This was a destination for me where words don’t really do it justice. I can say all the synonyms for beautiful and amazing and the listener/reader is still left with a limited understanding of what I’m trying to get across. Exquisite! Dreamy! Gorgeous!
You really have to visit and see for yourself.
I visited in late November, so temperatures were quite chilly (right around freezing) and the sun was close to the horizon for about seven hours of the day. It was a photographer’s dream. Golden hour for several hours at beginning and end of day? Yes, please.
I started my adventure in Oslo, taking the VY (cheaper) train from the airport to downtown. I enjoyed the lights of the city, which is peaceful and pretty even after dark. I usually do a lot of wandering when I’m in a new place, and this was no exception. There’s a lovely river running through the city, several different waterfront regions with VERY COOL architecture (we see you, opera house), and fun places to hang out and get warm (Barcode Street Food, Public Library).
For a free harbor tour, get the 24 hour transit pass (Ruter app) and jump on a ferry to the harbor islands (I just rode the loop without getting off). Go to Pier 4, B1 to see all the islands from the ferry. Be sure to check the timetable because it varies seasonally. I would have jumped off to explore an island if there had been more departures throughout the day.
Sunset was SPECTACULAR from the roof of the opera house and then I went over to Spektrum for a Jacob Collier concert (my favorite!!). I spent the night at one of the most aesthetic hostels I’ve ever been to — Bunks at Rode. I booked them through Hostelworld and only paid around $40 for a comfy bunk with a warm duvet and soft pillow in a RASPBERRY PINK room!!! LOVED IT.
The next day I jumped on an early train to Bergen, taking my on a six hour journey up and over the mountains. It was snowy and cold up there!! The train was comfortable and I had a great view out my window!
Bergen is Oslo’s more active cousin, with STAIRS and STEEP streets!! The city doesn’t have much of a flat section, but instead, houses are built all up the surrounding hillsides. It is ocean and then straight up mountains. I love this terrain and was very excited to make my way up all the many stairs to the top of Stoltzen (so impressive) to the top of the mountain, where I continued my hike (snowier and icier than I was expecting) all the way over to Ulriken, were I took the cable car back down! I clocked over 17 km in all, getting down the mountain just as the sun was setting!!!
Bergen is built for ADVENTURES!!!
See what I mean by golden hour????
This is the view that most tourists enjoy, easily reached by the funicular (Floyen) for not too much $. I hiked up to the top and enjoyed the ride down (so did my knees). The views are incredible. I am only sad that it was too cold (presumably) for the resident goats to be out visiting people. I need to go back so I can see them and get selfies. 😀
Obviously, I didn’t have nearly enough time in Norway and seriously thought about moving here someday. I love the terrain, the pastries, the climate, the calm, the outdoor opportunities, and the fact that it is HUGE with so much to explore. I promise to return.
And would you believe I enjoyed sunset out my airplane window almost all the way home across the Atlantic??????? Did I miss any other synonyms for beautiful???? Visit Norway!! You will enjoy it!
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