Even
though we rushed to catch our overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway (COPENHAGEN PART 2 & COPENHAGEN PART 1), we ended up
arriving even earlier than expected. Was there anything special about cruising
to Oslo? Not really. After a quick half-hour stroll around the ship, I felt
like I had seen it all. If gambling is your thing, the casino is there for you,
but cruising just isn't my cup of tea. Dinner on board, however, was a delight,
with a wide variety of options for those who love to indulge. After dinner, I
retreated to my cabin, took a refreshing shower, and gazed out at the dark,
mysterious sea before calling it a night. The next morning greeted us with another
fantastic buffet breakfast as the ship sailed on. When we finally docked in
Oslo, our adventure began with a visit to the historic Akerhus Fortress.
Perched on a hill in the heart of Oslo, Akershus Fortress is surrounded by
breathtaking natural beauty. This impressive stone structure, dating back to
1290, was originally built to protect the city. Once a formidable prison, it
has since evolved into a venue for official events and functions.
As we strolled through the guard-protected
grounds, the dazzling rose garden caught our eye. Our leisurely walk, alongside
other tourists, was a delightful way to start the morning. It felt like
stepping back in time, wandering through a well-preserved piece of history. Unfortunately,
our schedule didn't allow for a visit to the Armed Forces Museum located within
the fortress grounds. It's a spot you can't miss as you exit, and it certainly
warrants a visit if you have the time.
From Akershus Fortress, we made our way to Frogner Park, an absolute marvel.
Spanning a vast area, the park is all about walking, attracting hundreds of
visitors from all walks of life, mainly Westerners. Stepping into Frogner Park
felt like traveling back to the time of Adam and Eve, with its myriad of nude
human sculptures. The park is often likened to another version of the Kama
Sutra, with stone sculptures depicting people of all ages and sizes, lining
both sides of the path from the bridge inward.
This park isn't just the largest in
central Oslo; it's also the world's largest sculpture park created by a single
artist. The stone sculptures, culminating in a towering structure of
intertwined human figures, challenge you to broaden your mind and embrace the
raw, unclothed beauty of the human form. Towards the end of our visit, we spent
about half an hour at an open auditorium-like platform, admiring more unique
sculptures.
Afterward, we headed for lunch near the Nobel Peace Center. I couldn't fathom why my travel buddies lacked enthusiasm for visiting the
Nobel Peace Center, not even from the outside. Naturally, I had to see it. It
marked a proud moment for my travel blog, encapsulating a place synonymous with
honoring those who've contributed to society's betterment in myriad ways.
Upon turning around, my fellow travelers
were already indulging at a Chinese restaurant. The cuisine was exquisite, and
after three days devoid of rice, I felt rejuvenated savoring the flavorful
dishes. Rice, how I've yearned for you! Following a gratifying meal, we devoted
another 20 minutes to exploring a nearby shop before making our way to the
Viking Ship Museum.
The museum boasts the world's
finest-preserved Viking ships and artifacts from tombs around the Oslo Fjord,
including the Gokstad, Oseberg, and Tune ships. Alongside, we marveled at
smaller vessels, sledges, carts, tools, textiles, and household items. It
proved an enlightening expedition. Do note, however, that photography is
restricted in most sections, a lesson I learned with a gentle reminder.
Our subsequent sightseeing led us to the
Kon-Tiki Museum. Who could forget the Oscar-winning Kon-Tiki documentary? The
museum masterfully unfolds tales of sea survival, showcasing artifacts,
vessels, and Nordic history. With less than an hour spent, we crossed the road
to relish a breathtaking sea view.
Our time in Oslo drew to a close with a
satisfying dinner before retiring to the hotel, eagerly anticipating more
sightseeing adventures in Norway.
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