Renowned for its striking architecture, award-winning museums, mountains and sea, Oslo is a dream city-break destination for those seeking a blast of culture with a side order of nature. From the striking white marble and granite Opera House, to the engaging Nobel Peace Centre and innovative contemporary art museum, the city is jam-packed with impressive architecture and green space. There’s even an entire island devoted to museums – there’s even an entire island devoted to one. The fjord is clean enough to swim in and dotted with saunas for when it’s time to warm up. Excellent and green public transport makes getting out into nature easy, whether it’s to the superb Ekebergparken Sculpture Park or taking a boat out to explore the beaches and hiking trails of the islands. This is a fantastic city shaped by the gentle qualities of its citizens.
The good stuff doesn’t come cheap, however, and it’s renowned for being one of the world’s most expensive cities. Stringent licensing laws can mean it can be both difficult and eye-wateringly expensive to buy alcohol – and food isn’t inexpensive, either. But don’t let this put you off. Pack a few Pot Noodles in your luggage and a bottle of wine and soak up the atmosphere of this historic city.
1. Amerikalinjen
Dating back to 1919, Amerikalinjen was once the headquarters of the Norwegian American Line, a major cruise and freight company that transported cargo and people between Norway and America. It’s a heritage they’re proud of, with memorabilia harking back to its nautical past scattered throughout the hotel, from framed vintage menus and photographs, travelling luggage trunks repurposed as low tables and sculptures of sea creatures above the main entrance. Richly decorated in a neo-Baroque style over seven floors, the feel is luxe, with velvet furnishings, architectural lighting, colourful artwork by Shepard Fairey and Julian Opie, and giant windows from which to watch the world go by.
Despite being situated opposite the central station on bustling Jernbanetorget Square, double-glazing means you’ll have no problem dropping off at night. Bedrooms have parquet floors, mosaic tiles, velvet sofas and…
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