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Oslo, the capital and most populous city of Norway, was founded at the end of the Viking Age in 1040 under the name Ánslo, established as a kaupstad or trading place in 1048, elevated to a bishopric in 1070, and designated a capital under Haakon V of Norway around the year 1300. The city is known for its museums. Many of these are on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the waterside Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, with Viking ships from the 9th century. Oslo is also a green city–more than half of the municipality of Oslo is covered by forests and parks, and the fjord extends all the way to the city center. The center itself is increasingly car-free and easy to explore on foot or by bike. An efficient public transport system makes the rest of the city easily accessible. Oslo has been ranked number one in terms of quality of life among European large cities. Come with us to spend an evening in beautiful Oslo!
William H. Fredlund, the Director of the Institute, obtained his B.A. and M.A. from UCLA, where he specialized in European history and art history. He studied in Italy on a Fulbright Fellowship and completed a double Ph.D. in history and humanities at Stanford, specializing in Renaissance Italy. Dr. Fredlund has taught for UCLA, the University of Florence, Stanford, and UCSC Extension.
