Oslo City - Self Guided Audio Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• (Pass by)

  Norwegians have been a traveling people since the dawn of time. Vikings, traders, explorers, footballers, students and business people have traveled the globe in search of new experiences. And many start their adventure right here where you stand now. Color Line has transported passengers, goods and vehicles out into the wider world since 1872, but then under the name "Kristansands Damskibsselskap". First, they established a fixed route between Kristiansand and Ferdrikshavn in Denmark. Today, the boats go between Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The "Kiel" ferry is a beloved and well-known route to Europe both with and without a car. Check out the links below for more information and booking.

  Admission ticket free
• Nobel Peace Center (Pass by)

  What do Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Malala Yousafzai have in common? They have all received the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded here in Oslo at the Town Hall. Here, in front of the converted 1872 train station, you will see the Nobel Peace Center as is the public face of the Nobel Peace Prize. They use the power of the Nobel Peace Prize laureates’ ideas, work and causes, to engage and inspire small and large actions which make the world a more peaceful place. Experince exhibitions, guided tours, events, education programs, and digital content. The center disseminate laureates’ work, build knowledge and skills, and act as a meeting place to facilitate international engagement. The Center also serves as an arena for topical events and discussions related to peace, human rights, and conflict resolution. Visit the centre, or read more and book tickets on the links below.

  Admission ticket free
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  Now you have arrived at Tjuvholmen, which is connected to Aker Brygge with its two small bridges. Previously, this was an abandoned part of Oslo, but now it has been transformed into a modern and artistic urban area. Here you will find many art galleries, a sculpture park, modern architecture, a five-star hotel and a number of good restaurants and cafes. Here you will also find the Astrup Fearnley Museum, which is a modern art museum located close to the water's edge. Tjuvholmen is a beautiful pearl today, but in the very old days, in the 17th century, the view that met the seafarers was probably a little different. The area was once a haven for the city's stray birds, and we're not talking about pigeons and seagulls. The name Tjuvholmen originates from the time when the city's thieves were taken to the court on the islet and hanged. It was not unusual for the spoils from both small and large robberies to be buried out here, which the police of course quickly caught wind of.

  Admission ticket free
• Aker Brygge (Pass by)

  Do you see the long quays with all the beautiful people crowding around the fashionable restaurants and apartment complexes? Now you are at Aker Brygge! In the old days there were no restaurants and no apartments here, but there were just as many people. They didn't have as nice clothes, and the good smell of food was replaced by diesel, burnt steel and old coffee grounds. Aker Brygge is built on what used to be the shipyard, Aker's mechanical workshop. The shipyard was established in the middle of the 19th century and gradually gained a large and central position in the Norwegian industrial environment which lasted for over 140 years. The shipyard was closed in 1982 and the old factory buildings were demolished or converted into modern housing. And suddenly the sounds that had characterized the center for just as long also disappeared.

  Admission ticket free
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  Here in these beautiful surroundings is the Holocaust Centre, which communicates and conducts research on topics that stand in stark contrast to the surroundings. The center is a research, dissemination and documentation center with a spotlight on the Holocaust and other genocides, anti-Semitism, racism, extremism, conspiracy theories and the conditions of minorities in modern society. 766 Norwegian Jews were killed or perished as a result of the Nazi extermination policy. The Holocaust exhibition gives an insight into the fate of Norwegian Jews and Roma during the Second World War. Through exhibitions and events, the center communicates the stories of the victims and survivors, and reminds us of the importance of learning from the past. Visitors are encouraged to reflect and take action against intolerance and discrimination. The Holocaust Center is a crucial monument to honor the memory and promote human rights and dignity.

  Admission ticket free
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  Are you ready for an adventure! Then all you have to do is force the revolving doors of perhaps Norway's most famous shopping centre, Oslo City. Five floors of brands, delicious fragrances, great offers and a pulsating environment in safe surroundings await here. The center is connected by a footbridge to the Hotel Oslo Plaza and the Byporten shopping center across the road, and further on to the traffic station Oslo S. Check out opening times and other practical information below.

  Admission ticket free
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  "It is important that art is not closed in. It must be shown and experienced. We have to learn from it.” The words belonged to Hans Rasmus Astrup, who is the founder of the Astrup Fearnley museum, which today has one of Europe's most extensive collections of international contemporary art. Astrup began buying art in the 1960s, and right from the start he built up a collection where the artistry was at the center rather than historical periods and styles. At the time of his death in 2021, the Astrup Fearnley collection consisted of more than 1,500 works, and it is constantly being expanded with new purchases. The works shown in the exhibition give an insight into one of the Nordic countries' most comprehensive collections of international contemporary art and show Hans Rasmus Astrup's unique contribution to the Norwegian art community. Visit, see, enjoy and learn! More information and booking at the links below.

