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Who says winter is not a good time to discover the world?
A majority of vacationers search out island bliss and sun-kissed shores this time of 12 months, however there is no hurt in embracing picturesque winter wonderlands throughout the globe.


Opposite to well-liked perception, do not sleep on Scandinavia’s winter wonders.
Identical to fall cloaks huge landscapes with vibrant hues; the identical may be stated for winter, blanketing Europe’s timeless streets for an additional sense of magic.
Whereas Paris, London, and Christmas market havens similar to Vienna stay must-visits, Scandinavia is teeming with wintery gems starting from historic cities with 1000 islands, Arctic Circle villages boasting green skies, and Oslo, an missed capital metropolis that is ‘sizzling’ even when it is chilly.
Oslo: A Gateway Metropolis Or Primary Vacation spot?


Should you’re unfamiliar with Oslo, Norway’s capital metropolis, it’s the place Viking heritage, troll statues, and storybook streets all merge along with a modern, trendy aptitude to develop into an extremely underrated metropolis to go to.
As a three-time customer myself, I’ve all the time left impressed by how immaculately clear town is for such an enormous measurement, considered one of many the explanation why it is nice to discover – sure, even throughout frigid winters.
You by no means know what you will come upon in Oslo. One second, you are perusing a renowned art piece, then flip a nook to search out creepy troll statues locking eyes, all whereas being magnetized by quite a few timeless streets just like the Nordre Aker and Grünerløkka districts – good luck saying them.
Oslo is a vibrant metropolis of quirky artwork and juxtapositions, however there is no doubt Norway, typically, is a nature lover’s dream.


Vacationers typically have a jam-packed Nordic itinerary with such wonders as Tromos, Bergen, and Trondheim, with Oslo typically serving as a gateway; therefore I have been 3 instances.
Sure, twice I’ve visited on a stopover, however the first time I visited, Oslo was considered one of my most important locations, and I loved it a lot that I purposely selected my stopovers in Oslo for nostalgia’s sake years later.
Reaching Oslo has gotten simpler, even with Norwegian Airways’ downfall. Norse Atlantic Airways has picked up the slack, now flying to a number of U.S. cities.
Simply know there aren’t any sneaking “private gadgets” as carry-ons. Norse requires all passengers to examine in to their flight in individual, and all questionable baggage might be measured when doing so.
City Sauna Boats & Epic Fjord Excursions


Planning forward for a winter journey in Oslo is essential, not only for abiding by Norse’s stringent guidelines. Clearly, you will need to pack some further layers, however do not forget your swimsuit both.
No, there is no must take a classy chilly plunge; fairly the alternative, really. Oslo’s 5-mile harbor is lined with piping sizzling fjord saunas and “sauna villages” for some distinctive methods to remain heat.
Backdropped by Oslo’s fairly cityscape, who can complain?
To degree up this expertise, you can too e book a floating sauna boat of types. Each metropolis has its quirks, however Oslo’s quirk is unquestionably city sauna-ing.
If you wish to test it out, go to KOK Oslo’s website to e book ‘sauna rafts’ year-round.


Talking of boats, and considered one of which you will not want swimwear in winter, you gotta take a look at Norway’s Lord of the Rings-esque fjords, a sight to behold you will always remember.
After I visited, I selected to take the adventurous route by taking a train to Bergen, which I extremely suggest.
Nonetheless, there are fjord excursions setting sail straight from Oslo’s Rådhusplassen and Langkaia wharf, similar to top-rated Fjord Tours providing 2-hour excursions for simply $42.
Secure & Luxurious
There are few locations on the planet you may actually say you will really feel protected in any respect hours – Oslo being considered one of them.


Based on Berkshire Hathaway, Norway ranks eighth on the planet for most secure 2025 locations, with Oslo enjoying an enormous half in that high 10 rating.
Whether or not wandering alone or taking public transit, your thoughts’s alarm bells ought to keep largely silent, permitting for a extra gratifying journey.
And what’s extra gratifying than treating your self? Oslo exudes opulence all through town, from grand palaces, ritzy name-brand stays, and award-winning high-quality eating eateries like Statholdergaarden, relationship again to the 1600s and rightfully incomes a Michelin star.


You may wine and dine with one of the best of ’em on this arts-driven metropolis with a few of the best masterpieces on the planet, like Edvard Munch.
However, one of the simplest ways to splurge is a fancy resort. Based on TripAdvisor, vacationers love these 3 essentially the most:
Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 30 international locations and written over 400 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.
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Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.