| Page Views: 2,319 Last Visit to Oslo: February, 2006 | Winter Weekend in Oslo by suvanki - last update: Sep 3, 2009 |
s-TROLL-ing around Oslo. | Outdoor Skating Rink, Oslo |
Why Oslo? was the question asked frequently, when I said this was my next jaunt!
Well- 1p flight each way, (plus taxes of course) courtesy of Ryanair. A destination for a girls weekend break, somewhere that the 4 of us hadn't been before. A city with plenty to see and do. Oslo ticked the boxes.
Oslo had been on my long list of places to see, my Grandparents had visited when I was very young, but I'd remembered seeing their photos.
What else did I know about Oslo and Norway? Images of clear blue skies and scenic fjords, Vikings, Trolls, Grieg, Eurovision Song Contest 'nil point' (Co-incidently the final to chose Norways 2006 entry to this contest was held on the Saturday night we were there) The Norwegian blue parrot from Monty Python, The Norwegian salty Sea captain from The Pink Panther film, A-Ha, Nobel Peace Prize, Grete Waitz and Ingrid Kristiansen winners of the London Marathon, The gift of the Christmas tree each year to London, Ibsen, Norwegian jumpers, Munchs' The Scream, Hmmm, not a lot really!
Thanks to Vt ers tips, I was soon armed with information to help plan our weekend break.
HUGE THANKS to VTer Ruffen For going beyond the call of duty for her helpful advice! - Much Appreciated!
Well, we all had a great time. We didn't get to see all of the 'tourist sights' that I'd pencilled in, but we enjoyed what we did see/do. The main aim was to have a 'girlie weekend' to celebrate Tinas 40th Birthday, and to chill out. |
| Mannequin heads and Hats, Albertines, Aker Brygge. |
|  | What we did in Oslo Arriving at Torp to snow covered ground, we boarded the Torpexpress to Oslo.
Catching glimpses of Oslo, it seemed a long time 'til we pulled into the bus station. Taxi to our hotel (Bondeheimen) checked in, unpacked, then Vorspiel (We'd brought wine with us).
Hunger pangs sent us off out into the cold night in search of food. Fortified with Pizza and salad - the most expensive We'd ever eaten, but also probably the most delicious, we wandered around Karl Johans gate, stopping to take photos of us in various poses with statues, advertising boards etc. (First night in a new place/Friends together/wine/beer etc- it had to be done!).
Stopped off for a nightcap at Bohemen bar, met the friendly locals, many laughs, then back to hotel for Nachspiel (Didn't take too long to get the hang of these local customs!)
Up next morning for a big breakfast, before hitting Oslo.
KJ Gate, Royal Palace, Akker Brygge, Akerhuis. (Including glimpses of Parliament building, City Hall, National Theatre, Nobel Peace Centre etc)
Some shopping for gifts on KJ Gate, then decided to eat first, go back to hotel, rest and shower etc, before going pubbing and clubbing. So headed for Gronneland, in search of Cafe Sara ( a VT recommendation) - for cheaper food and good atmosphere. By this time it was starting to snow quite heavily. We had a nice meal, and a beer each, before heading back to our hotel.
Well, we got dressed up, ready for our night out, but got so comfortable during our Vorspiel, that we didn't actually go out, - think a combination of late night before, walking around all day in the fresh air, and wine had made us all very tired.
So, Sunday morning, another big breakfast, packed and checked out. Leaving our cases at the hotel, we had a full day to enjoy Oslo before catching the Torpexpress back to the airport.
It had continued to snow through the night, so the roads and pavements had a good covering.
We set off down KJ Gate, and headed for the harbour. On our way, we stopped off to watch skaters on the rink near the parliament building.
We were pleased that we'd seen the fjord , and taken photos the day before, as today, the snow/clouds were hiding the view. So much for my image of snow and clear blue skies!
Once again we visited Albertines for hot chocolate, and a warm. We were considering catching the ferry to the folklore museum, but as it was snowing, and visibility over the harbour was decreasing, we were concerned about the ferries stopping, and being stranded.
So, we continued to stroll around, some more shopping for gifts, then a meal before heading back to the airport. The snow was quite thick , even on the main roads, and our driver stopped a few times. We arrived in time for a quick browse around duty free- and to stock up on Freia chocolate- Wish I'd bought more-it's delicious!, then a beer to get rid of our last kroner coins.
We boarded the plane, then sat for an hour as the airport was closed due to the snow. Snow ploughs soon cleared the runway, the plane was defrosted and we were on our way. |
Next time... We had a great time, even though we didn't 'do the museums' etc. It was a nice break for us, to chill (literally) and 'recharge the batteries'
I would like to return to Oslo, maybe combining it with a trip to Bergen, during the spring or summer. We'd seen quite a bit, but there was still plenty left for another visit. Oh, and I need to stock up on Freia Chocolate!!!!
So, I'll be keeping an eye out for those cheap Ryanair flights.
UPDATE>>>>>> RYANAIR FREE FLIGHT OFFER!!!! LANDING IN OSLO NOVEMBER 2009 FOR 2 NIGHTS!!!!! | | | Nachspiel- Lou, Me, Sara! |
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| Pros: | "Easy to walk around, Plenty of interest to see and do." | | Cons: | "Since Feb 1st 06 Oslo is Officially The Worlds most Expensive city!" | | In A Nutshell: | "Take advantage of cheap flights, bring plenty of money, ENJOY!" |
suvanki's Oslo Travel Tips
 suvanki's Oslo Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for suvanki about Oslo | | | | |
starship Sun Oct 18, 2009 00:26 UTC
What a weekend! That is the least expensive flight I've ever heard of!! Just how cold was it?? Great tips--of course, I have to like the restaurant with the free postcards best! | volopolo Thu Oct 9, 2008 21:51 UTC
Its time for winder so its time for Oslo!!! Nice tips and pictures! | nyperose Tue Sep 30, 2008 17:57 UTC
Very nice Oslo page! I was born there, and I'am planning to make a page about it as well. Lots of interesting comments:-D | garridogal Sun Apr 13, 2008 18:13 UTC
I've enjoyed looking at your page. Looks like you guys had a great time. Nothing better than a fun weekend trip! |
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