Planning Your Own Trip?


Look for the links in green!

 

 

The Hunt for a Last-Minute Getaway


Once again, I found myself deep in the trenches of Skyscanner, hunting down super-cheap flights. It’s become a bit of a hobby for me, honestly—since I’m not exactly the type to have a dream destination in mind, I’m more the “anywhere, anytime” kind of traveler. Josh always tells me it’s not a real hobby, but he conveniently forgets how much fun he has with the meticulously planned itineraries I whip up for us—talk about ungrateful! (Kidding, of course, love you, Josh.)

One of the top contenders was Oslo. Sure, it looked pretty cold that time of year, but no biggie. After all, I had just snagged a sheepskin coat from a charity shop—talk about serendipity, right? The price was too good to resist (£35 RTN), even if that meant no hand luggage (a small price to pay). Our trips these days tend to be pretty minimalist, and I’ve become a packing pro at fitting everything into a 40 x 30 x 20 backpack.


The only catch? The flight was in two weeks. Was that cutting it a little close? I’d been looking for a getaway with friends before the year got busy with other commitments, and this trip seemed like the perfect opportunity—IF they could join us. I hopped on a FaceTime, laid out my case… and was thrilled when they said yes! YUSSSS!


 

Window view of orange brick apartment buildings with vintage light fixtures hanging above.

We all got together later that night to book the accommodation, and after some searching, we found a cheap-ish place (though let’s be real, nothing’s truly cheap in Oslo—the flights were the only bargain). But then, the host messaged the next day to explain he’d be away that week, so we’d have to clean the place ourselves when we got there. Excuse me, what? I’m not about to deal with someone else’s germs, so that was a hard no from me. So, we moved on and found another place... only for the host to email back within an hour saying it wasn’t available and was listed online by mistake. RATS. This was starting to get a bit annoying.


With just a week to go, I dove back into the search and stumbled upon a place I hadn’t seen before. The decor was adorable, and the price was just as reasonable as the other places that had fallen through—finally, some perfection! It turns out the owners were frequent travelers (you could tell by all the travel posters around the place), and they often put it up last minute when they decide to go away themselves. Aww yeah, this will do nicely. 


 

With just a week to go, I dove back into the search and stumbled upon a place I hadn’t seen before. The decor was adorable, and the price was just as reasonable as the other places that had fallen through—finally, some perfection! It turns out the owners were frequent travelers (you could tell by all the travel posters around the place), and they often put it up last minute when they decide to go away themselves. Aww yeah, this will do nicely. 

 

Touchdown, Trains, and Treats


We woke up at 1am to leave Manchester (yeah, that’s probably why the flight was so cheap). The flight was a quick 2 hours, and everything ran on time—a Ryanair miracle! But the airport was a bit far from the city, so we had a 2-hour train ride that eventually landed us in Oslo. (Can I just say, all the trains seem to run on time in Norway, the UK could really learn something.) By the time we arrived, we were pretty tired from the journey but still stoked to have the whole day ahead to explore. First things first though: sustenance!

Window view of a red building with hanging plants and string lights creating a cozy atmosphere.

 

We headed straight to this adorable bakery and café called Farine (which means "flour" in Norwegian—cute, right?). We had fresh, delicious sandwiches and a solid flat white, but the real star was their almond cake. I honestly have no idea what’s in it, but it was melt-in-your-mouth, ‘should I get another portion?’ good.

 

Modern cafe interior with wooden counter, pendant lights and rustic shelving displaying glassware and beverages.
Church spire rises above colorful buildings in a snowy Nordic town scene.
Overhead view of a cafe table with coffee drinks, sandwiches and pastries on wooden surface.

After filling our stomachs—well, mostly filling our stomachs—Maddie (my cousin who joined us) was still a bit peckish since she’s gluten-free and couldn’t indulge as much as the rest of us. Naturally, that meant a second stop for extra baked goods, just in case.

Gif of a couple eating cinnamon rolls.

 

We stumbled upon a little spot called Baker Nordby and couldn’t resist popping in. While we were there, we entertained ourselves by attempting to pronounce the pastry names in our best (read: terrible) Norwegian accents—like kanelbollen (cinnamon bun) and bjørnebærkake (blackberry cake) I'm sorry to any locals who had to hear us.


