Oslo

Located on the northern shore of the Oslofjord, Oslo is Norway’s capital city and is the third largest city in Scandinavia. Famous for it’s Viking heritage and world class seafood. It really has something for everyone.

Unsurprisingly our first recommendation for places to visit, is The Viking Ship Museum. Located within the University of Oslo’s Cultural History Museum. The Viking Museum will bring to life these ancient people’s way of life. With artefacts from 4 different burial sites you can learn about these ancient feared people from across the country.

Frogner Park located in the city centre, is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. The park is filled with 212 sculptures, made in bronze and granite by 20th-century sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Within the park itself you will find an open-air pool, a cafe and restaurant, plus the biggest playground in Norway.

The Kon-Tiki Museum follows the adventures of the 20th-century anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl, when sailed from Peru to Polynesia in 1947. The purpose of this journey was to prove that Polynesians had emigrated to the Central and South Pacific from South America. You can also learn about Heyerdahl sailing from Morocco to Barbados on the papyrus reed boat Ra II. This prove that the Ancient Egyptians could have crossed the Atlantic. This museum pays homage to this famous explorer detailing his life, adventures and the legacy he wanted to leave for future generations.

Akershus Fortress and Castle are the perfect places to discover history Oslo. Built by Haakon V of Norway at the end of the 13th century, this fortress on a headland by the fjord has withstood every siege it has faced. During summer, guided tours are given of the palace and the enclosing bastions and ramparts, bringing to life the history of the area. I must see for an historian.

Travelling to Oslo by Ferry

On the 1st September 2008 one of the most historical passenger shipping links in Europe ended as the MS Queen of Scandinavia sailed her final voyage between Newcastle and Bergen. This route was operated by DFDS Seaways.

However, you can still reach Norway by ferry using either Newcastle to Amsterdam or Hull to Rotterdam routes and continue to enjoy safe and relaxing ferry travel to mainland Europe.

The Hull to Rotterdam route features overnight crossings similar to our Hull to Zeebrugge service. Your ticket will include a comfortable cabin and the ships boast a range of dining and entertainment options, including two cinema screens and a casino. You’ll then disembark in Rotterdam which offers excellent road links to Germany, Denmark, Sweden before reaching Norway.

From Amsterdam, you will follow a similar route as if arriving in Rotterdam. You will take a scenic drive through Holland, into Germany, Denmark, Sweden and then onto Norway.

Why not have a look at our Denmark, Holland or Germany Destination Guides for inspiration on places to see and do while making your road trip.