Snowy Oslo Escapade: Exploring Royal Palace, Fjords, and Museums (2024)

Intro

Hey there, fellow travelers! ✈️🌍 Just wrapped up the final leg of my New Year’s trip in the beautiful, snowy city of Oslo, Norway, before heading back to New York. This was my first time in Oslo, and it didn’t disappoint!

From arriving at Oslo International Airport Train Station to staying at Citybox Oslo Hotel, I dove right into exploring the Sentrum. 🌅❄️ The sunrise over the snowy landscapes and the majestic Royal Palace in Slottsparken were breathtaking. 👑

I visited the Nobel Peace Center, hopped on trams, and soaked in history at the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum. The Oslo Opera House, by the frozen Inner Oslo Fjord backdrop, was a definite highlight. 🎭🧊

Stay tuned for more on my Oslo adventures, including the floating sauna, vibrant Østbanehallen Shopping Mall, and tasty bites at Los Tacos. 🌮🇳🇴✨ Catch you in the next post for more snowy escapades in this winter wonderland! ☃️💖

Getting to Oslo

It was my first time in Norway, my country #72, and I had just left London after a New Years celebration that went crazy. You can read more of my UK adventures here:

Full Guide to Edinburgh, Scotland: Iconic Sights and Festive Delights! 🌍✨

Exploring London: Iconic Landmarks, Hidden Gems, and New Year Celebrations!

From NYC to London: A New Year’s Odyssey of Sunset Views and Iconic Adventures

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From the Oslo International Airport I took the metro system into the Oslo Central Station. One thing I love from European cities is how the main train stations are just in the middle of the city, and close to everything.

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Was it too crazy to visit Oslo literally the first days of the year? Super dark early and cold, although it was not that bad to be honest. Kind of reminded me of winter in New York City.

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I walked to my hotel after grabbing some food, and I decided to stay in Citybox Oslo Hotel, a hotel with smaller rooms to make it cheaper for solo travelers.

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Exploring Oslo

Woke up early to go grab some coffee and breakfast. The temperature was around 14 F, and the streets were a little too quiet for my liking, but hey I was in Norway, one of the safest countries on this side of the world.

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The sunrise was around 10.30 am and the sunset around 3.30 pm, a little time I had to explore this city, or at least the Centrum. I did not want to take Ubers too much, since they were too expensive, so I started walking and got into one of the trams for my next destination.

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Royal Palace

The Royal Palace was my goal to see, and I had to literally go through a lot of snow and ice. I was wearing my best winter boots and even with them I almost fell a couple of times, until I finally fell. Thankfully it was not that bad lol. The beautiful sunrise colors were showing off against the snow. I were still to find out that the sun does not really go all the way up this time of the year.

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The Royal Palace was very cute, but it was closed during these days. I was able to walk around it and contemplate it before I left for my next destination.

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I definitely did not miss the snow from New York City but I was getting ready to see a lot at least on the floor during my trip to Norway at the beginning of January.

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Around the bay

With all this cold weather and snow, I still managed to walk around and visit multiple places, like the Nobel Peace Center, by the internal bay of Oslo.

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This orange color was going to be permanent during the day, until sunset, since the sun was always going to be that high in the sky.

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After falling on the snow one more time, I managed to walked on the rocky sidewalks that I suppose are this way to prevent snow from crystalize and freeze.

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Armed Forces Museum

After a little walk I made it to the Armed Forces Museum, which showcases Norway’s military history with exhibits spanning from medieval times to modern conflicts. Located in the Akershus Fortress, it displays weapons, uniforms, and artifacts, offering insight into the nation’s defense heritage. Interactive displays and historic documents enrich the visitor experience, highlighting Norway’s military evolution.

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The exhibition was nice and the views from the top part were amazing. But I was more excited to pay for a hot chocolate to be honest lol. My hands were frozen after all this walking in the snow.

