Vigeland Park is the world's largest sculpture park dedicated to the work of a single artist, and an ode to one man's obsession with the human form. The park displays over 200 sculptures fashioned from granite, bronze and wrought iron by the Norwegian artist, Gustav Vigeland, created over a period of 20 years from 1924 to 1943. In fact, the park itself was designed by the famed sculptor and is actually a mammoth installation in Frogner Park. Vigeland's work varies from depictions of humans engaged in everyday tasks, to more symbolic and abstract works like The Monolith, a 14.12-meter (46.33-foot) high sculpture composed of 121 human figures intended to represent the human desire to reach out to the divine. Other notable sculptures include The Wheel of Life and The Fountain. Although each is a masterpiece in its own right, the interplay with the layout and architecture of the park creates a whole that is more amazing than the sum of its parts. Today, Vigeland Park is one of Oslo's most popular attractions, visited by over one million tourists each year.
Sognsvann Lake, and its surrounding countryside, is one of the most popular choices for a city-dweller's day out, both in summer and winter. During the hottest months, the lake is excellent for swimming and sun-bathing, and when the lake freezes over later in the year, it becomes a huge, natural ice rink, popular with skaters of all ages. Sognsvann is the terminus for the Sognsvann branch of the underground, so it is very easy to get to, whether you come from the city center or from Majorstuen. Marked trails take you straight into the woods, with a variety of alternatives for short and long walks. In the winter, the same paths, now snow-covered, are used for cross-country skiing.
Holmenkollbakken on the west side of the city is famous for the enormous ski jump that can be seen from just about everywhere in Oslo. The most popular sports arena in Norway, Holmenkollen also contains the world's oldest Ski Museum and an exciting ski-simulator (on which visitors can try out the Holmenkollen ski jump themselves!). Holmenkollen hosts a variety of winter sports events, culminating in the annual ski festival in March. Even those not interested in winter sports should not miss the chance to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the city.
Located only a short drive away from downtown, Oslo Winter Park (previously Tryvann Winter Park) is one of the best Alpine ski centers in the Oslo region. The 18 slopes and seven lifts offer a variety of activities including skiing, Telemark skiing, snow-skating and snowboarding. There are jumps, a fun-box and an Olympic standard super-pipe and half-pipe for snowboarders and a series of runs of different standards for skiers. The park also has its own ski school, cafe and equipment rental facility . Please visit the website for more information.
Bygdy is a peninsula packed with leisure activities for everyone. Many of the city's museums are situated here, and you can easily spend the whole day visiting them. The Vikingskiphuset are a must. There are also great beaches, which are excellent for swimming and sun-bathing. You could see the King's farm, or visit a small castle used as a summer residence by a previous king. Alternatively, take a pleasant stroll among the many magnificent houses of this affluent residential area (home to former prime minister Gro Harlem Brundtland). The best way to get there in the summer is by ferry from the pier in front of the Town Hall. Bus number 30 will get you there all year round.
Båtservice Sightseeing organizes fantastic sightseeing excursions by boat and coach. You can do anything from a mini-cruise on the fjord (50 minutes) to all-day combination tours by boat and coach, covering most of Oslo's attractions and landmarks. There is a tour for everyone! All tours depart from Pier 3 in front of the Town Hall. The season goes from May to September. The price varies depending on the tour. See their website for further details on times and prices, or call for a brochure.
Eidsvolls plass is located in the capital city of Oslo, Norway. It is also known as the National Mall of Norway owing to a large number of national symbols that are found here. It was a marshy land earlier, but with the number of buildings that developed around this place, it was converted into a park. In the year 1956, a water pool was added to the park. This pool is used for ice skating during the winter season and has become a major attraction here.
Spikersuppa is a temporary, open-air ice rink located right in the heart of the city between the parliament and National Theater. The 25 x 10 meter (82 x 33 foot) rink is open during the winter and makes a great place to spend an energetic hour or two, skating, enjoying the atmosphere, and admiring the city. Skates can be rented from the outdoor restaurant. A loudspeaker system provides the music and entrance is free. In the summer the ice rink is transformed into a pond.
Located in the heart of Oslo city, Studenterlunden is a beautiful park visited by locals and tourists. The park is enveloped by Frederiks gate, Universitetsgata, Storingsgata and Karl Johans gate. Karl Johans gate remains Oslo's main street. The National Theatre, Oslo's most popular and the largest venue for dramatics and performing arts, is also found inside the park's premises. One can also access Oslo Metro's Nationaltheatret station from the park.
Right on the waterfront of the Oslofjord, the Radhusplassen is a popular spot in the summer time, with locals and tourists mingling, sitting by the water and enjoying the fine weather. From kids with their cool ices, to parents with their iced coffees, there's always plenty of activity on here. A popular spot for outdoor events, there are often free concerts, and musical performances held out by the water. With local events like VG Lista shows and Folk festivals, large crowds are drawn here in the summer months.
Båtservice Sightseeing organizes fantastic sightseeing excursions by boat and coach. You can do anything from a mini-cruise on the fjord (50 minutes) to all-day combination tours by boat and coach, covering most of Oslo's attractions and landmarks. There is a tour for everyone! All tours depart from Pier 3 in front of the Town Hall. The season goes from May to September. The price varies depending on the tour. See their website for further details on times and prices, or call for a brochure.
Located in the heart of Oslo, Oslo Reptilpark is a peculiar place. You can see more than 80 reptiles of all shapes and sizes. Snakes, tarantulas, fish and iguanas are are all there! Established in 2002, this park has been delighting children with their creatures for over a decade. Every Tuesday is feeding day for the reptiles, which is a great event for kids and adults alike.