I’m barely back from a wonderful weekend trip with my family in London and we’re all off to Oslo. It a city that been on my travel list for a while and yet keeps getting bumped to next year. Well, it’s finally happening at the end of the month, it’s my next #take12trips stop so make sure to stay tuned on Instagram while I am there for the bank holiday weekend. Oslo we’re coming for you!
 |
| VisitOSLO/Sabine Zoller |
Everything I read about Oslo says it’s expensive, but then so is London. I’ll be intrigued to see what this is like in reality. I’m used to expensive coffee everywhere except in Italy. The hotel I have booked for the 3 of us in a family room was pretty good value via Booking.com, and our flights were a bargain (under £100 each) with Norwegian Air, but then I booked them more than six months in advance.
I’m hoping that 2 and half days is going to be enough to get a feel for the city, visit some fun sights and shop in some design stores. To make the most of Oslo, we’re going to be using a while we’re there. The card costs 395 NOK (1 day) but offers free transportation, access to more than 30 museums and discounts off the harbour cruise or free with the 72 hour Oslo Pass. I’m hoping it’s the most economical way to see everything for the three of us.
Definitely on my list to visit are:
 |
| VISITOSLO/Didrick Stenersen |
Vikingskiphuset is the Viking Ship Museum located at Bygdøy. We recently took our son to see the Cutty Sark in London, and he was fascinated, so I’m hoping this will hold the same appeal. Vikingskiphuset is part of the Museum of Cultural History and houses many archaeological finds. In addition to the three ships, there are displays of skeletons found alongside the boats. My Halloween obsessed son is bound to like that. You know I’m really only going for the ships, right? So I might also try the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Polar Ship Fram, but it all depends on time. So far all my planning seems to indicate that Oslo is good city to visit with young kids so I’ll keep you posted on that.
 |
| VisitOSLO/Roberto Meazza |
The Oslo Opera House is the home of The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet and is located right in the harbour. In rather satisfying architectural terms it has an angled, white exterior that appears to rise from the water. You can even climb up to its roof and enjoy panoramic views of Oslo and the fjord. It sounds like a must visit to a design tourist like me.
 |
| VisitOSLO/Thomas Johannessen |
If it’s a sunny day I would like to try and get to Vigeland Park which is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist and is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions. Maybe bring a picnic and let my little one run off some steam while we giggle at all the naked statues. 200 of them apparently!
On the design front I have a couple restaurant spaces I want to visit but am looking for some cool cafes if anyone has any recommendations please let me know. I’m hoping to head to Grünerløkka to find some small independent and vintage shops. Not only does Grünerløkka have the Mathallen Food Hall but also Antikkvarehuset, a huge warehouse of vintage furniture and accessories. Sounds right up my street. I’m sure I’m trying to cram in Oslo but I’m only here for the weekend.
The only thing my husband wants is to buy a Norwegian jumper. In fact, he’s telling me it’s got to be the blue one with the white flecks on. If it’s the last thing he does he’s coming home with a jumper.
Keep your eyes peeled on Instagram to see our Oslo trip unfold.
 |
| VISITOSLO/Tord Baklund |
 |
| VisitOSLO/Thomas Johannessen |
Many thanks to Visit Olso who are providing us with Oslo Passes for this trip.