Norway
Norway is a Scandinavian country with amazing scenery such as mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Most people, however flock there for the Northern Lights.
Between late September and late March, Northern Norway is dark from early afternoon until late morning, and the northern lights frequently soar across the sky.
Finnkroken
Our cabin ( Finnkroken Feriehytter) and setting were so charming and picturesque with a fresh water lake surrounding the area.
The rural setting away from the city, gives you the best opportunity to watch the starry sky and wait for the Northern lights to dance above. It is certainly romantic.
We had got the ferry over from Tromsø, as our host collected us by car to bring us to the fairytale location.
Our highlights
Northern Lights
There’s so much to see in Norway, but secretly on everyone’s minds, is the main attraction, the Northern lights.
From landing in Tromsø in the car journey to the ferry, the colours lit up in a tremendous Spectacle. Tromsø is situated in the middle of the Northern Lights Oval, so therefore you have the highest probability of seeing the green lady!
We were also extremely blessed to see them at our cabin in Finnkroken! To see the best of the Northern lights, make sure you go to smaller towns, as there will be less light pollution. Unfortunately our camera didn’t capture the beauty as the naked eye saw, but it will be etched in our mind forever. You need to see it to believe this extraordinary phenomenon!
The Royal Palace
A 19th century palace done in neoclassical architecture style. The Royal Palace is one of the country’s most important buildings, and a concrete symbol of the course of Norwegian history since 1814.
The Royal Palace Park surrounds the palace on all sides and features grassy areas, majestic trees, small ponds and statues.
Changing of the guards every day at 1.30 pm. There is guided tours of the inside of the palace.
Find it at, Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo
Frogner Park
Check out the most amazing sculpture art work. Over 200 of Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron are on display. This talented man had a wonderful creative imagination.
The gardens are very well maintained and has a well thought out landscape. There’s also plenty of picnic tables to rest and have a snack.
Opera House
The Oslo Opera House is the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and the national opera theatre in Norway.
Designed in 2008 by Snøhetta architects. It’s contemporary art design is like that of an iceberg covered with carrara marble. Walk up the hill top to see the amazing vistas of the old town in the distance, across the river.
Nightlife
Since Norway is the most expensive city in the world, we stuck to one beer each, which was difficult lol, however at £10 each, it would of been daylight robbery to sup anymore! Still worth one for a treat 😉
Oslo and Tromsø is known for its rich nightlife and even though it’s cold outside during winter, you will surely warm up with a few drinks and a dance!
Restaurants
Be sure to eat well in Oslo’s finest’s restaurants. Check out a vegan delight called Silk Road or Mamma’s Pizza for some delicious pasta or yummy pizza’s.
Oslo
Accommodation
The Thief hotel , on the islet of Tjuvholmen (Thief Islet), certainly lived up to expectations with its contemporary, beautifully decorated rooms and fantastic downtown location.
It’s waterfront location offers some fantastic views.
It is situated right next to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. There is a large collection of contemporary art in the hotel.
Its approximately £250 / £300 nightly. Luckily we got it paid for, after an airline messed up our flights! Other hotels in the area don’t match up to this gem of a place!
