A vibrant city with a rich maritime legacy, Oslo isn’t just the dynamic capital of Norway, but also the perfect place to enjoy a quick two-day jaunt spent discovering its treasure-trove of attractions and flavours.
By Raul Dias
Sitting pretty on Norway’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord, the country’s capital of Oslo is a city that is well-known for its green spaces and museums. And while one of Oslo’s greatest calling cards is the fact that it is Europe’s fastest growing city, there’s no denying the fact that it is also one of the world’s most expensive cities to visit. But one needn’t break the bank to get the most out of this city that prides itself on its reinventive spirit. Just a little bit of intelligent planning and research will have you make the best of Oslo—however abbreviated your trip may be.
We’ve chalked out an action-packed itinerary for you to enjoy all of 48 hours in this vibrant city that puts on a spectacular show all year round!
Day 1
9.00 A.M.
CELEBRATE OSLO’S MARITIME HISTORY AT THE VIKING SHIP MUSEUM
Be warned: the lines to get into this museum can be painfully long, so head out early to avoid the crowds. Established under the aegis of the Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo at Bygdøy, this museum is worth every minute of the three and a half hours one spends on an average here. Unlike its Swedish counterpart, the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, this one has not one, but three wholly excavated Viking ships on full display. Check out the Oseberg ship that was ‘exhumed’ from its watery grave in a farm in Vestfold country in 1905. Other main attractions here include the Gokstad ship and Tune ship along with other Viking era relics like wood carvings, sledges and even a whole horse cart.
1.30 P.M.
HAVE LUNCH AT THE ICONIC GRAND CAFÉ
While this suggestion may have the words “typically touristy” written all over it, what’s wrong with indulging in a cliché every now and then? While the original Grand Café opened in 1874 in the basement of the Grand Hotel at Karl Johans gate, the café is today a true-blue Oslo icon. In its heydays, the likes of Henrik Ibsen, Knut Hamsun and the famous sculptor Gustav Vigeland could often be spotted lunching here. Today, one can partake in classic dishes like the smoked Norwegian salmon with mustard, alongside modern interpretations like spelt risotto with fermented beetroot.
4.30 P.M.
PARKS AND RECREATION!
Speaking of Gustav Vigeland, the next pit stop on your itinerary should be the fecund Vigeland Park for a nice post-prandial stroll. As the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, this green lung of Oslo—completed between 1939 and 1949—is home to more than 200 of the sculptor’s creations that are either set in wrought iron and bronze or carved out of granite. Depicting human life in its every stage of growth, from infancy to the frailties of old age, there is something enigmatic and moving about the works, particularly the central obelisk-like column called The Monolith that has sculptures of human bodies lying atop each other signifying man’s resurrection from despair.
8.00 P.M.
ENJOY A STARRED DINNER
Basking in the glory of the neo-Nordic craze that has ensnared the world, Oslo is famous as being home to the most northern three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. Yes, we’re talking about the famed Maaemo. Located in the Schweigaardsgate neighbourhood of the city, this fine dining haven is run by the Danish-born Chef Esben Holmboe Bang. Take in the visual and edible brilliance of dishes like the oyster emulsion with a gel of blue mussel and the mackerel that’s topped with edible flowers and wild garlic. These form part of the nine-course ‘The Seasonal Menu’ which at 2,800 Kroner per person (sans drinks, that is) may be prohibitively expensive, but one that comes with unfathomable bragging rights!
Day 2
10.00 A.M.
EXPLORE AKERSHUS FORTRESS
After a relaxed, typically Oslo breakfast of bread, cheese, fruit and coffee called Oslofrokosten at one of the many cafés that dot the modern-esque Oslo Central (train) Station, set off on foot to this Oslo landmark. Overlooking the harbour of Oslo, the Akershus Fortress is a castle and fortress dating back to the 1300s. Taking on various avatars over the years, in the past it has been a prison and the seat of the royal family. Today, it houses a series of barracks belonging to the Norwegian army. Though highly fortified with tight security, you can explore this fortress by joining in on the daily tours that take you around. It even has a well-equipped visitor centre where you can get all the information you need.
