David J. Danto

Travel thoughts in my own, personal opinion

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Oslo, Norway– September 2024

Last week I discussed my flying experience to Oslo. This week, due to overwhelming demand…OK, because one person asked…here are some details about the area and what a first-time traveler might experience there.

Oslo is a city that surprises travelers with its seamless blend of modernity, rich history, and natural beauty. From the moment you land at Oslo Airport Gardermoen, you'll notice a certain Norwegian flair for efficiency and style. Gardermoen is a beautiful, modern facility, though like many European airports, it has its quirks. For instance, after disembarking, you might find yourself navigating stairs or searching for an elevator on your way to passport control – a puzzling challenge for anyone dragging heavy luggage. And just like Heathrow, you’ll be funneled through a duty-free shop on your way out of the airport. If this is your first trip to Europe, it’s just one of those things you learn to embrace. But don’t bother with Euros in Norway, they stuck with their Krone.

Once you’ve retrieved your bag and navigated the maze, you’re faced with your first choice – how to get to the city. While I had the luxury of a private driver waiting for me, seasoned travelers to Oslo swear by the airport train, which offers a quick and scenic ride into the city center. With regular departures and a ride that takes about 20 minutes, it’s efficient and affordable, with tickets priced around 200 NOK (approximately $18 USD). The train system in Oslo is well-maintained, and the station signage is in English, so navigating it is easy, even for the most jet-lagged traveler.

Accommodations

When it comes to hotels in Oslo, don’t expect over-the-top luxury. Oslo’s hotels are generally clean and functional, but if you’re used to the plush, spacious rooms of American hotels, you may be in for a bit of a surprise. That said, there are a few standouts. On my last trip, I stayed (for one night) at Hotel Sommerro, a lovely property that boasts high-end features and finishes, although even here, the minimalist Scandinavian design shines through. For instance, instead of a desk, my room had a small coffee table with books, which I had to repurpose as a workspace – perhaps a metaphor for the need to embrace a slower pace while in Norway.

One thing you’ll notice across much of Europe, and Oslo is no exception, is the curious habit of not fully enclosing showers. I’m not sure why anyone thought covering half a shower stall or tub was a good idea, but it’s something you’ll find in many hotel bathrooms. Just be prepared to mop up after yourself unless you want the bathroom floor to turn into a shallow lake.

Dining

Norway is a foodie’s dream, with a vast array of international cuisines and fresh local ingredients. Whether you’re dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or enjoying a more casual meal, Oslo delivers. If you’re the adventurous type, many restaurants offer the option (or requirement) to have the chef select your meal and pair it with the perfect wines for each course. It’s an exciting way to dine, provided you don’t have any food allergies or specific dietary preferences. In that case be warned, in many of the nicer establishments, customization – and even making a menu choice – is not an option.

One thing you won’t find in Norway is ginger ale – seriously, don’t even try. Instead, you’ll be offered ginger beer, which is spicier and less sweet than what you might expect. But while ginger ale is scarce, the tap water is some of the cleanest in the world, and most hotels and offices have still and sparkling water on tap. Norway takes sustainability seriously, so if you purchase bottled water, you’ll notice the cap stays attached to the bottle for recycling purposes – a clever solution for reducing waste.

And then there’s the infamous aquavit. This traditional spirit, often made from potatoes and flavored with herbs like caraway, is the stuff of legends. Traditionally aged in wooden casks that once traveled across the equator, aquavit is not for the faint of heart. Norwegians often drink it only on special occasions, like Christmas, but they’ll happily offer it to unsuspecting tourists year-round. If you’re not feeling brave, or have no taste for drinking after-shave, politely declining is perfectly acceptable.

Exploring Oslo

No trip to Oslo is complete without experiencing the city’s stunning natural surroundings. Even if you’re in town for business, carve out some time to head down to the waterfront. From there, you can embark on a variety of boat tours, including day cruises and dinner cruises that allow you to take in the beauty of the Norwegian fiords. For a truly unique experience, consider renting a floating, wood-fired sauna by the hour. It’s a unique way to unwind and enjoy the crisp Norwegian air, all while relaxing in total comfort.

Watch The Calendar

Oslo is a far northern city, so depending upon when you go, you could have days with 24 hours of sunshine, or ones that are dark all the time. Definitely do your homework on the time of year and your preferences. I remember one time walking out of a restaurant at dinner on my arrival day and looking at the sky, thinking it must be 5pm when it was actually 10:30pm. The sky can be very disorienting some parts of the year.

Departure

When it’s time to head back to Oslo Airport Gardermoen, make sure you’re prepared. If you’re flying back to the United States, there’s often a separate check-in counter for U.S.-bound flights – something I only discovered after being turned away from the regular international check-in desk. U.S.-bound flights also depart from a distant gate, so allow yourself extra time to navigate the airport. Before heading through passport control to that distant gate, be sure to stop by some of the specialty shops after security. One of my favorites sells Norwegian salmon (lox) that’s perfectly packaged for travel, making it easy to bring back home.

Oslo is a city that welcomes you with a quiet charm. It doesn’t hit you over the head with grandiose architecture or overwhelming hustle and bustle. Instead, it invites you to explore at your own pace, discovering hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re there for business or pleasure, it’s a destination that offers a little something for everyone – just be sure to say yes to the coffee. Unlike the aquavit, not drinking coffee with peers is apparently quite the insult.

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This article was written by David Danto and contains solely his own, personal opinions.

All image and links provided above as reference under prevailing fair use statutes.

Copyright 2024 David Danto

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