Sunday 31 July

Today, with our travelling companions, Anne & Murray, Jim & Fi, we set off on a day of sightseeing. First stop was the Vigeland Sculpture Park set in 80 acres of gardens & park. This was the result of development over 40 years beginning in 1900. All the sculptures were the work of one man, Gustav Vigeland. Our path into the park took us through peaceful bush land & beside a bubbling creek. We enjoyed exploring the sculptures which presented life from babies to old people & lots of different family groups. 

Next we travelled by train up a mountain to Frognerseteren & had lunch at a chalet with amazing views over Oslo. Having been advised by a helpful girl we met on the train, we then walked down the road to see the very imposing Olympic ski jump where zip lines were used for thrill seekers to travel from the top of the jump to the bottom. On our walk we had the delight of finding wild raspberries growing in bushes by the road. They were the best we had ever tasted - was hard to stop picking them.

Back to the city by train & next stop was the medieval Akershus Fortress & Castle which sits beside the harbour with cannons ready to fire on any invader. We wandered through dungeons to huge dining & reception rooms and a chapel. 

After a short while back at the hotel, we went to the harbour side for a seafood dinner which topped off a brilliant day. According to Murray's pedometer App, we had walked 15 kms. Pretty good going for a group of seniors (except for young Fi)!

On our lovely walk through bush.

At the Vigeland Sculpture Park

A dad with arms around 3 children

Crawling baby.

Our lunch spot.

The Olympic Ski Jump - the zip line ran from the top down.

A large reception room in the castle.