Celebrate National Day in Oslo, Norway
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Author: Aramco ExPats
Released 10 March 2008
The capital city of Oslo is the first stop on the Aramco ExPats Travel Club’s Norwegian Splendor tour this May. It was founded approximately one thousand years ago and is the largest city in Norway. About half of the population of Norway lives with 120 kilometers of downtown Oslo and it continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, with an annual growth rates exceeding 10,000.
National Day in Oslo, and across Norway, features parades with children carrying banners and flags.
Oslo rests on the northern arc of the Oslofjord, a U-shaped bay that is 17 kilometers long. On the other three sides, it is surrounded by forested hills and mountains, providing a surprisingly rural landscape for this sprawling, urban center. The unique locale helped thwart Norwegian resistance to the 1940 German invasion; the Oscarsborg fortress on two small islands near Drøbak was able to sink a German cruiser, giving the Royal Family, parliament, and cabinet, along with the nation’s gold reserve, enough time to evacuate the capital safely.
Through a lucky coincidence, we will enjoy our tour of the city while the locals celebrate another historical achievement in Norwegian history; May 17th is National Day of Norway, when the Norwegians were granted their independence from Sweden with the signing of the constitution in 1814. The celebration includes a children’s parade past the Royal Palace, where the Royal Family will exchange waves and greetings with the celebrants. As with any good celebration, the festivities also include singing the national anthem, marching band music, wearing the colors of the flag (red, white, and blue), celebratory speeches, and treats to buy from street vendors.
The longship is a cultural icon for the significance of Vikings in Norwegian history.
A highlight of our day’s tour will include a visit to the Viking Ship Museum. The Vikings played a significant role in Scandinavian history from 700 to 1100 CE, trading and exploring throughout Europe, as well as in the Middle East and across the Atlantic. The Viking Age came to an end when the royal authority in Scandinavia asserted their rule and established Christianity as the dominant religion; as the Norwegians and other Scandinavians converted, the Vikings and their Norse paganism became obsolete. But the influence of the Vikings— both historically and linguistically—is still appreciated by the rest of the world, as we’ll discover at this museum honoring their seafaring prowess and culture.
We’ll also take in the 212 bronze and granite sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland in Frogner Park. Vigeland (1869-1943) was a Norwegian sculptor. During his years abroad, he spent time in France with Auguste Rodin (most noted for his work, "The Thinker") and experimented in the Renaissance style while in Italy. These influences developed Vigeland's interest in the themes of death and human relationships, which are evident in many of the park's sculptures. This area of Frogner Park is especially popular for picnicking, sunbathing, and games during the summer months.
Vigeland's "The Monolith," over 46 feet high, towers over Frogner Park.
During our free afternoon of exploration in Oslo, you might want to check out the shopping in various sections of town. Bygdøy allé near Frogner Park features many small independent boutiques. And Grünerløkka offers unique handicrafts, clothes, and pottery by some of the up-and-coming designers n Norway. There are also plenty of larger department stores to browse in near the City Centre.
Oslo also features a variety of restaurants and eateries that will appeal to every palate and pocketbook. Whether you’re looking for a gourmet meal (try Restaurant Bagatelle for epicurean French cuisine with traditional Norwegian ingredients) or light tapas in the afternoon (Salong No. 10 Café & Bar), there is something for everyone to enjoy in Oslo.
And if you still have any energy after our exploration of Oslo, the Bristol Lounge is a popular piano and dance bar, with a classical style that appeals to a more mature crowd. And although it’s small, Bar Boca boasts “the best Mojito” in town and offers a fun, swinging 60s vibe. You can find out about these restaurants and other attractions in Oslo at VisitOSLO.
Ready to explore the land of the Vikings with the Aramco ExPats Travel Club? Click here to find out more about signing-up for the Norwegian Splendor Tour.