The Top 10 Things To Do and See in Kvadraturen, Oslo
As the capital of Norway, Oslo has a history and cultural environment that are both rich and multi-faceted. Kvadraturen, the downtown district of the city, is a place where these come to life through countless old buildings, diverse museums and unexpected surprises waiting to be discovered. Let’s take a look…
1. National Museum of Contemporary Art
Art Gallery, Museum, Building
2. Akershus Fortress
Museum
Akershus Fortress
Overlooking the Oslo Fjord, this castle is one of the most memorable sights in the city. Built in the 1300s, Akershus Fortress represents over 700 years of history. Visitors can hike around the outside of the castle and enjoy rich scenery all around, while discovering historic cannons and other remnants of the past. For a small fee, head inside the castle itself, which was converted into a renaissance-styled royal residence. Because of the political history behind Akershus Fortress, this sight has become an icon for Norway and is really worth the visit. Akershus Fortress, Oslo, Norway, +47 23 09 39 17
3. National Museum of Architecture
Building, Museum
National Museum of Architecture
Visit a museum devoted to the historical and contemporary design of buildings. The National Museum of Architecture is a great place to learn about prominent Norwegian architects, including Christian Heinrich Grosch and Sverre Fehn, some of the most well-known architects of the 19th and 20th century. Both worked on erecting the building of the museum itself, which opened its doors in 2008. Delving into both the history of architecture and themes of present architecture, the museum offers interactive exhibits so that visitors can explore their own architectural abilities. National Museum of Architecture, Bankplassen 4, Oslo, Norway, +47 21 98 20 00
4. Norwegian Film Museum
Movie Theater
Christiania Torv
Christiania Torv is the very heart of Kvadraturen, with an epic fountain featuring a hand pointing down to the ground to mark the spot where the Danish-Norwegian King Christian IV decided to rebuild the town in the 1600s. Around this square, visitors will find an array of historic buildings that date back to the 17th century, including Oslo’s first town hall, which is now occupied by the restaurant Gamle Raadhus. Set about discovering not only the architecture of the area, but also the delicious restaurants that are within walking distance, along with the variety of shops available.
Galleries
Downtown Oslo is overflowing with art; at every turn, there is yet another museum to be found, another gallery waiting for exploration. Many of these galleries offer exceptional glimpses into the world of Norwegian art at its best. At Galleri Format, guests can look into purchasing small art objects that are distinctly Norwegian, while enjoying various exhibitions of art. On the other hand, the Mini Bottle Gallery is a one-of-a-kind institution that looks at over 53,000 miniature bottles containing anything from berries and nuts to mice, insects, and other – rather more horrifying – contents.
5. Oslo Cathedral
Building, Cathedral, Church, Opera House
Oslo Cathedral
With an original baroque interior, Oslo Cathedral dates back to the mid 1600s, when it was first consecrated. Outside, visitors crane their necks to catch a sight of the towering steeple. Walking around the church, the immense size of the building is simply impressive. Inside, the altar and organ are both adorned with original acanthus carvings, while the ceiling features beautiful paintings done by Hugo Lous Mohr during the 1900s. Notice the beautiful stained-glass windows, an addition contributed by Emanuel Vigeland. The cathedral is not just a place of history, it also currently serves as a public events space used by Norway’s royal family. Oslo Cathedral, Stortorvet, Oslo, Norway, +47 23 62 90 11
6. Oslo Opera House
Building, Opera House
Oslo Opera House
Along the harbor, take in the impressive view of Oslo’s Opera House, the home of Norway’s National Ballet and Opera. The building is a large, white complex that seems to almost rise up out of the water and offers visitors a chance to view Oslo from the lovely rooftop at any time of year. Expansive glass windows allow for a look inside, where one can see the interactions of musicians and ballerinas at practice. Tour the opera house or come in for a show in one of the three theaters this award-winning building has to offer. Oslo Opera House, Kirsten Flagstads Plass 1, Oslo, Norway, +47 21 42 21 00
Government Buildings
Kvadraturen is the home of many of Oslo’s political buildings, including both the Parliament and the City Hall. The Parliament is an intriguing building with a rounded front and carved stone lions that stand guardian over the entrance ways. Take a tour inside and discover where political decisions for the country happen in a beautiful interior. On a visit to Oslo’s City Hall, guests can take in artwork from the 20th century that details Norwegian history. City Hall is also the sight of public carillon concerts every Wednesday afternoon.
Parks
When visiting downtown Oslo, it is impossible not to stumble upon at least one or two parks that are perfect for a relaxing time enjoying the little bit of warm weather that comes to Norway in the summer. Each park has something different to offer, whether it is the rolling hill terrain of Kontraskjæret near Akershus Fortress, or the beautiful fountains of Spikersuppa and Grev Wedels Pass. Besides these, oodles of smaller parks exist – perfect for people watching between Oslo’s streets!By Michelle Schmid
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