Established by King Harald III in 1048 A.D., beautiful Oslo is Norway’s capital and the country’s centre for economic, scientific and cultural investigations. Approximately 4 million people live in Oslo, making it the most populous city in Norway.
Tourists can find cheap flights to Oslo by searching online and comparing rates according to dates and times. Upon arriving in Oslo, visitors will find a city that is fascinating, friendly and rich in culture. Fun facts about Oslo, Norway include:
No one knows for sure why Oslo is referred to as “Tigerstaden”, or the “Tiger City” since tigers do not exist in Norway or in any neighbouring country. Outside of Oslo’s Central Station stands the imposing, bronze sculpture of a tiger created in 2000 by artist Elena Egelson, which is a must-see for tourists visiting Oslo.
Destroyed by fire in 1624, Oslo was re-established near Akershus fortress and renamed Christiana by order of King Christian. In the 19th century, Christiana rapidly expanded and eventually encroached on Oslo, developing into one large city that was once again called Oslo. Christiana has since been referred to as “Gamlebyen”, or “Old Town”.
Oslo’s City Hall houses an impressive 49-bell carillon that plays a tune every hour. A carillon is a musical instrument comprised of over 23 cup-shaped, bronze bells that play melodies by separately sounding tones or playing more than one bell simultaneously to produce a chord. To play a carillon, someone needs to strike a keyboard with their fists while pressing on a floor keyboard with their feet. Considered to be the heaviest existing musical instrument in the world, the carillon’s bells can potentially weigh more than 100 tons.
As the oldest building in Oslo, Gamle Aker kirke, or Old Aker Church, was constructed in 1080 A.D. by order of King Olav Kyrre in the architectural style of a Roman basilica. Still used as an active parish, Old Aker Church has endured fires and pillaging over the years, as well as exciting tales concerning hidden treasures possibly buried in anold silver mine on which it was built. Enclosed by a stone wall and a crumbling graveyard, Old Aker Church is a favourite among tourists for its enthralling medieval appearance.
After enjoying a flight to Oslo, tourists find a trip to the Vikingskipshuset (Viking Ship Museum) provides many hours of enjoyment. There are exhibits featuring genuine Viking ships, artefacts and even household utensils once used by the Vikings, as well as ancient tombs and Viking clothing.
