Tilt, Oslo

On our last night in Oslo we meet up in the city with our hosts, Simon + Marit (+ Magnus who is fast asleep).

Our destination is a bar called Tilt which is opposite another bar called The Good Knight (apparently playing chess has become really popular again as the current world champion is Norwegian).

We order a couple of Brewdog IPAs (as I forgot to try the delicious craft beer when we were in Scotland). But they also have a really extensive list from which to choose.

And Tilt, as the name would suggest, has a huge assortment of retro arcade games, pinball machines, a pool table …

… and some really cool shuffle boards.

Too. Much. Fun! Pity the result is a draw: no bragging rights.

Oslo | 06

The Akershus Fortress dominates this part of town. But it’s relatively quiet around here, probably because it’s not high-season for tourists.

With all the changing colours it definitely feels like winter is coming.

I grab a terrific toasted sandwich from a street vendor near SALT. Eating it undercover beside an open drum fire when it starts to rain is a treat.

The Norwegian determination to have a positive impact on the environment is very encouraging.

And I especially love the many statues with a seagull perched on top.

Although too cold now, these floating saunas would be interesting during the warmer months.

Oslo | 05

Oslo harbour is not only home to some wonderful old ships but also eye-catching modern graffiti art and sculptures.

Oslo | 04

Fine weather makes for pleasant meanderings through the streets of Oslo. Colourful buildings, vibrant foliage, and more statues than you can poke a stick at.

Simon + Marit + Magnus

A short commute outside the Oslo CBD is the palatial residence of Simon + Marit + Magnus (the latter is the heir).

Exquisitely grand yet understated it could be used as a display home in a high-end home catalogue.

Within short walking distance are picturesque forest trails leading to breathtaking lookouts that make you feel on top of the world.

And the expansive lake of Sognsvann down below is incredibly popular all year round and perfect for trail running with wide, well-defined paths.

But by far the best part about Oslo is time spent with family (playing cards, eating brown cheese, drinking the home brewed craft beer etc) and especially cuddles with the adorable Magnus.

Oslo | 03

Nearby to where we are staying in Oslo is Holmenkollbakken, a large ski jumping hill with spectacular views of the city.

Up close the Olympic ski jump is impressive and imposing.

The skies are clear and the hike up is easy for the most part. But so worth it!

Tim Wendelboe, Oslo

Mmm. Coffee. And this place is an institution. So much so it’s listed as a “must see” in the Lonely Planet City Guide, Oslo.

Multi-award winning and for good reason. The coffee is fantastic. Definitely the best I have had since arriving in Europe.

Thank you, Marit, for taking us here and shouting us coffee. Yum!

Oslo | 02

Autumn is in full swing here in Oslo. And a great place to witness the spectacular colours is in Frogner Park.

But nature is on display in more ways than one with the park littered with countless nude statues by Gustav Vigeland.

Actually, according to Wikipedia it features:

“212 bronze and granite sculptures … culminating in the famous Monolith (Monolitten), with its 121 figures struggling to reach the top of the sculpture.”

As we leave the park we’re farewelled by yet another glorious sunset. The weather has been incredibly kind to us!

Oslo | 01

The Oslo Opera House, home to the Norwegian Opera & Ballet, is quite the sight.

Built to resemble a glacier, it rises majestically from the water, all 36,000 blocks of marble.

The interior is equally as stunning: dark slate and white plastic, cool glass and warm oak, subtle lighting and dramatic beams. The design is a tribute to the harshness of the country and the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people.

Yet the whole point of the building is to be inclusive and democratic. One performance had 10,000 patrons sitting on the structure, and then was televised live so others could enjoy.

The aluminium cladding resembles braille but is in fact a nod to the rich history of tapestry artisans occupying the same area hundreds of years ago.