[ Photo Gallery # 83 }
OSLO, the capital of Norway, is a beautiful city. I published a previous blog – ‘Oslo Statuary’ (q.v.) in November of 2016 in which I sang the praises of this fine city and displayed photographs of a few of the many statues dotted around the harbour and the city centre.
I am including below more photographs taken in and around the city during my visit there in 2004.
My first photograph, to set the Scandinavian theme, is of a troll, well possibly a gnome – not sure I can tell the difference. Trolls can be found everywhere and anywhere in Norway. They are deeply woven into Norwegian culture, and, when in Oslo, you don’t have to go far to find them. They can be found in great numbers in every tourist shop – miniatures, books, calendars, t-shirts and other fabric designs dedicated to these fantasy beings. It is apparent that Trolls come in all shapes and sizes; immense mountain trolls; moss covered forest trolls; terrifying three headed trolls and mischievous, gnome-like trolls. Many shops have a troll statue standing by the entrance and are regularly incorporated in selfies.
A shop-front Troll ready for a skiing session
The sea approach to Oslo is by way of the Inner Oslo Fjord
Akerhus Fortress or Castle stands beside the main harbour. It is a medieval castle that was built to protect Oslo from invasion. It has also been used as a royal residential palace and as a prison.
Looking from the Korketrekkeren towards the sea approach to Oslo along the Inner Oslo Fjord
This is ski jumping hill Holmenkollen. Close by is the Korketrekkeren, a former bobsleigh and luge track in Oslo. It is operated as a public venue by the municipality. It is possible to rent out sleds and try your hand at the skislopes, just a short distance outside the city .
I certainly wouldn’t dare!
. . . although he obviously would – and did!
King Olaf V of Norway, 1957-1991, and his dog Troll. This monument is placed near ski jumping hill at Holmenkollen. The monument is called “Skiglede” or “Love Skiing”
Street artists plying their trade in the city centre
Street puppeteer (Reminds me of the one at Whitby I included in my photographs a few weeks ago).
One of Oslo’s many city centre living statue performers
Not another living statue this time – just one of the many harbour-side statues.
Another of the many harbour-side statues – this one, somewhat like Atlas, balances a cruise ship on what remains of its head.
Roland's Ragbag 