Share the article
Last updated
Who says winter isn’t a great time to explore the world?
A majority of travelers are looking for island bliss and sun-drenched shores this time of year, but it doesn’t hurt to embrace picturesque winter wonderlands around the world.
Contrary to popular belief, don’t sleep on the winter wonders of Scandinavia.
Just as autumn envelops vast landscapes in vibrant hues; the same can be said for winter, which blankets the timeless streets of Europe for an extra sense of magic.
While Paris, London, and Christmas market havens like Vienna remain must-visits, Scandinavia is teeming with wintery gems, ranging from historic cities of 1,000 islands, Arctic Circle villages with green skies, and Osloan overlooked capital that is ‘hot’ even when it is cold.
Oslo: a gateway city or main destination?
If you’re not familiar with it Oslothe capital of Norway, is where Viking heritage, troll statues and storybook streets all merge with a sleek, modern flair to become an incredibly underrated city to visit.
As a three-time visitor, I’ve always been impressed by how impeccably clean the city is for such a large size, one of the many reasons why it’s great to explore – yes, even during freezing winters.
You never know what you will encounter in Oslo. One minute you’re browsing through one renowned work of artThen turn a corner and see creepy troll statues closing their eyes as they are magnetized by countless timeless streets like the Districts Nordre Aker and Grünerløkka – good luck pronouncing it.
Oslo is a vibrant city full of quirky art and contrasts, but there’s no doubt that Norway overall is a nature lover’s dream.
Travelers generally have a busy Nordic route with wonders like Tromos, Bergen and Trondheim, with Oslo often serving as the gateway; that’s why I went 3 times.
Yes, I’ve been there twice as a stopover, but the first time I went, Oslo was one of my main destinations, and I enjoyed it so much that I chose my Oslo stopover on purpose years later out of nostalgia.
Getting to Oslo has become easier, even after the demise of Norwegian Airlines. Norwegian Atlantic Aviation has picked up the slack and now flies to multiple U.S. cities.
Just know that there are no sneaking “personal items” as carry-ons. Norse requires all passengers to check in for their flight in person, including measuring all questionable pieces of luggage.
Urban sauna boats and epic fjord Excursions
Planning ahead for a winter trip in Oslo is crucial, not just to adhere to Norway’s strict rules. Obviously you’ll want to bring some extra layers, but don’t forget your swimsuit.
No, there’s no need to take a trendy cold dip; quite the opposite actually. Oslo’s 5-mile-long harbor is lined with piping hot fjord saunas and ‘sauna villages’ for some unique ways to stay warm.
Surrounded by Oslo’s beautiful cityscape, who can complain?
To take this experience to the next level, you can also book a kind of floating sauna boat. Every city has its quirks, but Oslo’s quirk is definitely a city sauna.
If you want to check it out, visit KOK Oslo’s website can be booked ‘sauna rafts’ all year round.
Speaking of boats, and one that doesn’t require swimwear in winter, you should check out Norway’s Lord of the Rings-esque fjords, a sight to behold you’ll never forget.
While I was there, I opted to take the adventurous route by… train to Bergenwhich I highly recommend.
However, there are also fjord excursions that depart directly from Oslo Rådhusplassen And Langkaia Wharfas top rated Fjord tours offers 2-hour tours for just $42.
Safe and luxurious
There are few places in the world where you can truly feel safe, and Oslo is one of them.
According to Berkshire HathawayNorway ranks 8th in the world for the safest destinations by 2025, with Oslo playing a major role in that top 10 ranking.
Whether you’re wandering alone or taking public transportation, the alarm bells in your mind should remain largely silent so you can have a more enjoyable journey.
And what’s more fun than pampering yourself? Oslo exudes opulence throughout the city, from grand palaces, chic household names and award-winning gourmet eateries such as Statholdergaardendating from the 17th century and rightly deserving of a Michelin star.
You can dine and dine with the best of them in this art-driven city that is home to some of the best masterpieces in the world, such as Edvard Munch.
But the best way to splurge is at a fancy hotel. According to TripAdvisor, travelers love these 3 most:
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
