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Norway has been rated as one of the best cities to live in. This Nordic capital city is also Europe’s fastest-growing capital  – skyscrapers are popping up everywhere and its population is growing. The number of residents is expected to rise from 624,000 in 2013 to 832,000 in the 2040s, according to Statistics Norway. This is in part due to rising birth rates and a longer life expectancy, as well as increased immigration (especially from Poland, Latvia and southern Europe’s troubled economies).[1]

When I visited Oslo in 2010, I landed at the DNB airport which is about 40 minutes away from the city. On my way from the airport into the city, I had a feeling that I was back home in Canada. The pine trees, hilly terrain and extensive unpopulated areas brought me back into the northern landscape of North America. Oslo is not a small city, but it emits a calm atmosphere. People are nice, yet reserved. You will see many families on weekends biking or walking together in parks and others parts of town. There are a few things to see in and around the city and here are some of them:

Things to do in Oslo:

1. Vigeland Park – This park houses the marvelous sculptures made by Gustav Vigeland. He made over 200 of them to be displayed here and he also designed the layout of the grounds.

2. Fram Polar Ship Museum – This museum houses the world’s most famous polar exploring vessel, the Fram. It also tells the story of the Roald Amundsen, who was the first man to ever reach the south pole. The Fram ship has been further north and south than any other surface vessel. You are allowed to go onboard and explore the ship, on and below deck.

3. Norwegian Folk Museum – One of the interesting things about this museum is that it’s on a peninsula. You have the option of getting there by boat, bus or tram.  The Bygdoy Peninsula is a total change from the city. The grounds are extensive and full of historical buildings. The Norwegian Folk Museum exhibitions provide colorful pictures of daily life and living conditions in Norway from the 16^th century onwards. The museum consists of an Open Air Museum, but there are also many exhibitions indoors.

4. National Gallery – The National Gallery has a good selection of European masters, local artist along with the centerpiece which is a room of Edward Munch’s greatest works. Check out the cafeteria as well; “The French Hall” as it is called, is decorated with sculptures that are gifts from the Louvre in Paris.

5. The Royal Palace – The Royal Palace was built in the first half of the 19th century as the Norwegian residence of Norwegian and Swedish king Charles III and is used as the official residence of the present Norwegian Monarch.

6. Aker Brygge – This is a popular harbour area in the center of the city. This is a great area full of outdoor restaurants, souvenir shops, and a shopping mall. This is a great, relaxing place to walk around in the summer months. In this area you will also find the Nobel peace, the famous venue which hosts the annual Nobel Peace Awards.
7. Oslofjord – The islands around Oslo are not to be missed. There are many cruises you can take, but all offers beautiful views of the city and islands.

8. Karl Johansgate – Karl Johans gate is the main pedestrian street of Oslo, which is named after the Norwegian king Karl III Johan. You will find here many souvenir shops and little boutiques.