Lap up the culture and sights of Oslo on a Norwegian cruise

Oslo is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone on a Norwegian fjord cruise. The city boasts a rich blend of historical and cultural attractions and is surrounded by stunning scenery - all the ingredients you need when you're on a romantic break!

The capital city is a simply stunning destination where you are greeted by amazing architecture around every corner and the locals are friendly and welcoming. After the peace and quiet of the Scandinavian fjords, this is certain to be a romantic stop on an anniversary cruise.

If you're thinking of marking a special occasion by taking a cruise to the city, read on for our top things to do as a couple while you're there.

Go sightseeing

There are few more enjoyable experiences to have as a couple than exploring somewhere new for the first time together and if sightseeing is how you plan to spend your time in Oslo, you won't be disappointed. As previously mentioned, the city is home to a wealth of stunning architecture, including some examples that are centuries' old and others that are contemporary.

Oslo Cathedral is very different in style to buildings of this type at home in the UK, so it is well worth a look, while nearby you will find Basarhallene, Kirkeristen - a bazaar hall where you can browse handicrafts and stock up on souvenirs.

On the banks of the fjord stands Akershus Fortress, where you can come to simply sit in the sun and enjoy the sight of the ships and sailboats passing by, or to step inside and learn more about Oslo's history. For something more modern, head to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, which is the country's largest performing arts institution. This has become a real landmark in the city and is the first opera house in the world where visitors can walk on the roof.

Visit the parks

Strolling hand in hand through one of Oslo's many parks is a great way for couples to enjoy their time in the city together. There are numerous green spaces to choose from and each offers its own charms.

In the heart of the capital are the botanical gardens, where you can escape the bustling streets of the city to admire the sight and smell of around 1,800 different varieties of flora. The Scent Garden is really worth a visit, as it was designed for the blind and is a treat for the nose.

Vigelandsparken is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Norway, drawing more than one million visitors every year. The space is peppered with unusual sculptures by the artist Gustav Vigeland, who made the project his life's work.

Eat out

Of course, you will have had the pleasure of tucking into countless sumptuous meals onboard your cruise ship, but, as an anniversary is a special occasion, there's no harm in continuing this trend on dry land. Oslo has numerous high-quality restaurants that will cater to your needs.

If you want to sample some traditional Norwegian food, look for somewhere serving specialities like kjottkaker (meat balls), farikal (lamb and cabbage stew) or lutefisk (cod cured in lye). Kaffistova at the Bondeheimen Hotel is a good choice as its dishes are available at a reasonable price.

Alternatively, grab a coffee at one of the cafes and spend a few hours people watching and chatting before boarding your ship to embark on the next leg of your romantic voyage.