OSLO – TRADITION AND MODERNITY

DID YOU KNOW?

Oslo is in the top of metropolises with the highest living standard. It belongs to the most expensive cities, too.

photo: C H/VisitNorway

DID YOU KNOW?

Modest lifestyle is a symbol of Norwegian Royal Family. This was proved in 1973 when during the oil crisis when restrictions on usage of cars were temporarily introduced King Olav V went to The Holmenkollen ski jump by tram and he paid for a tram ticket by himself. The current king – Harald V – during his private trips drives his car himself. The royal family goes to cinema, theatre, cycles and just as all Norwegians goes skiing. Harald V is also known of his passion to sailing – he represented his country three times in Summer Olympic Games.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held at Oslo City Hall every year on 10 December on the anniversary of founder’s death. At the same time at Stockholm City Hall the prizes in other categories are presented.

photo: C H/VisitNorway

DID YOU KNOW THAT ROALD AMUNDSEN…

– planned his expedition to the North Pole first but when he got to know that his rival – American explorer Robert Peary had brought it off before him, he decided to become the first man who reached the other end of the globe;

– in the attempt to reach the South Pole he competed with Englishman Robert Scott. Amundsen had preceded him for five weeks. The participants of Scott’s expedition died on their way back;

– 17 years after reaching the South Pole he took part in a rescue mission seeking Umberto Nobile – Italian airship constructor who disappeared in the Arctic. Amundsen and his crew disappeared too. The bodies were never found.

DID YOU KNOW?

First exhibitions of Munch’s works were welcomed with disgust of the public opinion as well as art critics. Nowadays Munch’s works reach world record prices on auctions. A version of the Scream was sold for an incredible sum of 119 922 500 dollars.