Holmenkollen Ski Jump Oslo

Our trip to Oslo, Norway in April was a busy 5 days and we managed to see lots of the city and the surrounding area. We took a train up to the Holmenkollen ski jump which opened in March 2010 it towers above Oslo and it boasts the name of the world´s most modern ski jump and

It also houses the ski museum which we did not visit, it is quite impressive to see it and imagine someone jumping off it! Of course I think it would be much more impressive covered in snow, completely busy and some ski jumping going on!

Anyway it also offers some amazing views of the Oslo fjords and while we were up there, we stopped at the Frognerseteren restaurant and had some wine. We were still able to sit outside albeit with our coats still on. Alessio amused himself playing on the grass.

Norwegian Folk Museum!

While in Oslo during April we visited the Norwegian Folk museum, a short journey out of the city. We always seem to visit these types of open air museums, last year in Denmark, then in Bavaria too. I guess they are perfect for children and you get to learn some history too.

It shows how people in Norway lived from 1500 to present day, it was a fun place to see. You are able to see houses from different regions of Norway and in different time periods. We liked to see the different types of houses and their colours. We stayed most of day, there is really lots to see and there is an indoor exhibition too.

Definitely worth a visit in you happen to be the Oslo!

Oslo Opera House

One of the many landmarks we visited while in Oslo, was the Oslo Opera which had to be one of my favorite buildings. Situated at the head of the Oslofjord, this marble and glass building is very interesting. I liked how you are able to walk up the slope to the roof and get some lovely views. Built in 2008 it has become a big draw to both locals and tourists, it was designed by a Norwegian firm Snohetta.

The opera has won many award both in Norway and abroad, one of the many was the International Architecture Award 2010. After walking around had a coffee sitting outside on the terrace. It was a wonderful sunny and we enjoyed sitting down with the great view. Inside too is lovely, very light and airy feel to the place. I am sure going to a production here would be quite amazing.

Another Sunset!

Whenever possible I like to take photos of sunsets and these were taken in Oslo from my hotel window. We were on the highest floor so I just stuck my head out the window see to the view and suddenly saw this, quickly got my camera and the rest is history. I was going for a photo of the week but could not decide which one to use so decided to use all three.

Well is it nearly the weekend, which is always good!!

Vigeland Park Oslo

Back to Oslo and a visit to the amazing Vigeland Park, it is the world`s largest sculpture park made by  a single artist. The artist Gustav Vigeland was born in Southern Norway in 1869, the park was completed between the years 1939 and 1949.

Once we had had a bit to eat and Alessio got some time to play at the great play area for kids, we began our exploration of the statues. The park itself and its layout is beautiful, it did remind me of some of the parks in Paris. Going over the bridge there are loads of statues and we all had fun choosing the one we liked the best. For me it was the one with the man and the four babies hanging on him and it looks like he is trying to get them off him.

We then walked up the steps to the very amazing Monolith on the highest point in the park, it is 17.3m high and has 121 figures. It took 3 stonemasons 14 years to carve the Monolith.

The last photo shows the impressive view from the top looking down at the gardens and the fountain of the park. There was still lots more to see but by then we decided to head back into the centre and to our hotel.

Oslo Words

And another month is nearly over, this year is passing by so fast! Time for another post and it is from Oslo. The five days we spent in Oslo, we got to see quite a lot of places and my favorite place was the Opera house. That will be another post though.

The last two photos are from the Norwegian Folk Museum, it was located in a lovely area. It was a very interesting museum and Alessio had a good time.

This week I will be going to Istanbul for the first time and am very excited about it. In fact I cannot wait!!