Then it was on to our airbnb for a quick rest before we went out for the evening... aka more food.


 

 

A Porky Feast


After a little nap in our cozy Airbnb, it was time to see Oslo at night! So far, we’d been walking everywhere, which meant we’d seen a lot of the city blanketed in snow—so pretty.

For dinner, we headed to Den Glade Gris (which we’d read gets super busy, so we made sure to book ahead). This place is 100% pork-themed, so maybe not ideal for veggies, but if you’re into meat, it’s heaven. I’m not usually a huge meat fan (Josh, on the other hand, was thriving), but I have to say—they picked a theme and absolutely nailed it.

We decided to go all in and ordered the set menu. First up: whale. (I know, I know, but hear me out—it was actually really good and honestly just tasted like salmon.) For mains, we went for one of each: pork knuckle and pulled pork, both served with the creamiest mashed potatoes you ever did have—like, truly next-level smooth and buttery. And for dessert? White chocolate pudding with bacon bits. (Again, I know, but trust me—it was weirdly amazing.)


If you’re looking for a spot to try local beer with your meal, this is great place! Their drinks menu is packed with tons of local brews, and they even have a map showing where each one comes from—very educational. I went for a non-alcoholic ginger beer, while Josh got a local blonde. (Beer, that is—I remain the only blonde woman in his life.)

 

Close-up of a gourmet pork knuckle stack with garnish on a wooden table in warm lighting.
Close-up shot of a Klokk & Co ginger beer can with bokeh lights in the background.
Close-up of a towering burger being held together with a knife on a plate with sauce.
Neon orange sign showing a stylized hat or UFO shape glowing against dark background.

We lingered in the restaurant for a good while, digesting and chatting, before making our way to Oslo Bowling for a few cocktails (mocktails in my case). This place was pretty cool for a chilly evenings activity as they have bowling, darts, pool and shuffleboard. We were hoping to play some pool, but it was a bit of a bust—we just couldn’t seem to get a table since it was a busy Sunday night and we hadn't booked. Still, the atmosphere was great, so we hung out for a bit before eventually heading back to our Airbnb for some much-needed sleep.

Tiny Red + Yellow Houses


The next day was when the real exploring began—we were fully recharged and ready for a full day of touristing. First stop: snacks. We grabbed some bits from the local chain Backstube (imagine Greggs, but, like… classy) and made our way to the water.

Gif of 4 people enjoying the views from a boat.

 

We’d booked a boat tour on the fjord, and since it was off-season, the boat was super quiet—meaning we had the place nearly to ourselves. The views? Quintessentially Norwegian. Everything was still dusted with snow, making the little red and yellow houses pop even more—like something straight off a postcard. But I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

And yes, it was absolutely freezing out on the deck, but some sacrifices just have to be made for the perfect shot.


 

Oslo Opera House
Red and yellow coastal houses dot a snowy shoreline with rocky outcrops along a gray winter waterfront in Scandinavia.
Colorful coastal houses line a snowy winter shoreline in a small fishing village with evergreen trees against a grey sky.
A small white lighthouse chapel sits on a wooden platform in the middle of calm waters under an overcast sky.
Dark blue ocean water with white foam and ripples creating a turbulent surface pattern in the fjord of Oslo
Red wooden cottage on a snowy coastline with pine trees reflects in calm winter waters in Norway.
Winter scene with snowy harbor and modern building in background.
Traditional Norwegian sailing vessel with red and white hull flying Norwegian flag in snowy harbor.
Red floating house reflecting in calm waters against snowy Norwegian landscape.
Oslo Public Library

Deichman Bjørvika, Oslo Public Library


After our boat ride, we popped into Oslo's Public Library for a snoop! The building is really cool inside, and on a clear day, you’d get an amazing view of the fjord (unfortunately, it was cloudy when we went). It’s completely free to visit, and there are some lovely spots to sit, study, or co-work. Honestly, if I lived here, I’d probably be working here all the time—the vibes are just so relaxed!

