25 July 2012

Seasons in Scandinavia - July in Norway

July in Norway is vacation month. But you won't feel that in Oslo - the streets are alive with excited tourists from around the world, enjoying the unexpectedly warm Scandinavian summer. When you stroll around that tiny capital of 500,000 inhabitants, you will feel the exquisite blend of cosmopolitan and small-town.

Come, walk along with me. Today the tour is guided.

The building of the national opera, finished in 2007 allows people to walk on its roof and enjoy panoramic views of Oslo. Very much appreciated on a lovely day.
Oslo opera house



You can see the emblematic Holmenkollen ski jump stooping above Oslo - it's a city of sports and culture, where both are equally accessible.
View over Oslo to Holmenkollen

The streets around the Royal palace are packed with joyful pedestrians.
Royal Palace in Oslo


Aker Brygge is a popular meeting place for shopping, dining, and entertainment. As many as 12 million visitors a year make Aker Brygge Norway's biggest destination. You can see the two brown towers of the city hall in the distance.
Aker Brygge in Oslo

Across from Aker Brygge and beyond the water -  the calming view of Akershus Fortress - a medieval castle that was built to protect Oslo.
Akershus Fortress - medieval fortress

Meanwhile in the fjords...

Hardangerfjord is considered Norway's orchard. In late spring the slopes around the fjord are covered in blossoming cherry trees. But it also can be a dream place for romantic tourists.
view of Hardangerfjord


Idyllic view over Romsdalsfjord where people are rarely to be seen but beauty is abound.
Idyllic view of Romsdalsfjord

Geirangerfjord is one of the most visited tourist spots in Norway. Since 2005, the Geirangerfjord has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Geirangerfjord in the summer


Ålesund has a population of roughly 43,000 people and is situated on the north-western coast of Norway. It is considered the Norwegian center of Art Nouveau architecture but the mountains around it are what take my breath away.
Alesund . Art Noveau center

This post is part of the Scandinavian Seasons series. All photographs are taken by me.

16 comments:

  1. One day, we'll go there!
    Beautiful photos!

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    1. Thank you. Before you come make sure you you have a month to spare. And once you come be sure to drop me a line, so we can meet!

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  2. Looks like a beautiful place. Love all the photos.

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  3. This is my favorite series you do. Just breathtaking! I really love the mix of new and old architecture; we don't get a lot of that over here.

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    1. Thank you, Paige! I too enjoy the mix between old and new. It functions as a bridge between our past and our present.

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  4. OMG, absolutely beautiful photos!! I'd like to go NOW! Thank you for sharing.

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  5. Absolutely breathtaking, Sonya! I am so happy that you get to spend the summer in Oslo and that the weather is so good!

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    1. Thank you, Laurie! I hope summer is equally as good for you!

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  6. Wow! Would love to visit someday, Romsdalsfjord looks so peaceful!

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    1. Thank you, Holly! The fjords are my dream place for a summer house :)

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  7. beautiful ..the colors so bright and true !! What a charming series !

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  8. Sonya, amazing photographs! Seeing your photos makes me want to visit. I love the architecture and the colors of the city, and the calm beauty of fjords.
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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  9. Sonya, Thanks for the beautiful virtual tour of Norway! It reminds me a bit of Lake Tahoe. Clear cool water, bright blue skies and fresh, fresh air! Love it! I just might have to add Norway to my bucket list!

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  10. I love this guided tour! My favorites are the colorful buildings in Oslo and the romantic views in "the orchard." Norway is so beautiful through your lens! Actually, I'm pretty sure it's just beautiful anyway, haha, but you take such fantastic photos, Sonya. :) xo

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  11. thanks for taking us on the tour! I'd love to take a walk where you rarely meet people, but I'm also interested in art nouveau architecture. <3

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