  Admission ticket free
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  Do you use sugar in your coffee? They will surely fix that here! Now you have arrived at Sukkerbiten, which means sugar cube in Norwegian, is an artificial island, technically part of the Bjørvikautstikkeren. The name comes from the old administration building for Nyland's workshop that stood there in the old days, and which was a white, fairly square building, yes, almost like a sugar cube. Here you will find the outdoor restaurant with the same name, Sukkerbiten, and there you can lean back in comfortable sunbeds by the water's edge, and enjoy delicious music, a good atmosphere and a relaxing atmosphere that suits both young and old. Tempt it with a sauna and a refreshing dip. Both here and at other places along the harbor promenade you can hire a sauna. Information, prices and booking can be found on the links below.

  Admission ticket free
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  Here starts the harbor promenade from the Opera House to Sørenga, which takes you on an unforgettable trip packed with good experiences and impressions. First you come to the monumental opera roof, before you enter the idyllic Operastranda and the Munch Museum, then the promenade takes you to Sukkerbiten with its saunas and outdoor seating before you stroll across the fjord to the new vibrant district and the outcrop Sørenga with its popular sea bath. Operastranda in particular is suitable for families with children, and don't worry if you've forgotten your swimwear. The opera shop sells crab rope, towels and other nice beach effects.

  Admission ticket free
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  Now you are standing at Jernbanetorget, midway between the start of Karl Johans gate and Oslo S, the bustling central railway station and transportation hub of Oslo! Oslo S stretces from the building Østbanehallen, up the stairs to Hovedhallen and then around the whole quarter which is as big as a small town. Trains have run here ever since Norway's first railway opened from Kristiania, today's Oslo, to Eidsvoll in 1854. Today, the station has grown and is connected to the entire railway network in Norway, as well as to Sweden and Denmark and further south in Europe. Oslo S is not just a station for trains and buses. There, travelers and others can relax, sleep, get information and explore a diverse range of stores offering fashion, electronics, dining, and more. Head inside, follow the map and check out the links to find more information about destinations, tickets and other information.

  Admission ticket free
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  Do you like to read? At least the man who originated the building and the library in front of you did, Carl Deichman. He lived in the 18th century and was a real voracious reader. Here at Deichman Bjørvika, which is Oslo's main library, you will find six floors of literature, reading and study spaces, stages, a cinema and workshops for young and old. In 1780, Deichman bequeathed his book collection to Christiania city, today's Oslo, just a few months before he died. He wanted the city's residents to finally have their first public library, and i 1785 the Deichmanske Bibliothek opened its doors for the first time. Today, Deichman has 22 libraries all over Oslo. The collection has grown to over a million books, films, CDs and other material. Carl Deichman's original collection is still intact and is well preserved on the main library's 5th floor.

  Admission ticket free
• Oslo Cathedral (Pass by)

  Here, in the middle of the city by Stortorvet, a sacred space opens up. Here is the Cathedral, which is open to the city and people in all their diversity. The doors are open every single day from Monday to Thursday during the daytime, and on Fridays in the evening. Then the visitors can light a candle and make an appointment for a conversation. As you can see, the cathedral is a magnificent building, and even though it is over 300 years old, services and events such as concerts, seminars, lectures and tours are still held throughout the year. Oslo Cathedral brings the city and the whole country together when they need something bigger than themselves. It is the church for the Royal House, the Storting and the Government. Check the links for more information and opening times.

  Admission ticket free
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  You are now standing in the open circular area, Fridtjof Nansens plass. Fridtjof Nansen is one of Norway's most versatile and internationally famous people of all time. He was a pioneering naturalist, polar expedition leader, writer and artist, diplomat and philanthropist. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922 and is one of the country's most decorated people. To the east, you can see the stairs leading up to the entrance to the Town Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each year. In the opposite direction, the road named after another famous Norwegian polar explorer, Roald Amundsen, stretches up to Karl Johans gate, the Palace and the Stortinget. If you follow the side street to the right of the City hall, you will reach the Crown Princess Mârtha's place before you enter the National Museum and the restaurant and shopping area Aker Brygge.

  Admission ticket free
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  The slightly squeezed statue in front of you is the memorial to the catastrophic fire on the car ferry Scandinavian Star in 1990. On the night of April 7, the ferry sailed from Oslo to Fredrikshavn in Denmark, but when it crossed the Skagerak, the fire alarm went off at two in the morning. In the hours that followed, several fires broke out elsewhere on board which indicated that they were arson. Scandinavian Star was towed to Lysekil in Sweden, where the fire was finally extinguished. 158 people were then killed, one person later died of injuries. Most of the dead were Norwegians. This is the biggest ship disaster in recent Norwegian history. The cause of the fire has never been clarified.

  Admission ticket free
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  The Defense Museum is the main museum of the Norwegian Armed Forces, and has been housed in this old arsenal building at Akershus Fortress since 1860. The exhibitions show the history of the Norwegian armed forces, with an emphasis on the period from the 15th century to the present day. The exhibitions give an insight into the development of the Armed Forces and show how military thinking and the reality of war have been closely linked to technological, economic and political development. The museum has several thematic exhibitions and conveys information from all branches of defence. This is how you can, on a historical basis, take a stand on issues of defense history, and on the role of the Armed Forces today. The museum has many activities in and around the exhibitions for both young and old.

