Relaxing and romantic winter Oslo

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700-year-old seat of kings and government

Description:

Akershus festning was originally built as a seat for kings. Through the ages, the castle turned into a fortress overlooking the Oslo fjord. The present city center of Oslo was established below the ramparts in 1624. The fort is located on a hilltop in the center of Oslo and contains the original castle, the castle church, Norway Resistance Museum and the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum. Walking the grounds, you very much get a sense of history, from its beginning in 1299 until the present. Norway's last death sentence was administered here in 1945. (You may have heard of him: Vidkun Quisling, convicted of treason.) To arrange a guided tour, call + 47 23 09 32 12. Admission to the fortress is free.

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Have a look at the fabulous murals in the hall where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held

Description:

Inaugurated in 1950, Oslo rådhus is Oslo's City Hall. Located by the next to the waterfront, Aker brygge and Akershus fortress, Oslo rådhus attracts more than 100 000 visitors yearly. The Nobel Peace Prize is responsible for much of this interest, as Oslo rådhus is venue of the annual awards ceremony. Oslo rådhus is handsomely decorated by early 20th century Norwegian artists. Admission is free. Guided tours are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays (every day during summer).

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

Description:

Since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded according to the terms of the last will and testament of wealthy industrialist and humanitarian Alfred Nobel. Opened in 2005, the high-tech Nobel fredssenter (Nobel Peace Center) celebrates all the laureates. Nobels fredssenter aims to inspire reflection and discussions on war, peace and conflict resolution. It's located near Akershus Fortress, between Oslo's City Hall and Aker brygge. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is NOK 80 for adults, 55 for students/seniors; children free. Guided tours are included on Saturdays and Sundays.

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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.

Description:

A former ship yard, Aker brygge is a fashionable area with high-end shops, cosy pubs and restaurants, a cinema (including and IMAX-screen) and art galleries. In summer, Aker brygge is a favorite hangout for Oslovians for after-work beers. This is where people have their first utepils (meaning outdoors beer) of the year - or buy shrimps right off the boats. Aker brygge is lively at night as well.

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In the historic center of Oslo, Statholdergaarden is a a top choice for local gourmet dining.

Description:

Run by master chef Bent Stiansen, recipient of the culinary Oscar, the Bocuse d'Or, Statholdergaarden is a gourmet restaurant located in the old part of Oslo's city center in a fabulous building from 1640. The restaurant is divided into five rooms of different size, from the large Cleopatra room, where the stucco-decorated ceiling depict Cleopatra's striking death scene, to smaller, more intimate dining rooms. The menu is changed every day and Stiansen emphasizes use of fresh, local produce.

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Nature is Oslo's premier attraction.

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Norwegians love being in nature and Nordmarka is the forest where Oslovians go at every opportunity. In summer, you'll meet people of all ages hiking. In winter, they can be found on cross-country skis (or pulled in pulks if they're too young to ski) along the Nordmarka tracks which stretch for miles and miles. Nothing is more Norwegian than cross-country skiing. A good starting point for hikes is Frognerseteren.

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The perfect place to have hot chocolate after a vigorous hike in Nordmarka forest.

Description:

Frognerseteren is a great starting and stopping point for hikes in Nordmarka forest. The metro goes all the way and takes about 15 minutes from the city center. There's a cheerful cafe and a more formal restaurant serving traditional Norwegian fare, including salmon, moose and reindeer. On clear days, the view is fantastic, taking in all of Oslo and the Oslo fjord.

Description:

The brand new Holmenkollen (The Holmenkollen Tower and Ski jump) is ready for the World Ski Championship in February 2011. In addition to the ski jump, there's a fun ski simulator and Holmenkollen skimuseum, the world's oldest museum dedicated to the history of skiing. Located in the huge jump, the museum covers the 4000-year-old history of skiing. Skis exhibited include Viking skis and the ones used by famous Polar explorers Roald Amundsen and Fritjof Nansen, as well as the royal family's collection of skis. The view from Holmenkollen is fabulous on clear days; you see most of Oslo and the Oslo fjord.

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If you're hungry (and want to splurge), try the 7-course menu "A journey in food and wine".

