In focus: Vigeland Park in Frognerparken, Oslo, Norway

Jan 6—2012

If I had to pick one attraction to recommend in Oslo, it would be Vigeland Park in Frognerparken.

Only minutes by trik (tram) from the centre of Oslo, this unique outdoor sculpture park features more than 200 statues by the renowned Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland (1872-1943). Made of bronze, cast iron and granite, these captivating statues in the human form explore themes of life, death, relationships and humanity.
While each statue can be admired for technical composition and realistic human expression, I was most impressed by the haunting effect of walking past statue after statue through the stunning frozen parkland.

Where: Frognerparken (Frogner Park), enter via Kirkeveien, Oslo.

How: You can catch the trik from the centre of Oslo. Number 12 will take you all the way to Frogner Stadion, from where you just cross the road to enter the park.Single tickets or cards that can be topped up with credit can be purchased from a 7 Eleven store anywhere in the city. A ride will cost 27Nok and each validation (touch the machine inside the tram with your card) will let you travel as much as you want within the hour.

Cost: Absolutely free to enter the park.

Info: You can find out more about the park and the nearby Vigeland Museum here.

Travel

28 responses

kathy

January 6, 2012

looks very cold but magestic, enjoy

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1. Nic Freeman
  
  January 6, 2012
  
  I’m surprised how well I’m handling the cold (although there have been times I thought my face would actually crack and fall off). Think you would love it here. It’s so beautiful. Everything, even the roads and paths, is covered in ice so it all glistens when you get a moment of sunlight.
  
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Brett Freeman

January 6, 2012

Great story Nic..Loooooks cold there how are you handling the 30 deg temperture swing

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1. Nic Freeman
  
  January 6, 2012
  
  Hey, yes cold for me, warm by Norwegian standards apparently. It was a bit of a shock to the system originally but I’m getting the hang of it now with the wool thermals, jeans, shirt, cardi, jumper, scarf, snow jacket, double gloves, beanie, wool shoe inners and thick socks. It takes forever to get dressed but the right clothes make all the difference once outside.
  
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  1. James Pnym
    
    January 6, 2012
    
    This is fairly mild, yes, you can expect temperatures at least down to -15C in the winter in Oslo. But don’t worry, even at -15C your face won’t fall off.
  2. Nic Freeman
    
    January 7, 2012
    
    Hi James, Yes I’m glad I had a mild introduction to the climate as this is really my first expererience of a winter city. I’m now up in Kleivstua, where is is snowing and much colder. Last night when I checked it was -8C but I’m sure it got colder after that. So lovely though! Thanks for the reassurance about my face – glad to hear I will be able to play in the cold and still keep it!
2. Jean
  
  January 29, 2012
  
  That takes us up to the next level. Great potinsg.
  
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Josh Donellan

January 6, 2012

aaaaaargh amazing photos! Jealous x 1000000

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1. Nic Freeman
  
  January 6, 2012
  
  Thanks Josh! I want to take all the photos of all the things here – it’s so stunning.
  
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2. Neveah
  
  January 30, 2012
  
  Hey, that’s a clever way of tihkning about it.
  
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Alex

January 6, 2012

So exciting! Great post, Nic. Look forward to seeing more. xx

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1. Nic Freeman
  
  January 7, 2012
  
  Thanks for reading Alex! Missing you guys but having an amazing time!
  
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2. Marlee
  
  January 30, 2012
  
  Now I feel stupid. That’s celared it up for me
  
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Sarah

January 7, 2012

Great photographs Nic and best of luck with your travels. My husband and I travelled for 6 months just after we got married and it was just brilliant – especially when you have someone to share it with! We decided after that trip that we would one day live abroad and we have now lived in Oslo for two and a half years. Happy travelling! Sarah

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1. Nic Freeman
  
  January 7, 2012
  
  Hi Sarah, Thanks for the comment. I agree that having someone to travel with is lovely. This is the first time Dave and I have done a trip together and it has been wonderful so far. It is only just starting to sink in that we still have months to go! Oslo is an amazing city, I’m not surprised you decided to live here. I have met many expats here already. Cheers, Nic
  
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2. Wednesday
  
  January 29, 2012
  
  This was so hpleufl and easy! Do you have any articles on rehab?
  
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Omar Berengeno

January 7, 2012

Lo conoci en el año 1968; realmente me parecio espectacular!!! muchas gracias

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1. Nic Freeman
  
  January 7, 2012
  
  Thanks for the comment Omar. The park is so amazing, as I imagine the artist was! A real highlight of my trip!
  
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2. Keyon
  
  January 30, 2012
  
  A little ratoinaltiy lifts the quality of the debate here. Thanks for contributing!
  
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Tom & Mary C

January 9, 2012

love the photos and great to hear the cold is not too oppressing. Missing you already. luv xxxxxx

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1. Nic Freeman
  
  January 11, 2012
  
  Thanks Tom and Mary! Both Dave and I are really enjoying just walking and photographying Norway. The cold is becoming more liveable as the days pass – mostly because we’re getting the hang of wearing the right clothes at the right times I think. Miss you too xoxo
  
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Daniel

January 14, 2012

Lovely statues.
With nobody else around in any of the photos it looks like some abandoned, frozen city you’ve discovered.

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1. Nic Freeman
  
  January 14, 2012
  
  Hi Dan, yes it was a little like a frozen, forgotten world – quite surreal to wander the icy paths in the quiet and stare into the faces of the statues.
  
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Whoever edits and publishes these articles raelly knows what they’re doing.

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