Oslo, Norway
We have been stationary in Florida since the week before Thanksgiving. We use this time to visit family, friends, and enjoy warmer weather during the winter months. We took our five-year-old grandson to Disney for a week and created wonderful, memorable moments. We also stayed longer than usual to have one of our bucket list items checked off. Tampa International Airport was our starting point as we headed to Norway to see the Northern Lights.
We landed in Oslo (the Capital) and spent two days exploring the city. The air was crisp, the sun shining, perfect for exploration. We hit some incredible spots in this beautiful capital city:
Karl Johans Gate: We then strolled down Karl Johans Gate, Oslo’s bustling main street. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk, Browse souvenir shops, and soaking in the city’s atmosphere as it leads past landmarks like the National Theater.
Stortinget (The Norwegian Parliament): Along Karl Johans Gate, we saw Stortinget, where the Norwegian government meets. It’s an impressive building, and you can often take free guided tours to see its historic interior and grand parliamentary chamber.
The Royal Palace: Standing proudly at the end of Karl Johans Gate is the Royal Palace. We loved walking through its beautiful, open grounds and watching the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony. It’s impressive how they endure standing erect for long periods until they are relieved of their shift.
Oslo City Hall: You can’t miss the distinctive red-brick City Hall! We stepped inside (it’s free!) to see the stunning Great Hall, famous for hosting the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, and admired its unique artwork.
Aker Brygge Wharf: For some vibrant waterfront vibes, we headed to Aker Brygge. This lively area is packed with restaurants and shops – a great spot to relax by the water, enjoy the views, and soak up modern Oslo. Along the way, there where floating sauna houses. One can revel in the heat to unwind and then jump into the cold water of the sea. This is supposed to be great for your heart, but this was one experience I chose to pass.
Stortorvet (The Grand Plaza): We also explored Stortorvet, Oslo’s historic main square. It’s a charming spot centered around the Oslo Cathedral and the statue of King Christian IV, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. Oslo Opera House: We end the trip by climbing the iconic roof of the Opera House! The unique design lets you walk right up for stunning panoramic views of the city and fjord – an absolute must-do. The building made the same impression on us as the Sydney Opera House. We climbed Oslo’s Opera House at night, and the city lights added to the ambience of the city and made it even more special.
Next stop – a four hour flight to Tromso to chase the Northern Lights!
