PORTS OF CALL - Europe
Oslo, Norway
Oslo is the oldest of the Scandinavian capital cities with a varied collection of cultural attractions and natural wonders. Situated at the head of a 60-mile fjord on the southern coast, Oslo is beautifully framed by a vast expense of woods, moors and lakes. Today, Norway's capital is a blend of 19th and 20th-century architectural styles. Woodcarvings and colorful frescoes decorate the city's buildings, and the parks and public squares are resplendent with unique works of sculpture.
Don't Miss
For a spectacular view of the city and the fjord, visit Akershus Castle. Sitting on a cliff, this fortress was originally built in 1300. The present structure dates mainly from the 17th century and features quaint buildings and beautiful grounds.
Fun Things to Do
- Experience the sites, history and art of Oslo as you travel through the beautiful scenic countryside to Hadeland, where you can discover the art of Hadeland Glassworks.
- Visit the Royal Palace, current residence of the Royal Family.
- Take the winding road of Holmenkollen Hill where you'll see charming residences and impressive views. At the top, you'll see the world-famous ski-jumping area Hollmenkollen, built for the 1952 Olympics.
- Visit the Viking Ship Museum and see the incredible artisanship of all the beautiful Viking long ships.
Local Flavours
Får i Kål is a traditional dish here, a stew of lamb and cabbage. Kjottkaker (meatcakes) are also quite common, served with sauerkraut flavored with caraway. Reindeer appears on many menus, particularly further north. It's similar to beef, but a richer, slightly sweet-flavored meat. The Norwegians are also partial to wild berries. Two varieties native to the area are lingonberries, similar to cranberries, and cloudberries, which are like orange-colored raspberries, only they are a little crunchy and have a sharper taste.
Currency
The unit of currency in Norway is the Krone (NOK). Major credit cards are also widely accepted and often offer a good exchange rate.