OSLO - on TIME's list over World's Greatest Places 2021!
OSLOVE!
Hurray for Oslo! Or new Oslo as I like to call it. You see Oslo is my birthplace, and for many years I used to say that Oslo was nothing but ordinary when it comes to cities to visit. It was not a metropolis but yet too big for smalltown charm, and I always ended up suggesting Bergen and the Amazing Fjords over the capital city. Last weekend I went back to see family and friends after a long period of lockdown due to Covid and boy was I amazed!
New Oslo is centralized around our beautiful Opera House and the areas of Barcode, Bjørvika, Bispevika and Sørenga. An architect’s dream, a foodie’s dream, an art-lover’s dream, a beach bum’s dream, everyone’s dream! This new area has almost sprung out of nothing and over night, and is the perfect mix of Venize, Paris and New York! With romantic canals, piers and beaches, restaurants and bars, galleries and museums and some of the world’s best architecture!
In this wonderful maze of new buildings, sweet smells, deliscious tastes and incredible atmosphere it is easy to loose track of time, but make sure you don’t miss these:
The Opera House. The iconic building that set off the development of this entire new area has become one of Norway’s biggest tourist attractions. Here you can enjoy opera, ballet and concerts, lunch and/or dine in one of two great restaurants, join a guided inside tour of the 1100 (!) rooms or simply have a stroll across the entire building.
Deichman. The national library, and architectural wonder opened in Bjørvika in spring 2020. After opening in 1785 this is the first move, and the new building offers music stations where you can come learn a new instrument or try your luck as a dj, a workshop with sewing machines, 3D printers, childrens activities, a restaurant, bar and much much more!
Munch Museum. The grand opening of this unique building, and largest collection of art by Edward Munch in the world, is set for October 22nd 2021! The 13 floor museum will contain the highlights of Munch’s career alongside changing exhibitions by other artists. Enjoy the 13 floors, 11 galleries, concert halls, cinema, restaurant and bar.
From SALT (with a capacity of 100) on one side to the floating saunas on the oposite side of the bay, or from one of the sauna boats, the Oslo fjord is always within reach for a swim, summer or winter. During summer walk all the way out to the tip of Sørenga and enjoy the sandy beach with wonderful views out to the islands. These you can reach by daily shuttle boats.
This weekend I dined at the Vandelay. The owner, Esben Holmboe Bang himself, is also the owner of the Michelin star restaurant Maaemo (awarded with 3 Michelin stars in 2016), also located here in Bjørvika. The Vandelay has been voted the best lunch place in Oslo, and it is absolutely a great recommendation for dinner as well! Outdoor as well as indoor dining in cosy atmosphere and wonderful service!
For more Oslo insights have a look here: https://time.com/collection/worlds-greatest-places-2021 and make sure to put Oslo on your bucket list!
Lots of love from a newfound Oslo lover!
