Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo
Nestled within Frogner Park, a sprawling green expanse in the western outskirts of the city, lies the Vigeland Sculpture Park. Encompassing an impressive 80 acres, this park boasts a collection of 212 statues, all masterfully crafted by the renowned Norwegian sculptor, Gustav Vigeland. Adjacent to the park is the Vigeland Museum, a repository for many of the artist’s smaller sculptures and paintings. These two attractions came into being when Vigeland generously gifted several of his works to the city of Oslo in 1919. Following meticulous planning, the park was unveiled to the public in the year 1940.
At the heart of the park takes center stage a bridge that stretches from the Main Gate to the focal point, the Fountain sculpture. Along this bridge route, a third of the park's sculptures are gracefully displayed, each adorned in striking bronze. Notably, the beloved Angry Boy sculpture can be admired here. Culminating the bridge's path is the Fountain—an elaborate bronze Gothic masterpiece originally conceived for a location outside the Norwegian Parliament. This splendid sculpture is encircled by an expansive mosaic showcasing bold black and white designs.
Crowning the highest elevation within the park is the Monolith, indisputably the most celebrated attraction. Purposefully positioned, this colossal granite tower, hewn from a singular massive rock, showcases an assembly of over one hundred intricately carved human figures. The park has served as a wellspring of inspiration for music, literature, and even made a notable appearance in the successful Norwegian independent film 'Elling'. As a welcoming gift to the public, this park remains accessible throughout daylight hours all year round.
Tip:
Combine with the Vigeland Museum located right outside the park. Do it on the same day so that you can compare what you saw in the park to what you see in the museum.
At the heart of the park takes center stage a bridge that stretches from the Main Gate to the focal point, the Fountain sculpture. Along this bridge route, a third of the park's sculptures are gracefully displayed, each adorned in striking bronze. Notably, the beloved Angry Boy sculpture can be admired here. Culminating the bridge's path is the Fountain—an elaborate bronze Gothic masterpiece originally conceived for a location outside the Norwegian Parliament. This splendid sculpture is encircled by an expansive mosaic showcasing bold black and white designs.
Crowning the highest elevation within the park is the Monolith, indisputably the most celebrated attraction. Purposefully positioned, this colossal granite tower, hewn from a singular massive rock, showcases an assembly of over one hundred intricately carved human figures. The park has served as a wellspring of inspiration for music, literature, and even made a notable appearance in the successful Norwegian independent film 'Elling'. As a welcoming gift to the public, this park remains accessible throughout daylight hours all year round.
Tip:
Combine with the Vigeland Museum located right outside the park. Do it on the same day so that you can compare what you saw in the park to what you see in the museum.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oslo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Vigeland Sculpture Park on Map
Sight Name: Vigeland Sculpture Park
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Oslo, Norway
Create Your Own Walk in Oslo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Oslo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour
Oslo's Museum District, located on the Bygdoy Peninsula, is home to some of the most visited museums in the city. Repositories of precious artifacts from Norway’s history, these remarkable institutions collectively represent a treasure trove for those keen on exploring this northerly nation's past.
One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Oslo's religious landscape, particularly within the Christian tradition, is a captivating tapestry interwoven with history, faith, and architectural elegance. The city boasts a collection of historical churches reflecting the evolution of local Christian communities. Diverse in their designs, these sacred sites offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted religious traditions that have shaped Oslo... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Grunerlokka Walking Tour
Formerly a working-class area of Oslo, Grunerlokka is one of the capital’s hippest neighborhoods. This district is named after Friedrich Gruner, the former chief administrator of the city in the late 1600s. Today's Grunerlokka is a fusion of Norwegian and foreign cultures, owing it largely to the late 20th-century gentrification process.
Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Old Oslo Walking Tour
The historic Old Town of Oslo is the oldest part of the city which dates back to the days of medieval Norway. This urban area emerged around the year 1000 and became the capital of Norway's dominion (within the Dano-Norwegian Realm) around 1300. The Old Town district continued to be known as Oslo, while the whole city was called Christiania, until 1925.
One of its prominent landmarks is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
One of its prominent landmarks is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Oslo Introduction Walking Tour
Originally a Viking village, Norway's capital city has a long and multifaceted history that begins long before its establishment as a trading hub of Ánslo in 1040 AD. Archaeological findings suggest the presence of a Christian settlement in the area predating the year 1000.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Traveler's Choice: 15 Norwegian Gifts from Oslo
The Norwegians are strict about gift making and believe that each gift must be equaled with a return one. For this reason, public holidays and birthdays are a very serious business in Norway, with everyone making and receiving gifts. In the spirit of this tradition, you might want to treat your dear...