Hi,
Growing up in a small town in the south-east of Norway, to me, Oslo always seemed like a shiny diamond glimmering in the distance. Where my hometown was quiet and sleepy with not much going on, Oslo was enticingly busy, full of life, events and adventure. As soon as high school was over, I left my home for Oslo, ready for all it had to offer. I spent my days walking the streets of the capital, getting to know the different districts, learning the city way of life, and I fell in love with the Oslo culture: the coffee shops with their deep discussions, the picnics in the lush, green parks, the concerts and festivals with their joyous energy, and the dark winter nights lit up by street lights and candles all made Oslo magical.
More than a decade later, I left Norway for the UK to see what else the world had to offer in an even bigger city. But the entire time I lived there, I missed the Oslo lifestyle – the nature of the people, the food and drink, and the modern infrastructure and accommodations of the city I’d made mine all those years ago; the city where technology and tradition go hand in hand and the city feels big and exciting though the distances allow for walking and biking wherever you want to go. I had to go home.
Even though it felt like I’d never left, getting to know Oslo again was every bit as magical this time around. The city has found its distinctive identity among the Scandinavian capitals, and what was a city still searching for its modern expression the first time I moved there has become a thriving, pulsing urban capital, focusing on bringing people together despite the secluded nature of Scandinavians, the harsh climate, and the city’s reputation for being quiet and reserved.
With this e-guide, I invite you to discover Oslo with me. Visit the food halls that gather crowds across generations, tastes and traditions. Explore the art and parks that let people enjoy the city’s spaces for free, despite the infamously high prices elsewhere here. Enjoy the proximity of nature, providing city dwellers and tourists with fresh air and activity. Attend the festivals, markets and events that bring people together in the enjoyment of culture and experiences. Taste what has been dubbed among the best coffee in the world, while watching the world go by. Sip a frosty ‘utepils’ beer outside in the spring sun, or take a ferry out to one of the many islands in the Oslo archipelago.
Enjoy the Oslo life as a local would. It’s all there for your enjoyment.
God tur!