We made great use of the Oslo passes on our second day in the city by trying out the transport network. It’s a very straightforward system but the Burgess family still managed to get it wrong by not realising there were two entrances to the T-bane (Metro) at the National Theatre: we were standing on the eastbound platform when we were planning to travel west. A quick exit followed by a short dash to the other entrance and we had cracked it. From then on, it was a breeze. The trains were efficient and regular, even on a Sunday and, as expected, spotlessly clean. Such was my excitement and eagerness to capture this on film, I whipped out my camera to take a photo of my boys sitting opposite. I sensed from their expressions that they were not happy. They are used to me snapping away on holiday but I broke a rule, apparently, by using it on public transport. Just look at their faces, and the chap behind who seems to agree that I had committed a serious faux-pas.
If looks could kill… |
Our stop was Holmenkollen, location of the world’s most modern ski jump. Going to see it in the summer is to be recommended as the views from the top are superb plus, if you’re an adrenaline junkie, they have a zip-wire attraction at weekends so you can fly down. Unsurprisingly we passed on this but it was great fun to watch other people. Seeking a small thrill, we had a go in a ski-jump and slalom simulator and I embarrassed my boys yet again by squealing throughout the whole ride. We also visited the Ski Museum here and managed a quick, inexpensive lunch before descending.
First place for…erm…observing? |
Can you spot the person on the zip-wire? |
Having spent a morning up in the hills, we took the Metro back to the city and alighted at Majorstuen in order to visit Frogner Park: a beautiful expanse of public space that is a magnet for residents and tourists alike. In the middle is the Vigeland Installation, the most extraordinary collection of over 200 bronze and granite sculptures designed by Gustav Vigeland. The bronze figures located on the bridge were delightful, happy, carefree figures – family groups, parents with children, lovers, old and young – together forming the ‘Human Condition’ theme. Along the bridge is Oslo’s famous Angry Boy whose left hand has been touched so much, it glows oddly against the green patina.
Vigeland’s sculptures including the Angry Boy |
Further into the centre of the installation is a totem-like monolith, surrounded by other granite works to demonstrate the Circle of Life. These figures, like the bronze ones on the bridge, are quite remarkable in their accuracy and, indeed, quantity – the lifetime’s work of an artist whose ability to capture the human form was quite astonishing. Using our Oslo Pass we had a quick canter round the the Vigeland Museum to find out more about how Vigeland created his pieces.
Two examples of the granite works by Gustav Vigeland
Keen to try another form of transport in Oslo, we hopped on a tram just outside the park and that shortened the journey back to the hotel or at least it would have if we hadn’t turned the wrong way after getting off. Just a small diversion…
Chill time back at The Thief before the usual ‘where shall we go for dinner?’ routine. Having had a blow out the previous evening, we plumped for just one course at Jacob Aall in the harbour. Sitting outside once again as it was still balmy, but enjoying the sheepskin throw snuggling into my back nonetheless, we had excellent burgers and chips and an enjoyable chat with the waiter who used to live in Somerset. They served Caipirinhas too and as that’s now my favourite tipple following our Brazilian meat-fest in London, I pretended not to notice the price…and sucked the lime wedges dry.The Oslo Pass gave us free transport on the metro and tram, free entry to the Vigeland Museum, plus the Holmenkollen attraction and discounted rates for the simulator. For details about the Oslo Pass, please see previous post : 72 hours in Oslo – Part One
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That ski jump looks terrifying! Sounds like you made excellent use of your pass. The ski museum sounds fascinating, and the sculptures are amazing.
It now have a lot of admiration for Eddie the Eagle.
Do love the granite works very much, I love the visual weightiness of them. The Angry Boy reminds me of that dancing baby animation that was all the rage a decade or so ago.
I could have spent hours and hours in that park – such a beautiful, natural representation of human form, love, relationships, age etc. Never seen anything like it before.
Oh god, you're right–it does!
Angry boy does look a bit like it wasn't only his hand that was touched………
I know – I noticed that too! No wonder he's cross.
Oh joy. I am looking forward to trying to elicit a smile for the camera once my kids turn teen on me. Looks like an interesting trip though
Most of the time he's ok but this was probably too early in the morning!
Is it their rule or a Norway rule? I like the statues, I would enjoy that.
Just a Burgess Boy rule apparently…
Indeed what a faux-pas, shame on you, and both husband and son are well in order to stare you down as a social pariah.
However if they had taken a selfie with goofie smiles and miley cyrus tongue, with a possibilility of say a photo-bomb by a passer-by, like the Queen, then that would be different.
Statues are quirky
Ha, that did make me laugh. You're so wise, Bryce.
So much nakedness was initially a bit of a shock for us Brits. Our statues are either abstract or wearing uniforms.
LOVE the look on their faces! That's the best pic EVER! 😉 And those sculptures are awesome. I particularly love the one of the mother with kids on her back. That's SO me – most days! x
I captured them perfectly mid-scowl.
Glad you like the mum with the kids – my favourite too, unusual and joyful. Oh to have pigtails which double up as reins.
Oh my god, that zip wire looks crazy – I would love a go at it!!
Over to you then, Andrea!
That ski jump looks amazing. Oslo is on my list of cities to visit. I've spent a month travelling up and down the coast of Norway, but I'm yet to make it to the capital. One day.
Similar pattern here:visited the fjords as a child but first time seeing the capital. Good time to come though as the new developments are very exciting.
Adore the angry boy sculpture!
Oh how wonderful you visited Oslo. would love to but maybe when the girls are older.
Some weird looking sculptures there especially the one with the kneeling mum…
PS: If you feel like taking a picture than it doesn't matter where you are 🙂
I'd love to visit Oslo one day – although that Angry boy statue freaks me out!
I would love to do the ski jump zip wire thing, that sounds amazing. I love those statues too. Imagine one of those in your garden!! 😀
I would love to visit Oslo one day, and I had no idea about the zip wire – that has helped it rocket even higher up my list. No photos of my daughter on public transport though 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #citytripping
Haha that photo of the boys is priceless! Oslo looks a great city! I have yet to visit so this has given me some inspiration. How interesting about the angry boy's hand…you can really see it glowing. Love the sculptures – great photos. Thanks for sharing on #citytripping
I love Oslo:) I used to run excursions to Frogner Park to see the Vigeland Sculptures when I worked on the ships! Passengers used to be talking about the various nude sculptures for days after onboard the ship! Great post
I love your photos of the statues. This park looks great and has certainly made me want to visit Oslo properly. Hilarious picture of your boys! #citytripping
Oh my. That zip line!! I love the angry boy statue and his glowing hand. Good job looks can't kil otherwise we'd never know about Oslo #citytripping