  Admission ticket free
• Akershus Castle and Fortress (Akershus Slott og Festning) (Pass by)

  A visit to Akershus Castle is like a walk through Norwegian history from the 14th Century until the present day. Originally Akershus Castle was built as a medieval fortress in around 1300AD under the reign of King Håkon V. During the first half of the 17th Century, the Danish/Norwegian King Christian IV decided to modernise and rebuild it into a renaissance castle. In the 19th Century, the castle fell into disrepair and was close to demolition. Fortunately, Akershus Castle was rescued and restored during the first half of the 20th Century after Norway regained its independence in 1905. Today, the castle's splendid halls are home to the Norwegian government's official functions. When visiting the castle, you will find remains of the original medieval castle, rooms used as a residence for the Danish-Norwegian kings, gloomy dungeons, narrow hallways and majestic halls.

  Admission ticket free
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  Here, you can follow the gravel road to the entrance and ticket purchase to one of the country's most central institutions for occupation history, The Norway's Home Front Museum. It was founded in 1962 and is housed in a half-timbered house from the 17th-18th centuries. The exhibition shows several aspects of the resistance struggle and daily life in Norway during the Second World War. The story is brought to life through peepholes, sound recordings and film clips. You can find opening times and information in the links below.

  Admission ticket free
• Akershus Castle and Fortress (Akershus Slott og Festning) (Pass by)

  Welcome to Akershus fortress visitor center. Here you will get a full overview of what is happening at Akershus Fortress, exhibitions, information and a good starting point for exploring the fortress. They also provide guided tours about the fortress's unique history.

  Admission ticket free
• Akershus Castle and Fortress (Akershus Slott og Festning) (Pass by)

  Now you have arrived at Akershus fortress and hopefully ready for 700 years of exciting history. The fortess was originally built at the end of the 13th century as a medieval royal castle with a seat for the king's representatives. Inside you will find Akershus Castle, the Defense Museum and Norway's Home Front Museum,(Norway's Resistance Museum) the concert and theater stage Karpedammen as well as cultural institutions and restaurants. Throughout its more than 700-year history, the fortress has survived several sieges, but has never been taken by force by a hostile, foreign army. Today it lies like a pearl in the middle of Oslo city centre, surrounded by green oak trees in the summer. As well as being a popular tourist destination and recreation area, the area is still a military fortress under Akershus' command. All entrance to the fortress area is free.

  Admission ticket free
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  Now you have arrived the Oslo Town Hall Square between the City Hall and the piers that extend out into the fjord called Pipervika. To the right of the City Hall and the piers, you see Akershus Fortress, which towers majestically over the city and down to the cruise harbor and the fjord. To the left of the City Hall you will see the Nobel Peace Center which is located in front of the National Museum. The commercial area Aker brygge lies to their left again and Tjuvholmen with the Astrup Fearnley museum completes the visual journey into the versatile life that dominates Pipervika today. In the old days, you couldn't stand here without being run over by furious cars. Here, the main traffic route ran through Oslo from east to south and west. And at Aker Brygge was one of the most important shipyards in Norwegian history. Fortunately, all of this is gone today, but there are still many dangers lurking underground.

  Admission ticket free
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  This road takes you to the summer palace of Oscarshall. The palace was commissioned by King Oscar I and Queen Joséphine, and was completed in 1852. Today it is the property of the state and is placed at the disposal of the King. Many Norwegian contemporary artists received commissions during the building of Oscarshall, and today it stands as a monument to Norwegian art and applied art from the 19th century. The palace, with its secondary buildings and surrounding park, is considered to be one of the finest examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in Norway and is one of the country’s most important embodiments of the National Romantic style so popular in Norway during the period. In 1881, King Oscar II opened the palace to the public as a museum. The palace is usually open to the public every summer. Check out links below for opening times and guided tours.

  Admission ticket free
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  Are you hungry and fancy some local short-distance food? "Gartneriet spiseri" is a cafe and restaurant that serves delicious flavors based on local ingredients they find every day in their kitchen garden, from Kongsgården or from the dairy or cheese-factory Ysteriet. They believe that good raw materials are made where the raw materials are allowed to grow on nature's own terms, and then of course they are organic, which also means that Gartneriet is certified with a gold label from Debio. They have what a restaurant should have, varied food, tasty drinks and good desserts.

  Admission ticket free
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  The Bygdø Royal Manor, Bygdø Kongsgård, has a past that stretches back to around the 12th century as a monastery estate, further as a barn under Akershus fortress and from 1905 as a permanent summer residence for the Royal Couple. Today Bygdø Kongsgård is Oslo's largest organic milk producer with a visitor farm, riding school, organic food production and horticulture. They mediate both modern and historical agriculture. There is a cafe/restaurant that serves food from the farm's own resources at the horticulture, Gartneriet. The restaurant is Debio certified and has the gold label. HM The King disposes of the main building and Oscarshall Castle with associated parks, while the Norsk Folkemuseum foundation has the right of disposal over the farm. The area has several marked hiking trails. The Royal manor hosts many activities and offers guided tours for schools, kindergartens and families. Check out the information on the links below.

