Oslo is one of the most popular ports of call on a Baltic or Scandinavian cruise. To reach the city the ship sails up Oslofjord, allowing you to view the stunning scenery as you journey closer to the city. From where the ships dock it is a very short walk to the centre of the city.
One of the first things you’ll see upon docking in Oslo is the Akershus Castle which sits imposingly above the harbour, protecting the city from invasions. You can walk around the grounds of the castle (which are free to enter) and even visit the interior for a small charge.
The Oslo Opera House
Most of the attractions in Oslo are within walking distance of each other, which is great for saving money in one of the most expensive cities in the world. When you disembark the ship you will most likely be given a map of the city which will help you navigate your way around.
The Oslo Opera House is one of the main attractions of the city. It is an incredibly modern building which sits imposingly at the edge of Oslofjord. The building won the prestigious EU prize for contemporary architecture in 2009 and is designed to look like a ship.
You can walk up the sides of the opera house to the top where you can enjoy panoramic views of Oslo. The Opera House is open to the public, and entry is free.
The interior is super modern, clean and an interesting space to explore. Here there is a changing of the guard every day at 1.30 in the afternoon.
The Royal Palace
Another great attraction in the city is The Royal Palace, the home of Norway’s royal family. It dates back to 1849 and sits at the top of Oslo’s main street Karl Johans Gate. The Royal Palace sits within Palace Park, some nice gardens which are perfect to walk around in summer when the weather is nice.
The Nobel Peace Centre is also a popular attraction in Oslo. The centre has both permanent and temporary exhibits and it’s the perfect place to learn more about some of the world’s greatest peace activists.
The Viking Ship Museum is a great place to view well preserved Viking Ships from the days where they used to sail them across the North Sea to the UK. It is truly fascinating to see these ships and see how exposed to the elements the sailors must have been on such a journey.
Thanks Emma