Since I’ve never been to Oslo myself (I know, shame on me), I asked an expert for help. Wendy Pot lived in Oslo for half a year and picked up the pen for Lost in Norvana! In this blog she shares her insider tips for an unforgettable time in versatile Oslo.
Now that I get to think back to the time I spent in Oslo, I’m smiling from ear to ear again. Yay, it was such a treat, and I’m so in love with that city and with Norway! I can only encourage everyone I talk to who’s thinking about going to Oslo. Why? It’s a really, really versatile city. From water and little islands to the city center with its beautiful historic buildings. From nightlife, little parks and lovely coffee shops to blooming, green nature. Oslo has it all!
Before I left for six months – with way too little in my suitcase, because the weather in Norway is versatile too – I actually knew nothing about the country. Not exactly good preparation.. I got lost in Oslo regularly, but because of that I did see a lot of the city, and it gave me strong calves from going up and down the hill every single time. By the way, in my experience Norwegians are happy to help you when you’ve lost your way! They speak excellent English and know their way around like no one else. On the other hand, they’re not-the-kind-of-person to have a nice chat with on the bus. So a seat for two on public transportation is meant for one person.
And while we’re on the subject of public transportation. Wow, it’s so well organized! You can buy a ticket for one way, 24 hours, a weekly pass or a monthly pass. You can do this at any Narvesen, 7-Eleven and of course the Ruter Help Center. With this Ruter card you can use all the (night) buses, trams, metros and little ferries to go island hopping. Do make sure you buy the right zone, you’ll only get that wrong once. 😉
Of course you can find plenty of tips for exploring Oslo at the Oslo Visitor Center next to the station (Jernbanetorget) or on Tripadvisor, but insider tips from someone who has lived there are just a little different from those of tourists flying by. I’ll tell you the real must sees of Oslo! My tips fall into four categories:
December tips for Oslo
- Jul i Vinterland with an ice rink and Ferris wheel (November 18 to December 30, 2017, http://www.julivinterland.no/hjem/)
- The lighting of the big Christmas tree at Oslo Universitetsplassen (early December)
- Drinking hot chocolate, coffee or tea with the most delicious kanelboller (cinnamon buns) at W.B. Samson Majorstuen
Take a hike in Oslo!
- Vigeland Park and Frognerparken (a park full of statues and the famous angry little boy)
- Endless walks through the Botanical Garden (good chance there’s a Christmas market nearby!)
- Akerselva river walk past all kinds of parks and nature trails. In the third week of September there’s a walk with lights and lanterns!
- Walking in Ekebergparken. This park is full of statues, works of art and funny details. On top of that, you have a gorgeous view over the city and the harbor
- Bygdøy is a must-visit, with your toes in the sand!
Spring fever in Oslo
- Shamelessly taking photos of the Royal Palace. This is especially fun on May 17 because of the national holiday, there’s a good chance you’ll see the royal couple waving!
- Aker Brygge, endless shopping and enjoying a cup of coffee or a pizza with the sun on your face
- The Oslofjord (you can tour around the islands with your Ruter public transportation ticket)
Oslo all year round
- Operahuset Oslo (the Instagram-perfect-picture-location)
- Walking around the beautiful lake Sognsvann. In spring you can pick delicious blueberries here, in winter you can go ice skating and in summer it’s perfect for picnics and swimming!
- Fretex and UFF secondhand stores for the one and only Norwegian sweaters, mittens or scarves
- The neighborhood Grünerløkka with its buzzing culture and creativity (hip hangouts, graffiti on the walls, flea markets or Christmas markets, little parks where you can have a barbecue, a craft beer festival, etc.)
Of course there’s much more to do and experience in the beautiful capital of Norway. You can visit countless museums, for example, like the reptile museum, the 22 July Center, Holmenkollen, the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art or the Nobel Peace Center. If you have any questions or want more tips, leave a message below and I promise to reply as soon as possible! I’ll talk your ear off about this beautiful country. Which would of course be even more fun if you took me along as your personal guide, haha!
As you may have gathered by now, I had an unforgettable time in Oslo. And I wish you lots of fun in this amazing and versatile city too. And say hi to Norway for me!
Blog by Wendy Pot
Accommodation in Oslo
Looking for accommodation in Oslo? If you book through this link on Booking.com, I get a little something extra. Would you like help with booking? Feel free to get in touch with me.
Personal travel advice
Would you like help putting together your dream trip to and through Norway? Or would you rather leave the planning of your trip entirely to someone else? Feel free to get in touch with me, and soon you’ll be Lost in Norvana too!
