5 very good reasons to travel to Oslo in Norway
If you are looking for a city trip, then this is a must Oslo definitely at the top of your list. A city that is full of architecture with a skyline of everything, very good restaurants with wine cellars that scare you, shops with the most beautiful Scandinavian fashion and gadgets and hotels that you never want to leave. It's easy to empty your bank account completely, but with the right tips and a sandwich here and there along the way, it's really doable.
If you can no longer see the forest for the trees (there are quite a few of them there: all nature is just around the corner), then we have five very good reasons why you should really go to Oslo. From really luxurious to budget and a bit of everything.
Because Oslo is located on the Oslafjord, you are never very far from the water. Nice terraces, strolling along the boulevard, SUPing, taking the ferry to the islands: Oslo is your oyster. But hey, you can also do these things in other places. Ha, if not with the floating saunas! For an x amount per half day (and if you go with a (small) group, it won't break the bank) you can rent your own sauna on the water. Spread out in various places throughout the city you have your own sauna, outdoor shower and place in the sun. You look out over the water and the islands and if it all gets too hot under your feet, you take a dip (yes, it is chilly, but it will cheer you up). COOK has three sauna boats that are moored on the Langkaia, right opposite the Opera House (talking about views). Or choose a slightly 'hipper' section and book the floating saunas at food halls Oslo Fjord Spa. Kind of a small commune of saunas almost right in the center. Day sightseeing-and ending like this doesn't sound so bad.
Yes, you have to save up for this (at least the undersigned), but... The Thief Hotel on a small island southwest of the center of Oslo and next to it Astrup Fearnley Museum (you can go for free if you sleep here!) It is more than worth it. The decor is warmly modern: think dark blue, gold and ocher yellow, but with cool details such as the larger-than-life photo of a cowboy in the foyer and sleek details. The rooms (also nothing standard about the Standard Room) have a balcony, a rain shower and bath and a bed you never want to get out of. If you manage to do the latter, then you should take a look (and drink a cocktail) at it rooftop terrace or pamper yourself in the spa. And the breakfast buffet…well. Breakfast will never be the same again once you have breakfast at The Thief. Everything is ready for you: fresh health juices, english breakfast and everything that goes with it (but with reindeer sausages), more types of bread and crackers than you have ever seen in your life, a selection of cheese and meat that rivals a luxury dinner and of course fresh fish.
Even if you go into museums, it is still architecture and design that dominates the entire day. From the buildings around you to the design of the hotel and the shop windows you walk past. There are statues, sculptures and exhibitions everywhere (both indoors and outdoors – the latter are often free). Of course it is a no-brainer Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art (entrance is about ten euros) where you can easily waste an afternoon. It is another museum that you should definitely not miss National Museum. A small, but nice, museum (in a very pleasant neighborhood: Engebret – Oslo's oldest restaurants – is around the corner) where you can see exactly how design is part of the Norwegian DNA. From textiles on the wall to beautiful bunk beds to the iconic ones Tripp Trapp high chair by Peter Opsvik. The latter can also be found in mega size, which in turn lends itself to being whole Instagrammable photos. Don't forget to walk along the water Opera House to walk: completely free.
Dinner with a view is with Ekebergrestauranten another one in the Ekebergpark understatement. You look out over the harbor and islands, the entire city itself and the mountains surrounding it. From the Opera House you can walk there in just under an hour, with the last part following a path through the park and the view getting better each time (just wait until the last minute for photos). You can also come from the other side. Then you walk through the Ekeberg Park, which is a mix of nature, history and lots of (crazy and cool) sculptures. Oh yes, and of course the Ekebergrestauranten itself. They have a modern Scandinavian menu, which translates to classics like the Skagen toast (with shrimp, crayfish and dill in its fancy style), but also a fantastic fish soup and very good deserts (go for the caramel pudding). If you go for lunch you can get a three-course menu and a priceless view for just 50 euros.
Favorite place in Oslo? That might be the knife to the throat Vippa Food Court. Vippa is located on the edge of the Oslo fjord, with a terrace where the sun shines all day long. No fancy hassle, but lazy chairs, picnic tables or just on the ground with your legs dangling over the water. This warehouse used to be a place where all kinds of things were stored, but now all kinds of things are cooked there. There are about eleven food stands (from Chinese dumplings to Polish pierogi, Syrian cuisine, Norwegian seafood and all kinds of other dishes). The products are local and sustainable, where possible from farmers in the Oslo region. A very relaxed, cozy (and certainly hip) place where you can eat and drink all afternoon.