  Admission ticket free
• Norsk Folkemuseum (Pass by)

  The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Norsk folkemuseum, shows how people lived in Norway from 1500 to the present through its collections from around the country. The160 buildings in the Open-Air Museum represent different regions in Norway, different time periods, as well as differences between town and country, and social classes. The Gol Stave Church dating from 1200 is one of five medieval buildings at the museum. The contemporary history is presented through exhibitions and documentation projects. Permanent indoor exhibitions include folk art, folk costumes, toys and Sami culture. There is also a variety of temporary exhibitions and audience programs all year round. Manage your booking and read more in the links below.

  Admission ticket free
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  Check out the 12 magnificent buildings that rise towards the Skyline behind the opera. They are called Bjørvika Barcode, and comprises twelve narrow high-rise buildings, varying in heights and widths, arranged with intervals akin to a barcode. Hosting prominent national and international businesses, the area accommodates 10,000 daily workers, alongside 400 apartments and a daycare center. Street level offerings include diverse restaurants, shops, galleries, and services, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere. The Barcode concept emphasizes architectural distinction, openness to the fjord, and ample light. Each building, designed by different architectural firms, embodies unique characteristics, creating an extraordinary architectural experience. Barcode stands as a testament to modern architectural innovation and urban vibrancy.

  Admission ticket free
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  The building that rises before you now, is the Munch museum, which is a tribute to Edwards Munch's life, work and art. The magnificent building opened in 2021 and offers 13 floors of experiences in front of the district's new skyline and reinforces the area's cultural diversity. Edward Munch is best known for his iconic work SKRIK, "The Scream", which, has become one of the most recognizable images in art history. Munch's artwork is known for exploring deep emotions, the fragility of life and human vulnerability, and his style combines symbolism, impressionism and early expressionism. Throughout his career, Munch created a number of other well-known works, such as "Madonna", "Pikene på broen" and "Livets dans". These works often reflect on universal themes such as love, death, jealousy and existential anxiety. Munch's ability to capture human emotions on canvas has secured him a place among art history's most prominent artists.

  Admission ticket free
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  You have just entered SALT, a complete cultural village with six stages, catering facilities and a sauna. SALT will be a display space for the city's creative environments, with a program that includes concerts, theatre, film, festivals, clubs, lectures, exhibitions, debates and family events. Throughout all seasons, visitors can relax in the sauna, quench their thirst and taste exciting food. The idea and the name are based on old Norwegian traditions. They call themselves a nomadic art project with pyramid constructions called "hesje", which is based on traditional construction methods along the coast of Norway. Norway has one of the world's longest coastlines and an old coastal culture where the people have fished in harmony with nature. The fishermen set up fishing lines to dry the fish in the wind. Dried fish not only provided people with nourishment, but also became an export item that has been significant in terms of building Norway.

  Admission ticket free
• The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet (Pass by)

  Do you fancy a guided tour in The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet? Then you have the opportunity here. The Opera stands as an iconic testament to modern architectural brilliance. Designed by Snøhetta architects, its sleek marble exterior resembles an iceberg floating in the fjord, inviting exploration. When they opened their doors in 2008, they also revealedd a unique concept where visitors can walk on its roof, offering panoramic views of the city. Its interior mirrors the purity of Scandinavian design, featuring wood, glass, and steel elements. It is also the home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet companies, it hosts diverse performances, ranging from classical operas to contemporary ballet. The opera house embodies Norway's cultural prestige and architectural innovation. Read more and book performances or guided tours on the links below.

  Admission ticket free
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  Would you fancy a trip in a historic wooden schooner? Thats possible here at Norwegian Maritime Museum, or NMM, witch is a national museum with the responsibility to collect, research, and teach our Norwegian maritime cultural heritage. The museum has a wide range of interesting indoor and outdoor exhibits placed in a unique maritime environment. NMM was founded in 1914 as Norsk sjøfartsmuseum. Today, the museum is both a cultural history museum as well as an archaeological administrative museum with important responsibilities for cultural heritage, above and underwater, in ten counties. The museum is actively involved in historic vessel preservation, and it is possible to book trips with some of their museum vessels. Read more and book on the links below.

  Admission ticket free
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  Now we have arrived at the Kon-Tiki museum, which is a tribute to the explorer Thor Heyerdahl and his world-famous expeditions. The Kon-Tiki Museum exhibits objects from Heyerdahl’s world famous expeditions, the original Kon-Tiki raft, and the papyrus boat Ra II. In 1947 he crossed the Pacific Ocean on the balsawood raft Kon-Tiki. This was his first expedition to be captured on film, and was later awarded Academy Award for best documentary in 1951. He later completed similar achievements with the reed boats Ra, Ra II and Tigris, through which he championed his deep involvement for both the environment and world peace. He was also responsible for important archeological excavations on the Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and in Túcume. Book a visit or read more on the links below.

  Admission ticket free
• Fram Museum (Pass by)

  The Fram is the most famous wooden polar vessel in the world, and a symbol of Norway's significant participation in the heroic age of exploration. It was the first ship specially built in Norway for polar research. She was used on three important expeditions. They were led by the famous explorers Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup, and last but not least with Roald Amundsen to Antarctica for his South Pole expedition in 1910-12. Fram is now placed and exhibited in the Fram Museum in front of you, where you can study the boat and take part in the exiting stories of both boat and crew. You can find more information and booking on the links below.

