Beautiful Oslo was named as ‘Europe’s Green Capital.’ As Norway’s largest city, it is a cosmopolitan hub with an abundance of world-class architecture, museums, restaurants and shopping. Oslo buzzes with energy, from its new neighborhoods to its cutting-edge food, fashion, art scene and famous museums. The Oslo Opera House is a magnificent architectural wonder, resembling a massive iceberg, while Frognerparken showcases the work of Norway's best-loved sculptor, Gustav Vigeland, in an open-air setting. The Astrup Fearnley Modern Art Museum is an exemplar of Oslo’s modern metropolitan atmosphere. Yet the city maintains a refreshing closeness to nature that few other capital cities can match.
Founded in 1049 by King Harold Sigurdsson, Olso celebrates its long-standing traditional Norse heritage. Those with an interest in its history may discover the sprawling castle-fortress of Akershus Slott, strategically built along the shores of the fjord in 1299 by King Håkon V, or explore Vikingskipshuset with its preserved Viking long-ships dating from the year 1100.