Celebrating Christmas in Oslo may not seem as vibrant and noisy as in other European capitals. Dusk falls early here, but the street lighting these days is not much different from everyday life. Only in the windows of houses a mysterious light flickers. Cafes and restaurants also do not shine with lights, but more resemble the half-dark caves of the mountain kings. But the people of Oslo like it and, besides, they know for sure that on Christmas days all mythical creatures of Norway: elves, gnomes, trolls walk around the city.
Norwegians celebrate Christmas in much the same way as all Europeans. On Advent they live in anticipation of a great event, and wanting to meet it joyfully and with a pure soul, they create a festive mood not only for themselves, but for everyone around.
Traditions
These days they send and give each other postcards, choosing a special one for each. They themselves come up with congratulations and write them by all means with their own hand.
Special lamps with seven candles are placed on the windowsills, and stars-lamps are hung on the windows.
Oslo's main street, Karl Johansgat, hosts the Christmas market. The tents sell cheeses, sausages, fish, sweets. There are also large tents where you can have a snack and warm up with a grog at a table with a kerosene lamp. And GlasMagasinet, the oldest in Oslo, is overflowing with gifts these days. There is almost everything that is impossible to resist. Any item of Scandinavian designers is irresistible. Souvenirs, clothing, textiles, dishes - everything is ready to brighten life.
On Christmas Eve, everyone goes to the cemetery to remember their relatives. Spruce wreaths are placed on the graves, candles and lamps are lit. And with the onset of darkness, the entire cemetery flickers with lights.
After the evening service, families gather at the festive table, which is simply overwhelmed with food. They drink ale, grog and the Norwegian Akevitta vodka. Children are waiting for gifts from Santa Claus, whose name is Julenissen. He is small, bearded, wears wool clothes, a red knitted hat, and round glasses. He has a wife named Nissemur.
And on Christmas Day, the Norwegians put beer and treats on the street for the ancient Scandinavian gods.
In the morning, the holiday continues, now it is noisy and fun, with fireworks, fireworks, skiing from the mountains and many other entertainments. And it lasts until January 13.
What to see
In the evening, it is good to walk along Karl Johan Street to the Royal Palace, visit the Grand Hotel, and in it the Grand Cafe, which Henrik Ibsen often visited. Go to the National Theater, see Peer Gynt.
In the afternoon, you should visit the Akershus fortress with a castle. Then be sure to visit the sculpture park of Gustav Vigeland. And be sure to go to the Edvard Munch Museum.
On the peninsula Byugdoi
Must see "Fram" - the legendary ship of Fritjof Nansen, and more
- viking ships
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Thor Heyerdahl's raft "Kon-Tiki",
- maritime museum
And after all this, fall in love with this city forever.
