Oslo – today's capital of Norway - it is one of the oldest Scandinavian cities. It was founded around 1048 r. przez Haralda m Haardraade, the King of Norway, but its origins date back to the 8th century., that is, the times of the Viking expansion. The turbulent history of this place, made up of the plague epidemic, big fire, prevailing changes, leading religion, and even the name of the city itself, it undoubtedly influenced its specific atmosphere and architecture.
How Oslo differs from other European capitals? Certainly, the city owes its incomparable charm to its location in the depths of the hundred-kilometer Oslofjorden fjord. The Norwegian metropolis is surrounded by hills, which are covered with snow caps in winter, giving the city a fairy-tale look. In summer, however, the hills surrounding Oslo are green and contrast with the blue of the bay. Just climb up (or take the funicular) on one of the green hills, to let our eyes see an extraordinary panorama of the city.
One of the most picturesque, and at the same time the famous street of Norway is Karl Johans Gate. A lot of green, magnificent buildings, cafes and shops line the route leading straight to the royal palace on the hill. The castle, because that is the Norwegian name of the palace, it was created thanks to King Charles III Jan, whose name the street was named after. Ruler embracing in the year 1818 control, commissioned the architect Linstow to create a design for a royal residence in Oslo. Unfortunately, due to the scale of the project and prolonged decorative works, the palace was completed only after the king's death. Today, the residence houses a huge collection of works of art, which is open to tourists in summer. The most important institutions and offices in Oslo were erected next to Karl Johans. Walking along this main artery of the city, we come across the National Theater, a university with a famous auditorium, decorated with paintings by Edward Munch and the Storting – building of the Norwegian parliament. All parades and parades are organized on Karl Johans – also the most important one -17 May – on the Norwegian national holiday (Constitution Day). Children gather in the street, who go to the royal palace to the accompaniment of music and accompanied by singers, to welcome the royal family watching the event from the palace balcony. In winter, an ice rink is set up on Karl Johans Street, which is one of the biggest winter attractions of the capital. Anyone can come, you don't even need to take your skates with you – they can be rented on site.