This is a sponsored post by Visit Norway.
We had dreamt about visiting Norway for many years – imagining ourselves kayaking down the fjords, hiking in its expansive forests, exploring its rich Viking history, and immersing ourselves in the cultural highlights of Oslo. In the summer of 2016, we decided to visit the capital to explore the great outdoors, Norwegian history, and the lush landscape of the Oslofjord.
How to Get There
It has never been easier to visit Norway with non-stop flights from various U.S. gateway cities on Norwegian Air. There are nonstop flights from 10 U.S. gateways including New York, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Plus, flights start at $245, one-way per person. That’s less than $250 to get to Europe!!!! That’s cheaper than it usually is to fly from LA to NYC! Plus, it only take 7 hours to get to Norway from the US East Coast.
Oslo Adventures
Our favorite way to explore a new country is by adventuring through it. While we flew into the capital of Oslo, there is so much more to the region than what are in its city limits. Just a quick drive took us hiking above the city while a subway took us kayaking in the fjords. The beautiful thing about Oslo is that despite it being Norway’s main city, its unique landscape effortlessly mixes the outdoors into the every day. Here are a few of our favorite adventures in the Oslo region:
- Hiking: Norway is known for its many famous hikes including Preikestolen and Trolltunga further north, but Oslo is filled with plenty of hikes close to the capital. Some great hikes in the Oslo region include Vettakolltoppen, Ostmarka, and Lillomarka.
- Kayaking: Norway is known for its fjords and the best way to see them is by boat. Head to the Oslofjord and enjoy the pure beauty of Norway from the comfortable seat of a kayak. You can also stand-up paddleboard on the fjord!
- Biking: There are few places in the world that offer mountain bike trails so close to the city. The best biking trails around Oslo include Holmenkollen, Frognerseteren, Sognsvann and Sorkedalen.
- Boating: If you would prefer to have a passenger seat view of Oslo, try taking a boat cruise through the Oslofjord from one of the cities various ferry and boat companies.
Culture
After we indulged in the many adventures in Oslo, we decided to add a side of culture to our Norwegian experience.
- Viking: We have been obsessed with Viking culture for many years (Thank you to “Vikings” for starting this obsession). We then took genetic tests to learn of our heritage and we found out that Scott was part Viking! For anyone looking to learn about Viking heritage, visit the Viking Ship Museum. This museum has the worlds best preserved ships from the Vikings as well as Viking tombs found in the area.
- Museums: Oslo isn’t just home to the Viking Ship Museum, it also has the Norwegian Folk Museum, National Gallery, The Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology, and International Museum of Children’s Art.
- Oslo Opera House: The capital city is home to a prestigious opera house and ballet theatre.
- Aker Brygge: This is the main area for Oslo’s shopping, dining, and entertainment. This zone is located on the waterfront and comes alive in the warmer months when locals flock to the area for summer festivals.
Thanks for putting this list together. Never been to Norway, but I’ll definitely want to check it out. Who knew how beautiful some of the parts of Norway were! If you could choose just one of the museums (have a little one) what would you suggest?
WOW! lovely like this post. What a great review. it’s really amazing.
I want to experience this-a picturesque ride through spectacular mountains, lakes, glaciers and bridges. Walking there is a dream, This is going on my must see places list. The mountains make a perfect spot for a picnic in summer. Someday I’ll get there.
I wanna visit Norway, I wanna learn why there are so many electric cars there, why people care… why in other parts of the world why not!