Oslo, the capital of Norway, is, like many other European cities, combining urban energy with serene natural beauty. Situated between the Oslofjord and southeastern forests, it boasts rich history, Scandinavian architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.
The city offers a range of attractions, including museums, historic landmarks, parks, and waterfront walks, appealing to every visitor. Living in Norway, we had never been tourist-like experience in those years. Recently, had some bureaucratic tasks.
We traveled by train instead of driving, as navigating Oslo’s crowded streets and finding parking can be quite challenging.
After finishing our task, we had some time that we used to explore the center of Oslo.
Hello, friends, travelers, and community members! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying quality time with your loved ones.
We had a return ticket back home scheduled for around 8 PM, giving us plenty of time to explore since it was still August and the days were long, with sunset occurring around the same time.
We started our afternoon at Oslo Central Station, then walked across the street to visit the spectacular new Deichman Bjørvika library. After that, we continued along the waterfront toward the Opera House and took a stroll on its roof.
Before reaching the library, we came across a sculpture that puzzled us—what kind of creature could it be? After some guessing, we read the sign and discovered it was “Creature from Iddefjord,” a granite sculpture by American sculptor Martin Puryear. This sculpture stands proudly in the square in front of Oslo's new main library, Deichman Bjørvika, reflecting Puryear’s deep relationship with libraries and books. The name refers to something alive, as well as to something that is created—either real or imagined.
The national library, located in Bjørvika, Oslo, is named Deichman after the businessman and book collector Carl Deichman. Deichman consists of one main branch and 24 local libraries. The four-story building holds millions of books, cinema, music, and other media. It is beautifully situated in Bjørvika. In addition to its extensive collection, the library offers a cinema, open workshops, cafés, and plenty of space to relax, read, and explore. It provides literary inspiration and wonderful experiences for people of all ages at Norway's largest library.
Another notable landmark in the area is the Oslo Opera House, an architectural marvel that cost around 4.1 billion Norwegian kroner (approximately $680 million to $700 million USD). It has been quite some time since our last visit in 2010, so we were eager to see it again.
The most defining feature of the opera house is its sloping marble roof, made of Italian Carrara marble and Norwegian granite, which is open to the public. Visitors can walk on the roof and enjoy panoramic, unobstructed views of Oslo and the fjord free of charge. As it was Friday afternoon, many tourists as well as residents were walking towards the opera house. To find a relaxing moment at the waterfront and the top of the opera roof.
The interior spaces are lined with warm oak panels, providing a striking acoustic and visual contrast to the cold exterior stone, while offering expansive views of the water, passing boats, and the nearby fjords and islands. In the hall, there is the Cafe where one can have a cup of coffee and enjoy the view of the waterfront.
The sculpture She Lies by artist Monica Bonvicini floats in the Oslo Fjord right next to the Oslo Opera House.
The 45-meter-tall Ferris wheel on Opera Beach and the shoreline by the fjord. On the warmest day of August, people were enjoying swimming and walking around the beach.
We had not spent more time in the Hall of the Opera.so we went to the roof. As I said, many people were enjoying the sunny, warm day.
The other side of the water: Akerhus Fortress, salt art, music, cultural sauna.
The famous Munch Museum viewed from the opera roof.
Some residential and commercial projects at Munch Dock.
Old Seamen's School (also known as Sjømannsskolen) at Ekeberg in Oslo.
The view from the rooftop of the opera. was amazing.
We had a time limitation, so after enjoying the view from the Opera roof, we headed back to the train station.
Thank you very much!
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