Statue av Wenche Foss - A beautiful and elegant statue commemorating one of Norway's most beloved…read moreactresses. I was impressed by both the fine details and the overall artistic execution. The statue feels lively and almost seems to capture Wenche Foss in a natural moment. The surrounding area is pleasant for a short stop and some photographs. Artworks like this add character to the city and help visitors learn more about its cultural heritage.

Similar to though not nearly as interesting or lively as Barcelona's Las Ramblas (review:…read morehttps://bit.ly/3QJkBpS), this is the primary pedestrian-only artery of Oslo, completely unavoidable if you plan to see the major sights of the city. As it so happened, our hotel (Clarion Hotel: The Hub) was just a few steps from one end of this constantly crowded thoroughfare where the foot traffic poured in and out of the Oslo Central Station. With the other end at the Royal Palace a little more than a half-mile away, we noticed the route has two distinct personalities. The palace end was a wide path surrounded by well maintained park at the beginning. Then it transitioned to a more urban promenade with greenery on one side and upscale hotels and restaurants on the other. The vibe changed considerably at Egertorget Square where we saw the prominent Freia clock up close (photo: https://bit.ly/3RQJbG2). This stretch that leads to the train station was narrower, the bars were more raucous, the eateries were more fast-food options (e.g., McDonald's, MAX Burgers), and the merchandise in the stores looked more downscale. We saw only one lonely busker in the several walks we took up and down this street (photo) but most certainly a lot of drunks. RELATED - Exploring Norway? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: bit.ly/3PEL4Fe

Karl Johans gate is a pedestrian friendly shopping street in the center of Oslo. It was a really…read morebusy place during the couple days that we were recently in Oslo. And experiencing occasional rain only added to the discomfort. Gayle and I did stop for Ice Cream and I found a sought for accessory at Fjällräven (Swedish Backpack Brand) shop. None of the other businesses looked all that interesting, except for maybe the Indian Place (Jaipur) where we enjoyed a really nice dinner. Other than that, Karl Johans gate was basically a direct means to get from one place to the Royal Palace and back.

Hans Nielsen Hauge, bronse statue av billedhugger Sigurd Nome - This impressive bronze statue…read morecaught my attention during my walk through the area. The craftsmanship is excellent, and the sculpture has a strong and dignified presence. I appreciated learning more about Hans Nielsen Hauge and his importance in Norwegian history. The monument is thoughtfully placed and blends nicely with its surroundings, creating a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Even if you are not specifically interested in historical figures, the artistic quality of the statue makes it worth a stop. I found it to be one of those landmarks that quietly enriches the experience of exploring Oslo.