Friday, August 29, 2025

Norway 🇳🇴 - Oslo: Norway’s Capital

Stepping off the Vy train at Oslo S, Norway’s central station, feels like entering a city that balances sleek modernity with timeless charm. The journey into Oslo from Vatnahalsen was a scenic prelude to what awaited us: fjord views, cultural treasures, and a city that knows how to do quiet luxury.

Aker Brygge is Oslo’s waterfront district. The boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with views of sailboats and the Oslofjord stretching into the horizon.

This clock stood at the top
 of the Workshop Halls. It was an
important part of everyday life
at Aker Mekaniske Verksted. The
sound of the bell's whistle signals
announced the start, end, and meal
 breaks of the workday.





Akershus Fortress




"They fought, they fell, they
gave us their all." At this place 
Norwegian patriots were shot
during the war 1940-1945





National Theatre 



Nobel Peace Center I gave my recommendation for the next Nobel Peace Prize, but I don't think I carry any weight.


Oslo Cathedral





The Royal Palace and Queen's Park. The palace itself is temporarily closed, but we timed it right to see the changing of the guard. 



The Guard House 1845

Changing of the Guards pic







Videos







Maud




Rob can take a nap just about anywhere!




We have also discovered people have no sense of situational awareness.


This family talked to the
dad and son who sat 
in front of us for the 
entire train ride

Oh let me charge my phone and
stand in the middle of the aisle.
She even asked for a chair to sit in.

Restaurants

For Heather's birthday dinner we went to Basso SocialIt was recommended by a friend for the Bergen location, which we were unable to make reservations. We had the 13 course meal and it was way too much delicious food.

We started with a drink and a silverware tool belt.

Gin & Tonic of the month
Gin Martini for Rob

Silverware Toolbelt



Snacks

Bresaola wrapped around
artichoke & Crispy Pasta with
Black summer truffle
Fried corn polenta with shrimp 
tartare & fermented red chili cream


Starters

Creamy Chicken soup with
charred peas

Foccacia with ricotta cheese &
apricot compote 
Beef tartare with fennel,
capers & cream

Entree

Creamy risotto with marscarpone,
asparagus & roasted hazelnuts
Meatballs 

Tuna Cruda

Mains

Caramelized romaine salad
with gremolata & Crispy
Pancetta crumble

Potato Gnocchi with
creamy pesto sauce, roasted
salted pumkin seeds
Tuscan Chicken served w/
bean puree, chicken broth,
& truffle, with a crunchy
rosemary crumble
Dessert

Strawberry & rhubarb served with
fresh berries, salted caramel ice
cream & basil infused crunchy oats

This dinner was absolutely delicious and very creative. Heather I hope you had a great birthday.

Elias mat & sÃ¥nt a Norwegian Restaurant 


Seafood Bisque with salmon, cusk,
shrimp & crab meat
Reindeer 🦌 Stew served with
mashed potatoes & lingonberries

Hotel Bristol provided a very elaborate breakfast.

Yogurt & all the fixings
Pancakes

Meats, Cheeses, Salmon, Mackerel

Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Beans, Fish,
Omelettes 

Blueberry Cobbler
Macaroons, cake & chocolate

Yes Rob had his fruit & yogurt every mornng, but I refused to take a picture (boring).



Yokoso Restaurant Aker Brygge a Japanese restaurant. We chose the 6 course recommended menu.

Flambéed halibut nigiri with teriyaki
Chicken Popcorn

Toast with wild shrimp cream
and katsubushi

Smashed cucumber
and coriander salad
Beef sirloin with spicy sauce
It was not spicy

Chocolate mousse with passion fruit
and coconut ice cream
Where did we stay?

Hotel Bristol was completed in 1920. The building was designed by the famous architect, Finn Rahn. 

The bed was the bomb 



It was Judi's 54th birthday.
Glad we could help her celebrate 

Pro tip: Ask for a room facing the quiet courtyard for a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. I have to say we had a room overlooking the street and the noise was not an issue.

How did we get here? By Train: We took Vy to Myrdal with open seating.


In Myrdal which was one stop away we switched trains. This train we booked a private compartment all to ourselves!





Look at all those bikes



So glad we have chosen to take the train, the views have been spectacular. We discovered most people travel Oslo to Bergen and think that is the way to go even though we went from Bergen to Oslo. Norway was a true pleasure!

When did we visit? August 22 - 25, 2025

Ut pÃ¥ tur, aldri sur – Out on a trip, never sulky.

This saying in Norwegian means that when you are out on a trip, you should never be grumpy.