After visiting Reykjavik, my curiosity for the Nordics only grew—and Oslo quickly made its way onto my travel list. When I spotted some cheap flights to Norway in March 2022, it felt like the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway. As luck would have it, our trip coincided with the Holmenkollen Ski Festival, so we grabbed tickets and added that to the itinerary.
Getting to the festival wasn’t as simple as strolling through the city—it required a train ride followed by a decent hike up to the Holmenkollen National Ski Arena. The atmosphere was lively and the event itself was worth experiencing, but honestly, I wouldn’t plan an entire trip around it. But sure, if you’re in Oslo when it’s on, go for the novelty.
What I would recommend, though, is lunch at Holmenkollen Restaurant. It’s a little pricey (like most of Oslo), but the sweeping views over the city and fjord more than made up for it.
Back in the city, we checked into our hotel, The Verdandi, which couldn’t be in a more central location. Our stay did come with a bit of drama—we were locked out of our room for over 24 hours. The staff handled it as best they could, offering us another room (minus our belongings) and free drinks at the bar to soften the blow. Thankfully, unlimited takeaway coffee was available in the lobby too, which felt like a small win given Oslo’s prices. Despite the hiccup, I’d still recommend the hotel for its location and service.
For dinner, we made our way to Oslo Street Food. Think buzzing food hall vibes, with stalls serving everything from local bites to international flavours. It’s a fun way to try different dishes in one sitting, but don’t expect it to be budget-friendly—it ended up costing about the same as a regular meal out. By this point, I was starting to feel the pinch. I’d heard Reykjavik was expensive (though it didn’t feel it), but in my experience, Oslo topped it.
The next morning began with a shopping trip (thanks to being locked out of our room…) before we headed down to the marina for a boat ride. With the sun shining and an icy breeze sweeping across the fjord, it was a refreshing and memorable way to see Oslo from the water.
The rest of the day was spent wandering the city, soaking up its effortlessly cool vibe. Oslo is packed with street art, hip cafés, and plenty of spots to sit back and people-watch. We explored cobbled streets lined with my favourite—Nordic-style architecture—before stumbling upon a hidden little lake complete with a rope swing.
As the day drew to a close, we climbed up the Oslo Opera House, which doubles as the perfect viewing platform for sunset. From there, we watched locals braving the icy fjord for a dip, followed by a sauna session—a huge part of Oslo’s urban wellness culture. I admired them from a safe (and dry) distance!
Recommendations for Oslo
- Stay Central → Oslo is very walkable, so a centrally located hotel (like The Verdandi) makes exploring much easier. Just be prepared for higher prices in the heart of the city.
- Budget Wisely → Oslo is one of Europe’s most expensive cities. Food, drinks, and even snacks can add up quickly. Consider grabbing takeaway coffee, supermarket snacks, or street food to balance out the splurges.
- Holmenkollen Ski Festival → Worth attending if you’re in Oslo at the right time, but I wouldn’t plan a whole trip around it. The restaurant nearby is a nicer highlight with amazing fjord views.
- Get Out on the Water → A boat ride from the marina is a must. Seeing the fjord with the crisp Nordic air is a core Oslo experience.
- Opera House at Sunset → Climb the roof for one of the best views in the city—it’s free and the atmosphere is incredible.
- Try the Urban Sauna (if you’re braver than me!) → The hot sauna + icy fjord dip is a huge part of Oslo culture. Even if you skip it, watching the locals do it is entertainment in itself.
Our weekend in Oslo was short and sweet, but it left me with a mix of memories—beautiful views, cool city vibes, and a constant reminder of how expensive everything was. If you plan a trip here, budget accordingly, and you’ll have a fantastic time.
Molly Levi Travels 