  Admission ticket free
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  Watch out! The renowned contemporary artist Brendan Murphy has brought his iconic Boonji Spaceman series to Oslo in the form of an almost 7. meter high, impressive installation with the appropriate title What's Next. Murphy takes the pulse of the zeitgeist and future of Oslo's dynamic centre and pays tribute to the city's rich historical roots and heritage by matching the matte blue body to the exact same colour as that of the Norwegian flag. What's Next represents Oslo's monumental metamorphosis and exciting future, while at the same time paying tribute to the city's rich history and culture. This gigantic blue Boonji is a beacon for Oslo's exciting future. The work is an artistic feat, and the sculpture, which weighs 1,360 tonnes, required extensive transport in five crates to cross the ocean. (The sculpture has been installed in collaboration with Norwegian Property and Fine art, Murphy's gallery partner in Oslo).

  Admission ticket free
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  You are now standing right outside the monumental National Museum, where you can experience older and modern art, contemporary art, architecture, and design all under one roof and in completely new ways. The National Museum’s mandate is to develop, conserve, research, make available and promote public knowledge about Norway’s biggest collection of art, architecture, and design. The museum opened its doors for the first time in 1837. Since then, the museum has changed both its character, location, buildings and contents, but in 2022 Norway finally gathered many of its greatest national treasures under one roof. And here you are now. Go in, check out the exhibitions or use the links below for more information and booking.

  Admission ticket free
• The Royal Palace (Pass by)

  Do you see the flag waving so beautifully over the castle? If it's red with the Norwegian lion emblem in the middle, it means that His Majesty The King is at home or somewhere in Norway. If the King is abroad, the flag of His Majesty The Crown Prince, who then acts as regent, is flown. The Palace was inaugurated in 1849 after a construction period of over 20 years. There is plenty of space to roam. A total of 173 rooms are used for the royal residence, state rooms, and working rooms for staff at the Royal Court. Every Friday, the Council of State is held at the Royal Palace. During the meeting, the Prime Minister sits on the King's right side. The remaining ministers are placed by rank around the King's table. If you are seeking an audience with His Majesty, you must wait in the Bird Room, a beautifully decorated room with 43 Norwegian birds on display.

  Admission ticket free
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  The man towering on the pedestal above you is King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway, and the longest reigning king in Norway. He was only 11 years old when he ascended the throne and held it for a full 60 years. Christian IV was born a prince at Frederiksborg Castle in 1577. The King received a thorough education. He mastered several languages and had knowledge in mathematics, history, and music. A separate guardian government ruled the countries until Christian IV was crowned on his 18th birthday. After the city fire in 1624, in what was old Oslo, he founded a new city in the shelter of Akershus Fortress. This city was named Christiania after him from August 1624, a name the city retained until 1925. Both Kongsberg and Kristiansand were named after him. The King traveled a lot in Norway and accomplished much, like establishing a customs system, a Norwegian army, and Kongsberg silver mines, to name a few.

  Admission ticket free
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  "Yes, we love this country, as it rises forth" The verse belongs to our national anthem and was written by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. He was Norway's great national poet from the mid-19th century, and since then has held a place as one of the "big four" alongside Kielland, Ibsen, and Lie. As a brilliant public speaker and active participant in public debate both in Norway and abroad, he was highly controversial - and much loved. Bjørnson was born in Tynset in 1832, but grew up in Nesset in Møre og Romsdal. He moved to Oslo to attend university, but instead began working as a journalist. His ability to communicate in writing quickly became evident, a gift he also had orally. Multiple theater reviews contributed to close ties around theater activity. For a while, he was the artistic director at Ole Bull's theater in Bergen, before he returned to Oslo as both theater director and editor.

  Admission ticket free
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  You are now looking up at King Carl III Johan, who was the shared king of Norway and Sweden. When Norway became an independent country in 1814, this was met with considerable dissatisfaction by the Swedes. They occupied parts of Norway, and the Danish-Norwegian king, Christian Frederik, eventually had to abdicate. Norway entered a union with Sweden, and as part of the agreement, Norway was allowed to retain large parts of its constitution and self-rule. The king would be the same as in Sweden, and thus Karl II became the second Norwegian king in 1814. King Karl II died in 1818, and he was succeeded by Carl III Johan, who was crowned in the Nidaros Cathedral the same year. His real name was Jean Baptiste Bernadotte and he was a French private soldier who quickly rose through the ranks. After several years of opposition to Napoleon Bonaparte, they reconciled in 1804 and Bernadotte was appointed to France's highest officer title.

  Admission ticket free
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  The tall tower that looms before you was formerly a fire station in Oslo. It was built at the same time as the expansion of the adjoining building, the Bazaars, in the late 1850s. The station went by the catchy name, Fire Watch, and initially, the fire brigade counted over 35 men. The tower you see was not, as many believe, used to keep a lookout for fires. It was actually used to dry the water hoses. The much taller tower of the Cathedral, looming behind the station, was used for fire watch instead. The Fire Watch was the city's main fire station until 1939. The fire brigade never made it to the dramatic city fire in 1858 when the station was still under construction. As a result, 41 townhouses were swallowed by the flames. The fire probably hastened the process so that the station could become operational before it was planned to be finished.

