Exploring Norway: Oslo and The Fjords

Last year, when I went to Denmark with my two best friends from college (read about it here), we also had a blast exploring Norway for a few days. The experience was unlike any other. Norway is easily one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been too. Oslo, the capital, is an easy to navigate city, but it’s the fjords north of the country that you really want to visit. Norway’s fjords are these long, majestic waterways that flow in between gorgeous, rocky high cliffs. From Oslo, you can take the train north and stay in various towns along the fjords. After much discussion, we choose to stay in two different towns, each for one night. Keep reading to learn how you can replicate our trip and experience the wonder of the Norwegian fjords.

Exploring Norway: Where to Stay

Oslo: Guldsmeden Hotel. This cute hotel is in the center of the city, which makes it very easy to get to and from places while exploring Norway. Rooms are cozy, and breakfast is complimentary.

Fjords:

• Flam: Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell. This hotel is almost like hostel, except that you get your own room and bathroom (which at this point in my life is a necessity). There is one restaurant which serves a delicious buffet, with soup, breads, pasta and more. There is also a gorgeous, glass enclosed lounge where you can indulge in as many Scandinavian beers as you want, while enjoy the epic views of the Norwegian countryside. The sun doesn’t set until about midnight in the summer, so the lounge is the perfect place to relax with your friends for hours after enjoying a day of hiking.

• Bergen: Scandic Strand. This lovely hotel is right in the center of Bergen, which is ideal for walking around and exploring the city. It is clean and very reasonably priced.

Exploring Norway: What to do

Oslo: Take a self-guided walking tour! Start out at Aker Brygge, a steel and glass complex on the waterfront, where Oslo’s old shipbuilding used to take place. The complex houses lots of restaurants and shops, so you can fuel up for a day of walking. Next, walk to Radhuset, the Oslo City Hall, then Akershus Castle & Fortress. Then head over to Karl Johans Gate, a lovely long street where you will see lots of shops, a lovely 17th century cathedral, parliament, and the royal palace.
Fjords: Norway in a Nutshell offers fantastic train and boat tours through Norway’s stunning fjords.

• Hiking in Flam: While exploring Norway, we took the train from Oslo to Flam, where we stayed at the Vatnahalsen Høyfjellshotell described above. The views were unreal and we were able to do some awesome hiking along the fjords. The hotel was able to provide us with a map of different hiking routes. Afterwards, we enjoyed dinner and beers at the hotel.

• Boat ride in Bergen: The next day, we jumped back on the train and moved onto Bergen, where we took a boat ride through the Sognefjord fjords, which is the longest fjord in Norway and the second longest in the world. We also arranged this through Norway in a Nutshell. Our tour guide described gave us wonderful details about life in the fjords region of Norway, while we enjoyed breathtaking views of the mountains and water. Afterwards we wandered the charming streets of Bergen, treated ourselves to a fantastic dinner and then went out for drinks!
• Walking tour of Bergen: While exploring Norway, we agreed that Bergen itself is the most wonderful town. It is a UNESCO world heritage site, and Norway’s second largest town. It is home to Sognefjord, as well as a series of lovely colorful houses on the town’s wharf. It is easily walkable, and full of small streets, restaurants, bars, and cafes. Take time to walk around and soak it all in.

• Cable Car Ride in Bergen: Ulriken is the only company which offers a visit up to the highest mountain in Bergen, where you can hike and relish some of the most unreal views I have ever seen in my life, of the mountains, fjords, and city. Take the bus to the cable car, and then enjoy a short cable car ride to the top. Be sure to have time to hike; maps are available.

Exploring Norway: Where to Eat

Oslo:

• Eataly: This waterfront pizzeria has salads, pasta, and fabulous pizzas which are great to share. The margherita pizza was my favorite!

Bergen:

• Maharaja: I know when you travel the idea is to eat the foods of the country you are visiting. But, ethnic food in other countries can also be a way of trying local favorites. Plus, to be honest, much of Norweigan food can be quite bland, and after traveling in the region for a week I was desperate for some spicy fare. So, we went for Indian! And to be honest, it was pretty delicious. We sampled naan, pakoras, which are battered and fried veggies, samosas, spinach and corn curry, paneer (cheese) in a tomato gravy, and more, all washed down with crisp white wine.

• Sky:skraperen: This quintessential Norwegian restaurant is on located at the top of the mountain. Once you are done hiking, before you take the cable car down to the city, indulge in lunch at Skyskrapene. Sample fresh salads, bread and cheese, pancakes with jam, and more.

The Verdict: Norway is an enchanting country, and the scenery will blow your mind. For those looking to marvel at something, the fjords are for you.