The Aker Brygge marks the edge of the harbor. It's a vast glass and chrome complex that contain an urban mall filled with shops, bars, restaurants, food stalls, theatres and galleries. There is an open-air sculpture court at its heart. On warm days people stroll along a boardwalk that follows the harbor. There are benches for resting, or for people watching, which seems to be a favorite past time.
Office workers take their lunches in the open air cafes.
At the many piers there's always amusement, watching the ferries and fishing boats coming in to moor, and sight-seeing cruisers taking off for places unknown. The atmosphere is very relaxed. On a hill overlooking the harbor is the mediareview Akershus Fortress. Built originally in 1308, it helped protect old Christiania from pirates and marauders throughout the periods of Danish and Swedish dominance. Stone paths through the grounds of the fortress lead to crenellated walls that open to the town below.