2 days in Oslo
What to do, where to eat, what to see
TO-DO LIST
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Get to know more about the Nobel Piece Prize
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Walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House
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See anything and everything designed by Snohetta
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Try Norwegian Cinnamon Bun Pastries (Skillingsboller and Skolebrod)
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Get your dose of art (Munch, Hirst and so many more)
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Try freshly caught fish
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Do sports and relax in a sauna
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View the Fjord from above
DAY 1
1. WHERE TO STAY
My hotel recommendations are :
The Thief as they really do "Steal you away from everyday life", just like promised. Another beautiful choice would be Radisson Blu Scandinavia. They do not necessarily "wow" you with their stylistic choices, however we went for that option for the amazing views (tip. go for the rooms on higher floors). Other great choices would be Karl Johan Hotel, Amerikalinjen and Sommerro. And, of course, the Airbnbs are always a safe choice in Scandinavia, given the impeccable sense of style that people in Norway seem to just be born with!
2. WAKE UP AND OFF TO THE BAKERY
Wake up early and without wasting any time, head straight to the bakery. My recommendations would be Kaffebrenneriet, Apent Bakeri, Godt Brod, Kveitemjol, United Bakeries. Make sure to either try the Skolebrød or Skillingsboller. Or both! You are on vacation after all!
3. MORNING HIKE AMONGST THE WORLD-FAMOUS ART
Ekebergparken - it is both a hike, overlooking the Oslo Fjord and an open-air art museum, showcasing the sculptures of the likes of Richard Hudson, Damien Hirst, Sean Henry, Fernando Botero, Salvador Dalí, Auguste Rodin and other Greats.
4. ARCHITECTURE, LUNCH AND SHOPPING
After seeing modern art, it's time to see some 21st century architecture. And for that, we head to the Bjorvika area. A dirty port, motorway and a land full of containers in the not-so-distant past, Bjorvika neighbourhood has been undergoing major urban regeneration past couple of decades. The likes of MVRDV, Snohetta, Dark Lab and others have majorly contributed to the rising of the new neighbourhood, perfect for architecture tours, waterfront walks overlooking the fjord, and some of the best cafes in town. Have a look at the Barcode Project, explore Oslobukta, pop into the Kosk Oslo Gallery in the residential Sørenga part ,and head to the Holzweiler Platz for lunch and shopping. Other nice places for lunch are Vaaghals, The Vandelay, KUMI Oslobukta or Brasserie Rivoli.
*if you get a chance to do more shopping, I would recommend checking out the local brands and designers - Norwegian Rain & T-Michael, SVEAN, Utopia Retro Modern, Paleet (shopping centre with nicely designed concept stores inside), Kollekted By, Moniker Oslo, Aesop and YME Universe concept stores (worth a visit for the Snohetta interior design and the products, of course) and Milla Boutique for homeware shopping.
5. OPERA AND LIBRARY
The home of the Oslo National Opera and Ballet, the most famous sight in the city and one of the greatest creations of Snøhetta - you guessed it, it is The Oslo Opera House. More than just a place for great music and performance, it is a social place for all. Walk on the roof, marvel at the architecture and, if you get a chance, of course, catch a performance (or two).
Opera House's next door neighbour - Nye Deichmanske Bibliotek. The city library that, just like the Opera building, is more than just a place for research - it is a place to spend your time in, be social, have a coffee, enjoy your time. The building itself is amazing, and you will be surprised of how exciting it can be simply exploring it.
After the Opera House and the National Library, have a walk around the area. See the harbour and the promenade, take coffee break before moving on.
6. SET MENU FOR DINNER
Nedre Foss Gard was our pick for the main meal of the trip. With their farm-to-table philosophy, gorgeous interiors, open kitchen, set menus and sharing-friendly dishes "made with inspiration from around the world". It is cosy, tasty and pretty - all that we like in one.
*You might like to go for other restaurant options: GRÅDI / KöD
7. LATE INTO THE NIGHT
Best places to go for a drink after the big, fabulous meal: Summit 21, Torggata Botaniske, Svanen/DGÆ.
If bars are not really your scene, check out the event programme at the Kulturhuset - from live music to comedy nights. There are also Victoria Nasjonal Jazzscene for live jazz and Blå for any kind of live music.
DAY 2
8. FIRST SIP OF COFFEE
Atlas Bistro is one of the nicest places for a proper full breakfast.
Still full after yesterday's dinner? We got you!
Tim Wendelboe, W.B. Samson, Solberg&Hansen and Fuglen Coffee Roasters are my personal favourites from the Oslo coffee shop scene.
9. MORNING SAUNA
Floating saunas (and saunas in general) are extremely popular in Oslo. Try SALT, KOK or Tjuvholmen Badeplass.
For those who dislike the heat, Sørenga Seawater Pool might be a great alternative.
A nice way to unwind and spend your weekend Oslo morning in the most authentic way!
10. HISTORIC WALKS
You will definitely be starving after that steamy morning, but don't just make your way straight to the lunch spot, make it a wiggly one! Have a stroll among the colourful houses of the Old Town/ pass by the Royal Palace and the Palace Park/ see the Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset) and/or the Oslo Cathedral.
Although so far in our trip we have been focusing on modern architecture, sculpture and art, there is still a lot of history there. See all of the sights, or catch a glimpse of a few, just make sure to add a historic walk to your itinerary as well!
11. LUNCH AT THE MARKET
Mathallen Oslo - THE food court of the city. With more than 30 specialty stores, cafés and eateries, you will definitely find something to your taste. Browse the stalls, have a drink and try some fresh Norwegian fish!
* Vippa Food Hall could be an alternative lunch location with the same concept
12. MUSEUM AFTERNOON
3 museums in one afternoon? Easy!
Munch museum - Nobel Peace Center - Astrup Fearnley Museet
Located quite close to one another, the three museums represent the best in art and knowledge the country has to offer. While Astrup Feanley Museum is designed by Renzo Piano (and showcases the likes of Rachel Whiteread, A. Kiefer, Damien Hirst, etc.), the Nobel Peace Center tells a story of this beyond-words important prize, its story and the achievements for which it can be granted, the Munch museum presents the largest collection of the world-famous Norwegian artist.
In-between exploring, drop by for a coffee break at one of the bakeries in the area: Kveitemjøl, Café Skansen, Åpent Bakeri
While you are in the neighbourhood, explore the areas of Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen. There is a beautiful promenade alongside the rows of restaurants, modern residential and office buildings and, of course the view on th efjord.
13. EVENING OF ART AND FOOD
Start by walking through the Slottsparken. In the Princess Ingrid Alexandra's sculpture park you will enjoying the art (crafted by and for children, but equally enjoyable for adults) and eventually will reach the Kunsternes house. The house of great food and art in other words.
Other great dinner choices for your last evening are: Vaaghals, Kolonialen, Maaemo
14. JUST OUTSIDE THE CITY
If you have slightly more time to go outside the city, I would recommend visiting Villa Stenersen, Holmenkollen Ski Jump or Bøler church for fellow architecture geeks (read "enthusiasts"). An amazing museum destination slightly outside town - Henie Onstad Kunstsenter.
The closest destinations to admire natural wonders would be the valleys of Gudbrandsdalen and Hallingdal.
More on the Norwegian famous nature in the future posts!