Oslo's Bygdøy Peninsula

Our Local Expert Says:

Fun and educational outing for kids - and very interesting for grown-ups too.

Description:

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History was founded in 1894 as the world's first open-air museum. More than 150 buildings are exhibited, representing daily life during the last 500 years. The most famous building is the 13th-century Gol Stave Church. Several events are organizes throughout the year, including dance and music performances, as well as a great Christmas Fair every December. Open Mon - Fri: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sat - Sun: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: NOK 70/25 adults/children.

Our Local Expert Says:

Gol stavkirke is one of the easiest accessible stave churches in Norway. Urnes stavkirke in Western Norway is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Description:

Stave churches-easily Norway's most significant contribution to the world's religious architecture-are the closest thing to Gothic cathedrals in this country. They are Gothic in that the roof is carried by a firm framework of ground beams, upright corner staves and top sills rather than by solid walls. Elsewhere in Europe, this structure allowed for large bay windows and luminous interiors; here, light is admitted only through narrow "peep-holes," a fact that can be explained by the cold climate as well as in terms of the Norwegian idea of light. As they were made entirely of wood, stave churches were tarred every three years, otherwise there would not be as many as 28 of them still standing. In 1880, the dilapidated Gol Stave Church was moved to the Bygdøy peninsula and restored at the expense of King Oscar II, to embellish his then newly opened outdoor museum. Attending the regular Lutheran service or the occasional Roman Catholic Mass held here is a memorable experience. Services are held on Sundays at 1.15pm while Catholic mass is held only occasionally.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Nobel Peace Center offers a guided tour, including lunch or dinner at Pascal Café de la Paix, an irresistible combination.

Description:

Pascal has 6 branches in Oslo and Cafe de la Paix in the Nobel Peace Center is the latest one. In addition to delectable French pastries, you can have lunch or a la carte dinner. From May to September, Pascal provides a delicious picnic basket with parma ham, melon, shrimps, entrecote, salads, pannacotta, antipasti, cheese and dessert.

Our Local Expert Says:

A captivating look at our Viking ancestors' way of life

Description:

Three Viking ships are displayed in this specially designed building, two of which are very well-preserved. Built around 900 AD, the Gokstad Ship was unearthed in 1880. The beautiful Oseberg Ship is from around 815 and was discovered in a burial mound in 1904. Both were used as boat graves. 1100-year-old skeletons found in the ships are displayed. Also on display are Viking artifacts and ceremonial objects buried alongside them. There's a small book shop selling books, cards, posters and Viking jewellery and souvenirs. Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. October - April; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in May - September.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're interested in Polar exploration, walking on board Fram will be a treat.

Description:

Norway has been a major force in Arctic and Antarctic exploration and the ship Fram (meaning Forward) was an integral part of this exciting era. Polar explorers Roald Amundsen, Fridtjof Nansen and Otto Sverdrup all used Fram on their expeditions. Most famously, perhaps, Roald Amundsen sailed Fram to Antarctica for the race to be first to the South Pole. Fram is preserved as it was, and visitors are welcome onboard. Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. in summer; shorter opening hours in winter. Admission NOK 50 for adults, 20 for students and children.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're in need of some inspiration for unusual ways of traveling the world, this little museum is an excellent choice.

Description:

This Kon-Tiki museum displays the vessels of world-famous scientist, explorer and early environmentalist, Thor Heyerdahl and his passion for the relationship between early man and the oceans. In 1947, he set out to prove his theories of Pacific migration by crossing from South America to Polynesia in the raft Kon-Tiki. Later, with the Egyptian papyrus vessel Ra, he crossed the Atlantic from Morocco to Barbados. His crew members comprised different nationalities, proving that people could co-exist admirably, despite differing cultures, religions and political beliefs.

Description:

From the days of the Vikings, Norway has been a seafaring nation. The country's nautical history is displayed at the Norwegian Maritime Museum. Polar explorer Roald Amundsen's other ship, Gjøa, is moored at the quay outside and can be visited during the summer. Norway's oldest boat, a 2200-year-old Bronze age log boat is exhibited now. Just a few meters from the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums, Norsk maritimt museum is open from 1030 am - 4 pm in winter and 10 am - 6 pm between 15 May and 31 August. Admission is NOK 40 for adults, 25 for students and seniors and free for children under 16.

Our Local Expert Says:

Oscarshall is a lovely summer outing. Don't miss the gardens.

Description:

The pretty little summer palace Oscarshall is located at the Bygdøy peninsula. Built in the mid-1800s for then king Oscar I, it was later sold to the state, but is still at the royal family's disposal. Today, it is also a museum open weekends during the summer season. At the height of summer (16 June - 15 August), Oscarshall is also open weekdays except Tuesdays. Guided tours are available through 26 September and include the vestibule, the salon, the dining room, as well as the King's and the Queen's apartments. Private guided tours can be booked for groups. To get there, get off the no 30 bus at Bygdø kongsgård (Bygdøy Royal Farm) or Norsk folkemuseum (the cultural history museum) or take the Bygdøy ferry to the stop Dronningen. Photography is not allowed inside the palace. Entrance fee: NOK 70/60/40 for adults/serniors/children.

Description:

There are actually two beaches at this site. If you want to shed your worries, stresses, and all of your clothing, the nude beach awaits your arrival. If you want to opt for a more traditional beach experience, there's also a beach that requires clothing at this site. It's only a nice cycle-ride from central Oslo, or you could even go on skates. You are not allowed to play your radio here (unless you have headphones), or run around with your camera pointing at people to ensure the privacy of other people relaxing at the beach. There is a kiosk that sells ice cream and soft drinks in the summer, and a restaurant just ten minutes away. Nice walking trails and other beaches are nearby.