Play. Shop. Eat. Oslo, Norway

Oslo has had its share of sad press. But chances are you have Norwegian in your family tree and it's a country to still be proud of. If you have ancestry roots anywhere in Scandinavia, your family most likely originated in Norway (like my hubbys) and migrated over to other countries as Oslo was founded in 1000 ca. Locals say Oslo means "the field below the hill" or "the field of the Gods." The majestic fjords, museums packed with Norwegian heritage and the land of the Vikings offer something for everyone. If you don't like the cold go in the summer even then the temperatures only hover around 60 degrees. And of course if you like to ski or do any snow sports for that matter Norway is the place to be in the winter. Oslo is worth discovering at least once in your lifetime. This guide will help you play, shop, and eat in the capital city.

Play
Be sure to go to at least one museum while in Oslo, they have 50, there is something for everyone. The National Gallery is packed with Norwegian heritage and even has the famous works of Edvard Munch (pronounced "Monk") such as "The Scream" and the "Madonna." For those that want to learn more about Oslo's famous artist head to the Edvard Munch Museum. When Munch died he had no heirs so he donated all of his paintings to Oslo. The museum is gorgeous and security there is high, no bags bigger than a small purse, you must go through screening, but photos of the paintings are allowed, without a flash of course. History buffs will want to explore Akershus Fortress. Here you can see what life was like back in 1299 to the present, you can visit the tombs of kings buried there (armed guards patrol the fortress all hours of the day due to the famous kings who are buried there). You can take a free and very informational walking tour too and if you are lucky you might see a wedding (only employees of the military are allowed to get married at the fortress). Men and boys will love the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo. And if you have kids take them to Norway's largest amusement park: TusenFryd. Or go on a mini cruise: Hop On - Hop Off.

Shop
The city centre, along the main street called Karl Johans Gate, is where you will find most the shopping. Trendy brands are here like H&M, Mango, and Zara along with traditional department stores. Behind the royal palace as you head toward Vigeland Park are the shopping streets Hegdehaugsveien and Bogstadveien. Here you will find exclusive designers of high street fashion (like Kameleon) and furniture (like Pur Norsk and Eske). Then head toward the Aker River and stroll through the streets Thorvald Meyers and Markveien. Here you will find vintage shops (like Velouria Vintage), shoe stores (like the Shoe Lounge), ceramics (at Granit), art and food.

Eat
Speaking of food, if you are looking for a light breakfast or hearty lunch don't miss People & Coffee (near Akershus Fortress), and if you are lucky you'll meet the charismatic owner. Fresh food is served daily with a rolling, seasonal menu, and they are known for their specialized coffee from Ethiopia and Columbia. For dinner head to Stranden along the water (a short walk, just across the water from Akershus Fortress). There are a plethora of restaurants there like DS Louise, Lofoten Fiskerestaurant, or Olivia. Other restaurants worth checking out include: Cafe Christiana, Engebret Cafe, or Icebar Oslo.

Plan a Train or Boat Excursion
If you plan to visit more of Norway (especially the gorgeous fjords on the Bergen side) a great way to do it is plan a Norway in a Nutshell tour. Or go on one of the most scenic and steepest train rides in the world: The Flam Railway, before you go watch a spectacular video of the railway.

Oslo is an eight hour overnight train ride to Stockholm or an eight hour overnight train ride to Malmö, which is near Copenhagen. To get to Copenhagen from Oslo, hop on an overnight ferry the journey is about 16 hours. The DFDS cruise ships leave at night and arrive in the morning leaving about seven hours to explore before you head back to your destination.

Their local website is Visit Oslo.

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Photo: CopyStrands