One Day in Oslo, no alcohol included: Given the gift of 24 hours in Oslo, I decided to extend & embrace. My original trip was focused on Tromsø, Norway. My return ticket had an overnight layover, no matter how I tried to book it. I connected with some friends in Scandinavia, learned flights from Copenhagen, Bergen, Stockholm, and more are easy & economical. We had a glorious 36 hours to connect & explore.
Visiting Oslo with friends proved to be an extraordinary introduction to a vibrant, energetic, delicious, and eclectic city. I look forward to returning, digging deeper, and visiting more. Instead of cramming every exhibit, site, and activity into one day, we floated and absorbed the city as a whole. We stopped to gaze at window displays on Storgata, popped into cozy coffee shops to warm up, and refueled with delectable pastries. We marveled at the architecture, smiling as the people celebrated their Saturday in the multitude of public outdoor expanses & activities.
Oslo is a fantastic walking city, any season. Norwegians know well how to embrace winter. We visited in February; snow blanketed the city, and comfortable shoes with good grips are recommended. We asked our kind hotel reception for tips on where we should visit, bundled up, and set off with a route roughly mapped out to maximize our time, yet allow for exploration and discovery. Our general directions beginning & ending at our hotel, The Clarion Collection® Hotel Folketeateret , included the following: The Opera House, Operastranda in Bjørvika
Aker Brygge
The Royal Palace Gardens
We circled Oslo, visiting world-renowned attractions while stumbling on local fun. Choosing a weekend day, folks out enjoying with us added spirit & conviviality.
Sustenance at Sunrise
Living an alcohol-free lifestyle, mornings are my favorite moment. Awakening cities feel so fresh, clean, and mine. I relish popping out of bed, bubbling with the excitement of my new day. Hotels with good free coffee for a quick launch are always appreciated. Our hotel Clarion Collection® Hotel Folketeateret provided a self-serve espresso, cappuccino, tea center for early risers, and free warm-ups throughout the day. I ventured out to roam the city center quietly, when people had yet to emerge, cleaned from the night air and swept through by dedicated workers while the city slept.
Feeling invigorated & hungry, I returned to meet my friends for breakfast. Mounds of fresh bread in a mix of shapes and varieties welcomed me into the dining room. I couldn't believe my eyes at the amazing Smorgasbord Clarion Collection® Hotel Folketeateret had set out for their guests. I didn't know where to start. We were brought freshly made cappuccinos, then peered through the plethora of options. I started with a "Power Shot", AF of course, to awaken my palate for all my eyes were feasting on. We had a big exciting day ahead; I knew it was smart to fuel up and took advantage of the salmon, shrimp salad, homemade nutty bread, fresh fruit, and more.
Our Map circle: The Opera House, Operastranda in Bjørvika, Aker Brygge & The Royal Palace Gardens, Karl Johan's Gate, Storgata
The Oslo Waterfront: Opera House, Munch Museum, Saunas, Operastranda
One could spend an entire day along Oslo's waterfront. The Munch Museum beckoned to me, the 13-story building a work of art unto itself. I need a dedicated visit next trip. We chose to admire the ice skaters, climb to the rooftop terrace of the Opera House, and look over the Operastranda, imagining the summer bathers. We gazed over the harbor; bathing isn't only for summer. Brave winter dippers were sliding into the brisk waters, then disappearing into floating saunas at the nonprofit Oslo Floating Sauna Association. Locals & visitors can reserve a time or even rent the entire sauna. Dropping in to meet fellow swimmers sounds like fun! Not feeling brave enough to submerge yet get out on the water, one can rent a færing, a Viking rowboat, with Aretak.
Aker Brygge, Akershus Fortress,
Balance: Energy & Peace
Fueled by our bounteous breakfast, we explored the Akershus Fortress dating back to the 1300s. We enjoyed the views and history, then followed the sound of music & revelry. We descended toward Aker Brygge and came across the Oslo Winter Run at Rolf Strangers Plass. We were immediately immersed in the energy of the crowd dancing, jumping, and getting ready to race. The runners dashed off in batches to Akerhuss Fortress, from where we had just come. Spring in our step, we found ourselves surrounded with more to explore along the City Hall Plaza and Honnørbrygga, Honorary Pier.
