Oslo with about 600,000 people is the largest city in Norway and the nation’s capital. It lies on the Aker River at the head of the Oslofjord and is Noreay;s largest seaport ands main commercial and cultural center

The city is filled with parks, museums and other attractions so we got a ticket on the hop-on bus so we could see as much as possible.

Next to our ship was the AkKershus fortress, a grim-looking structure especially under the threatening skies we had for that day.

Our first stop was the Vigeland Park, an 80 acre park and sculpture garden, designed by the sculptor Gustav Vigeland. The park is populated by some 200 of his art nouveau sculptures done between 1906 and 1942 along with numerous fountains and flower gardens. The sculptor, whom neither Laura nor I had heard of before actually lived and worked at the park.

Our next stop was the Fram Museum dedicated to Norwegian Arctic and Antarctic explorers. Among the exhibits are two ships the Fram and Gjoa. The Fram was sailed by Fridjtof Nansen on his expedition to the north pole and later by Roald Amundsen on his expedition to the south pole. The FRam sailed further north and further south than any other wooden ship. The Gjoa, a small sloop-rigged vessel under expedition leader Road Amundsen was the first ship to transit the Northwest Passage.

Our next stop was the Oslo City Hall. On the front wall of the building is an astronomical clock. Inside the main hall of the is decorated by huge colorful murals. The building serves as a meeting place for the Storting (the Norwegian parliament) and is the place where the Nobel prizes are awarded.

After touring, the city hall we walked through the city streets back to the ship.