Oslo is one of the weirdest Nordic cities that I visited. It is dull compared to Copenhagen or even Stockholm. The Baumol effect of the oil-funded economy makes it a really expensive place to visit as well. Infact, it is one of the few cities which feel more expensive than San Francisco.
To get from the airport to Oslo city, just take a 124NOK train ride. There is a faster 240NOK train ride as well which isn’t worth it.
Day 1
I started the day with a walking tour. The city is dull but the guide tries to make it interesting by showing the best places.
Afterward, do visit the Oslo Opera House and the Oslo Library, both are gorgeous.
The Vigeland Park is open 24 hours and is free of cost to visit. It contains tons of structures designed by Gustav Vigeland. Like the rest of Oslo, this place is gloomy as well.
Day 2
Early in the day, I decided to do the hike to Maridalsvannet. It is a nice hike loop that shows the beauty of hikes around Norway. Nothing outstanding though.
Later in the day, I did a 460 NOK (~USD 43) two-hour cruise around the Norwegian Fjord. The cruise was OK. However, like everything else in Oslo, it felt overpriced.
I considered going to the Lofoten Islands but decided against it as they mostly felt overhyped to me compared to the awesome islands of the Caribbean or Hawaii.
Note:
- Credit cards are widely accepted, no need to carry Norwegian Krone as cash.
- Public transport is expensive. A single train ride costs 42 NOK (~USD 4). A 24-hour pass is 130 NOK.
- Public bathrooms are not free in Oslo.
- Lidl is the best store to buy groceries.