  Admission ticket free
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  This building has always been bustling with activity, and it exudes old history, quite literally. The distinctive name, the Bazaars, comes from the building's original use as butcher's stalls. It still has a certain aroma today, but not exactly of fresh meat - rather, the delightful odors of food and drink from around the world. The building was erected between the years 1840 and 1859, with over 50 butcher's stalls. Oslo was experiencing rapid growth with a massive influx of people, and in the years from 1850 to 1900, the city grew from 30 thousand to 230 thousand people. A bazaar is a market, often with an overbuilding. The name originates from Persia about 5 thousand years ago. The rapid population growth not only led to the expansion of this building, but more bazaars were also established in other parts of the city, including at Youngstorget.

  Admission ticket free
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  The painter and author Christian Krohg sits overlooking Pipervika, which is the outlet to the Oslo fjord behind the City Hall. For half a century, he was one of the central figures in Norwegian art life. His art was influenced by where he was, be it Oslo, Skagen, Germany, or Paris. Krohg was born in Oslo in 1852 and eventually studied law with drawing on the side. Both interest and talent led the young man out into Europe where he continued to study art. Several of his paintings became widely known and hang today in galleries in several countries. As a painter, he excellently expressed naturalism, portraying people in their usual environment in a fantastic way. As an author, Krohg is especially known for his novel "Albertine" from 1886, a realistic portrayal of prostitution in Kristiania (now Oslo) in the 1880s. At that time, this was quite bold and the book was confiscated and Krohg was fined.

  Admission ticket free
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  Sønsteby was born in Rjukan in 1918 and in his youth, he was a very active outdoorsman. When the war broke out in 1940, he was working as an audit assistant, but immediately joined the volunteer forces and the emerging resistance. Based in Sweden, he carried out several missions in Norway, before being stationed in Oslo as a British intelligence agent, codenamed "No 24". Between 1944 and 1945, Gunnar Sønsteby led Kompani Linge's action group in Oslo, the Oslo Gang, which carried out many daring and successful operations. Among his code names were "Kjakan" and "No. 24". He led some of the most spectacular sabotage actions during World War II, targeting NS authorities and war-important targets such as railways, industry, and fuel storage. After the war, Gunnar Sønsteby ran his own consultancy, in addition to being a loyal defense friend and champion for war veterans' issues.

  Admission ticket free
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  You are now well positioned in the middle of Egertorget and in the middle of Karl Johans gate between Oslo S and the Royal Palace. The square was named after the Eger family who owned one of the buildings here, including where you see W.B. Samson's pastry shop. The old venerable pastry shop was established in 1894 and still has an outlet here. It was never initially planned for a square right here, but the open area reflects the remains after the parade street Karl Johan was extended downwards. If you look towards the fjord, you see Oslo's first high-rise building, Horngården with 8 floors. It was built in 1930 and is now protected. If you look up now, you see the gigantic neon advertisement for Freia. The chocolate factory, which inspired Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", was the first to put up neon signs in Oslo. And you've probably seen them! Egertorget is a popular place for street musicians and jesters. If you have a song in store, then just throw out your hat.

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  The statue towering over you now is none other than Henrik Wergeland himself, on a pedestal. He is considered by many as Norway's foremost poet. His close ties to the constitution and love for the nation inspired his poetry. Wergeland was born in Kristiansand in 1808, but at the age of nine he followed his father to Eidsvoll, who was one of the Eidsvoll Men who drafted the Norwegian Constitution. He made his debut as an article writer in Norwegian newspapers at just 13 years old, and the spark was born. He later moved to Oslo where his publications were continuous. As a writer, Wergeland was known for his romantic approach and commitment to public education. With his burning national heart, he became an advocate for the children's parades at the constitution celebration. "We are a Nation, we too, we Small, a cubit long:"

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  The man in front of you was one of the most important politicians in Norwegian history. Carl Joachim Hambro served in the Parliament of Norway from 1919 to 1957 and was the President of the Parliament for much of his political career. Internationally, he served as a delegate in the United Nations General Assembly for 11 years following the establishment of the organization. Hambro played a pivotal role in the April days of 1940 following the German invasion, with his organization of the evacuation of the Norwegian Parliament and government from the capital. He was also the person behind the Elverum Authorization, which gave the government the right to make decisions without processing them in the Parliament, as long as the war lasted. Hambro was born in Bergen in 1885 and eventually studied language and literature in Oslo. His studies led him into the newspaper business, and Hambro was known for his written and verbal expressions.

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  You are now looking at the statue of King Christian Frederick. "This monument is a lasting expression of our gratitude to the young Crown Prince who became our King, the first King in an independent Norway in over 400 years, and the first democratically elected King in Europe," said Prime Minister Erna Solberg when she unveiled the statue in 2014. It was on the day 200 years after Norway got its own constitution on May 17, 1814 at Eidsvoll. Christian Frederick abdicated the same year he became king. Sweden did not accept Norway becoming an independent state and occupied parts of Norway. It ended with Norway entering a union with Sweden where the constitution largely remained, but they shared the same king. Christian Frederick moved back to Denmark and became Danish king a few years later. The close ties between Denmark and Norway are thus historically rooted in several hundred years, which this statue also symbolizes.

