TRAVEL GUIDE: OSLO

Why Oslo is the ideal destination for any type of traveler

When it comes to the major metropolitan hubs of Europe, Oslo may not be high on your list. Yet the city, which was named the 2019 European Green Capital, has everything you could want from a travel destination - art and culture, amazing food, busy nightlife, easy transportation and plenty of outdoor adventures. In fact, the city’s forests and fjords make up two-thirds of Oslo’s total area! On top of all that, Norwegians are as friendly as their bone structure is awe-inducing, and their country is one of the safest to travel in. On a recent visit, I got to sample a little bit of everything Oslo has to offer, and discovered why it’s a fantastic city to visit for any type of traveler. Here’s a look at activities that will satisfy your need for whatever type of adventure you’re looking for:

The Outdoors - There’s a saying in Norway, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing,” which speaks to how important it is for Norwegians to get outdoors, no matter what the weather. The enthusiasm with which Norwegians approach outdoor activities is infectious, and I took full advantage. In the week I was there I went cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, bobsledding and dogsledding! If you tire of the parks and trails in Oslo, nearby Lillehammer - home of the ‘94 Winter Olympic Games - is just a two hour train ride away, with some of the best skiing and hiking trails in the country!
The Food - I had a food experience in Oslo that was so diving, I dedicated an entire post to it. And the experience I had isn’t the exception, it’s the rule. One of the reasons the city was named a Green Capital is the plethora of organic, farm-to-table and eco-friendly restaurants throughout the city. The breakfasts here aren’t bad either - think fresh-made waffles, plenty of lox and delicious coffee. If you’re a coffee buff, Norwegians are serious coffee drinkers, and you’ll find high-quality brews no matter where you order.
The Light - I visited Oslo in the winter, when the days are short — but that didn’t mean that there wasn’t time for plenty of activities! With the sun rising later and setting earlier, the sky is some kind of stunningly beautiful color no matter where the sun is. I went out skiing at 10:30am, about when the sun was just rising, until around 3pm when it began to set. The light throughout our day on the slopes made the already jaw-dropping mountaintop views extra magical. In the summer, the sun barely dips beneath the horizon at night and Norwegians take full advantage with picnics in the park, after dinner strolls and, of course, plenty of trail hikes.
The People - Norwegians are kind, outdoorsy, tall and good-looking people who love a good black coffee. Basically, I need to marry a Norwegian. But seriously, we could learn a thing or two from these people. They truly make the most of each day - no matter the weather or light availability. I can’t tell you how many days I stood shivering in the snow while my new Norwegian friends exclaimed with bright smiles how gorgeous the weather was that day. I think we would all benefit from a bit more of that positive mindset.
The Sustainability - In addition to preserving so much of the city center for outdoor activities, Oslo recently removed all street-side parking downtown, and converted old parking lots into public gardens and green spaces. Of course the town seems to have embraced the now mostly required use of public transportation with positive enthusiasm, which isn’t hard given that their trains, trams and trolleys are super easy to use! Just one of many ways Oslo is committed to continuing its reputation as a green city of Europe.