Art Install at Oslo Public Library
Close-up of white industrial wall panels with geometric bolt pattern and diagonal support beams in modern architecture.
Mathallen Oslo
Oslo Public Library
View From Oslo Public Library
Ice Skating Outside Oslo Library
Modern library interior with hanging circular lights and wall-to-wall bookshelves under a geometric skylight ceiling.

 

Søndagsmarked (Sunday Market)


On Sundays, the Grünerløkka area of Oslo hosts a craft market that looked super cute online, so we decided to check it out. It’s not a huge market, but the stalls that are there are lovely—I imagine it’s much fuller in the summer. Since we visited in the dead of winter, most of the action was inside the main building.

While browsing, I spotted a gorgeous silver ring that looked exactly like one I’d been eyeing on Pinterest. I showed it to Josh, asking what he thought, and he casually said it seemed a little pricey at £65. I hadn’t even seen the price tag, and honestly, the exchange rate was scrambling my brain, so I just nodded and put it down.

But… I couldn’t stop thinking about that ring. Later, as we passed by the market again, I decided to pop back in. I asked the seller for the price, and she told me it was 490 NOK—about £35! I turned to Josh and said, “Where on earth did you get £65 from?”


And I kid you not, he replied: “It says 925 sterling silver.”


That’s the type of silver. Not the price. 😭


'Oh.'

 

Hand wearing delicate silver rings showcasing bright blue and pink floral nail art design on all fingers.
Handcrafted ceramic mugs in pastel colors of pink, green, and blue arranged in rows on a wooden surface.
Silver disco ball and sparkling tinsel decorations hang from an industrial ceiling with stage lighting fixtures.

 

Mathallen


Anyway it's safe to say I'm so glad I went back! We also nabbed some nice wall art for my mum from a lovely girl hailing from Copenhagen, and a fridge magnet for Josh's mum (we always get her one on our travels... her fridge is really filling up at this point.)


Just around the corner from the market is Mathallen—basically a big food hall packed with vendors serving all kinds of cuisines. On Sundays, it’s super busy, but we went back on Tuesday before we left, and it was so much quieter. So if you’d rather visit when it’s more chill, I’d definitely recommend a weekday.

I got a sort of chicken deli platter with coleslaw and this epic potato salad (sensing a theme here—potatoes are a real highlight of my life). Josh went for ramen from one of the Asian stalls and some gyoza. Solid choices all around. We really liked this place, like I say we went back later too, so definitely check this out if you're in Oslo it's a great place to keep everyone happy since you can all order something different.


 

Two friends sit together at a restaurant table, with one making a playful gesture while wearing glasses.

 

We had a little wander around the Grünerløkka area, which is known for its relaxed, trendy vibe. The streets are covered in colorful street art, and it’s packed with cool, independent shops—it actually reminded me a bit of Shoreditch, if you’re familiar with London!

Of course, we had to stop by Tim Wendelboe, a famous specialty coffee shop, so the lads could get their caffeine fix. We also made a stop at Harald’s Vaffle (which is very fun to say). These guys serve up the famous brown cheese waffles (it's like a caramelised cheese, kinda sweet kinda salty) which we’d read were a must-try.

I want to say it was amazing… but honestly? None of us loved it. 😬 Maybe it’s an acquired taste? I’d say it’s worth a try just for the experience, but I wouldn’t be ordering it again. Sorry, Harald!

 

Black and white line art mural covers the exterior wall of a brick building with Tudor-style windows.
Colorful street art graffiti adorns the walls and overhangs of an urban alleyway with brick buildings.
Intricate black and white architectural illustration showing surreal winding pathways and buildings in an Escher-like style.
Hands holding a white disposable coffee cup with a pink logo against a blurred background.
Someone holding a white Tim Wendelbo takeaway coffee cup with blurred warm background lighting.
Corner view of a grey apartment building with green-trimmed windows and stone base featuring warm glowing lights at dusk.
Hand-drawn instructional illustration labeled 'How to eat unfeel' showing two contrasting eating styles and a food item against orange wall.

Sauna


Next on our must-do list was a night sauna. We’d planned ahead and packed our swim stuff, so we didn’t have to trek back to the Airbnb.

