We recently took a Summer Bank Holiday trip to the capital of Norway, Oslo. This beautiful city managed to capture both our hearts in the four days we were there.
Oslo is surrounded by the Marka Forest and the Oslo Fjords, meaning picturesque views aplenty.
We based ourselves in the stylish district of Frogner, to the west of the city centre, in a typically elegant Scandinavian apartment close to Frogner sculpture park.
One of the first things we noticed when we arrived in the city, was how forward thinking the Nordics are about the environment & climate change. Interestingly enough, the city aims to cut emissions by 50% by 2020 (compared to 1990) and to be carbon neutral by 2050! They were recently rewarded for these initiatives by winning the European Green Capital Award for 2019. Go Oslo.
One of the most notable aspects was the amount of electric vehicles on the road - they were everywhere! In the UK, you're hard pressed to see an electric vehicle, however in Oslo it seemed 1 in 3 cars were electric, which was great to see!
On the first evening we ventured east to the Ekebergrestauranten that is situated on top of a hill that looks out across the whole of Oslo. A beautiful setting coupled with an ever changing and interesting menu makes for a delightful evening.
The next day we hiked through the serene peninsula of Bygdøy in search of Huk beach.
We weaved our way through the trees, exploring the forest, until we reached the tranquil coast.
We spent the next few hours basking in the Scandinavian sunshine and braved the chilly waters for a refreshing dip.
On our way back through the forest we stumbled across this lovely specimen...
On Sunday morning, after a delicious cup of coffee from a little cafe near our apartment, we decided to sample some of Oslo's best eateries & rooftop bars. Following the harbour round to the east from Aker Brygge you'll arrive at Vippa.
A home for aspiring food entrepreneurs which hosts multiple independent food stalls with some amazing vegetarian options. Grab something to eat and drink & head outside to look out over the Fjords and watch the boats meandering round the harbour.
Later that evening we visited Thief Roof at The Thief. A rooftop bar with brilliant views, nice vibes and expensive drinks.
The people of Oslo seem happy, healthy and full of love. It feels safe and welcoming and has a lovely balance of greenery, art, culture & food.
A very memorable trip indeed.
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