When in Oslo...
The Vigeland Sculpture Park is a must-see, we'd read. Whilst here in the Summer, our limited time meant we didn't make it there, but it was most certainly high on our list this time around.
It was a fine morning and the tram took us right to the gates, where a little light snow was starting to fall. Just one coach was parked here, which was the main advantage of being here in November. For sure in the summer, there would have been rather a few more!
Walk with us then, through those gates and into the park, where a long straight promenade leads to the Monolith right up there at the furthest point.
The first figures we come across are by the Bridge, where a set of four stone sculptures are placed in the corners, two at each end, depicting a figure with a dragon. Hmmm. Not sure about that one!
Battling evil forces perhaps? There's a few interpretations to be found, but for now, let's move onto the bridge itself.
There's a series of figures along each side, many of figures with children but all in expressive poses open to interpretation.
No two alike - or even similar - each figure was an individual.
Two more dragon figures were at the other end of the bridge, high on the stone columns and matching the pair we'd already seen.
There's quite an extensive park here and it was a popular place this Saturday morning for runners, dog walkers and families with small children. The pathways are well tended, clearly marked and there are some further sculptures to be found beyond this central avenue. For now, we decided to keep straight on towards the Fountain.
Here, a large central bowl is supported by a group of figures, surrounded by a series of tree-like forms with figures entwined.
Each one of these sculptures is unique and as expressive as every other one. On a warmer day, one could bring a sketch book and spend hours drawing these remarkable forms but in today's chilly temperatures we kept moving!
Up the steps then, towards the Monolith, past the decorative gates where several young men were posing for photographs.
Up a few more steps then, to the monolith itself, past another set of figures cut from stone.
Every one of the individual figures is remarkably lifelike, cut from detailed observations.
One in particular proved to be a popular perch, for in spite of waiting quite some time for it to fly away, the bird was quite comfortable, thank you.
Were we going to walk down those steps and take a look further on? Not today thank you.
From here there was a great view of another place on our list, the Holmenkollen Ski Jump and perhaps we'd make it there too since it's so clear today.
Turning around and making our way back down the steps, taking care not to slip on the odd icy patch that was there, we wondered how much explanation the guides can give about the statues. There are so many of them! And whilst I'd like to have learned about a few, I wouldn't want to listen to too much detail. What might be a happy medium, I wonder?
The figures on the bridge proved to be inspiration for countless snapshot poses and I am sure there's a hashtag with many pictures of people mirroring the statue behind them.
Resisting the challenge to emulate any one of them, I was pleased to get a clearer shot of those great gates at the entrance. Yes, the Vigeland sculptures are remarkable and it's clear why this is a must see. For now, I need to learn a little more about the man and his work though!
