Once I started planning my research stay in Oslo, one of the first things I did was check out the location of my office on Google Maps. It was there I learned of the existence of Frogner Park, Oslo’s largest, practically across the street. And according to its size, there’s a whole lot going on at this park — including a pool, a stadium, and the Oslo City Museum. But on the edges of winter, with most of the park’s greenery still blanketed in ice and snow, what interested me most was the park’s arrangement of over 200 sculptures by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland (also the designer of the Nobel Peace Prize medal).
So on my second day in Oslo — a gorgeously cold day — I packed up my camera and embarked on a little adventure to the Vigelandsanlegget…
Apparently, the sculpture park is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions and it really showed — despite the chilly temperatures and slippery conditions, the sun pulled visitors to the park in droves. I made my way from the main entrance over a long bridge, which was lined on both sides with all sort of interesting bronze sculptures. If it had been warmer, I would have taken time to look at each one more closely, but the overall effect was impressive.
I headed straight towards the Monolith, which sits at the top of a high plateau and platform. The top of the platform itself is surrounded by elaborate wrought iron gates, which I almost found more beautiful than the sculptures themselves.
The Monolith itself is a sculpture of 121 figures rising almost 50 feet up towards the sky, and reportedly took three stone carvers (working from Vigeland’s plaster design) about 14 years to complete. It was certainly a sight to behold. I loved how visitors interacted with the sculptures and spent time on the steps leading up to the Monolith, which I’m sure the effect is amplified on warm, sunny summer days.
The sun started setting during my visit, so I couldn’t hang around quite as long as I would have liked to. Even so, I was quite stunned by the park’s beauty and hope that I can spend some more time there in the coming weeks during lunch hours or breaks from work. If you’re ever in Oslo for a visit, make sure you check it out! Frogner Park is super centrally located and easily reached by the metro, trams, and busses.
Are you a fan of Vigeland? Or sculpture parks in general?
P.S. All photos from my Norwegian adventure can be found in this album over here.
I’ve seen such great photos of this park in summer, but I don’t know if I’ve ever seen any from winter before! Maybe it’s too cold for people to go outside? Who knows… but love these and can’t wait to see more of Norway!
Thanks for the comment! There were definitely tons of people in the park when I went, but maybe their fingers were too cold to take photos? Who knows. :) The country has really bowled me away so far with its beauty. Can’t wait to do some more exploring!
Beautiful, I’m definitely putting this on my must see list if/when I finally make it to Oslo – and this reminds me I still haven’t been to the Olympic Sculpture Park. Why is it that you put off doing activities in your “home” town? :)
I love seeing your photos of this park in winter – I’m not sure which is more beautiful, summer or winter! We walked through this park on a rainy summer evening and came across Eric Clapton playing in a concert. It was such a beautiful evening. Thank you for taking me back to those moments.
Thanks for your lovely comment! I’m sure the park is also gorgeous in the summer, but somehow the winter also has its own haunting beauty. I’ll have to make sure to return to Oslo some day during a warmer season. :)
I agree, winter in its starkness is just spectacular. Given we’re from Australia and not used to the hours of light in the summer in Norway, we were also delighted by the number of people we’d see out running at 11pm at night in summer! So I’m sure you’d enjoy that aspect too :)
I went here in the summer and it was absolutely gorgeous, but your pictures look like a whole other winter wonderland! Do you remember seeing any lights around? I want to give the park a try on a winter evening, but I’m not sure if there will be enough lighting to see the sculptures in the dark.
Hi Marissa, I’m afraid I don’t remember much about the lighting — it was still light enough while I was there that I didn’t have to pay attention. It’s definitely lovely during the winter!