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  Do you have something on your heart that you wish to share with others? Then you have come to the right place! In front of the Parliament and the Lion Hill lies Eidsvolls Square. The square is one of the country's most important arenas for people's freedom of speech and engagement, and over 300 political demonstrations are held here annually. It got its current name in 1864 due to its proximity to the Parliament building, which was then under construction. In this way, the connection between the National Assembly at Eidsvoll and the new Parliament was made clear. Today, the square reminds us of Eidsvoll when Norway's constitution was written and adopted. On the square, you will find busts and statues related to political, constitutional, and artistic significance for Norway. The strategic politician C.J. Hambro, the poet Henrik Wergeland, and King Christian Frederick have all been unveiled at Eidsvolls Square.

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  You are now in Spikersuppa, right in the heart of Oslo, and in the city's most visited area throughout the year. There's always something going on here! In the summer, you can enjoy the recessed pools and beautiful fountains with surrounding sculptures. In the winter, the pools are transformed into Norway's most popular ice rink and a traditional Christmas market is held every year. Spikersuppa has its history back to 1956, when Christiania Spikerverk gifted Oslo Municipality a makeover for the entire area. Part of the gift was a pond, which quickly got the name "Spikersuppa" in the local vernacular. The real name is Hjortedammen, after Arne Vigeland's sculpture of two deer in the middle of "Hjortøya". In Norway, we say that "we can't boil soup on a nail", a metaphor that means to make a fuss out of almost nothing, such as food. So Spikersuppa has nothing to do with this expression. By the way, you don't need money here, as this Spikersuppa can be experienced for free all year round.

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  Indeed, that's one of the most memorable moments in Norwegian history. King Olav V’s decision to take the tram was a powerful gesture that spoke volumes about his sense of duty and solidarity with his people during a difficult time. It resonated with Norwegians then and continues to do so now. The king was known for his approachability and for being very close to the Norwegian people, often referred to as the "People's King". This event solidified that image, showing that he was not above facing the same hardships as his subjects. The moment was captured in a photograph, which shows King Olav standing in the tram, ticket in hand. That image has since become a symbol of the king's humility and the democratic nature of Norwegian society. So yes, even in times of crisis, there can be moments of unity and common understanding that bring us closer together, and this was certainly one of them.

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  You are now standing outside the apartment of Henrik and Suzannah Ibsen, which has been converted into a museum today. The world-renowned playwright lived here for the last 11 years of his life until his death in 1906. Alongside William Shakespeare, Ibsen is the most performed playwright in the world. The apartment has been restored to the time of Ibsen, with the poet's own furniture and inventory. The museum also shows exhibitions about the internationally known playwright's life and poetry. Every single day, Ibsen put on his hat and walked to the Grand Café, past the Parliament. With his characteristic white beard, he was a well-visible and popular man in the city streets, and he had his own regular table at the venerable café. Here he combed through newspapers in conversation with the city's elite and often enjoyed a beer and a dram. In the sidewalks along the route, there are now laid 69 quotes from his plays, speeches, or letters..

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  You may have already noticed it, words and letters embedded in street level everywhere. So, you are standing on one of the quotes from one of the world's most famous authors, Henrik Ibsen. His plays and dramas are read, performed, and filmed all over the world. You can find them embedded in the sidewalks from the Ibsen Museum on Henrik Ibsen's Street and past the Parliament on Karl Johans Street, the same route he walked daily from his apartment to the Grand Café. If you look around, you'll find a total of 69 quotes consisting of 4,011 sandblasted steel letters. You can learn more about Henrik Ibsen by his statue outside the National Theater, not far from here. If you follow the quotes, you'll also come to the Ibsen Museum, where his home has been restored to the way it was when he and his wife Suzannah lived there, complete with the poet's own furniture, original colors, and décor.

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  Few authors have made a mark on literature as the man in front of you has now done. Henrik Ibsen's dramatizations have been published, performed and filmed all over the world. He is considered the founder of the modern, realistic drama. Ibsen was a technical virtuoso of drama, one of the most skilled at using dramatic devices. He was born in Skien in 1828 in a wealthy home, but he quickly caught up with the realities of life when his father went bankrupt. He started working and studying at the same time in the evenings. Eventually he came to Bergen and was allowed to assist as a co-author at Det Norske Theater. Not long after, he made his debut with his first piece in 1953, and then things went from strength to strength. He continued his writing in Oslo a few years later, but had a short stay abroad of 27 years, including in Italy, before he returned to Oslo again.