Inner Oslo Fjord

The Inner Oslo Fjord is a picturesque inlet extending into Norway’s capital city. Surrounded by scenic hills and forests, it offers breathtaking views and recreational activities such as boating and swimming. The fjord is dotted with islands, including Hovedøya and Bygdøy, adding to its charm and allure for locals and tourists alike.

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The fjord was almost frozen when I arrived and the views were stunning. The architecture of the buildings around it was amazing.

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And I also was in shock seeing people getting into the cold water from the floating saunas on the fjord.

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The sunset was almost here, and the shortest day ever for me was almost over.

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The Sentrum

After a long walk around the city, I decided to go get some lunch at the Østbanehallen Shopping Mall.

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And then continued with the exploring by coming to the Oslo Cathedral.

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It is always nice going inside a building during winter but the the interior of this church was magnificent.

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As the sun was going down, I continued exploring, and seeing more of this beautiful city. My hours for this trip were counted, and I had to start planning my return.

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On the way to the airport

24 hours were not enough to get to know this city and this country, I definitely had to come back to the land of Frozen.

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But before, I grabbed some burrito bowls from the Central Station, and then got in the train back to the Oslo International Airport.

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The weather conditions were horrible, but I was waiting for my Norse flight back to JFK International Airport in New York.

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I was saying bye to my trip to this area of Europe, but I was excited to come back into this continent soon.

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Related

Tags:airline, Airport, christmas, christmas tree, Church, Europe, food, Frozen, Hotel, metro, mexican, New Years, NOrse, Norway, oslo, plane, Public Transportation, Snow, Subway, Sunrise, Sunset, Train, train station, Tram, Urban, View, Views

About The Author

Snowy Oslo Escapade: Exploring Royal Palace, Fjords, and Museums (27)

Pablo Palomares

Welcome to my colorful corner of the internet, fellow wanderers and adventure seekers! I'm Pablo Palomares, and I'm absolutely thrilled to have you join me on my globetrotting escapades through my JUMP travel blog. With a passport filled with stamps from 75 countries across 5 continents, I've made it my mission to explore, experience, and share the incredible diversity our world has to offer.Based in New York City and from the bustling markets of Johannesburg to the serene beaches of Bali, my journey has taken me far and wide, immersing me in unique cultures, landscapes, and cuisines. Whether it's savoring street food in Hong Kong or hiking through the rugged terrains of Patagonia, I believe that every destination has a story to tell, and I'm here to capture those stories one blog post at a time.But let's talk about my not-so-guilty pleasure – theme parks! There's something absolutely magical about the enchanting worlds created by Disney and Universal. As much as I adore exploring ancient ruins and bustling cities, I'm equally at home wandering through the whimsical streets of Diagon Alley or experiencing the thrill of a roller coaster at sunset. Join me as I indulge my inner child, sharing my tips and tales from these captivating parks that bring joy to hearts young and old.Through vivid storytelling, practical travel tips, and a sprinkle of my personal insights, I aim to inspire and guide you in your own globetrotting adventures. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone taking their first steps beyond their comfort zone, my blog is a space for everyone to find inspiration, learn, and connect.So, buckle up as we journey through the pages of my travelogue, experiencing the world's wonders, sharing laughter and awe, and discovering the hidden gems that make each destination truly special. Thank you for being a part of this incredible voyage – together, we'll traverse the globe, one country and one theme park ride at a time!

Snowy Oslo Escapade: Exploring Royal Palace, Fjords, and Museums (2024)

FAQs

Can you visit the fjords from Oslo? ›

Did you know you can experience Norway's famous fjords on a daytrip from Oslo? Our Nutshell tours take you seamlessly to the fjords and back, and several of the tours have Oslo as a start or ending point.

What are the best fjords in Oslo? ›

The Fjord Region is sought after for good reason—several famous fjords are in this area, including the Hardangerfjord, Lysefjord, and Sognefjord. The easiest and quickest way to reach the Fjord Region from Oslo is to fly to a nearby airport and then drive directly to the fjord.

