enjoy!

Even though it is difficult to describe, Karl Johan's Gate is a definite must see on your trip to Oslo. Stretching from the Main Railway Station (Sentralstasion) to the Slottet (Royal Palace), the street has all that you need in shopping, dining and entertainment. Most of the major stores have a presence on or near the street and it is a great place to find unique Nordic gifts. Steen and Strom is the major department store in Oslo and is located one block off of Karl Johan on Kongensgate. While you are strolling down, you will see many important sites of the downtown area of Oslo. Sites include: Oslo Domkirken (Oslo Cathedral), Oslo University, The National Theatre, the Students Park and the Royal Palace (with its changing of the guard).

Dining options also abound on the street. You will have the obligatory McDonalds to select from, but I would suggest other dining fares. I suggest for moderately priced food Mama Rosa's and 3 Brodres. Both were very value conscious and the food was a step above fast food fare.

Another fun thing about Karl Johan's Gate is the abundance of street performance artists that make it their summer home. They dance, sing, juggle....breath fire and mystify the crowd for hours on end.

Karl Johan's Gate is a definite treat in the middle of Oslo!

So you are wondering what the Kon-Tiki is all about and why is it in Oslo?

Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl built the balsa raft in 1947 with the help of other scientists and sailed it from Peru to Polynesia (about 4300 miles). In addition, he also headed other expeditions in similar vessels across the Atlantic.

The museum, directly across from the Polarship Fram and the Norwegian Folk Museum, is a recommended site for those familiar with the history of Heyerdahl and his voyages. The exhibits are well presented and the video makes good use of archival footage and interviews. The museum's central exhibit focuses on the original papyrus Ra II ship that Heyerdahl crossed the Atlantic with in 1970. It is very impressive, both in size and scope.

I must admit that my fellow travel companions were impressed, but not as enthusiastic about the museum as was I. But...they indulged me since I read the book Kon-Tiki in the 7th Grade.

I think the historical highlight of a trip to Oslo is a visit to the Bygdoy Peninsula and its three maritime related museums. To get to the Bygdoy Peninsula you can take a bus from the National Theater, but the most leisurely and scenic route is by ferry from the harbor front across from the city hall. These summer only ferries are very inexpensive (about 20 NOK = 3 USD one way) and run very frequently. The ferry also gives you a breathtaking view of the harbor and the city.

Holmenkollen is located about 35 minutes outside of Oslo. Both tour buses and public transportation can take you there with relative ease. Besides the natural beauty of the terrain on the way to Holmenkollen, you are also treated to a view of Norwegian suburbia!

Holmenkollen is perhaps the best place to get a striking panoramic view of the city of Oslo and the surrounding fjord. On a clear day the sight is breathtaking.

At the ski jump area you are permitted to tour the facility and ski jump tower along with the chance to experience ski jumping (through the use of virtual reality). For an additional fee, you can visit the skimuset (Ski Museum) with exhibits that concern skiing, Olympic, equipment, and athlete histories.

I thought that the most interesting aspect of Holmenkollen was its unique use when not ski season. The landing area at the base of the jump is filled with water, a stage is placed near and it is used for open air concerts and recitals.

I think the historical highlight of a trip to Oslo is a visit to the Bygdoy Peninsula and its three maritime related museums. To get to the Bygdoy Peninsula you can take a bus from the National Theater, but the most leisurely and scenic route is by ferry from the harbor front across from the city hall. These summer only ferries are very inexpensive (about 20 NOK = 3 USD one way) and run very frequently. The ferry also gives you a breathtaking view of the harbor and the city.

The Viking Ship Museum (Vikingshiphuset) is a marvel of ancient maritime history. Inside are three fine examples of authentic Viking ships found near the Oslo area. Dating from the 9th century, these ships are remarkably preserved and tell a great story. Along with the three ships are other artifacts salvaged from the Viking times. All exhibits have English translations which are very helpful. Upstairs is a timeline of Viking history and photo essays. I suggest that you get to the Museum before it opens, since many tour buses stop each day. It will get very crowded...very quickly, because the museum is rather small...Plan ahead. Photos are allowed inside the museum!

Admission is approx. 30 NOK = 4 USD for adults. Enjoy!!