December 2024
Snowy Bliss: Our Enchanting Winter Escape to Oslo
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Oslo welcomed us with its crisp winter air and a blanket of snow that turned the city into a picturesque wonderland. From the moment we arrived, we knew this trip would be filled with memorable moments and a touch of festive magic.
Our journey began with a smooth flight from London to Oslo on Norwegian Airline. The experience was delightful, with comfortable seating and seamless booking directly on their user-friendly website. Traveling with 23kg of checked luggage each made it easy to pack all our winter essentials. The tickets for both of us cost approximately 254 euros, a reasonable price for such a well-run airline.
We spent our first day settling into the city, excited for the adventures that awaited. The next morning, we embarked on an unforgettable snowshoe hiking experience in the Oslomarka Forest. Booked through When in Norway, this activity was the highlight of our trip. The serene beauty of the snow-covered trails, the crunch of fresh snow beneath our feet, and the tranquility of the forest created a magical atmosphere. The cost, 250 euros/ 2,400 Norwegian Krone for both of us, was worth every cent for such a unique and immersive experience.
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Cultural exploration was another significant aspect of our time in Oslo. We couldn’t miss the iconic Munch Museum, where we had the chance to see Edvard Munch’s masterpiece, The Scream. The museum offered a deep dive into the life and art of one of Norway’s most celebrated artists. It was fascinating, thought-provoking, and left a lasting impression on both of us. Tickets were reasonably priced at 15 euros per person, making it an accessible yet enriching experience.
One of the most enchanting parts of our stay was visiting Frogner Park, a place that came alive with the magic of winter. The snow blanketing the park added a peaceful charm, making it feel like we had stepped into a winter fairy tale. We wandered among the famous sculptures and paused to admire the serene atmosphere, taking in every moment of its beauty.
Christmas in Oslo was a special experience. We explored the festive Christmas markets, where the air was filled with the scent of warm treats and the laughter of families enjoying the holiday spirit. Strolling along the Bjørvika waterfront was another highlight. The misty views, the sound of gentle waves, and the sight of ducks swimming peacefully in the fjord created an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection. These simple moments were some of the most memorable from our trip.
Dining in Oslo was an adventure in itself. Restaurants were undeniably expensive, with meals costing around 90 to 100 euros for both of us. However, the quality of the food and the cozy ambiance of the restaurants made every meal worth it. From hearty Norwegian dishes to festive Christmas Eve dinners, each dining experience added to the charm of our stay.
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In total, our four-day adventure in Oslo, excluding the pre-booked snowshoe hiking activity, cost approximately 400 euros. This covered meals, everyday expenses, and our Christmas Eve celebration. While the city is known for being pricey, careful planning and budgeting ensured we could fully enjoy everything it had to offer.
We planned and booked most of our trip through reliable platforms. Our airline tickets were booked directly through Norwegian Airline’s website, accommodations through Booking.com, and activities through the respective websites. For restaurant recommendations, Tripadvisor was our go-to resource, helping us find some hidden gems in the city.
As we reflect on our winter adventure, Oslo stands out as a city that seamlessly blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and a warm festive spirit. It’s a destination that offers something for every traveler, from serene landscapes to vibrant cultural experiences. Whether you’re planning a short trip or an extended stay, Oslo is sure to leave you with memories to cherish forever.
Budget for Traveling to Oslo
• Air Ticket Cost from London to Oslo: Approximately 254 euros (2977 Norwegian Krone). We flew with Norwegian Air, and the experience was fantastic! The tickets were booked directly on their official website.
• Cost in Oslo for Food: We spent around 90-100 euros (as from 1000 Norwegian Krone) per meal for both of us, as restaurants tend to be quite pricey.
• Activities in Oslo: Snow Shoe Hiking 250 euros (2400 Norwegian Krone), Munch Museum 15 euros (180 Norwegian Krone) per pax
Overall Cost for 4 days: We spent approximately 400 euros (4700 Norwegian Krone) on restaurants, daily expenses, Christmas Eve dining, and activities, excluding the snowshoe hiking, which we had booked well in advance of our trip. No shopping for clothing was done, as it was too expensive for our budget.
Platforms Used for Booking:
• Air Tickets: Norwegian Airlines
• Accommodation: Booking.com
• Activities: Snow Shoe Hiking (https://www.wheninnorway.no/tour/snowshoe-winter-wonderland) & Munch Museum (https://www.munchmuseet.no/en/buy-tickets/entrance-ticket/regular/). The rest of the activities we did was free.
• Transportation: Ruter