Norway ’ s fjord-fronting capital divides itself into three noteworthy areas for the visitor : central Oslo west , central Oslo east and Bygdøy . Central Oslo west contains many of the city ’ s most important institutions . This part of the city grew into the capital ’ s heart in the second half of the 19th century . As well as the Nasjonalmuseet and the Nobel Peace Centre , there is the Karl Johans Gate , a cobblestoned main thoroughfare , City Hall ( Radhuset ), Castle Park and modern architecture such as the Astrup Fearnley museum . Vintage sailing boats sit alongside stylish restaurants on the waterfront . Central Oslo east is the mediaeval core of the city , founded by King Harald Hardrade in about 1049 . Today this part of the city is a blend of ancient and modern , with many buildings dating from the 17th century but also with stunning new ones such as the Oslo Opera House and the Lambda Munch museum . Overlooking the water and clearly a strategic stronghold is Akershus

Festning , a fortified castle dating from the reign of King Hakon V in 1299 and reconstructed over the years since . This part of the city is also home to many museums devoted to the history of Oslo and Norway throughout the ages , from the 17th Century to World War II . Bygdøy , once an island in Oslofjord , is now joined to the mainland and is one of Oslo ’ s most exclusive residential areas but also home to a collection of museums that reflect Norway ’ s cultural history . The two most notable are the Norsk-Folkermuseum and the Vikingskipshuset . Others are the Kon-Tiki museum , the Norwegian maritime museum , and the Frammuseet ( containing the Fram , a polar ship used for three expeditions including the one undertaken by Roald Amundsen ). There is also a popular beach , Hukodden . A short distance from the city are stunning green spaces including the Vigelandsparken with expressive sculptures and the Oslo forest to the north .

Olso , Honnorbrygga waterfront , credit Tord Baklund

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