Last Updated 7 hours in the past
Who says winter is not a good time to discover the world?
A majority of vacationers search out island bliss and sun-kissed shores this time of yr, however there isn’t any hurt in embracing picturesque winter wonderlands throughout the globe.
Contrary to standard perception, do not sleep on Scandinavia’s winter wonders.
Just like fall cloaks huge landscapes with vibrant hues; the identical may be stated for winter, blanketing Europe’s timeless streets for an additional sense of magic.
While Paris, London, and Christmas market havens akin to Vienna stay must-visits, Scandinavia is teeming with wintery gems starting from historic cities with 1000 islands, Arctic Circle villages boasting inexperienced skies, and Oslo, an missed capital metropolis that is ‘sizzling’ even when it is chilly.
Oslo: A Gateway City Or Main Destination?
If you are unfamiliar with Oslo, Norway’s capital metropolis, it’s the place Viking heritage, troll statues, and storybook streets all merge along with a modern, fashionable aptitude to turn out to be an extremely underrated metropolis to go to.
As a three-time customer myself, I’ve all the time left impressed by how immaculately clear town is for such a giant measurement, one in every of many the reason why it is nice to discover – sure, even throughout frigid winters.
You by no means know what you may bump into in Oslo. One second, you are perusing a famend artwork piece, then flip a nook to search out creepy troll statues locking eyes, all whereas being magnetized by quite a few timeless streets just like the Nordre Aker and Grünerløkka districts – good luck saying them.
Oslo is a vibrant metropolis of quirky artwork and juxtapositions, however there isn’t any doubt Norway, on the whole, is a nature lover’s dream.
Travelers usually have a jam-packed Nordic itinerary with such wonders as Tromos, Bergen, and Trondheim, with Oslo usually serving as a gateway; therefore I’ve been 3 occasions.
Yes, twice I’ve visited on a stopover, however the first time I visited, Oslo was one in every of my predominant locations, and I loved it a lot that I purposely selected my stopovers in Oslo for nostalgia’s sake years later.
Reaching Oslo has gotten simpler, even with Norwegian Airlines’ downfall. Norse Atlantic Airways has picked up the slack, now flying to a number of U.S. cities.
Just know there are not any sneaking “personal items” as carry-ons. Norse requires all passengers to examine in to their flight in individual, and all questionable luggage shall be measured when doing so.
Urban Sauna Boats & Epic Fjord Excursions
Planning forward for a winter journey in Oslo is vital, not only for abiding by Norse’s stringent guidelines. Obviously, you may need to pack some further layers, however do not forget your swimsuit both.
No, there isn’t any must take a stylish chilly plunge; fairly the alternative, really. Oslo’s 5-mile harbor is lined with piping sizzling fjord saunas and “sauna villages” for some distinctive methods to remain heat.
Backdropped by Oslo’s fairly cityscape, who can complain?
To stage up this expertise, you may also ebook a floating sauna boat of kinds. Every metropolis has its quirks, however Oslo’s quirk is certainly city sauna-ing.
If you need to test it out, go to KOK Oslo’s web site to ebook ‘sauna rafts’ year-round.
Speaking of boats, and one in every of which you will not want swimwear in winter, you gotta try Norway’s Lord of the Rings-esque fjords, a sight to behold you may always remember.
When I visited, I selected to take the adventurous route by taking a practice to Bergen, which I extremely advocate.
However, there are fjord excursions setting sail immediately from Oslo’s Rådhusplassen and Langkaia wharf, akin to top-rated Fjord Tours providing 2-hour excursions for simply $42.
Safe & Luxurious
There are few locations on the earth you may actually say you may really feel protected in any respect hours – Oslo being one in every of them.
According to Berkshire Hathaway, Norway ranks eighth on the earth for most secure 2025 locations, with Oslo enjoying a giant half in that prime 10 rating.
Whether wandering alone or taking public transit, your thoughts’s alarm bells ought to keep largely silent, permitting for a extra pleasing journey.
And what’s extra pleasing than treating your self? Oslo exudes opulence all through town, from grand palaces, ritzy name-brand stays, and award-winning fantastic eating eateries like Statholdergaarden, relationship again to the 1600s and rightfully incomes a Michelin star.
You can wine and dine with one of the best of ’em on this arts-driven metropolis with a number of the best masterpieces on the earth, like Edvard Munch.
But, one of the best ways to splurge is a fancy resort. According to TripAdvisor, vacationers love these 3 probably the most:
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.