What to Include in your Norway Holiday Itinerary

There is a lot to see in Norway but one city that you should be concentrating in when you are on a holiday is Oslo. Oslo is actually the capital of Norway and its largest city. Today, it is home to some of the largest maritime companies in the world.  And though Norway has had a reputation for being very expensive, there are a lot of things that you can do in the area for free. Here are some of them: 

1. The Royal Palace
Built in the early part of the 19th century, the Royal Palace is the current home of Norway’s current monarch, King Harald V. Danish prince Carl, who was called Haakon VII was actually the first monarch to use the palace as his official residence. The palace was opened to the general public in 2002. 

2. Changing of the Guards
One of the most fascinating things to see in Oslo is the Royal Palace. But more than the structure of the palatial compounds, visitors can also be treated to an attraction that has drawn thousands of visitors every year: the changing of the guards in the Royal Palace. This happens every half past one in the afternoon to about 10 past two. If you are there for the summer, you will even be in better luck since the changing of the guards will even feature a military band that will lead the guards into Oslo. 

3. Park of Sculptures  
Although the city has its share of museums, none can rival the Vigeland Park in Oslo where more than 200 granite statues and sculptures are on display, spread in huge park, about 80 acres in size. The sculptures were hand-crafted by one man, famous Norwegian sculptor and artist Gustav Vigeland. What is great about the park is that it is reachable by Tram. You won’t have to spend so much on transportation. 

4. Slottsparken
This is also called the Palace Park, which is open for the public. It is located at the center of Oslo, surrounding the Royal Palace. It was built in the mid 19th century by Hans Ditlev Franciscus Linstow, who was also the architect who designed the palace itself. To date, more than 2000 greeneries were planted at the park. Like Vigeland, it is also reachable by tram. 

5. Oslo Festivals
Although they are basically not tourist structures or places, the festivals in Oslo draw in a lot of merrymakers. One of the best festivals in Norway is the Constitution Day, where there will be processions and events for the public. This happens on May 17. Another is the Oslo Pride Festival, usually in June and the Northern Lights, which can be enjoyed during winter. 

6. Ice Skating
Your tour of Oslo and your Norway Holiday will never be complete without a visit to the Ice Skating rinks in Oslo. This is for free during winter, so you don’t have to spend much for this tourist attraction, only a minimal fee for the renting of ice skates. 
