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.
Akershus Fortress
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"They fought, they fell, they gave us their all." At this place Norwegian patriots were shot during the war 1940-1945 |
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The Guard House 1845 |
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Maud |
Rob can take a nap just about anywhere!
We have also discovered people have no sense of situational awareness.
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This family talked to the dad and son who sat in front of us for the entire train ride |
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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 Social. It 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.
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Gin & Tonic of the month Gin Martini for Rob |
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Silverware Toolbelt |
Snacks
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Bresaola wrapped around artichoke & Crispy Pasta with Black summer truffle |
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Fried corn polenta with shrimp tartare & fermented red chili cream |
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Creamy Chicken soup with charred peas |
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Foccacia with ricotta cheese & apricot compote |
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Beef tartare with fennel, capers & cream |
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Tuscan Chicken served w/ bean puree, chicken broth, & truffle, with a crunchy rosemary crumble |
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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 & sånt a Norwegian Restaurant
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Seafood Bisque with salmon, cusk, shrimp & crab meat |
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Reindeer 🦌 Stew served with mashed potatoes & lingonberries |
Hotel Bristol provided a very elaborate breakfast.
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Yogurt & all the fixings |
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Pancakes |
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Meats, Cheeses, Salmon, Mackerel |
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Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Beans, Fish, Omelettes |
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Blueberry Cobbler |
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Macaroons, cake & chocolate |
Yes Rob had his fruit & yogurt every mornng, but I refused to take a picture (boring).
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Flambéed halibut nigiri with teriyaki |
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Chicken Popcorn |
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Toast with wild shrimp cream and katsubushi |
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Smashed cucumber and coriander salad |
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Beef sirloin with spicy sauce It was not spicy |
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Chocolate mousse with passion fruit and coconut ice cream |
Hotel Bristol was completed in 1920. The building was designed by the famous architect, Finn Rahn.
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The bed was the bomb |
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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!
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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.