Oslo, Norway has captured my heart – and it wasn’t something I was necessarily expecting. Like any true Midwesterner, my vacations have always been with the purpose of escaping the snow and frigid temperatures to basically any place with beaches and palm trees. So when my sister decided to attend grad school in Oslo, I knew my vacations were about to take on a very different vibe. Little did I know how much I’d adore trading in my bikini for sweaters and scarves.
Oslo in a Full Day
Oslo is a city that one could spend days exploring and stay thoroughly entertained – but let’s say you only have one day – 24 hours – these are the sights (and tastes) you won’t want to miss.
8:00 AM
You’ll want to start your day early and travel on foot. Oslo is one gorgeous neighborhood after another, and there is no better way to see it than by walking. Breakfasts are not a big affair in Scandinavia, but their coffee culture is incomparable. There are cafes every two feet, and I’ve yet to find one that’s a disappointment. My favorite though, is Kaffebrenneriet which is the largest coffee chain in Norway.
Norwegian coffee is seriously strong – expect bold roasts and no frills. You won’t find bacon and eggs anywhere in the country, but don’t be discouraged. Give a brown cheese sandwich a try – it’s made with muesli bread which is a rye bread with nuts, fruit, and honey (and healthy to boot!) paired with brown cheese (aka Brunost). The sweet and ultra-savory brown cheese compliments the complexity of the bread perfectly, and it’s the sort of meal that will stick with you until lunch.
9:00 AM
First up on the list is the Viking Ship Museum, and there is no better way to get in the Nordic spirit than by viewing the remains of 3 different Viking ships dating back as far as 800 AD. Much like Rome’s Coliseum – this is the sort of history that is deeply resonating and to witness it all first hand is something you’ll never forget.
A short walk from the Viking Ship Museum is The Folk Museum. This is one of Europe’s largest open air museums and features 155 different homes restored from across Norway. Grab yourself a piece of lefse (which is made right in front of you in one of the farm houses) and then take a carriage ride around the grounds. Indoor exhibits delve deeper into Norway’s rich history and cover everything from toys to weaponry to clothes.
12:00 PM
Take the metro North to the Frogner area and stop at Vigeland Park. Here sculptor Gustav Viegland’s obsession with the human form takes visitors on an enchanting stroll that is as strange as it is captivating. Boasting over 200 granite and bronze statues, the park features a pristine river running through it, an incredible fountain, and perhaps the crowning jewel is the monolith, which stands over 46 feet tall on the top plateau of the park and took 14 years to create.
12:30 PM
All that exploring has left you famished, and now since you’re in the Frogner borough, you must stop at Kolonihagen. This might be the coziest restaurant in the world. It has all the charm of a cabin – with flickering white candles, large exposed beams, and a tiny courtyard that backs up to a darling flower shop with white washed walls and vases of baby’s breath adorning every table.
Menu items are all seasonal and all come from local farmers and vendors. I went with an open faced smoked salmon sandwich and a glass of Riesling (their wine menu is impressive.)
1:30 PM
After lunch, make your way to the Akker Brygge area to walk along the boardwalk. Here, there are many restaurants, but the ice cream stands are what you want to take advantage of. Ice cream is a big deal in Scandinavia – go with the “softi” (soft serve vanilla) dashed with chocolate cocoa powder. Grab a bench and people watch as the ferries and boats come in and out of port. There are always performers and very often live music. There are also many cute shops in the area and a wonderful area to pick up souvenirs that go beyond your average magnet or coffee cup.
2:30 PM
Next up is Akershus Fortress, located on the other side of the bay from the restaurants and shops. This medieval castle dates back to the 1290’s and it’s intense and varied history is captivating. I recommend taking an open guided tour so you can get all the juicy facts but still go at your own pace. And keep your eyes peeled – Akershus Fortress is consistently listed as one of the most haunted places in Europe. Once you’re done exploring, don’t hurry off too quickly – to the right of the entrance of the fortress there is a gorgeous open air bar perfect for enjoying a cocktail with stunning views of the harbor.
6:00 PM
Conveniently located steps outside of Akershus Fortress is Cafe Skansen. The cheery, yellow restaurant dates back to the 1800’s and has the perfect patio. Even if it’s a bit chilly, try to sit outside – heat lamps and blankets provided by the restaurant make the experience extra cozy.
Their fish soup is hearty and cream based and might be enough for an entree if you’re looking to go big on dessert. The mussels are exceptional too – meaty and flavorful without being “fishy.”
8:00 PM
Tired yet? Time to head back to the hotel. Travel west so you can see the Royal Palace of Oslo. It’s a stately building with a beautiful garden, and is a site to see all lit up at night.
As for hotels, there are tons of options to choose from, but I highly recommend Frogner House Apartments. The rooms are spacious with huge windows and pretty décor and the Frogner neighborhood is one of Oslo’s prettiest. Norway is pricey – and this hotel offers the option to decline daily room cleanings – which cuts room prices in half. Located at the bottom of the hotel is a sweet outdoor bar with an extensive cocktail list – perfect for a night cap.
Helpful Hints
- Tipping is not common practice in Norway and is only done when you have received service that is totally above and beyond the norm.
- Don’t be off-put by the quiet nature of Norwegians. There aren’t a lot of “thanks you’s” or greetings or even eye contact, but that can simply be chalked up to cultural differences.
- If you get to go into someone’s home ALWAYS remove your shoes. There is no greater faux pas than forgetting to take off your footwear.
- Even if traveling in the summer, pack sweaters and jackets, you’ll thank me later.
- This country is pricey. Budget for more than you think you’ll need. To keep costs down, get familiar with public transportation. The buses are a quick and easy way to get around the city without having to pay for taxis.
- If using a credit card, make sure yours has a chip. These are beginning to be the norm in the US now too, but many vendors won’t accept cards that can’t be read by a chip.
This post was submitted and written by Brittney Berget. Brittney is a freelance writer whose interests include collecting passport stamps, getting cozy with a book, and any sort of spontaneous adventure. She believes life should be lived passionately and daydreaming is a valid pastime.
Follow her on Instagram: @britta.13 and Twitter: @brittney13