Those who visit Norway return with stories recounting some of the most breathtaking sights ever seen on the planet. And they're right. Norway, and its capital Oslo, hold some of Europe's greatest treasures, both natural and man-made.
If you fancy something different and wouldn't mind being blown away by the splendor of the North, make the Land of the Midnight Sun your next destination.
before you go
Norway, being among Europe's most socialized and developed countries, isn't cheap. But if you stay at a hostel, and get your food from inexpensive bakeries, cafés, and grocery stores, you'll be able to get by on $34 US a day; staying at a cheap hotel will up the fee to $56 a day. Spending money on entertainment and drinks, even in moderation, can double that figure. So bring plenty of money.Summer is the best time to go. Not only will you avoid the bitter cold, but you can catch the legendary midnight sun, which does not set between May and July. If you want to ski, there are slopes that are open year-round not far from Oslo.
Luckily, Oslo and its surroundings are incredibly easy to navigate, and most locals speak flawless English. If you find Norwegians a bit cold and detached, don't worry -- a few drinks and they defrost almost immediately.
Day 1: Oslo
Despite its recreational diversity, this city of half a million people is pretty chill. Most attractions can be reached by foot or on a short ride on its excellent public transport system.Start your day at the Akershus Castle, where kings dwelled and epic sieges took place. Inside you'll see commanding halls, the royal mausoleum, and banquet spaces where the country's royalty still holds events. For you history buffs, Akershus was used by the Nazis as a prison and place of execution. Today it houses the Resistance Museum, which details the German occupation and Norway's defiance to it.
Keeping in warfare mode, go to the Viking Ship Museum, which has everything you'd want to know about those hardy, horn-hatted marauders that really left their mark on the region (some say even North America, centuries before Columbus).
Then sit down for a bite in one of Oslo's many cafs and restaurants at the city center on Karl Johans Gate, the main street. A local specialty is reindeer meat, which is very tasty. For the seafood lovers, laks , which is grilled, smoked salmon, is the most sumptuous you can find anywhere.
Now take a stroll through Vigeland Park, a large commons peppered with hundreds of sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, who apparently loved huge masses of writhing, contorted bodies.
And if you think those are twisted, check out his brother's work at the nearby Emanuel Vigeland Museum. His raunchy frescoes would be considered porn anywhere else in the world.
Walking around town you may have noticed this odd tower-like structure hovering in the distance. That's the world famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump, and our next destination. Over a century old, it was remodeled for the 1952 Winter Olympics. Take the elevator to the top and see the best aerial view of Oslo. Then get cultured with the history of the sport in the adjoining Ski Museum.
Oslo is a happening town for night prowlers, offering both relaxed jazz clubs and wild discos. Drinks start at 50 kroner (about $7) and up. Many folks save by having pre-game drinks at friends' houses then hitting the town. Good idea if you met a friendly local during the day.
For a trendy start, hit the Buddha Bar downtown or the Oslo Mikrobryggeriet, which brews eight varieties of its own incredible beer. Once you're well lubed up, head to Barock, the nocturnal mecca for Oslo's loveliest ladies -- who are very lovely indeed. The Galleriet, whose four floors contain a jazz club, a dance floor, and, of course, a bar, is also popular.
Day 2- Bygdy
Now that you've had the Oslo experience, it's time to take in its surroundings. The Bygdy peninsula, a mere 10-minute ferry ride over the harbor, has some very tantalizing attractions; the best being its nude beaches. Paradisbukta beach is the best one, jam-packed with Norwegians soaking up the summertime rays.The beach is actually divided into nude and non-nude segments. So if you don't feel like losing the trunks or, if for some aberrant reason, the sight of fair and slender Nordic beauties disturbs you, go to the clothed part.
Enjoy some reker , Norwegian-style boiled shrimp, done very nicely at almost any restaurant. For the gastronomically adventurous, you must try lutefisk , which is cod jelly, made by steeping the fish in lye. It's unforgettable whether you like it or not.
Get an authentic Viking experience at one of Bygdy's several maritime museums where huge ships are well preserved. As a testament to the hardiness of the Norwegian people, the Fram , the toughest ship in the world, is close by. In its Arctic expeditions, it has gone farther north than any other vessel.
The culturally inclined will get a kick out of the Norwegian Folk Museum, one of the largest in Europe, just a stone's throw away.
Head back to the mainland and treat yourself to a night at Oslo's high-rise, Panorama Bar nightclub, on the 37th floor of the Radisson hotel.
Day 3- Fjords
On your last day give yourself two unforgettable visual treats. The first is the train ride to Bergen, a historic city on Norway's west coast. This is widely considered one of the most breathtaking rides in the world.Bergen is a picturesque town that hugs its jutting peninsulas and whose streets travel through time. Here you'll see quaint Norse architecture at its most well-preserved.
But Bergen, despite its charm, is better known as the gateway to the fjords, Norway's famed seaside crags that are unlike anything else on this planet. A boat tour along the fjords really will leave you wondering why on earth you never heard of them before.
Sognefjord, Norway's deepest and longest, is done by boat. You can also get off and hike along the edges as well. The Geirangerfjord is considered the most spectacular fjord of all, thanks in part to the towering waterfalls that gush along its sides. And for a little Arctic flavor, the colossal Jostedalsbreen glacier is not far away.
In Bergen, you can party it up at Northern Europe's oldest rock club, Hulen. Situated inside a cave, it's a good spot to meet interesting university students. For good dancing try Metro and Rick's, or keep it calm at Finnegan's Irish Pub or Miles Ahead for jazz.
the real nordic track
Norway, with its scenic treasures, represents the best in the easy Scandinavian way of life. With all the natural wonders there, you can see why this is the birthplace of gnomes and thunder gods. You'll leave the country feeling uniquely rewarded.tips for the trip
Resources:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/norway/
http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgresults.cfm?destination=oslo@114
http://www.virtualtourist.com/vt/3462a/
Norway Travel Guide
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