Curator’s statement
I have always been interested in the Nordic countries. They just make it look so easy! They are surrounded by unmatched design, which makes their day-to-day lives feel lo-chic and elevated. Plus, their appreciation of nature and the outdoors and simple ways makes them so appealing. I visited Copenhagen a couple years ago, loved the city and have been eagerly wanting to return ever since.
Last September I visited Norway, Sweden and Finland. I had heard many things about how "cool" Stockholm was, and yes I will definitely say "cool" defines it perfectly. Lapland and the Artic Circle in Finland also intrigue me. But I had heard much less about Norway... so I guess I was expecting much of it.
I can now say Oslo was my favorite destination of my 8-day trip through the region. You can feel the city booming just by strolling around. It's filled with art, amazing design and architecture. There is a great restaurant and bar scene. And it's so close to nature! In the middle of the fjords and surrounded by green parks. It definitely won me over!
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Day 1: Arrival and sauna
As you land, don't forget to look outside your window. You'll get a great view of Norway's more than 320,000 islands and fjords!
Check in into your hotel. I strongly recommend Sommerro, as it is more than a hotel. It's a place where locals hang out often and an Art Deco-inspired hotel and hotspot. Some go for its great wellness services: spa, sauna, pools, gym, etc. Others go to enjoy one of its seven restaurants.
If you are arriving from a long flight, go straight to the rooftop pool and sauna before heading out to explore the city.
One of my favorite things about Oslo is that it's a relatively small city, which makes it very walkable. Start your afternoon walk towards Palace Park, and then get lost in the streets around your hotel. You will discover the most amazing design and clothing stores.
Have a drink at your hotel before heading to the ballet for the night at the magnificent Norwegian Ballet and Opera.
Day 2: Museums and fjords
I would suggest an early fjord bath before heading back to breakfast at your hotel!
After breakfast, walk your way to the coast. You can start at the Astrup Fearnley Museum, one of the most important Private Contemporary Art Collections. It includes pieces by Damien Hirst, Cindy Sherman and Jeff Koons. You can then make a stop at New National Museum of Contemporary Art. It is currently hosting a Mark Rothko Exhibition that should not be missed. Also, the gift shop is worth a stop.
Don't forget to walk around the fjords and stop to have a drink along the way. You will then reach a glass structure which reminds you or an Iceberg. Oslo's Opera House, home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet (don't forget to walk on the roof for a magnificent view). Don't miss the newly inaugurated Library just next to it. You can end your day at the Munch Museum, while observing four versions of the classic Scream.
Depending on how long your art trip lasted, you might still be able to sneak in a quick private boat ride to the fjords.
For dinner, I would recommend heading to Winther Restaurant, where you can book the start with a wine and cheese tasting. These homemade world-class cheeses will win you over!
Day 3: Sculpture park
Enjoy one last Nordic sauna experience before having breakfast at your hotel.
I will strongly suggest you schedule an afternoon flight back home, so you have enough time to fully explore and enjoy the Kistefos Museum. Outside of Oslo, but relatively on your way to the airport, you will be able to enjoy this outdoor sculpture park. Originally opened in 2009, this museum received international recognition in 2019, when the Twist, designed by the Danish architects BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group.
The Twist serves like an art gallery, and bridge, and you could even say it's a sculpture on its own. This is a great place to get lost in nature and be surprised by amazing art pieces, which have all been specifically commissioned for Kistefos. You can see pieces by Yayoi Kusama, Anish Kapoor, Fernando Botero and Tony Crag, among others.
You can also grab your last lunch and enjoy your last cinnamon bun of the trip before heading back home.
Need to know
I would say late spring to early autumn is the best time to travel, so anywhere between May to September would be great. But, Norway has so much more to offer than just Oslo. This could easily be a destination on its own for a 7–10-day trip. If you are looking to explore the Artic Circle and have a chance to see the Northern Lights, then you might want to include Tromso and make it a winter destination.
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Daniela Chavez Molina
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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Oslo. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Fall Escape to the UAE.