Description:

Located in Holmenkollen Park Hotel Rica, De fem stuer is an exclusive restaurant with fantastic views, so make sure you make reservations for a window table. The 100-year-old building is practically a museum and very close to the Holmenkollen ski jump. Much of the menu changes daily.

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Frognerparken is Oslo's best-loved attraction!

Description:

Locals love strolling in Oslo's Frogner Park. Or walking their dogs, jogging, skateboarding, sunbathing, listening to concerts or enjoying ice cream or a beer in the cafes. Children run around, play in fountains or climb the statues of sculptor Gustav Vigeland. 212 bronze and granite nudes depicting all phases of life are displayed. In summer, Frogner Park is particularly lively. The park is open 24/7 all year; admission is free.

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The large terrace at Kunstnernes Hus Restaurant & Bar is excellent for a relaxing dinner outdoors.

Description:

Kunstnernes Hus Restaurant & Bar is a newly-opened restaurant situated in Kunstnernes Hus (House of Artists) just across the street from the Royal Palace and Park in Oslo. High-ceilinged and with authentic 30s decor, this is a nice, bright and airy restaurant. The atmosphere is informal and relaxing. Wide stairs lead up to the exhibitions' hall and talks, debates and intimate concerts are often organized here. The menu is varied, from refined gourmet food to simple rustic fare, with the daily 6-course-dinner as a highlight. In summer, outdoor dining is offered on the large terrace overlooking the Royal Park.

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You can't visit Oslo without seeing Edvard Munch's world-famous painting The Scream

Description:

This museum houses Norway's greatest and largest collection of art. Most visitors flock here to see Edvard Munch's The Scream, one of four versions, this one painted in 1893. This painting was stolen in 1994 and, like the version taken from the Munch Museum in 2004, was subsequently recovered. The Scream, which is reproduced in countless posters around the world, still inspires artists today and continues to work its way into popular culture. For example, in a 2006 episode of The Simpsons, Bart and his friends steal a copy of The Scream in a parody of the real thefts.

Munch has paintings here beyond The Scream, a total of 58 of his works, some of them among his most celebrated, including The Dance of Life, Moonlight, and Ashes. Most of Munch's works on show were painted in the closing years of the 19th century. There are also several self-portraits of Munch -- see why he was called "the handsomest man in Norway."

The leading Norwegian Romantic landscape painter Johan Christian Dahl (1788-1857) is in fine form here, but we find his paintings a little too sentimental. Our favorite is Christian Krohg, who painted it like it was, drawing inspiration from sailors to prostitutes. Scandinavian...

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Klosteret is the perfect place to celebrate a romanic occasion.

Description:

One of Oslo's most romantic restaurants, Klosteret (The Convent) is lit with hundreds of candles, creating a very intimate atmosphere, even though it's located in a spacious cellar. The vaulted ceiling, religious icons on the wall and Gregorian music add to the out-of-this-world atmosphere. The menu offers a la carte, as well as set 3-, 5- and 7-course meals. Meat, fish and vegetarian options are available, using exclusive, locally grown ingredients. Best of all, Klosteret's wine cellar comprises 1000 titles and has received the coveted "Best of Award of Excellence" for the last five consecutive years.

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Seeing Oslo from the fjord when snow is falling is magical. Wear warm clothes, buy some delicious hot gløgg on board and imagine you're a Viking returning home.

Description:

Take a minicruise on the Oslo fjord on board a traditional, wooden sailing ship. The cruise takes you past the new Oslo opera house, City Hall, Akershus Fortress and Bygdøy museum peninsula. Tickets and refreshments are sold on board. The ticket is valid for 24 hours. Ticket price: NOK 150, half price for children up to 16. Operates all year, 4 departures pr day. You can hop on and off at City Hall (Pier 3), Oslo opera house and Bygdøy. Approximately 30 minutes sailing between each stop.

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Oslo's most spectacular building

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The Oslo Opera House is home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. The innovative white marble building is designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta (of Alexandria Library fame) and like an ice floe, the roof gradually tapers into the waters of the Oslo fjord. This is an opera house for the people; anyone is free to hang around and walk on the roof. Fantastic fjord views from the rooftop.

