The first port of call on Anne and Vera’s Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise with Royal Caribbean Cruises, after departing London, England on the Independence of the Seas, was Oslo. Escape they did, into the charm and beauty of this vibrant capital of Norway. Read on for their tips for what to do with 1-day in Oslo, Norway.
1-Day in Oslo, Norway
Little did I know, that my itinerary for 1-day in Oslo, Norway would bring us from peace to anger, with some thrills and lots of laughter along the way. Oslo is the most northern European city I have ever been to, and it proved to be very walkable, with the ship docking literally on the doorstep of downtown Oslo.
From the ship we strolled down the Aker Brygge, a waterfront promenade with lovely views of the fjord on one side, and trendy cafes and shops on the other.
A few steps away we came to the Oslo City Hall, a historic building notable for where the Nobel Peace Prizes are handed out each year. A large banner at the top stated it was the 75th Anniversary of the building, which happened to be the same age as my sister (though she probably wouldn’t appreciate me mentioning it here), and we laughed as we took a photo of her in front of this historic site.
Across the square is the actual Nobel Peace Center, which had us pausing to consider its significance before going inside. As we browsed through the gift shop, it almost felt like a little museum in itself, with its many shelves of books and souvenirs showcasing famous recipients of the Peace Prize.
Feeling peaceful and inspired, we wandered through the downtown streets of Oslo, peeking into shops and soaking in the atmosphere of the city.
My excitement grew as we approached our next destination – the Vigeland Sculpture Park – a beautifully manicured park full of hundreds of statues which represent the Journey of Life. Many were in unusual intertwined poses, which had us either staring in fascination or chuckling, but by far our favourite was ‘Angry Boy,’ a giant bronze statue of a toddler who seemed to be stamping his foot in a tantrum.
We could have cheerfully stayed in the park a long time, but with other sights yet to see we made our way back through town, on a slightly different route, ending at the beautiful Oslo Opera House. We could see its stunning architecture from afar, and it was thrilling to join the crowd in climbing its sloping marble roof, laughing as the gusty wind made us go sideways. Arriving at the top, we were rewarded with the most spectacular views of the fjord and the city.
Eventually, back on solid ground, we strolled along the harbour promenade back to the ship. As we passed Floating Saunas with people visible both inside and in the chilly ocean waters, we found it interesting to witness this bit of Nordic sauna culture.
Just a little beyond, we came to the massive stone walls of Akershus Fortress, dating back to medieval times. It once protected Oslo from invaders, and at various times has also been the royal residence and even a prison.
As we continued on to our ship, we reflected on everything Oslo had given us, from inspiration to giggles to thrills – and it all added up to a wonderful day.
Tips & Recommendations for 1-Day in Oslo, Norway
While we took ourselves on a self-guided walking tour of Oslo, there are numerous guided tours of Oslo that you could join to make the most of your 1-day in Oslo.
- Nobel Peace Center – Wonderfully inspirational gift shop. Entrance fee to visit the museum within the Nobel Peace Center.
- Vigeland Sculpture Park – Highly recommend visiting this beautiful park with its unique statues. Free to visit.
- Oslo Opera House – A thrilling experience climbing the sloping roof to enjoy the fabulous views. Free to climb.
- Floating Saunas – Found at the Langkaia marina near the opera house and Aker Brygge. Very interesting to take in this Nordic tradition, and I suspect if we’d partken, quite relaxing.
- Akershus Fortress – Impressive to view. Admission to the fortress grounds is free of charge. Museums, concerts, events, festivals, and similar activities require separate tickets and pricing.
What Are Your Tips in Visiting Oslo, Norway?
1-day in Oslo, Norway is a short visit to such a vibrant city. There is so much to do, see and experience, that we are all going to have different experiences and see and do different things. What are your tips in visiting Oslo, Norway? We’d love to read them in the comments below.
Oslo, Norway Accommodations Map
Spending more than 1-day in Oslo, Norway? Check out this interactive map to different accommodations available in Oslo.
Tune into Other Ports of Call on our Northern Europe City Escapes Cruise
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