1.00 P.M.
VISIT A MATHALLEN
Basically a food hall inspired by the European indoor food markets, a Mathallen is a typically Norwegian institution where one can grab a quick lunch at one its many kiosks and stalls that house purveyors of everything from smoked cod to the ubiquitous sushi. The one in Vulkan that runs from Tuesday to Saturday, has regular pop-up food festivals that showcase cuisine from around the world through out the year, besides its phalanx of permanent eateries and businesses like the Vulkanfisk Seafoodbar and the Gutta på Haugen gourmet cheese store. And for those with a passion for learning the culinary arts, the Kulinarisk Akademi housed in the Mathallen is the perfect place to learn to whip up a few Norwegian dishes.
3.00 P.M.
HOLMENKOLLEN SKI MUSEUM AND TOWER
Standing out like a giant metallic tongue piercing through the cool blue sky, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower is a must visit when in Oslo. And while one can check it out throughout the year, it is best visited during the winter months when you can enjoy a spot of skiing off the legendary ski jump. But for those with limited time and skiing abilities, the ski museum that’s located underneath the famous ski jump is a great way to orient oneself with the Norwegian skiing culture and history. As the oldest of its kind in the world, the museum presents more than 4,000 years of skiing history, Norwegian polar exploration artefacts and an exhibition on snowboarding and modern skiing.
7.30 P.M.
SEE YOU AT THE OPERA
On your last evening out in Oslo, why not make it one to remember by booking tickets for a performance at the stunning, harbourside Opera House? Here, you can find regular performances and concerts by both, local Norwegian and international artists alike. But for those who can’t see themselves attending a whole performance, why not climb the roof? Yes, the Oslo Opera House is much more than just a stuffy performance venue. Its gently sloping roof design attracts many leisure climbers and having a free (and perfectly legal) walk around the roof is a wonderful way to take in the great vista of the Oslo city line.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the June 2018 issue of Jetwings Domestic in-flight magazine of Jet Airways http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/jetexperience/magazines.aspx)
By Raul Dias
Sitting pretty on Norway’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord, the country’s capital of Oslo is a city that is well-known for its green spaces and museums. And while one of Oslo’s greatest calling cards is the fact that it is Europe’s fastest growing city, there’s no denying the fact that it is also one of the world’s most expensive cities to visit. But one needn’t break the bank to get the most out of this city that prides itself on its reinventive spirit. Just a little bit of intelligent planning and research will have you make the best of Oslo—however abbreviated your trip may be.
We’ve chalked out an action-packed itinerary for you to enjoy all of 48 hours in this vibrant city that puts on a spectacular show all year round!
Day 1
9.00 A.M.
CELEBRATE OSLO’S MARITIME HISTORY AT THE VIKING SHIP MUSEUM
Be warned: the lines to get into this museum can be painfully long, so head out early to avoid the crowds. Established under the aegis of the Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo at Bygdøy, this museum is worth every minute of the three and a half hours one spends on an average here. Unlike its Swedish counterpart, the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, this one has not one, but three wholly excavated Viking ships on full display. Check out the Oseberg ship that was ‘exhumed’ from its watery grave in a farm in Vestfold country in 1905. Other main attractions here include the Gokstad ship and Tune ship along with other Viking era relics like wood carvings, sledges and even a whole horse cart.
1.30 P.M.
HAVE LUNCH AT THE ICONIC GRAND CAFÉ
While this suggestion may have the words “typically touristy” written all over it, what’s wrong with indulging in a cliché every now and then? While the original Grand Café opened in 1874 in the basement of the Grand Hotel at Karl Johans gate, the café is today a true-blue Oslo icon. In its heydays, the likes of Henrik Ibsen, Knut Hamsun and the famous sculptor Gustav Vigeland could often be spotted lunching here. Today, one can partake in classic dishes like the smoked Norwegian salmon with mustard, alongside modern interpretations like spelt risotto with fermented beetroot.
