Norway

In the shadow of Holmenkollen

Wiola & Mike00 views

Oslo Opera House

Living the dream…

The desire to fulfill our dreams led us way up North, to Scandinavia.

We decided to give up our everyday lives and ‘nine-to-five’ jobs and look for some happiness in Oslo.

Oslo

The capital of Norway is quite an interesting place. History and modernity mix with each other on everyday basics. If you’re planning your visit here, keep in mind it’s gonna be expensive… The flights with Ryanair are fairly cheap but the transport from the airport to the city centre will cost extra, ca. 150 NOK.

Oslo Opera House

Right next to the central station Oslo S, there is an amazing, inspired by the ice floe, building of the Oslo Opera House. You can walk on its roof and enjoy the view of the beautiful Oslofjorden. This is a ‘must see’ point of every single trip to this city. Karl Johan’s Gate, which is the most representative street in Norway’ leads directly from the central station to the Royal Palace.  Each day, at 13:30 there is a change of guards and if you are lucky enough you will get to see the royal orchestra or even His Highness, King Harald V together with his wife.

Akerhus Fortress

Above the Oslofjorden rises the medieval fortress Akerhus. The walk around its  walls will provide you with some splendid views both, of the castle and seashore. At the footstep of the fortress there are: a modern boardwalk called Aker Brygge and Noble Peace Centre.

Oslo Pass

If you carry an Oslo Pass or a travel ticket (ruter #) it’s a good idea to take the ferry number 602 and look at Oslo and its surroundings from the new perspective.

Bygdøy Peninsula

There are a couple of noteworthy museums at the Bygdøy Peninsula. Kon-Tiki, Viking Ship, Norwegian Folk and  Maritine Museums are just few examples. The most popular one is probably the Viking’s yet it’s surprisingly small and your visit will not be longer then an hour unless you wish to contemplate.

Oseberg Ship

Oslo’s strong point would be definitely the ability to get out of the city centre into the woods using just one metro line or a train. It is also easy to get to Sognsvann which is a nice area to walk/run around the lake or swim in it when the summer time comes.
There is quite a number of parks all around “Tigerstaden” as well. The Ekebergparken is an example of a place located on the hill with the spectacular view of Oslo. It also containes ‘modern art’ pieces that can be found all over the place. Be prepared as it may be shocking at times!

Vigeland’s Park

On the opposite side of the city center you will find the largest sculpture park made by a single artist. Vigeland’s Park containes over 200 sculptures representing people in all different sizes and shapes. it’s totally worth seeing!

 

 

the Holmenkolen Jump

Last but not least, the Holmenkolen Jump, situated on the top of Oslo is a modern construction that is a perfect place to visit, not only for the skijumping fans yet for everyone enjoying the good views of the whole city. If you look down on the landing, your heart will beat faster! It’s possible to take the lift to the top of the jump and see the perspective from the starting beam or even slide down the rope, that will imitate the ski jump, for extra 600NOK.

 

Loppemarkeds

If you are in Oslo in the springtime or during the fall, you can go to one of many Loppemarkeds which are organised by children together with their parents. These are basically the ‘sales’ of any equipment you wish for: sport accessories, furniture, dishes, electrocity. All the money collected during the loppemarked is meant for pupils and their school trips. It is a Norwegian tradition which is definitely an impressive initiative.

Oslo at sunset

 

Any drawbacks?
One and visable drawback of Oslo would be the Grønland district as you will find too many people begging for money. The streets are also dirty and since Norway is a rich country, this area can disgust a bit…
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