On one end of the Honnørbrygga, we found a statue of Franklin D Roosevelt honoring FDR's support of Norway during and after WWII. On the opposite end is The Nobel Peace center. In between are benches to overlook the gorgeous sailing ships. I was particularly drawn to a gleaming sculpture of a SCUBA diver overlooking the Fjord, "Dykkaren”, created by Ola Enstad. Take a moment and absorb the beauty & peace so representative of Oslo.
Our spirits full, tummies rumbling, we peeked in the windows of an enticing cafe. Spotting seasonal Fastelavnsboller, fresh buns with Cardamom, whipped cream, and almond, a decadent Shrovetide treat, and Skoleboller (Norwegian Buns with Custard & Coconut), we poured in, wanting to try everything.
We could have stayed all afternoon sharing stories, eating more pastries, and giggling over happy memories. Recharged, we snuggled into our down parkas, donned our woolen hats, and slipped back out into the sunny streets of Oslo, direction: The Royal Palace. We strolled around the gardens, learned stories about the Royal history & family from my Scandinavian friends, and then continued down the expansive walking paths of Karl Johan's Gate and Studenterlunden park. We admired the National Theater, musicians, rallies, and skaters on the outdoor rink. Karl Johan's Gate delivered us right into Storgata to peruse the beautiful shop windows, leading us full circle back to our hotel to refresh.
The girls wanted to sit for an aperitif. Gathering & connecting over a beverage need not include alcohol. I try and proactively look for a menu with tasty alcohol-free choices to partake in all the fun, not the booze. I have a penchant for visiting " The Grand Dame Hotel" of cities, thus looked up the menu for Othillia at The Grand Hotel Oslo, which to my delight, listed a few tempting zero-proof libations. They proved delectable and pretty. I felt as spectacular as the hotel, surroundings, and fellow patrons. We added some small bites, followed by dinner at a local bistro, and hit the pillows with clear heads & happy hearts. Goodnight, Oslo, till we meet again!
Practicalities
Transportation
Arrival:
Google noted an Uber from Oslo Airport to The Sentrum would be circa 100 EU. My friends recommended the train. It was easy, with friendly staff readily available with guidance and directions. My carry-on pack felt heavy; I was grateful for the free luggage carts. I bought a round-trip train ticket at the self-check-in kiosk. I slid onto the train, which arrives regularly and timely. The Oslo Sentrum station is navigable & beautiful. Out the front door, a five-minute walk, I arrived at my hotel Clarion Collection® Hotel Folketeateret .
Departure:
I had an early morning flight for my return home. A quick walk back to the station at dawn, a return train, and a speedy check-in gave me ample time to have a smooth morning. I strolled around the airport, noting all the nice touches to make travelers comfortable: playscapes for kids, many cafes, shops, and restaurants open early, free wi-fi, quiet corners, and a comprehensive duty-free. I stuffed all the empty spaces in my bags full of yummy Norwegian chocolate.
Packing Tips
Shoes: Grateful I had my comfortable, solid-soled Blundstones by day and cozy Uggs by night.
Coat: A long down coat is worn by many; I was happy to have my long down Patagonia to stay snuggly warm all day. I wore mine on the plane and doubled it as a pillow to avoid taking up valuable luggage space.
I paired warm fleece leggings with a pretty wool midi skirt by Krimson & Klover to look nice, flexible for walking, & toasty warm.
A cute hat & phone-friendly touchscreen gloves completed my warm & practical accessories.
To Visit Next Trip;
I will return to Oslo. My one day was beautiful, but I saw so much I wanted to explore more!
Vigeland Park, Gustav Vigeland's life work, comprising over 200 sculptures in granite, bronze, and wrought iron. Central theme: The circle of Life. Find The fountain where the geometrical pattern shapes an almost 3000-meter-long labyrinth.
The Munch Museum, I could spend all day and some!
Oslo Public Library Deichman, Libraries, oh how I love libraries! The Oslo Main Libray between The Opera House & The Main Train Station is a daring feat of architecture! I pined to enter.
We only passed by Aker Brygge; I need to dip in the sea, followed by a sauna, eat more pastries, and so much more!
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