4.30 P.M.
PARKS AND RECREATION!
Speaking of Gustav Vigeland, the next pit stop on your itinerary should be the fecund Vigeland Park for a nice post-prandial stroll. As the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, this green lung of Oslo—completed between 1939 and 1949—is home to more than 200 of the sculptor’s creations that are either set in wrought iron and bronze or carved out of granite. Depicting human life in its every stage of growth, from infancy to the frailties of old age, there is something enigmatic and moving about the works, particularly the central obelisk-like column called The Monolith that has sculptures of human bodies lying atop each other signifying man’s resurrection from despair.
8.00 P.M.
ENJOY A STARRED DINNER
Basking in the glory of the neo-Nordic craze that has ensnared the world, Oslo is famous as being home to the most northern three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. Yes, we’re talking about the famed Maaemo. Located in the Schweigaardsgate neighbourhood of the city, this fine dining haven is run by the Danish-born Chef Esben Holmboe Bang. Take in the visual and edible brilliance of dishes like the oyster emulsion with a gel of blue mussel and the mackerel that’s topped with edible flowers and wild garlic. These form part of the nine-course ‘The Seasonal Menu’ which at 2,800 Kroner per person (sans drinks, that is) may be prohibitively expensive, but one that comes with unfathomable bragging rights!
Day 2
10.00 A.M.
EXPLORE AKERSHUS FORTRESS
After a relaxed, typically Oslo breakfast of bread, cheese, fruit and coffee called Oslofrokosten at one of the many cafés that dot the modern-esque Oslo Central (train) Station, set off on foot to this Oslo landmark. Overlooking the harbour of Oslo, the Akershus Fortress is a castle and fortress dating back to the 1300s. Taking on various avatars over the years, in the past it has been a prison and the seat of the royal family. Today, it houses a series of barracks belonging to the Norwegian army. Though highly fortified with tight security, you can explore this fortress by joining in on the daily tours that take you around. It even has a well-equipped visitor centre where you can get all the information you need.
1.00 P.M.
VISIT A MATHALLEN
Basically a food hall inspired by the European indoor food markets, a Mathallen is a typically Norwegian institution where one can grab a quick lunch at one its many kiosks and stalls that house purveyors of everything from smoked cod to the ubiquitous sushi. The one in Vulkan that runs from Tuesday to Saturday, has regular pop-up food festivals that showcase cuisine from around the world through out the year, besides its phalanx of permanent eateries and businesses like the Vulkanfisk Seafoodbar and the Gutta på Haugen gourmet cheese store. And for those with a passion for learning the culinary arts, the Kulinarisk Akademi housed in the Mathallen is the perfect place to learn to whip up a few Norwegian dishes.
3.00 P.M.
HOLMENKOLLEN SKI MUSEUM AND TOWER
Standing out like a giant metallic tongue piercing through the cool blue sky, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower is a must visit when in Oslo. And while one can check it out throughout the year, it is best visited during the winter months when you can enjoy a spot of skiing off the legendary ski jump. But for those with limited time and skiing abilities, the ski museum that’s located underneath the famous ski jump is a great way to orient oneself with the Norwegian skiing culture and history. As the oldest of its kind in the world, the museum presents more than 4,000 years of skiing history, Norwegian polar exploration artefacts and an exhibition on snowboarding and modern skiing.
7.30 P.M.
SEE YOU AT THE OPERA
On your last evening out in Oslo, why not make it one to remember by booking tickets for a performance at the stunning, harbourside Opera House? Here, you can find regular performances and concerts by both, local Norwegian and international artists alike. But for those who can’t see themselves attending a whole performance, why not climb the roof? Yes, the Oslo Opera House is much more than just a stuffy performance venue. Its gently sloping roof design attracts many leisure climbers and having a free (and perfectly legal) walk around the roof is a wonderful way to take in the great vista of the Oslo city line.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the June 2018 issue of Jetwings Domestic in-flight magazine of Jet Airways http://www.jetairways.com/EN/IN/jetexperience/magazines.aspx)
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