Oslo - A winter weekend
posted 20th March 2023
After a quick flight of only 2 hours from Gatwick to Oslo Gardermoen airport, we arrived to a spectacular view of trees covered in snow. Oslo is the capital of Norway and it sits on the southern coast of the country. It is often cited as one of the most liveable cities in Europe. In the summers there are blue skies and sunshine and winters of minus degrees with snowy scenes. Oslo in December is truly magical and the best place to visit to get you in the Christmas spirit.
I would say Oslo has it all for the ultimate luxury weekend winter break. From designer stores, fine dining and exquisite hotels to snowy adventures in the mountains.
For the whole of December, Oslo is turned into a winter wonderland. It is full of Christmas markets which felt magical walking through the streets as the snow fell all around us and though out the city. We were lucky enough to be treated to festive markets and ginger bread galore. The shop displays were fully decorated in Christmas themes.
Upon arriving in Oslo, we headed to our hotel which is feet away from Oslo's main street, Karl Johans Gate and is five minutes' walk away from the airport express train drop off, making it the perfect place to stay.
Hotel Christinana Teater is a grand centrally located boutique hotel in the heart of Oslo. The building is most spectacular as it is located in a historic old theatre from 1918. The first thing you notice when walking into the hotel is the high ceilings and the stylish decor throughout. The rooms are elegantly decorated in a colourful array of colours and art work.
Restaurants
Where to Eat and Drink
There are a great selection of bars and restaurants all over the city. For or first night we took a visit to the vibrant borough of Aker Brygge. Aker Brygge is Oslo’s most chic entertainment hub and it has the biggest concentration of restaurants in the city. There we dined at a restaurant on the water front called Asia. We had the most delicious selection of sushi and cocktails.
During the weekend, we also dined at the restaurant Teatro located in our hotel. Teatro serves the most delicious hand made pizza with exciting toppings and original flavour combinations. It also has award-winning wines which is always a bonus. The ambiance in there is so relaxing and chilled. You do have to reserve so make sure you do that in advance of your stay, as its popular and gets pretty busy.
Teatro Restaurant
Teatro Restaurant
We ended the evening in the hotel bar. With its high roof and chandeliers, where they served a selection of wines and cocktails. The perfect way to end the day.
The main tourist attraction in Oslo, is the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump Arena. The jump stands 132m tall, and those looking for a real rush can do a zipline from the jump tower.
The Holmenkollen is only a short 30 minute metro ride from central Oslo up into the mountains. We took the next few stops to the Korketrekkeren which is in the Helmonkolon area. From there we collected a sledge with a helmet and jointed the toboggan run.
It is the most popular toboggan run in Oslo. It was once a bob sledge/toboggan track during the 1952 winter Olympics. It is a length of 2km. The tobogganing track runs between Frognerseteren and Midtstuen and is operated as a public venue by the municipality. You start at the top of the run and once you finish you end back down at Midstuen metro station which will bring you back to the top. We had the most amazing day up there it was so much fun (I would highly recommend ski goggles as you do pick up quite a speed!)
Its one of the reasons why I find Oslo the best winter break - you can be down in the city enjoying the vibrant shops, restaurants, bars etc and the next minute you are up on a ski resort in the mountains all in the weekend. It is a place that is truly magical in the winter.
MUST DO IN OSLO
Visit the Holmenkollen and Toboggan ski run
Shopping in the city's vast amount to designer stores
Take a walk to Frogner Park (Largest park in Oslo)
Dine out at one of the many restaurants in Aker Brygge
Visit the Royal Palace in the centre of Oslo
Have a walk to the top of Oslo Opera House
