In 2018, Lonely Planet named Oslo one of the ten best cities in the world to visit, citing the Norwegian capital’s “innovative architecture and unmissable museums alongside cool bars, bistros and cafés“.

I was there in 2018, appreciating most the many weird and wonderful public sculptures.

I stayed close to the Opera House. Walking tours.

Returning in 2023, I explored other tourist highlights.

BEST was the Bygdøy district, home of 5 national museums as well as famous estates. Quisling’s home is here, for example.

The Kon-Tiki museum is excellent. I was reminded of Thor Heyerdahl‘s many adventures.

I learned about Gerd Vold Hurum, the secret 7th member of the Kon-Tiki expedition. She was key in organizing the expedition on shore. But never got famous. After all, Gerd was only a woman. 😕

The Fram Museum is perhaps even better.

It honours Norwegian polar exploration in general and three great Norwegian polar explorers in particular – Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup and Roald Amundsen. 

The museum shares entertaining stories of each.

Norwegians were the most successful of the Arctic and Antarctic explorers, I’d say, because they were smart enough to learn from native peoples. And understood the importance of dogs in crossing snow and ice.

Roald Amundsen’s team was the first to reach the South Pole on December 14th, 1911; five weeks later the polar party led by Robert Falcon Scott was second.

Amundson was a dedicated explorer. Life long. Arrogant and competitive.

Despite his hard man exterior, those who knew him well found a humorous, self-deprecating storyteller.

Fridtjof Nansen was oft quoted. He led the team that made the first crossing of the Greenland interior in 1888.

Scurvy was a huge problem for the Norwegians. All they carried with vitamin C was pemican. It wasn’t enough.

I could travel the city more widely as I had my bike this time.

This was one of the warmest days of the year.

Farewell Oslo.