When we first researched the eight cruise ports on our 12-night European Capital Cruise with Princess Cruise Line, I wrote "not as excited about this port" about Oslo. How wrong I turned out to be! In a word, Oslo was outstanding. Breathtaking in beauty. Vibrant in culture. Rich in history. Gorgeously green.
Oslo's population struck us as being very young, local, and well-dressed. College students are prevalent, thanks to the presence of The University of Oslo. Oslo also has a lovely mix of modern and historic architecture, adding to its charm.
Our oldest two girls remarked that Oslo would be a wonderful place to study abroad.
Oslo was one of only a few ports where we could easily walk from our cruise ship to the city centre. No need for a taxi, train, or bus.
1. The National Library of Norway was neat and very worth a visit. I can totally see why college students congregate to study underneath the cylindric lamps or upstairs in the cozy cafe.
2. The Royal Palace is a must-see and the serene grounds are spectacular. The changing of the guard takes place daily at 1:30pm.
3. Step back to a time when Swedish kings ruled Norway in a guided tour of Oscarshall, a summer palace which was commissioned by King Oscar I & Queen Josephine in the mid-1800s. Our tour guide was knowledgable and kept our attention for the duration of the tour.
4. Østre Aker Church is a beautiful and austere brick building with turquoise trimmings. It was not open the day that we visited, but we found it be a lovely backdrop for photos.
5. The Vigeland Sculpture Park is famous, but we weren't particular fans of the sculpture style of artist Gustav Vigeland. The park itself though was vibrant and lush with gorgeous flowers.
Oslo, Norway was one of our favorite cities on our European cruise and it would be delightful to return someday. For our next trip, I'd like to stroll around Damstredet & Telthusbakken, marvel at oddities at the Paradox Museum, experience architecture and design at The National Museum, tour the Nobel Peace Center, pretend that we're behind-the-scenes in Disney's "Frozen" at Norsk Folkemuseum (Norwegian Museum of Cultural History), browse the shelves at Deichman library, and ponder history at Roseslottet. See why we want to come back?!
Our family went on a 12-night European Capitals Cruise in late May aboard the Caribbean Princess with Princess Cruise Line and Oslo, Norway was our third stop.
Princess Cruise Line is offering another European Capitals Cruise in May 2025 and Oslo is on the itinerary. We recommend it - 100%!