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The beginnings of Norway
Akershus Slott og Festning (Akershus Castle & Fortress) is where the capital of Norway was founded. Designed to protect and defend the new capital, this fortress is now a fun place to explore. Tours are available, and many concerts are put on here during summer months.
A great amount of history is tied to this area. In newer history, one can for example mention that the Norwegian NS leader, Vidkun Quisling, was executed here October 24, 1945. The fortress was also the home to early Norwegian nobility. Check out the thick, stone walls that surround the castle, complete with moats and other evidence of fortress reinforcement. Today, many government events are held here throughout the year.
Akershus Slott og Festning (Akershus Castle & Fortress)
Akershus Festning, Oslo
Area: Sentrum
Phone: 23-09-39-17
Open Hours: Sept-May Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 11am-4pm; June-Aug Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Categories: Tours and Sightseeing, Historic site, Historic village, Landmark, Castle, Monument, Architectural building, Square/plaza
Price: Cost money
The area around Bislett, Norway’s most famous stadium, is more popular among the wealthy, mainly for its strategic location, about 2 km from Old Town district of St. Hans Haugen. There are many popular bars here, which get crowded when the stadium houses sporting events. After the game, relax in the St. Hanshaugen Park. Not far from the stadium, the Gamle Aker kirke, built over an old silver mine, is an important historic landmark.
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Bygdøy is one of the most scenic landscapes in Oslo, with a rich cultural legacy and history. You’ll find here some of the best museums in Norway, including the Kon-Tiki Museum, with vessels and maps from the Kon-Tiki expedition; the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History; the Norwegian Maritime Museum and the ship Fram; and the Viking Ship Museum. Oslo’s best beaches are on the peninsula as well, including a popular nudist beach. Another attractions is the Oscarshall castle.
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Frogner was named after Frogner Manor, a splendid estate in the Frogner Park that houses the Oslo City Museum. The park is one of the main tourist attractions in Oslo, as home of the world famous Vigeland Sculpture Park, with 212 sculptures all designed by Gustav Vigeland. In the same borough you’ll find the Uranienborg Church and a number of embassies down south. The most expensive residential area in the city, Frogner is home to many popular bars, lounges, and upscale fashion boutiques.
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Formerly a working class district, Grünerløkka is today popular with the young, as it’s dotted with small cafés, pubs, small fashion and designer shops, as well as chic parks. Locals come here to find bargains and unique items, and maybe take a walk in Sofienbergparken and Kuba. Oslo’s bohemian neighborhood has a flourishing nightlife as well, with a mix of people. Attractions in the area also include the Munch Museum, Sofienberg church, and the University Botanical Garden at Tøyen.
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Majorstuen (Majorstua) is Oslo’s transportation hub, and a trendy shopping area as well. Bogstadveien is one of the most popular shopping streets in Oslo, ideal for fashion shopping, with boutiques lining up along the street all the way to Slottsparken. The area is also known for its budget dining options, as well as lively pubs and cafés.
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The Sentrum is the heart of the city, a historic district that attracts tourists with such landmarks as the Akershus Festning; Royal Palace; Opera House; as well as important museums such as the National Gallery; the Nobel Peace Center inside the former Oslo Vestbanestasjon; and the Henrik Ibsen Museum. You can also relax in Oslo’s central park Slottsparken, or enjoy shopping on Karl Johans Gate.
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