Oslo is packed with floating saunas on the fjord—they’re not just a tourist thing, but super popular with locals too. No matter where you are, you seem to be a stone’s throw from a sauna, so I guess Norwegians take their sweating very seriously.

Someone sits on a floating dock at night with city lights reflecting on the dark water in Stockholm.

 

We went to Oslo Badstuforening, Sukkerbitten, but there are several to choose from across the city. When we arrived, a friendly guy greeted us and explained that each sauna offers a slightly different experience—temperature, humidity, even scent, depending on the type of wood used to build it. Naturally, we had to try a few! One, in particular, was way too hot for us, and we had to bail pretty quickly before the benches toasted our buns.


Since the saunas are right on the water, you can also do a cold dip in the fjord. I won’t lie—it took me and my cousin a minute to psych ourselves up, but we did it twice, so I’m pretty proud of myself. The boys complained that we didn’t get our heads under, so apparently, we chickened out. (In my defence, it was already -1 outside? What does that make the water?? Like -5??) But I got my hair wet, so I’m calling it a win!


 

A brown container with decorative floral art featuring blue and orange flowers sits near a waterfront cityscape.
String lights illuminate a waterfront restaurant deck with reflections glimmering on the dark water at night.
Pink houseboat with a life preserver ring floating on calm water with industrial cranes visible in the background.

 

We left the sauna feeling pretty loosey-goosey—completely relaxed, warm from the inside out, and ready to find some food before heading back to our Airbnb. Floating in a steaming sauna on the fjord and then shock freezing in the icy water really does something to you. It’s like a full-body reset. But one thing was clear—we were starving.

We stopped by Døgnvill Burger, which I think is a chain, but honestly, it hit the spot. Sometimes, all you need is a ridiculously good burger and some loaded fries, and these were banging. Perfectly crispy fries, juicy patties, and just the right amount of sauce—not too messy, but still giving that proper indulgent, post-sauna satisfaction. We sat for a while, soaking in the warmth, before finally deciding we were ready to make the chilly walk back.


The city at night was lovely. Oslo in the snow already has this magical, almost otherworldly feel, but with the streets lit up, everything just looked extra dreamy. I took my time snapping some photos of the glowing streetlights reflecting off the icy (can confirm) river. It was the perfect slow end to a very hot 'n' cold kind of day.

 

Illuminated geometric glass sculptures float on dark water creating mirror-like reflections at night.
Red-lit bridge reflects in calm water at night with illuminated city buildings rising in the background.
People walking at night along an urban street with illuminated buildings and construction cranes in Amsterdam.
Modern glass building with illuminated levels reflected in dark water at night, featuring angular architectural design.
Dark city buildings at night with scattered illuminated windows creating an moody urban landscape.
Restaurant table with menu showing burger options and QR code stand with empty cocktail glasses on wooden surface.
Dark urban cityscape at night with illuminated windows in tall apartment buildings creating a moody atmosphere.
A juicy gourmet burger stacked high with melted cheese, red sauce, and toppings on a brioche bun served on a white plate.

 

Day 3 - Alpacca's


We’d seen a TikTok of some girls walking alpacas in the snow while on holiday in Oslo, and it just looked way too fun to miss. So, we booked in with the lovely guy running Alpakkavandring, and that was our first stop on Monday.

Getting a taxi out of the city turned out to be a bit of a mission. The first driver showed up, then told us he didn’t have enough power to make the trip (nearly all the cars in Norway are electric—something to do with great government incentives to switch). The second driver accepted the ride and then cancelled on the app. At this point, we were starting to get a little worried we weren’t going to make it. But thankfully, third time’s the charm! Our last driver came through and got us there in the end.


Tip: If you’re planning to visit without a car, leave plenty of time to sort a taxi or check public transport options!


When we arrived, Bjørn, the owner was super chill and kind about us being late. He introduced us to the female alpacas first, told us a little about them, and then brought out the boys—the ones we’d be walking.

