Tag: Royal Palace

Akershus Fortress and Oslo Harbour Promenade
It was wet and gloomy the next day as we made our way to Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning). The medieval fortress is perched high above the harbour and surrounded by defensive walls. Akershus Fortress was constructed to defend the city and its strategic position offers a clear view of enemies’ threats. Akershus has withstood battles and sieges and has never lost its ground through a combat. It fell into the hands of Nazi during World War II when Norwegian government evacuated the city. Now, parts of the complex house the Norwegian Military and some are used for stateâ€™s ceremonial events.
Like other attractions which we had visited yesterday, itâ€™s free to visit the outside areas of Akershus Fortress. This is definitely something I can get used to! But there will be an entrance fee to visit the buildings.
The Royal Mausoleum is the final resting place of Norwayâ€™s kings and queens since independence.
And here’s the church inside Akershus Fortress.
There are many rooms inside the building but I am particularly drawn to Olav V Hall and Romerike Hall. The sheer numbers of tables and chairs at the longish Romerike Hall are impressive. This is also where the important stateâ€™s events will take place.
The Fortress walls are great places to take in the view of the cityâ€™s harbour area.
Oslo Harbour Promenade
It would be a waste not to walk along Oslo Harbour Promenade since itâ€™s so near to Akershus Fortress. We made our way from Oslo Cruise Terminal towards Aker Brygge. But there was a heavy downpour when we were nearing Oslo City Hall.
The Nobel Peace Center tells about the Peace Prize and the story of Alfred Nobel. Heâ€™s a Swedish for the record. Maybe thatâ€™s why the other four Nobel prizes like Chemistry, Literature, Medicine or Physiology and Physics are presented in Sweden instead. But I wonder why would he choose Norway to give out the Peace Prize in the first place?
And hereâ€™s where I got my Nobel Prize Medal………….chocolate LOL.
Aker Brygge is a popular waterfront neighbourhood, where shopping places, pubs, restaurants, offices and high-end residential are found. The boardwalk is lined with restaurants that offer great marina views.
The Change of Guards at Royal Palace
The Royal Palace (Kongelige Slott) is the residence of Norwayâ€™s King and his family. We were here to catch the change of guard happening at 01:30 PM daily. We arrived at the large square (Slottsplassen) after a little uphill walk. I was taken aback by how close one can get to the royal palace building. The palace guards were friendly enough to have a chat with them. Itâ€™s also possible to visit the palace during the Summer via a guided tour.
Oslo Opera House
The heavy downpour resumed and continued till late afternoon. Thereafter, itâ€™s time to check out the sleek looking Oslo Opera House (Operahuset). The unique building has a gradual slope which links the ground all the way up to its roof, which offers panoramic views. Isn’t it so cool to be walking up an iconic architecture like that? Oslo Opera House looks stunning with a great mix of glass and white granite. Perhaps I will spend time exploring the interior if I return to Norway in future.
Would I skip Oslo? No way! I like it here even when my wallet doesn’t LOL.
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May 31, 2018
De Oude Kerk and the Dam Square
We proceed on to De Oude Kerk (The Old Church) after returning from Zaanse Schans. It was originally built as a Catholic church but taken over by Dutch Protestant reformers. The reformers simplified the large interior and destroyed most Catholic ornamentation in it. The simplification presents a very spacious and different feel to the usual decoration seen in Catholic churches. Its unique location in the Red Light District may raise some eyebrows. But nevertheless, De Oude Kerk impresses with its vaulted wooden ceiling, organ and flooring.
Another unique thing to Amsterdam is the Hop-On Hop-Off Canal Bus. That’s totally different from the iconic red buses circling the major attractions in other major cities.
Then we had our lunch at a random restaurant near Dam Square.
Dam Square
The Dam Square is in the historical centre of Amsterdam. It was initially built to prevent flooding and to link the settlements on both sides of River Amstel. Thatâ€™s also how Amsterdam derives its name from Amstel and Dam. The city grew while Dam Square remains the important core area. The bustling place is now home to Royal Palace, major commercial buildings and plenty of bicycles.
The unassuming-looking Royal Palace is one of the three Palaces used by the Dutch Royals for official events and receptions.
Other notable buildings include Madame Tussauds, de Bijenkorf, De Nieuwe Kerk and the nearby Magna Plaza. Not forgetting the abundance of souvenir shops, cafÃ©s and restaurants around.
Dam Square is a logical gathering spot for both locals and tourists alike. And itâ€™s also where the street performers carry out their acts.
In addition, we also went to check out Ann Frank House and the I Amsterdam sign.
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What are your thoughts about De Oude Kerk or Dam Square? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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December 22, 2016