Top Things to See
 Oslo boasts a number of attractions which will keep you busy for days. If you are bored of lazing in the sun and want to learn a bit more about Norway’s turbulent history, a trip to Askershus Castle is recommended, while for budding dramatists, a trip to the Ibsen Museum is a must. Stop off at Aker Brygge for lunch before heading to Markveien for shopping. You may be in need of some relaxation time after a busy day’s sightseeing, and Birkelunden Park is the ideal place to sit and watch the world go by.
 Aker Brygge
This area was once home to an unused shipbuilding yard and was in fast decline when a redevelopment programme gave the area a facelift, with a number of residential townhouses and numerous shops and restaurants being renovated. Today, the area is home to over 40 restaurants and 60 shops as well as pubs, theatres, cinemas and an indoor shopping centre. It has been transformed into a very trendy area and is a great place to meet for lunch or dinner. Phone: +47 22 83 26 80.
 Askershus Castle and Fortress
This stone-built medieval castle and once-royal residence dates back to 1299, although by 1592, it had been developed into a fortress protected by cannons. It managed to hold off a number of attempted sieges before being abandoned and left to fall into decline. Restoration work finally began in 1899 and today, guided tours are given around the grounds and some of the most important rooms. The castle is home to free summer concerts most evenings in August. Phone: +47 22 41 25 21.
 Birkelunden Park
This lush green expanse lies at the heart of Grunerlokka and plays host to a number of concerts, fairs and markets throughout the summer months. It is also a popular place for sunbathers and a great place to meet up with friends. The square and fountain in the centre of the park were built in the late 19th century.
 Holmenkollbakken
This is Oslo’s famed ski jump and is a distinctive part of the skyline. It was originally built in 1892, but was improved for the 1952 Winter Olympics and is still popular with international competitions, attracting over one million visitors every year. It is possible to take the ski lift up to the top to have a look at the view the skiers have before they take off. At the base of the jump, you will find a statue of King Olav V on skis. This statue marks the entrance to the oldest ski museum in the world, which boasts an interactive exhibition as well as displays of some of the earliest skis and competition-winning equipment. Phone: +47 22 92 32 00; website: www.skiforeningen.no.
 Ibsen Museum
Norwegian’s most famous playwright, Henrik Ibsen, spent his final years in this apartment-come-museum. He died in 1906 and the years leading up to his death saw little change in his daily routine. His study gives a fascinating insight into his life and beliefs and is characterised by enormous portraits of himself and his Swedish rival, August Strindberg, facing each other. On his desk you will find a collection of frogs and trolls which inspired him. He called these figures his ‘devil’s orchestra’. There are guided tours available by Ibsen enthusiasts who will take you will lead you to the museum’s exhibition after the tour where you will get to see a number of Ibsen’s paintings and his first magazine writings. Phone: +47 22 12 35 50; website: www.ibsenmuseet.no.
 Markveien
This street boasts a number of galleries and gift stores which are ideal for those looking to buy some souvenirs. Galleries include: Galleri Markveien, which displays the work of Tone Granberg, who is famous for using the same abstract design in every one of her paintings. Lene Middelthon can be found next door, who is a glassblower producing a distinctly Scandinavian array of glassworks. Popular shopping outlets include Panda, selling Asian silk and furniture; Ceramo Sculpture Gallery, selling a number of African artefacts, and Den Kule Mage, the ideal shop for mother’s-to-be. This unique outlet features Norway’s only baby café which has been decorated as a nursery but offers a lot more than just baby food. You can sample some local delights here such as Norwegian quail or crab.
 Minneparken
Oslo was first founded by a Viking by the name of Harald Hardrade in 1048, and the earliest settlements were formed at what is today known as Bispegata. It is still possible to see a number of ruins dating from the former religious centre such as a number of old churches and a monastery.
 Royal Palace
The neoclassical palace was built in 1848 and is open to the public throughout the summer for guided tours. A statue of Karl Johan, King of Sweden and Norway from 1818 to 1844, can be found in the square at the front of the palace. Phone: +47 22 04 89 52; website: www.kongehuset.no.
Top Things to Do
Go to the theatre and watch one of a number of performances. You will find a live concerts, plays and operas in both Norwegian and English. The most important theatre in the city is the National Theatre, although plays performed here are usually in Norwegian. For English language plays, head to Black Box, Oslo Nye or Nordic Black Theatre.
 Shop until you drop. Oslo is home to a number of excellent shopping districts and markets, especially in the summer months. Norwegians take fashion very seriously and a number of high-end boutiques can be found in the centre. For souvenirs, head to Markveien and for jewellery or local handicrafts, try one of the countless weekend markets.
 Take a trip to the harbour and enjoy a bag of freshly steamed shrimp. These are local delicacies and it is easy to see why. On a cold winter’s day, they will warm you up and see you through until lunch or dinner.
 Wave your flag and join in Oslo’s Norwegian National Day celebrations. Held every year on 17 May, you will be joined by tens of thousands of people showing their pride and love of their home country. It is a great time to be in the city and a memorable experience.
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