How many days do you need in Oslo? ›

2 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Oslo. You can easily cover the city's best sights, eat some delicious food, visit a few of the many amazing museums on offer, and enjoy being in nature – Oslo is, after all, situated on a fjord and surrounded by forest.

Where is Oslofjord, Norway? ›

Oslo Fjord, fjord on the Skagerrak (strait) penetrating the southern coast of Norway for 60 miles (100 km) from about Fredrikstad to Oslo.

Where is the most beautiful fjord in Norway? ›

Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and arguably the most famous fjord on the planet. Known for its deep blue waters, towering mountain peaks and abundant waterfalls, Geirangerfjord is the place to go for striking scenery.

Is it worth visiting the Norwegian fjords? ›

Not only is the country's western coastline full of scenic and, in summer, green and lush forested fjords but it's also known for its quaint, colorfully painted coastal houses. The sailing route along the coast and into the fjords is one of the prettiest in the world -- a great reason to take a Norwegian Fjords cruise.

Are the northern lights visible in Oslo? ›

While possible, it's rare due to Oslo's southern location. The lights are more frequent and intense in Northern Norway. Oslo's chances increase during strong solar activity, but the lights may be less vibrant than in the north. For a better experience, visit areas above the Arctic Circle.

What month is best for Norwegian fjords? ›

The best time for a Norway fjord cruise is June through to August if you're looking for sun. If you're after the Northern Lights aim for between October and March. The Norwegian fjords are undoubtedly a bucket list destination for many people and a cruise is one of the best ways to see them.

Are fjords better in Oslo or Bergen? ›

You should visit Bergen if you came to see a fjord. If you love nature, hiking, the outdoors and the sea, then you won't regret visiting Bergen.

What is the best month to visit Oslo Norway? ›

The best time to visit Oslo is from May to August when the temperatures rise and there are surprisingly affordable room rates available, though these options often fill up fast. Daytime temps generally hover in the 60s and 70s, but evenings can get chilly at times, so remember to bring a coat.

Is Oslo a walkable city? ›

Norwegian cities are compact and very walkable. Experience the city highlights in Oslo in just 10 000 steps! Oslo seems as if it was built for walking! Go trekking in Nordmarka, take a stroll beside the Akerselva river, or walk for almost 10 kilometres along Oslo's waterfront without any obstacles or detours.

Is English enough in Oslo? ›

Most Norwegians have a reasonable level of English. You will find that you can speak English in most shops and restaurants, as well as in public offices and with service providers. If you are not comfortable holding a conversation in English, it is even more important to learn Norwegian.

Is Oslofjord worth it? ›

The Oslofjord is not so narrow as the fjords in western Norway. But with it´s many islands and the easy access from the city center, it is a great fjord to experience. Popular things to do are fjord-cruise, guided kayak tours, rib-boat and swimming in the fjord.

How to see fjord in Oslo? ›

The best way to experience Oslo Fjord is by taking a boat tour. Fascinating 2+ hours trip on a traditional ship through the breathtaking Oslo Fjord, viewing the iconic Oslo Opera and the charming islands where the Oslo residents have their multi-coloured wooden holiday homes.

What do you mean by fjord? ›

A fjord is a long, deep, narrow body of water that reaches far inland. Fjords are often set in a U-shaped valley with steep walls of rock on either side.

What is the best way to see the fjords in Norway? ›

The best way to visit the Norwegian fjords is by joining a fjord cruise package based on eco-friendly travel by local transport. The trips include all transport & hotels en route, amazing fjord cruises and spectacular train rides such as the Flam Railway & the Bergen Line.

Can you do a day trip to Bergen from Oslo? ›

This amazing Oslo to Bergen railway experience can be done in one day, but of course you will want to have extra days in your itinerary to enjoy the variety of attractions in Oslo and the top sights in Bergen.

How many days do you need for the Norwegian fjords? ›

With so much to see, it's good to spend at least 8 days in Norway. Whether you travel on your own or with a guide, you can experience the famous fjords, mountains and cities by train, car or cruise ship. An adventure awaits you with an 8-day Norway itinerary planned by the Norwegian travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

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