Happy Wednesday! I am excited that I am finally able to wrap up my recap to Europe with you all. Today I am talking about my visit to Norway, which was a dream come true. This was about as far North as I have been, and probably will ever be going. There is so much culture, historical architecture, and charm in this great country. When I went I got to see more of a local’s view point as we stayed with my friend’s relatives while there. Even though we were only there for a couple of days, we got to explore and spend a great amount of time in 2 main areas being Oslo and Tonsberg. I am glad we went in the Summer time as the weather was so beautiful and was a nice change from the heat wave that the French Riviera was having. See below for my tips on exploring this country and the great sights we got to see.

To Stay

We flew from Nice on a Thursday and stayed through Monday. Even though it was just a couple of days, we got to see what makes this area truly great. The flight landed in Oslo where we took a train and then a bus ride to Tonsberg where we stayed at my friend’s aunt and uncles place. This was one of the cutest places that I have ever been to, and the neighborhood reminded me of the town in Big Little Lies. Everything was so lush there including the grass especially during this time of year. I would highly recommend staying in Norway in the Summer, instead of during the Winter. The day after we stayed in Tonsberg we went for the night and day to Oslo where we stayed at an airBNB for the night. After we stayed there on Friday, we came back to Tonsberg until Monday. A lot of traveling, but well worth it.

• I would recommend staying at an airBNB in Oslo. The hotels are very expensive, and if you are going for a night or weekend I think this is for sure a great option. We stayed at one that was walking distance to all of the parks, pubs, restaurants, and galleries that Oslo had to offer. We did not want to have to Uber everywhere we went, and this place was in the heart of everything. It was safe, clean, and had all of the great amenites.
• If you don’t know what time it is, you will for sure have no clue in Norway. Here in the Summer, the sun literally stays up almost 20 hours. I remember leaving one of the bars late and the sun was still up. You also should realize this when you are sleeping as well. Check to make sure you have curtains or blinds if the sun bothers you.This was one of the most unusual things I learned while traveling here. In the Winter time they only get sunshine about 4 hours a day, so I would take more sunshine any day instead of the dark!
• Norway is a lot more expensive than France and other parts of the world. Remember to budget your lodging with this in mind. We were lucky enough to be able to stay with relatives. If you can do your research before hand, I would try to get a house or apartment for more space.
• You won’t need A/C in the Summer time here in Norway. We would crack open the windows and the breeze would flow right in. Everywhere has their windows opened here because the weather is so nice and clean. By the way this is one of the most kept areas I have visited as well.

To Eat

Just like in France, while I was here there was fresh food everywhere. A lot of people like to have fresh food whether that is seafood or grabbing bread at the local bakery. We got to eat out a couple of times while on this trip, but mainly ate dinners at the relatives house for each meal. Meals here in Norway are eaten at the dining table and it is most likely a family style that is served in the middle of the table.

• Bread, jams, and cheeses can pretty much go for every meal here. We would have an arrangement of this at breakfast, lunch, and then sometimes after dinner as well. I love charcuterie boards here in the US, so this was like that times 10! There are so many yummy jams to try as well. Most of them actually come fresh from your garden that is doing so well during this time of year.
• You have got to of course try the salmon. This delicacy was served several times when we were here, and in Norway it tastes so much better. Whether it is served with a bagel and capers, or grilled for dinner, Norwegian salmon is a necessity during your visit.
• Food trucks are as big here as they are back at home. We saw them a lot when we were in Oslo, and of course had to grab some food from them. They have more unique items instead of just the basic hamburger ones. A lot of Asian infused ones and surpringsly comfort food too which was a nice change.
• The chocolate here is for sure one of those items that you need to bring back to your friends and family for a souvenir. They have all different kinds and the actual chocolate bars that are broken into smaller pieces are huge. I opted for the milk chocolate that I brought back, and it was not too sweet either which made it even better.
• Go to the Dinner Restaurant in Oslo. I know this is such a unique name of a restaurant, but the food is a great authentic Chinese restaurant. We had gone here before we out out and were very pleased. The atmosphere is pretty swanky and cozy, and it is also a Michelin star restaurant!
• If you are going to explore in Oslo near the boardwalk, I would highly recommend grabbing some soft serve ice cream at one of the stands as well. We got one with lots of sprinkles, and it was by far one of the best ice creams I have had.

