Wrapped in
natural beauty, Oslo, sitting at the head of the Oslo Fjord, bristles with
drama. Norway’s capital city is not only encircled by hills and forests, it is
brimming with world-class museums, and galleries. With the ambience of a village
and the sophistication of a cosmopolitan metropolis, Oslo is an intoxicating
mix of bucolic and culture.
Arriving on
the Saga Sapphire, Oslo was the first
port of call on my seven-day Nordic Delights Cruise (http://allabouthairuk.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/destination-norway.html). When time is of the essence you
want to ensure that you make the most of your few hours in port.
This is a
city which is easy to get around. A walk along the harbour taking in the ships
had me hooked from
the moment I first went ashore.
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The city of Oslo and
the Opera House
Nancy Bundt - Visitnorway.com
© Innovation Norway
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One of the stars of the show is the architectural masterpiece that is the Opera House, designed with a white sloping marble roof. Passing the Nobel Peace Centre, I headed up to the royal palace and on to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, home to over 200 of Gustav Vigeland sculptures. If you like modern art you will want to go to the National Gallery to see a version of Edward Munch’s The Scream.
During the
middle of the 19th century, Norway and Sweden were one kingdom,
ruled by Karl Johan, after whom
the main street of Oslo is named. The country separated from Sweden in 1905. The now capital of Norway,
after being called Christiania which was later spelled Kristiania, in
1925, reverted back to Oslo, the name of the original Medieval town.
I made the most of a Saturday
afternoon stroll, window shopping and mingling with the good looking and
friendly locals while taking in the scenery.
It was
almost time to head back to the ship, but I did manage to fit in a quick trip
to the Akershus Fortress built cica 1299. The Norwegian Resistance Museum is
also here.
I
would have liked to have visited the Viking Ships Museum and the nearby Kon
Tiki Museum, where the original Kon Tiki raft, vessels and artefacts from the
explorer Thor Heyerdahl’s expeditions are on show. A good enough reason
to go back.
By Daralyn
Danns
Getting
there
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| Saga Sapphire |
Saga
Sapphire has a similar cruise departing Dover June 23 2016 http://travel.saga.co.uk/ocean-cruises/where-we-cruise/norway-and-scandinavia/the-fabulous-fjords-2016.aspx
prices from £1,663pp for 7 nights (Including optional travel insurance or a discount of £40, if not required)
Price includes:
All meals on board, including 24-hour room service
prices from £1,663pp for 7 nights (Including optional travel insurance or a discount of £40, if not required)
Price includes:
All meals on board, including 24-hour room service
- A choice of table wines at lunch and dinner
- All on-board gratuities
- Entertainment and activities
- Welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner
- Optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount if not required
- All port taxes and visas
- UK mainland travel service to and from Dover
Ports of
call include:
Stavanger, Norway
Flåm, Norway
Olden, Norway
Bergen, Norway
To book visit saga.co.uk/cruises or call 0800 50 50 30
Stavanger, Norway
Flåm, Norway
Olden, Norway
Bergen, Norway
To book visit saga.co.uk/cruises or call 0800 50 50 30
