My beloved Oslo - the Tiger City

One of the most photographed statues in Oslo, and the first that you see when you arrive at Oslo Central Station. 

If it was a gift to Oslo when the city celebrated it's 1000-year anniversity in 2000.  It is made by the artist Elena Engelsen. 

You might think it's strange to see a tiger in Oslo, but actually the city's nickname has been Tigerstaden / The Tiger City from the mid 1800s. 
Back in those days poor people from the countryside came to the city dreaming of a better life and take part of the Industrial revolution. 
Often dreams didn't come true, life was just as hard here, just different. A tough struggle to survive, the city was a jungle. 

Today the nickname has a more positive vibe, at least for us from Oslo. 
And we love the statue!