Oslo was not at all what I expected. I thought it would be like many European cities with a defined “old town” with cobblestone streets and historic buildings. Not at all! We were treated to a casual, yet striking, modernity with water, water, everywhere, and flowers. Oslo is built along a fjiord and settles into the landscape with graceful style on Norway’s eastern shores. It is built with walking in mind and wonderful trails with interesting pedestrian bridges abound. 

There is an older part of the city; however, it does not appear old in the sense of Middle Ages old. There are belle epoch and clean Nordic style structures situated along wide streets with flower plantings at close intervals along the way. Fountains and statuary appear close to flower-surrounded “knobby” trees. A wide boulevard rises through a large park leading to the Royal Palace sitting at the top of the hill creating a commanding presence. We walked the distance, about a mile, from the Royal Palace to the Palace Cathedral of the Church of Norway-Lutheran. Here the Royal Family worships and are married, baptized and buried. With painted ceilings and Royal box seats, it is beautiful. 

We had bought tickets on a “hop on hop off” bus, but spent so much time along the waterfront and in the central city that we were mostly “hop off.” Along the water front with its laid back and decidedly modern atmosphere, we spent time along the marble-clad State Opera with its sleek and clean lines. We also went to the Edward Munch museum–unmistakeable with its tilted roof. I never thought I’d ever personally see Munch’s famous painting, “The Scream,” but here Kathy and I were, standing before it. He painted the picture because one day, while walking, he thought he heard a piercing scream from nature; this painting was the result.  I wanted a selfie with a life-imitating art picture, but after three failed attempts, I gave up. Just too many people. We learned much about Munch–his loneliness and despair that comes through in his work. 

We could easily have spent several days in Oslo, but only had this cruise port day. We left with a very favorable impression of this capital city of Norway.