Oslo

Oslo is the capital of Norway, located in the south of Norway at the end of the Oslo Fjord. With its not even 700 000 inhabitants you don`t really expect it to offer too much. But as a beautiful European city that always hosts a lot of tourists, especially during the spring and summer time there is lots to see and do – you don`t even know where to start!

After taking an early train on Friday, as soon as we arrived in Oslo around noon, we were welcomed by a crowded city center with wonderful architecture surrounded by water and mountains. Since we kind of got lost on our way to the Airbnb, we already got to see quite a few areas of the capital that all were so unique but beautiful. As we arrived in the neighborhood of Grünerløkka, known for lots of cafes, second hand shops, boutiques, and young people, the four of us easily checked in to our home for the next weeks. After a short rest we then started to explore the area.

I heard before that this part of Oslo is quite artsy but walking through the streets, the food market, parks along the riverside, and the art university blew my mind. Everywhere you go it is just so pretty and hip and of course I also had to try a cinnamon role in one of the famous bakeries. Because of the rainy weather, we had a slow and cozy first afternoon walking around outside and chilling in the café. But actually, it was so nice to also see Oslo in this moody atmosphere. Then later in the evening we cooked together in our apartment and had a great first night.

Saturday we started with a guided walking city tour, through which we already got to see quite a few famous sights and gained much knowledge about history, culture, and events in Oslo and Norway in general. After a little lunch break we continued exploring the city on our own. The weather was amazing, super warm and sunny, and everyone was outside. Although all of us had a few places we wanted to see, we combined our ideas and actually just went with the flow and energy of the city. The capital has so many different areas and neighborhoods and every single one is unique but at the same time match with each other. We ended our sightseeing day with a walk on the famous roof of the opera house. The view is amazing and just as the rest of the city, also this building is pure art!

Since Saturday evening was the final of the Eurovision song contest, after a quick dinner stop at our Airbnb we went out to a karaoke bar just a five minute walk away at the river and had a fun evening cheering for our favorite artists and countries and enjoying the company of so many different people!

Then on Sunday after sleeping in a little, we started the day with visiting a sculpture park and after that went to the neighborhood festival and Sunday market in Grünerløkka. It was amazing to see so many people, walk around the art and food stands, and experience some live music. Everyone was so nice and open, and especially the streets full of graffiti and colors impressed me a lot.

Later on we decided to take a ferry to an island close by to experience the ride on the fjord and at the same time explore another place full of nature, ruins, and viewpoints. As much as I love exploring new places by foot and just wandering around, it is so comfortable to have all these options of public transportation included in the city ticket. It gave us the chance to explore even more during this short trip.

Since it was the last evening of our trip, we decided to go out for dinner. In Oslo eating out is crazy expensive, that is why we limited it on only one time. We decided on ordering take away and enjoyed our food in one of the countless parks and it was so worth it. Enjoying good food in best company in an amazing city while the sun is slowly setting is the best! We had such a good time and rounded up the evening with fun games at our apartment.

Before making our way back home, Monday morning we went to the town hall. Due to the upcoming national day in Norway the building was closed the whole weekend, so we were lucky to got the chance of seeing it on Monday. It is quite impressive with an amazing view on the fjord, which we enjoyed after the visit. Then it was already time to go back to the Airbnb and get our stuff. After the check-out we had some more time to look through a few second hand stores and buy groceries for the ride home. And just as perfect as the whole weekend was our journey home – without complications and with lots of fun, games, food and amazing views we ended our trip in the train back to Sandviken. Tired but super happy we arrived Monday evening and still can not get over those amazing days!