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| City Guide - Oslo - Sightseeing | ||
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Sightseeing The compact centre of Oslo retains its medieval layout amid acres of greenery and parks. Within walking range of the centre, there are pleasant districts to browse through enjoying the street life and the shops. Aker Brygge at the centre has a quayside bustle; to the west, on the edges of the unique Vigeland Sculpture Park, Frogner is dotted with cafés and interesting boutiques; while on the eastern edge of town in Toyenbadet Park, lies the Munch Museum, which houses the vast collection left to the city by Edvard Munch, as well as the Botanical Gardens and the Toyenbadet swimming pool complex. The peninsular of Bygdøy, with its fascinating collection of museums and desirable residential areas, is but a short ferry ride away from the town hall, the Rådhus. The Rådhus, midway between the Royal Palace and Akershus Slott, a short walk from Oslo Cathedral, the Domkirke, and the nearby market, Stortorvet, and surrounded by museums and theatres, is a perfect starting point for exploring the town centre or taking a cruise on the fjord from nearby Pier 3. Wherever you walk in Oslo there is another lovely view, a panorama of the fjord or the mountains or the fresh greenery of the parks. This is essentially a comfortable city - easy to walk around and small enough to explore the outer fringes in one day's walking. At the edges of the city, the great outdoors encroaches incredibly close with skiing and walking trails a mere 15 minutes' train ride from the centre. Tourist Information Norges Informasjonssenter Vestbaneplassen 1 Tel: 2283 0050. Fax: 2283 8150. Website: www.oslopro.no Opening hours: Daily 0900-2000 (Jul and Aug); Mon-Sat 0900-1800 (May and Sep); Mon-Sat 0900-1600 (Oct-Apr). Passes The Oslo Card probably represents the best value for tourists. As well free admission to all the museums, the pass offers unlimited local travel on all forms of transport, free entrance to Toyenbadet and Frognerbadet swimming pools, free parking in the municipal car parks, a free sightseeing boat tour, and extensive other discounts, such as for cinemas or car hire. Cards can be purchased for one, two or three days at a cost of NOK180, 290 and 410. |
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