Walking on the Roof

We've made our way from Sweden to Norway and our first stop is the capital - Oslo. Like Stockholm, Oslo is also on the water so there are lots of boats and it's also a popular stop for cruise ships.  The major sites are crowded during the middle of the day when all of the cruisers are in port for the day.

Do you see me on the roof?

One of our first places to visit was the Oslo Opera House.  The Sydney Opera House in Australia is probably the most iconic in the world.  Oslo's is likely going to be a close second.  The building seems to disappear into the water.  Since its opening in 2008, the opera house has served as both a performing arts venue and community gathering space.  Featuring sharp angles, the building's thick slab tiles serve as both plaza and roof.

Interior view

We walked all throughout the plaza, and by doing so, we were also walking on the roof.  As you would expect, the building has earned multiple architectural awards.  Scandinavian architecture frequently features modern lines and a striking blend of glass, wood, and concrete or steel.  Even though the designs are markedly different, the Sydney and Oslo opera houses have one thing in common.  They were both designed by Scandinavians.