Surrounded by forests and lakes, Oslo enjoys a uniquely cool way of life between unspoiled nature, a dynamic artistic scene and restaurants producing creative gastronomy. Its fjord, like all those penetrating Norway’s coastline, offers landscapes of spectacular beauty.
In 2019, Oslo was voted European Green Capital, a well-deserved title, which has become the symbol of .a relaxed, urban way of life where nature occupies pride of place.
The city can be explored on foot or by bike, as its inhabitants do every day, thanks to the many cycling pathways. The choice of routes is vast, for example along the quays, from Havnepromenaden to the eastern and western districts of the city. The walks take you past majestic scenery, museums, historic buildings and modern apartment blocks, including the Astrup Fearnley Museet, designed by architect Renzo Piano. The Oslo Opera House, an all-white building, is reminiscent of an iceberg, whose Carrara marble roof drops down to the water’s edge. The transparent building leaning obliquely on top of the new museum dedicated to Edvard Munch is now firmly on the city’s list of visits not to be missed. It houses more than 26’000 works by the painter.
You shouldn’t miss the Barcode District either, with its highly original architecture. It is made up of twelve buildings of different heights and widths, the whole of which, when seen from a distance, does actually resemble a barcode. Its restaurants and shops make it a great place to take a break. Oslo has many beautiful parks and offers numerous tours which take in its fantastic street art.
450 kilometres from Oslo, Bergen, nicknamed the “city of the fjords”, displays its array of charming, colourful wooden houses and is the perfect starting point for exploring the fjords. All of them are incredibly beautiful, especially in spring and autumn. For example, the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, the Sognefjord, the longest at 204 metres and the deepest, and the Hardangerfjord, home of the Trolltunga Rock, overlooking the lake of Ringedalsvatnet, lying 700 metres lower down.
The famous Flåmsbana railway line from Bergen to Myrdal, its highest point, offers a legendary 106-km journey – long enough to admire its fascinating landscapes at your ease.
Take Off magazine, article by Odile Habel
Thanks to the country’s thriving oil industry, Oslo is one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. This is visible in its glass-covered skyscrapers, new infrastructure, and the plethora of trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques. This beautiful city is situated right next to the Oslofjord, combining a modern attitude with a most beautiful natural environment.
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