Oslo Highlights and Vigeland Park

We had been advised that the sail into Oslo would provide sweeping scenic views, so Tim and I made it a point to be on deck. We spotted the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, a stunning new landmark designed by Renzo Piano, as well as the historic Akershus Fortress below which we would dock. This was the first time I had watched the actual docking operations, and it was quite an impressive sight.

Sailing into Oslo

Tim and I had signed up for the included Oslo Highlights and Vigeland Park tour, and we set out at 8:30 am. We drove through downtown Oslo on our way to Vigeland Park, arriving when we had the park almost entirely to ourselves. Vigeland Park is the world’s largest sculpture park designed by a single artist and is one of Norway’s’ more popular tourist destinations. It’s also an incredible green space.

The park is the life work of Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland and includes nearly 200 statue groupings in granite, bronze, and wrought iron. There are 600 figures in all, each one unique and nude. Vigeland’s work is realistic and is intended to represent the cycle of human life and all its emotions.

Our guide pointed out the major highlights, as well as some of the harder-to-find sculptures, like the Angry Baby, and then allowed us to wander on our own. The number of sculptures was almost overwhelming to take in, and I found myself spending some time simply enjoying the gardens and lovely spring flowers.

Our First View of Vigeland Park and the Monolith

Looking Towards the Fountain and the Bridge

The Fountain and the Bridge Beyond It

Granite Sculptures

Bronze Sculptures

Was Tim an Angry Baby?

Beautiful Spring Flowers

We reboarded our bus and headed out-of-town to the district of Holmenkollen, home to the world-famous ski jump set atop the most prominent hill in the city. This impressive structure dates to 1892, although it has been rebuilt 19 times, and was the venue for ski jumping in the 1952 Olympics.

The ski jump was indeed impressive, and the views were good, but I wish we’d spent way less time there and more touring the city.

Holmenkollen Ski Jump