Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2025 - Oslo, Norway

Oslo, the vibrant heart of Norway, boasts a history as rich and varied as its fjords and forests.  Its story begins in the Viking Age, where it emerged from the mists of time under the name Anslo.  Founded around 1048 by Harald Hadrada, this trading hub was born in the rugged landscapes and fierce spirit of Norse culture.  Archeological discoveries hint at an even earlier settlement, with Christian burials predating AD 1000 suggesting Oslo's roots stretch deeper than legend.

By 1070, Oslo rose to prominence as a diocese, becoming a spiritual beacon in Eastern Norway.  The city flourished around 1300 when it was crowned Norway's capital.  A mighty stone sentinel overlooking the fjord symbolized Oslo's growing stature and resilience.  However, tragedy struck in 1349 when the Black Death swept through, claiming half the population and leaving scars that lingered for centuries.

Oslo's fortunes waned further during the union with Denmark and Sweden in 1397, as Copenhagen overshadowed it as the union's capital.  Yet, Oslo endured, embodying a quiet strength.  In 1624, disaster struck again--a fire engulfed the city.  King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway rebuilt it closer to the Akershus Fortress, renaming it Christiania in his honor.  This marked a new chapter of prosperity driven by trade and shipbuilding.

The city regained its stats as Norway's capital in 1814 during its union with Sweden.  By the late 19th century, Christiania had outgrown Bergen to become Norway's largest city.  Its name shifted to Kristiania in 1877 before reverting to Oslo in 1925--a nod to its ancient origins.  Oslo expanded greatly in 1948 by merging with Aker municipality, creating the modern metropolis we know today.

The 20th century saw Oslo transform into a cultural and political hub.  It hosted the Winter Olympics in 1952 and became synonymous with peace through the Oslo Accords of 1993.  Despite challenges like World War II, occupation and modern terrorist attacks, Oslo has remained steadfast--a city of resilience and renewal.

We are fortunate to have two full days here so here's how we spent day 1 in this spectacular city:

Day 1 Tour:  Best of Oslo

Our first stop of the day was a walking tour through one of Oslo's most iconic tourist sites.  Vigeland Park is a mesmerizing open-air gallery where over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland comes alive among lush greenery.  This sprawling park, the largest sculpture park created by a single artist, is a vivid celebration of the human experience, capturing the raw essence of life from birth to death.

As we strolled along the central boulevard. we were greeted by 58 bronze sculptures (including the famous Angry Boy), each frozen in a moment of intimate human emotion--playful children, tender lovers, and wise elders.  The park's centerpiece, the Monolith, towers almost 56 feet, carved from a single granite block and depicting 121 intertwined human figures symbolizing humanity's eternal struggle and unity.  Nearby, the Fountain enchanted us with six giant figures bearing a massive basin, surrounded by sculpted trees that narrate the cycle of life, from infancy to the final breath.

The park's atmosphere was both surreal and profoundly moving, blending Vigeland's monumental sculptures with the serene natural surroundings.  The interplay of bronze granite, and wrought iron against the vibrant greens and seasonal colors create a living tapestry of emotion and artistry.  The park was not just a place to see art but to feel it--a journey through the labyrinth of human existence, encouraging reflection and awe. Our visit was like stepping into a world where stone and metal pulsed with life, and was a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of Oslo.  

After completing our walk through Vigeland Park we re-boarded the bus and drove to the very exciting Holmenkollen ski jump! This ski jump is a soaring masterpiece of winter sport and architectural brilliance.  Rising 190 feet into the crisp Nordic sky, its sleek stainless steel mesh gleams like a silver arrow pointing skyward, with a dramatic 226 cantilever that is the longest of its kind.  This iconic structure, nestled during winter in the snowy embrace of Holmenkollen, has been thrilling spectators since 1892, hosting legendary competitions including the 1952 Winter Olympics.

As athletes launch themselves into the air, the jump becomes a stage of breathtaking flight, framed by panoramic views of Oslo and the shimmering fjord below.  The design unites function and elegance, and has an area underneath the giant curve to house judges, VIP's, and fans.  Holmenkollen is not just a sky jump--it's a shimmering beacon of sport, history, and exhilarating human daring against a backdrop of pristine nature. After we had the opportunity to walk through the site and do a bit of shopping, it was time to re-board the bus and drive to our last stop of the day.

After a short drive. we arrived at the Oslo Open Air Norwegian Folk Museum, which is a vibrant tapestry of Norway's rich cultural heritage.  The museum is nestled in the lush greenery of Bygdoy, Oslo.  This enchanting museum showcases 160 historic buildings, from rustic farmsteads and charming cottages to the magnificent Gol Stave Church dating back to the 1200s.  As we wandered through its cobblestone streets and picturesque villages, we stepped into a living history, where traditional crafts, folk dancing, and national costumes brought the past vividly to life.  

The museum's diverse collection spans from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, offering an immersive journey through Norway's rural and urban life.  Hands-on activities, like attempting to ride handmade wooden pogo sticks, animated the museum. making it a dynamic celebration of Norwegian traditions and creativity.  Our visit to this authentic museum allowed us to experience a colorful, sensory voyage through time, deepening our connection to Norway's enduring cultural spirit.