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  "...if there is anyone who doubts the democratic will to win, let him look to Norway." The words belonged to the then American president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, during World War II. Crown Princess Märtha's persistent efforts for a free Norway left a clear impression on the American president. The Norwegian freedom struggle also became a motivator on the other side of the Atlantic. Crown Princess Märtha was born as a Norwegian-Swedish princess in Stockholm in 1901. She was the daughter of Prince Carl of Sweden and Princess Ingeborg of Denmark. Her full name was Märtha Sofia Lovisa Dagmar Thyra. She met Crown Prince Olav during the Olympic Games in Amsterdam where Olav won his famous sailing gold. They got married that year and moved into Skaugum in Asker, where they had three children. She never became queen, but Oslo's bishop, Johannes Smemo, summed up her position as follows: "She has long held the queen's seat in our minds and she will never lose that."

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  Right here, Queen Maud would stroll around alone or with her family. I wonder what she thought as she walked around these beautiful gardens and surroundings? Queen Maud was born in London in 1869. She was an English princess, daughter of the later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of Great Britain. Her full name was Maud Charlotte Mary Victoria. She married the then Prince Carl of Denmark at Buckingham Palace itself in 1897, and was offered the Norwegian throne in 1905 after the dissolution of the union from Sweden. Prince Carl then took the name Haakon VII, and the following year was signed as king in Nidaros Cathedral together with Queen Maud. The queen was seen as a somewhat quiet and reserved person in public contexts, but in private she was known as a caring, smiling and warm person. She enjoyed the outdoors, often on horseback or walking with her dogs. Queen Maud was famous for her excellent taste in clothes and beautiful dresses.

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  You are now standing in front of the sculpture of King Olav V, who was the King of Norway from 1957 to 1991. He was a very popular king and always had an amusing story to share. The King always stood by the people, and when the oil crisis paralyzed Norway, he left his limousine in the garage and took the tram like any ordinary person. He was the son of King Haakon VII and Queen Maud and was baptized Alexander Edward Christian Frederik and was the Prince of Denmark. When his father was crowned king after the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905, the Prince was only two years old and took the name Crown Prince Olav. The Crown Prince was then the first Norwegian heir to the throne to grow up in Norway since the Middle Ages. He developed an early interest in sports and was an active sailor for over 70 years. The highlight of his sports career was when he won an Olympic gold in Amsterdam in 1928.

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  King Haakon VII was Norway's first king in 600 years, following the country's independence from Denmark in 1814 and the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905. He was born on August 3, 1872, just outside Copenhagen. His original name was Prince Carl, and he was the second eldest son of then King Frederik and Queen Louise of Denmark. In 1905, the Danish prince Carl was offered the Norwegian crown and took the name Haakon VII after a referendum. At the time, he was married to Queen Maud, the daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of Great Britain. When they arrived in Oslo in 1905, they were met with jubilant crowds and the ringing of church bells throughout the city. The royal couple was officially crowned in the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim on June 22, 1906, after a longer coronation journey through Norway.

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  Peter Wessel Tordenskiold was an admiral in the Danish-Norwegian fleet and born in Trondheim in 1690. His father was a loyal man and was both a merchant, councilor and ship owner. He had a total of 18 children. Peter hired his father's boat at an early age and as a 15-year-old he served on several slave ships before starting the sea cadet school in Copenhagen. Peter Wessel Tordenskiold was an admiral in the Danish-Norwegian fleet and was born in Trondheim in 1690. His father was a wealthy man who was a merchant, councilman, and shipowner. He had a total of 18 children. Peter started working on his father's boat at a young age and at the age of 15, he served on several slave ships before he started at the naval cadet school in Copenhagen. His path to the navy was short from there and he quickly rose in rank, eventually becoming an admiral. Peter was known as an excellent sailor and is often described as courageous, quick-thinking, and cunning.

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  "Yes, when one is about to die, it is a debut, as it will also be the first time for that!" These words belong to Wenche Foss, who was the grand diva of Norwegian theater and film in the post-war era. She was born in Oslo in 1917 and made her debut on the theater stage at just 18 years old. The reviews were stellar, and she went on to perform on stages throughout Oslo. In 1952, she played for the first time at the National Theater, before moving on to the Oslo New Theater. On the theater stage, she played everything from Mother Aase in "Peer Gynt" to Marilyn Monroe in "After the Fall". She handled everything from operettas, melodramatic theater, and comedies. She also had success on the big screen in several films. Theater and film no doubt shaped her life, but Wenche Foss is also remembered for her passionate commitment to the disadvantaged, as well as her effervescent humor. In 2011, she said goodbye to this world, and who knows, perhaps she is playing major roles where she is now.

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• The Norwegian Parliament (Pass by)

  In 1856, it was decided by 59 votes to 47 that the parliament building should be erected according to the drawings of the Swedish architect Emil Victor Langlet. The new parliament building was opened in the spring of 1866 and was to be a symbol of independence and freedom. In Norway's art history from 1981, we can read among other things that: "Langlet merged a multitude of different elements into an untraditional, new piece of architecture, where functional considerations played a decisive role... The Lombardic-Romanesque style that Langlet used was new and revolutionary. This was also because the building as a whole had no known model. The Parliament was to be the central building of the new Norwegian state, and be a symbol of independence and freedom from the past and traditions." If you would like to feel close to the power, there is usually a free summer tour of the parliament building, from mid-June to the end of August.

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Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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