Oslo: A City on the Rise

Norway’s most recent claim to fame? Serving as the natural and cultural inspiration for the hit Disney movie, “Frozen.” Cruisers can experience the country’s magic with a port call in its capital city, Oslo, where breathtaking scenery and increasingly diverse entertainment options make for a charming and unique taste of Scandinavia.

Take it Outside
Perched at the base of the Oslo Fjord, Norway’s capital city has no shortage of breathtaking natural scenery, extending up the mountains that surround it. All this beauty makes Oslo a superb destination for outdoor activities, with more than 1,500 miles of hiking and skiing trails inside the city limits. The ski jump at Holmenkollen is a particularly popular attraction, with activities both on and off skis. Another great option is a cruise along the fjords, where peaceful bays and small islands are interspersed with colorful homes and city sights.

Local Culture
As far as cultural and entertainment options go, there’s no shortage in Oslo. Visit the Nobel Peace Center where stories of famous figures are told in high-tech fashion. Nobel history is also on tap at City Hall, the location of the annual Peace Prize ceremonies. Over in the Medieval Quarter, travelers will find relics from Norway’s historic past, while the beautiful Oslo Opera House near the waterfront offers a glimpse of something more modern.

Oslo’s many museums offer yet another draw, ranging from the fascinating Kon-Tiki Museum – which houses the raft Thor Heyerdahl used to sail from Peru to Polynesia – to the Viking Ship Museum, where ancient displays date back to 800 AD. The Fram Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum offer further interesting insight into maritime history. For art lovers, the Munch Museum, the National Gallery, and the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art all have exciting treasures, while the Vigeland Sculpture Park has nearly 200 statues by Gustav Vigeland.

Eats and Treats
Sweden may be best known for the heavy buffet tradition of smorgasbords, but they are part of Norwegian tradition as well, and De Fem Stuer is one of the best. At Spisestedet Feinschmecker, one of the most popular restaurants in the city, diners will enjoy modern Norwegian fare with French influence. Over 1,000 years old, the art-nouveau Theatercafeen offers Norwegian food in a Viennese atmosphere.

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