After exploring the museum, we re-boarded our bus and drove back to the pier.  We were very fortunate to have beautiful, sunny weather for our visit today, although it was quite brisk at about 56 degrees. However, it was a great temperature for walking up and down hills as we explored the various venues!  Tomorrow we will visit a few of the most visited museums in the city.

Tour, Day 2:  Viking Explorers

We had another beautiful day for our tour.  The skies were bright and sunny.  However, the temperatures were COLD!!!  I was absolutely freezing the entire time we were outside.  As soon as our tour was finished I scurried back to the ship, ordered coffee, and then covered up and took a nap!!! However, in spite of the chilly temperatures our tour was interesting and worth spending some time in the cold!

Our first stop was at the fascinating Fram Museum, a dazzling portal to the icy frontiers of human courage and exploration.  Nestled on the scenic Bygdoy peninsula, this museum allowed us to step aboard the legendary polar ship Fram, the vessel that braved the harsh Arctic and Antarctic conditions.  The Fram is renowned as the strongest wooden ship ever built.  This magnificent vessel boldly ventured into the  treacherous Arctic and Antarctic waters, enduring crushing ice and freezing temperatures that would have daunted even the hardiest explorers.  The museum attempted to create an atmosphere that shed light on the conditions endured on the voyages of this famous ship, including the frozen winds and crackling ice that whispered tales of daring expeditions. 

The museum's main exhibition unfolds the epic journeys of three great Fram expeditions, brought vividly to life through engaging displays and a breathtaking 270-degree panoramic film projected on the ceiling, complete with a thrilling 90-second storm sequence that immersed us in the raw power of the polar seas. The museum doesn't just celebrate past glories. It's a vibrant hub of history, adventure and environmental awareness.  It offers a captivating voyage into the heart of the polar explorations of this incredible ship. 

Once we completed our time at the Fram Museum, we walked across the way to the Kon-Tiki Museum, which is a vibrant tribute to the daring spirit of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl.  Nestled on the scenic Bygdoy peninsula, we found the museum to be captivating, with the original Kon-Tiki raft that bravely crossed the vast Pacific Ocean in 1947.  This fragile balsa wood vessel defied the ocean's mighty expanse by completing its harrowing journey.  

The museum's sleek 1957 building houses not only this legendary raft but also the reed boat Ra II and fascinating artifacts from Heyerdahl's other epic voyages, including explorations to the mysterious Easter Island and the Galapagos.  Beneath the Kon-Tiki, an underwater display revealed a model of the majestic whale shark encountered during the journey.  The museum's rich exhibitions, complemented by a cozy cinema screening the Oscar-winning Kon-Tiki film, allowed us to sail through history and science.  This colorful sanctuary of exploration pulses with the adventurous heartbeat of a man who dared to challenge the unknown.

Once we had explored this fascinating museum we re-boarded our bus and drove to the Viking Planet Digital Museum.  The Viking Planet is a dazzling gateway to the Viking age, where history burst into life through cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling.  Nestled in the heart of Oslo, this 1600 square meter digital museum invited us to step back over a thousand years and sail alongside fierce Norse warriors on the roaring seas of ancient Norway.

At the museum, we had the opportunity not simply to view history, but to also experience it.  The award-winning virtual reality film "The Ambush" plunged us into a gripping Viking raid on Norway's western coast, with hyper-realistic visual and synchronized motion seats that made us feel the thunder of the longship beneath us.  We were surrounded by a 270-degree cinema which painted breathtaking scenes of Norway's rugged landscapes and daily Viking life, while life-sized holograms brought legendary figures and common folk alike into vivid focus.

Interactive 3D exhibits and touchscreens revealed the secrets of Viking craftsmanship, mythology, and society making learning a fun adventure for all of us.  The museum was a pleasant surprise and fused ancient lore with futuristic technology which created a vibrant tapestry of Norse heritage that was both captivating and educational.  This museum has found a way to present history as re-imagined--bold, vivid and unforgettable!

Once we completed our tour of this fascinating and exciting museum, we re-boarded our bus and were treated to a panoramic tour of downtown Oslo, the Royal Opera, Royal Palace, the City Hall, and the Nobel Peace Center, followed by a return to the pier to embark our ship.  We have enjoyed another lovely, but very chilly day, in this spectacular city.

Today, Oslo is a tapestry woven from centuries of triumphs and trials.  Its skyline blends medieval fortresses with sleek modern architecture like the Opera House.  Its streets echo with history while embracing innovation--a testament to a city that has weathered storms yet continues to shine brightly on Norway's map.

Oslo shines with vibrant hues, its streets pulsating with life.  Festivals unfold and electric guitar riffs echo through the air.  The city's canvas is painted with art exhibitions and concerts, blending history and modernity in a kaleidoscope of culture and entertainment. We have great memories of visiting this exciting city when our children were young, and our visit to Vigeland Park.  We wondered why the boys were walking through the park, which was a long distance, without complaining.  After a while, we noticed that many of the young ladies lying on the grass were topless!!! No wonder they were quiet!  It has provided a good laugh for our family for many years.  So, after a lovely visit to this exciting city it's now time for us to move on, inching toward New York City, and the end of our world cruise.  However, we still have some exciting ports left with the next one being Bergen, Norway, which is the entrance to the spectacular Norwegian fjords.