 

A sheared alpaca stands near a red barn door with a
Close-up portrait of a cute fawn alpaca looking through fence bars with soft fluffy fur and gentle expression.
Two adorable white alpacas with fluffy fur peek over a wooden fence with a red barn in the background.

This was my boy. At first, he seemed on a mission, marching full speed ahead while I scrambled to keep up—slipping all over the snow that had iced over. Butttt turns out, alpacas have designated toilet spots, and he was just making a beeline for the loo.

Once he’d done his business, he chilled out and walked at a much more reasonable pace. (Sorry, my dude, you should have just said!)

A person in a brown coat and red beanie walks their large white dog on a misty winter hillside.

 

We loved this experience. Bjorn was knowledgeable, funny, and clearly, alpacas were his life. He even met his wife through alpaca farming—they merged their farms and now run it together. SO cute.


The woolly dudes were hilarious—completely stubborn and full of personality. Their fleece was crazy soft and warm even when wet from the snow, which felt so weird? And every time they hit an icy patch, their little hooves would slip around, which instantly reminded me of The Emperor’s New Groove (yes, I know Kuzco’s a llama, but they’re basically cousins).

We took a big loop around the farmland, snapping pics with our alpacas, and honestly, it was such a good time. And for under £30 each? Bargain. Did I slip over a couple of times on the ice? Of course. But, y’know… worth it.

 

Small red wooden building with snow-covered roof and picnic tables outside stands against a winter landscape.
Winter landscape with snow-covered ground and barren rolling hills under an overcast gray sky in the countryside.
Person in winter clothing walking an alpaca through a frosty, snow-dusted field on an overcast day.
Close-up portrait of a brown alpaca with fluffy fur wearing a halter in snowy winter conditions.
A selfie with a fluffy cream-colored alpaca wearing a red winter hat and scarf against a light background.
Close-up portrait of a beige alpaca with fluffy fur and gentle facial features gazing to the side against a blurred background.
Close-up portrait of a white alpaca with fluffy wool and a gentle expression looking at the camera.


We wrapped up the day by heading back to the city on public transport. Oslo’s transport system is pretty easy to navigate, and soon enough, we were on our way to Kafe Republic for lunch. This place was great—small plates galore—and we ordered lots of different dishes to try. The food was absolutely delicious, and I couldn't stop going back to the risotto and gravlax, which were by far my favorites. We even tried oysters, which, in theory, I wanted to love—but unfortunately, they were a bit too fresh for me, if you know what I mean. I tried to get into them, but they tasted just a little too salty and slimy, like they’d just come straight from the sea... which Sean assured me is what they are supposed to taste like... but still not my vibe haha!

Woman eats oyster and pretends to enjoy it but the disgust shows on her face.
Multiple plates of restaurant food including french fries and meat dishes served on a wooden table in warm lighting.
Overhead view of casual restaurant dining spread with french fries, soups, sandwiches and various dishes on wooden table.
A large wall mural inside a restaurant depicts a retro-style scene with people enjoying drinks in warm lighting.

 

Heading Home


Our final day in Oslo was short but sweet, as we had a flight to catch in the early evening. We decided to take it slow and visit all our favorite food spots one last time. Honestly, I was pretty thankful for the laid-back pace since, unbeknownst to me, I was brewing a hellish virus that would take me out the following week. We made a pit stop at Mathallen for lunch—couldn’t leave without some more tasty bites—and then popped by Tim Wendelboe for the boys to grab another coffee before we wrapped up our trip.

It was the perfect way to end our time in Oslo, savoring the good food, soaking in the vibes, and reflecting on a trip that was packed with fun, adventure, and plenty of new experiences. Despite feeling a little under the weather, I knew Norway had left a mark on me. It’s a city that knows how to blend tradition with modern fun, making it a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Norway.


Don't get me wrong, some things are pricey, like eating out was a bit of an ouchy at times. But the Norwegians really know how to live: they embrace the cold, make the most of their surroundings, and still manage to have a vibrant, fun city. There’s a mix of culture, nature, and a laid-back vibe that just works. I definitely left with a feeling of wanting to return to Norway, maybe for some more sauna time, maybe to see the more rural mountains and fjords all the locals were talking about. All in all, Oslo, you were a delight!