To Do

When I go to a new area, especially a new continent I of course love to explore and see the main attractions. Since we were with my friend who went to college in Norway, we got to see touristy things as well as other attractions. It is for sure a walkable country and depending if you are in Oslo or in another town like Tonsberg, the local transportation is incredible. There is so much to see, yet it doesn’t remind me of a hustle and bustle country.

• Like I mentioned above, there is such great transportation options here in Norway. In Oslo the bus transportation can take you almost anywhere. It is a friendly area to walk around in no matter what town you are in. Also, almost 99% of the Ubers are Uber Black FYI. I did not mind this at all because you will always know you get a nice car.
• You will want to explore the boardwalk area of Aker Brygge in Oslo a couple of times during your trip. We went here both at night and during the day. It is always a lively area and the water is so pretty to look at. There are lots of great restaurants near by, boats, pubs, and for sure people watching.
• Drive up the hill to see the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. This has been a staple here in Oslo for such a long time and during the Olympics they use this ski jump. It is for sure a landmark to not miss while here. There is also enough room for up to 70,000 spectators.
• Drive around the Sandefjord coast and soak it all in. It is such a breathtaking view and is even better if you get out and walk around the area too. We walked around and even took some photos on top of the rocks. This is such a relaxing part of town and makes you want to just sip your coffee and take in all of the sights.
• Snap a picture in front of the Royal Palace in Oslo. This was built in the 19th century and has amazing architecture. Walking around the grounds and seeing the changing of the guards which is daily at 1:30 pm if you get a chance is supposed to be great. We didn’t get to see the changing of the guards, but I did get to take a photo of the guard outside of the palace.
• Stroll through the various boroughs in Oslo. We did this on Saturday and got our steps in for the day and then some. There is some awesome shopping to do as well. One of the places that had a much better selection in the stores in Norway was Zara. I know we have one in the US, but this was so much better. Also one thing that is traditional to Norway are the nice wool socks that would be perfect to bring back as a souvenir too.
• The architecture at the Oslo Opera House is incredible to see. You have to hike up a steep way as the roof of the building angles to the ground level. The building is beautiful and much of it is white marble. There are gorgeous views of the whole city on the terrace area of the building. Then it is just another hike back down 😉

To Drink

• Walk into some of the pubs in Bryggra in Tonsberg. We went here one of the nights we were in this part of Norway and it is lively, yet a great scenery with the calm water as well. There are restaurants, boats, and other places to visit just like near the pier in Oslo.
• The water is so fresh here that you could drink from the tap and be perfectly fine. I noticed that my friend’s family fills up a glass decanter every evening with the tap water and puts it in the fridge for the next day. This is quite the difference compared to the water in France.
• We got to go to a silent disco while out in Tonsberg at this pub called Foynhagen. I had never been to something like this but it was pretty unique in that everyone gets headphones and can alternate between 2 stations on their headphones. It was so funny to watch everyone singing out loud and dancing so much. Then when I tried the headphones too, it was so much fun!
• Most of the bars here in Norway are outdoors which is perfect in the Summer. Foynhagen above was outdoor and then the bar in Oslo called Justisen was also outdoors. Norway was so much fun to people watch at the bars. Everyone is having the time of their life, dancing, and even if they can’t dance they are having fun and everyone talks to you. This is so much different than the typical bar scene here in the US, and I enjoyed it much better!
• Coffee is still really big here. I didn’t see people use normal coffee machines, but the French press was more common here. Also to keep with the freshness, there are not many microwaves as well. This is quite different but makes you enjoy your coffee in a more healthier way without re-heating it in the microwave.

I never thought I would have ever been able to go to Norway. It was such a great country with a ton of culture, architecture, class and the people were so genuine. It is one of those areas that I don’t think is ever on the top 5 of someone’s travel list, but for sure needs to be. I fell in love with this area and the people here. I want to for sure come back and might enjoy a cabin in the Winter 🙂