Oslo Favorites

Favorite thing: These Empty Chairs sit at the Oslo harbor, in front of the wall for the Akerhus fortress. They are part of a modern installation commemorating the deportation of 750 Norwegian Jews from the city during the dark years of World War II. The Jews were kept here waiting for a ship to arrive that would eventually take them to Stettin, from which they would be sent directly to Auschwitz.

The Chairs are the work of British environmental artist Anthony Gormley.

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Favorite thing: This beautiful tall ship has its permanent home in the Oslo harbor. It was built in the early 20th century and was first put to sea in 1939 sailing across the Atlantic to visit the New York World's Fair. Since then it has been used for important commemorative events, both in Norway and around the world - such as the Bicentennial of the United States in 1976, when it joined the great flotilla of tallships in New York Harbor, and the 1992 Barcelona World's Fair. The Christian Radich has been recently renovated (at the cool cost of 8 million NoK) and is operated by a private concern. (Apparently you can book the ship for a friend's birthday cruise around the harbor. Hint hint.)

Favorite thing: The Christian Krogh statue watches as the parade of Karl Johann gate passes at his feet. Krogh (1852-1925) was a realist, naturalist painter who was influential in early 20th century Christiania. He was something of a role model - and later a rival - of Edvard Munch.

Favorite thing: Although ATM machines are to be found all over, the transaction is always in local currency. BE PREPARED. For example, do not go up to an ATM and think you'd like to withdraw $500 worth of local currency. You first must know the amount in local currency that $500 will buy. I always carry a currency cheat sheet when travelling. In addition to ATM transactions, it's also easier to bargain and make purchases.

For a cheat sheet go to to http://www.oanda.com/cgi/convert/cheatsheet

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Favorite thing: The most famous chocolate of norway.they seem to be very proud of it.And i can say that they have a reason of it.you should try it.
i didn't take a photo of chocolate but the clock in the center of Oslo.i saw the same one in Trondheim as well.I have day and night photo of the clock.check it out.

Favorite thing: The Oslo Pass is a good alternative if you wanna travel around Oslo and have a free entrace to the main museums. But consider buying the Oslo Pass. Some museums were during my stay in Oslo free (maybe they are ever free):

National Gallery
Munch Museum
Samtidskunst Museum
Vigeland Museum und Vigelandpareken

Check every museum on www.visitoslo.com. The one day ticket for public transport costs 50 NOK - if I remember well.

The 72 hours Oslo Pass costs 375 NOK. (December 2005)

Favorite thing: When to Go to Oslo

Norway is an important place for winter sports. January, February, and early March are good skiing months. Avoid late April, when sleet, rain, and repeated thaws and refreezings may ruin good skiing and leave roads -- and spirits -- in bad shape. The country virtually closes down for the five-day Easter holiday, when Norwegians make their annual migration to the mountains. If you plan to visit at this time, reserve well in advance. In May, days are long and sunny and cultural life is still going strong. In fact, Syttende mai (Constitution Day, May 17), with all its festivities, is worth a trip in itself. Norwegians tend to take their vacations in July and the first part of August. Summers are generally mild. With the midnight sun, even in the "southern" city of Oslo, night seems more like twilight around midnight, and dawn comes by 2 AM. The weather can be fickle, and rain gear and sturdy waterproof shoes are recommended even in summer.

Favorite thing: If you happen to be in Oslo around May 17th you should be prepared for a big hoolabaloo. The Norwegians are VERY proud of their country and celebrate this day with everything they have. You'll see flags flying, people singing and royals waving, students parade, stressed out police men and colourful traditional costumes. And the best place to experience all this is of course on the main street Karl Johan, all the way from Ostbanehallen (the trainstation) to the Royal Palace.

Fondest memory: Oslo is a pretty big city but with a small town feeling and I haven't been to any other city that sparkles so brightly in the summer as Oslo. Pretty much everything is within walking distance, the parks are nice, the people friendly and the nightlife is excellent. You can go to museums, shop fancy clothes or stroll on one of the cosy islands.

But the thing I miss the most about Oslo is probably the park life in summertime: To sit with your friends on a blanket in Vigelandsparken, drink some wine, listen to music and just talk.