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Brasserie Sanguine offers a diverse and excellent menu and fantastic fjord views.

Description:

Brasserie Sanguine is the lively, airy restaurant in the foyer of Oslo's new opera house. The cuisine is Mediterranean and the menu comprises everything from three-course meals to sandwiches or just coffee and cake. A children's menu is available. Outdoor seating in summer, right next to the Oslo fjord.

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Bygdøy is home to Oslo's best museums, great walks and beaches.

Description:

The Bygdøy peninsula has Oslo's best museums: the Viking Ships are here, as is the Cultural History Museum, Thor Heyerdahl's raft Kon-Tiki, the Polar ship Fram, the Maritime Museum, the summer palace Oscarshall, and more. You need a few days to see them all. Bygdøy also has great beaches and pleasant walks. During the short summer season, Oslovians use every opportunity to hit the beaches. The most famous one, Huk (clothing optional), is a at Bygdøy. Bygdøy is also an affluent residential neighborhood with beautiful old villas and the King's farm, complete with horses and apple orchards. You can also visit Oskarsborg Castle. From the city center, bus no. 30 takes you to Bygdøy all year. In summer, the best option is by ferry from the pier by City Hall. Or you could walk or ride a bike. read more

Description:

Karl Johans gate (Karl Johan street) is Oslo's main artery, a partially pedestrianised street leading from Oslo S (the central railway station) to the Royal Palace, with Parliament, the National Theatre and the old part of Oslo University (the present law faculty) in between. Plenty of shops and restaurants as well as a small park line this lively street. In summer, buskers and street vendors abound and people sunbathe and lounge around in the park. In winter, the park metamorphoses into Narvisen skating rink, especially pretty at night when it's illuminated.

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Across the street from the National Theatre, Theatercafeen is an excellent place for celebrity spotting

Description:

The New York Times, with a great deal of justification, listed this cafe as among the 10 most famous on the planet. If you like to eat and drink in opulence, head here for your grand fix. The last of the grand Viennese cafes in the north of Europe, this long-standing favorite was founded a century ago to rival the Grand Café. Each has its devotees, although we like this one better because of its Viennese schmaltz. Serenaded by piano and a duet of violins, the style might have pleased the Habsburg emperor Franz-Josef had he ever ventured this far north. It attracts present-day boulevardiers and businesspeople. With soft lighting, antique bronzes, cut-glass lighting fixtures, and Art Nouveau mirrors, it's the type of place that encourages lingering. Menu items are well prepared and traditional, and are adjusted accordingly to get the best flavors out of each season. That might mean white wine-steamed mussels or grilled monkfish served with bacon and summer cabbage. Also tantalizing is the fried trout with a truffle hollandaise or marinated salmon with dill-stewed potatoes.

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Hotel Continental has a long tradition of cooperating with local artists. As a result, the hotel is a veritable gallery of photographs and paintings. At Continental you'll find the largest private collection of paintings by Edvard Munch.

Description:

Located right across the street from the National Theater, Continental is one of the great classic hotels in Oslo. The hotel has been run by the same family for more than 100 years and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel offers 155 rooms; no two are alike. Hotel Continental and the National Theater have been neighbors since 1900. The hotel's cafe Theatercaféen has been a favorite among artists and actors for decades - it's the place to see and be seen in Oslo.

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Cheap lodgings in Oslo's city center

Description:

Popular hostel in the center of Oslo with 53 rooms in winter, 146 in summer. Anker hostel offers single and double rooms, as well as 4, 6 and 8-bed dorm rooms, all rooms with private bathrooms. Duvets and pillows are provided and linen can be rented. Sleeping bags are not allowed. There's a 24-hour reception. Dorm beds from NOK 250 (about USD 40), single rooms from NOK 540 (USD 90).

Description:

Located between the hip Grünerløkka area and the city center, 161-room Anker hotel is a good, affordable hotel. All rooms are newly renovated and have private bathrooms, telephone, TV and wifi. Family rooms are available. Next door is Anker Hostel, offereing even more reasonable accomodation.