Oslo and Bergen – Norway.

Land of the midnight sun indeed!

 

FACTS

One of the richest countries in the world, with a prohibitive exchange rate.

Norway still uses it’s own currency – Krone (fondly known as NOK). They prefer not using Euro. And they prefer credit card to cash. If you shop using Euro, you will get back Kroner in return.

Exchange rate in the airport was quite good. It’s a good idea to carry Norweign Currency from your home country.

The water is the best in the world, and anywhere in Norway you can drink straight from the tap.

Taxi’s are very expensive. Food is fairly priced.

Vegetarian food is easily available.

Check weather for rain.

OSLO

THINGS TO DO.

As countries go, this was beautiful gorgeous and made for an amazing holiday. But if it’s history with brave wars and fearsome battles you are looking for, it’s not going to be a part of your tour here. Nevertheless historical facts exist and you must make time for a walking tour around Oslo. It’s best to have a guide who can take you through. There are statues and museums all around, but the information surrounding them is far and between.

The walking tour will also take you to the waterfront, and the new Oslo promenade.

 

FACTS

One of the richest countries in the world, with a prohibitive exchange rate.

Norway still uses it’s own currency – Kroner. They prefer not using Euro. And they prefer credit card to cash. If you shop using Euro, you will get back Kroner in return.

Exchange rate in the airport was quite good. It’s a good idea to carry Norweign Currency from your home country.

The water is the best in the world, and anywhere in Norway you can drink straight from the tap.

Taxi’s are very expensive. Food is fairly priced.

Vegetarian food is easily available.

Check weather for rain.

 

                                                               A park statue in Oslo. This man was a World War 2 hero.

THINGS TO DO.

As countries go, this was beautiful gorgeous and made for an amazing holiday. But if it’s history with brave wars and fearsome battles you are looking for, it’s not going to be a part of your tour here. Nevertheless historical facts exist and you must make time for a walking tour around Oslo. It’s best to have a guide who can take you through. There are statues and museums all around, but the information surrounding them is far and between.

The walking tour will also take you to the waterfront, and the new Oslo promenade.

https://www.visitoslo.com/en/articles/the-harbour-promenade/

The modern architecture is quite gorgeous and well – uh! Modern. Walking up to the highest point will grant you gorgeous views of Oslo. This area is now the most sought after residential area.

Statue garden. End your walk at the statue garden. There are close to 200 statues made by Gustav Vigeland.

https://www.visitoslo.com/en/product/?TLp=181601

statues made by Gustav Vigeland.

Take a taxi or Uber back home, because by now you would have walked quit a bit!

Shopping : we did not shop

Food: We ate at a few good restaurants. Nothing the shout home about.

You absolutely have to try their caramalised cheese.

It’s called Brunost, and it was the most amazing and different cheese I have ever had.

Salt by the promenade was a great experience though. Many varieties of cuisines are available in this open air market. Great places to sit eat and enjoy the ambience. Very neat and clean.

 

BERGEN

Fjords

We took a taxi from Bergen to Voss (where the mineral water comes from). We asked a local taxi driver who had got us from the airport to quote a full days fare and we hired him. Alternately your hotel can book a day taxi for you.

From Voss we took a the ferry to Flam. We got into the “Norway in a Nutshell” boat for a trip to Fjords. It was a 3 hour tour in the Fjords and we docked in Flam. From Flam we took a train (past of the tour) to Voss and got into our car and drove back home.

Some more info on Fjords tour

You need to give this tour a full day.

Those motion sick can take a mild tablet – waters are fairly calm and there is no rocking.

Norway in a nutshell is the company we used to book our tickets and the entire tour. They have many permutations and combinations. Look it up.

https://www.norwaynutshell.com/

There are also companies which give you a 3 day in water – like a cruise, and leave you in another city.

FJORDS

Furnicular

Bergen has the cutest Furnicular going up on the top of Mt. Floyen where the entire Bergen can be seen through a birds eyeview. There is also a small café, which serves snacks, drinks and munchies.(time required 1 to 1.5 hours max) In peak holiday season the tickets could take time to buy. Please check if its available online

Also the queues to get into the furnicular could be long.

https://www.fjordtours.com/things-to-do-in-norway/museums-and-attractions/bergen-funicular-floyen/

 

Waterfront

Colourful fronts : for which Bergen is famous for.

Sunsets are quite spectacular. In summer the sun sets around 10.30 – 11 pm. The city is bustling and alive till quite late at night.

 

SHOPPING

The water front has very cute shops . Some of these are in the lanes of the colourful homes and exteriors you will see. There is also a history attached to it and these shops serve as way of livelihood to the sellers.

 

FOOD

Some of the restaurants we ate in.

Madame Felle (water front) I cannot praise this restaurant enough. Normally we shirk from tourist populated areas, but this restaurant, which served Mexican fare was utterly brilliant.

Altona wine bar: Very good selections

Colonialean 44:

Lysverker seas food and wine:

OpusXVI

 1877

 All restaurants mentioned above were worth noting. There were a few others which were nothing great.

 

NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL (HA!HA!)

Go with the complete understanding that it’s going to be an expensive holiday!

2 nights in Oslo are enough. 3 in Bergen!

Carry your NOK currency

Try not to take taxis

Food is very good, and almost all cuisines are available

Fjords are definately a must.

Enjoy!!