Akershus festning - During my visit to Oslo, I simply could not miss Akershus Fortress, and this…read moreplace made a great impression on me. The historic fortress is exceptionally well preserved and offers stunning views of both the Oslofjord and the harbor. I really enjoyed the combination of rich Norwegian history and the peaceful atmosphere that can be found here. Walking along the ramparts, courtyards, and ancient buildings was a wonderful experience. The entire area is well maintained, clean, and perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace. It is a place where you can comfortably spend several hours while learning more about the history of Norway. Admission to the fortress grounds was free, with charges applying only for the museums. I also appreciated that the visitor center provided free drinking water and free soda from a dispenser. We were able to refill our bottles as well. The toilets located around the site were also free to use.

I actually just walked the outside of the castle. The grounds were gorgeous. There were various…read morefruit trees. Oranges and crab apples. The large crab apple tree planted in the center of the large lawn was so abundant that there were tons of over ripened ones that had fallen all over and littered the lawn. This caused a bunch of bees buzzing around them on the lawn. There are also a lot of tourists walking the outer grounds of the castle, stopping to pose next to the cannons. The views of the ocean and blue skies are noteworthy. It was worth the long walk from the hotel.

Amazing subject matter, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The space is quintessential…read moreScandinavian; bright, clean, sharp lines, good lighting. Beautiful building overall, and not too big across the two floors. Content was pretty sparse, however. Exhibits were mostly photos of people rather than any meaningful primary objects. I could look at a collection of prominent historical figures anywhere; I was hoping for more depth and uniqueness to the presentation here. Still a decent visit while in Oslo, but don't expect to spend more than an hour here.

I had never known why Oslo has the Nobel Peace Prize and Stockholm has the rest of the Nobel…read moreprizes. That explanation was just one element of visiting this wonderful museum. While the museum in Stockholm for the other awards was totally underwhelming, this museum dedicated to peace was wonderful. First of all the building is majestic and beautiful and worthy of the distinction it holds. Just looking at it from the outside gave me a feeling of awe. Upon entering, the graphics and progressions through the awards are very well done. I learned so much during my hour or so there. It really doesn't need much of an endorsement or description other than to say that if ever in Oslo, this museum should be at the top of your list for visiting.

The Viking Ship Museum is part of the Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo. With…read moreyour NOK 100 or $11.24 USD ticket purchase at the entrance door to the Viking Ship Museum you are also entitled to free admission to the History Museum of Oslo located on the University of Oslo campus. You can use Mastercard, Visa or the Oslo pass. Tickets can not be purchased online. The Fram, Norwegian Maritime and Kno-Tiki museums are nearby. Three Viking ships are displayed here. the Oseberg (820 AD), Gokstad (900 AD), Tune (910 AD). These were all excavated between 1854-1904. The Borre Mound cemetery was a major source of artifacts including skeletal remains, wood carvings, sledges, small boats, cart tools and household utensils. There are not as many artifacts as you might find in other museums but the Viking Ship Museum allows you to get up-close to the ships. Information is presented in both Norwegian and English and a QR code lets you download additional information. You can also download a free app at ITunes or Google Play. There is a museum brochure in 14 different languages as well. A film "The Viking Alive" is screen all day in a separate room and on the wall. The cafe serves light food and rinks during the summer. The gift shop has unique Viking era jewelry, souvenirs, games, toys and books. Toilets are in the basement.

The Viking Ship Museum is a must-do, if you're ever in Oslo. Ticket prices for adults are 100 NOK…read more($12 USD) and entry is free for children. However, I recommend purchasing the Oslo Pass, since it grants you free admission to all museums and public transportation. There are about 6 museums located in this area of Bygdøy. The Oseberg Viking Ship and the Gokstad Viking Ship are impressive. There is also a visual presentation of viking history every 15 minutes. The museum has many viking artifacts. It's small. You can probably see the whole thing in about one hour or so. The gift shop is also the cheapest of all the museum gift shops. 4 stars. Wonderful museum.

