A Day of Art, History, and Nordic Charm: Exploring Oslo
After a delicious buffet breakfast, we set off on our Oslo city tour, ready to uncover the stories and soul of Norway’s capital. Our guide, Yuri, greeted us with a warm smile and a quick wit — the perfect combination of knowledge and humor that kept our group entertained throughout the day.
Vigeland Park: The Human Experience in Stone
Our first stop was Vigeland Park, an open-air sculpture park unlike any other. Gustav Vigeland’s creations explore the cycle of life — birth, struggle, love, and death — carved into more than 200 thought-provoking sculptures. As we wandered among the figures, each piece seemed to reveal a new layer of human emotion.
Yuri shared a fascinating detail: Vikings once used dragons to ward off evil spirits. This symbol still echoes in Norwegian art today, including a garden entrance where a woman is depicted grappling with a dragon — a metaphor for our eternal struggle between control and chaos. For art lovers, Vigeland Park is an absolute must-visit.
Holmenkollen Ski Jump: Oslo from Above
Next, we headed to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, one of Oslo’s most iconic landmarks. The panoramic view from the top is breathtaking — a sweep of forest, fjord, and city stretching to the horizon. For a thrill, visitors can try the ski jump simulator and experience what it feels like to leap into the void (without actually taking off!).
Royal Palace and the Changing of the Guard
Back in the city, we made our way up to the Royal Palace just in time to watch the Changing of the Guard. What makes this experience truly special is that the palace grounds are open to the public — one of only three royal residences in Europe where you can stroll freely without fences or barriers. It’s a beautiful symbol of Norway’s openness and trust.
Afterward, we stopped by a cozy bakery for coffee and pastries, then browsed a few nearby shops before bumping into two fellow travelers from our tour group. Together, we decided to explore more of Oslo’s rich cultural side.
Art and Culture: The National Museum and the Oslo Pass
With our Oslo Pass in hand — a fantastic deal that covers entry to over 30 museums and all public transport — we visited the National Museum. Standing face to face with Edvard Munch’s The Scream was a surreal experience. It’s one thing to see it in books, but quite another to feel its haunting energy up close.
Oslo’s trams made getting around effortless. Each route is clearly marked, and once you know your tram number, you can hop on and off anywhere in the city. If you’re heading out to the Fram Museum, take Bus 30 and return by ferry for a scenic ride across the water.
Modern Architecture and Twilight Views
Our next destination was the Oslo City Museum, known for its sloping rooftop that offers sweeping views of the cityscape. From there, a quick tram ride brought us to the Oslo Opera House, another architectural masterpiece. Its white marble roof is open to visitors — a perfect spot to watch the early winter sunset.
By 4:30 p.m., the night sky had already rolled in. Coming from Australia, where daylight lingers well into the evening, it felt strange yet magical to see the city glowing beneath the dark Nordic sky.
Preparing for Winter Adventures
Before heading back, we stopped in the city center to pick up attachable spikes for our shoes — a smart tip from locals as icy conditions were expected in the coming days. Equipped for the cold, we returned to the hotel to meet our group for dinner.
Dinner at Lorry: A Quirky Culinary Experience
Our evening ended at Lorry, a delightfully eccentric restaurant filled with eclectic decor — carousel horses, paintings, and even half a stuffed giraffe! The atmosphere was as memorable as the food itself. I opted for the trout (not the famous fermented version!) and it was absolutely delicious. As we lingered over our meals, surrounded by laughter and good company, it was clear that Oslo had cast its quiet, captivating spell. Between its art, history, and warmth of spirit, this city offers travelers a perfect balance of culture and charm.