Spread across two buildings the Astrup Fearnley Museet is a waterfront museum designed by Renzo…read morePiano that features several modern masters from various schools of thought. Whether one prefers neon or sculpture, shock-art or classic thinking the genre is likely represented. Located at the far end of Aker Brygge expect scenic views amidst quiet, while staff if pleasant and educated.

At the far end of the area called Aker Brygge, modern buildings, lots of restaurants lining the…read morewharf and at the end you will find Astrup Fearnley Museum. It's stunning architecture is mesmerizing. The museum is split into two thou creating one unit. The museum houses contemporary art work, most have a surrealist feel. It took us a few hours to explore every floor and look at all the art work. Some art work was questionable and horrifying. For me, many were disturbing and dark. Though there were some remarkable pieces such as the famous gold porcelain statue of Michael Jackson and his monkey Bubbles and most disturbing was Damien Hirst "Mother and Child" a cow and her calf split in the middle floating in formaldehyde. It's the first thing you see when you enter. Very spacious museum and you didn't feel confined at all. Adult price is $15.00 or 320 NOK. Free lockers are available which is a plus. There is a book store and cafe if you want to relax. There is also an outdoor space for sitting at the cafe which is lovely overlooking Oslo bay.

After touring the nearby Fram museum we visited this one on our combo ticket. This story I was…read moremore familiar with than the Fram but there was much to learn. The free audio headsets really helped bring the story alive and filled in the gaps without having to read hundreds of information panels. We probably spent one hour here (a bit less time than at the Fram). How all these people stayed alive is amazing. We now need to find the documentary movie on this voyage and see more detail. Thumbs up!

Thor Heyerdahl built a balsa wood boat and sailed it across the Pacific to show that it was…read morepossible that the Polynesians used such a craft in their travels. That ship as well as his reed boat Ra II, used to cross the Atlantic, are on display as well as numerous displays of his very well documented journeys. I'm not sure if it is worth the price of admission as our entrance was covered by our Oslo city tour. Right across the parking lot is the Frammuseet, another museum showcasing a famous ship, in this case the Fram.

Really enjoyed this museum, I learned so much about Norway and Northern Europe during WWII. I…read moreespecially liked the day by day information at the start and end of the war. Also the views of the harbor right outside are excellent.

This is not my cup of tea but if you are a war buff or a World War II aficionado this might be for…read moreyou. It was very somber and upon leaving it started to drizzle and it fit my mood perfectly. There is a lot of stuff that is in Norwegian so I didn't understand a lot. But you get the gist of the Nazi Occupation and the resistance and eventual overthrow.

We had seen very positive reviews of this museum so we hopped on a ferry from pier 3 in Oslo and…read moreventured out to this area. It was quite busy given it was a Saturday at the height of tourist session. We were able to get a good discount and got the combo ticket to also visit the Kon Tiki museum next door. The museum is quite good and did a nice job of telling not only the story of the Fram and it's many expeditions but the story of other related explorers and explorations to the Artic and Antarctica. Most of this was new to me so it was quite educational. The two ships were fun to walk through and the many displays contained a ton of information (frankly way more than I could absorb). They do have a small snack area but it has a pretty basic selection if you are counting on it for lunch. Overall a worthwhile visit.

The Fram ship was used in polar explorations. It is the world's strongest wooden ship and is on…read moredisplay in this museum. One can walk through many parts of the ship. If you are prone to seasickness, be aware that at times rolling seas are projected on the walls and ceiling of the building housing the ship. Informative displays are arranged throughout the ship and the building. I'm not sure if it is worth the price of admission as our entrance was covered by our Oslo city tour. Right across the parking lot is the Kon Tiki museum.

Beautiful museum!! Free tickets on Wednesdays starting at 6pm. They had multiple different floors…read morewith different artists.

Excellent modern museum. I learned so much. There is an extensive history of his life, his family…read moreand his studies, including an interactive mock-up of his home. Plus of course many of his works including a rotation of three of his "The Scream" works. Some aspects of the exhibit are a bit depressing as he was a very troubled person with many medical issues. There are also sections with adult content so parents with children should be aware. Be sure and have a drink at the rooftop bar for excellent views.