When my dad planned a trip to Norway in the summers we knew we would miss on the Northern Lights. I fell in love with them the first time I saw them on YouTube. I usually paint the sky with multiple colours in my drawing class. Though the only time I have seen Indian sky that colourful is during the twilight in the evenings. But.. Now that I am back, I can confidently say that Norway is much more than the Northern Lights ! It is worth seeing no matter which month you choose to travel.
We will be going back though, my father still has these in his bucket list which we couldn’t do this time –
- Atlantic Ocean road, Molde – You must check it out on google to believe it !
- Northern Lights through Glass Igloos – The perfect way to see it.
We flew in Aeroflot & SAS to reach Oslo. From the Gardermoen airport, we took a train to the Central railway station. Thankfully, our hotel Radisson Blu was just ten steps away from the station.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there. At the station you can find many departmental stores, car rental companies and Byporten mall for all your fashion needs. Our room at Radisson was spacious and had a bath tub in it (the only thing I want in a room). Buffet breakfast had a lot to offer and was yummy ! Since I am a picky eater I had croissants, chocolate muffins and fresh juice everyday. Only when you thought I had nothing else to mention – there was a fun fair right by the Oslo central station. I tried almost all the rides and spent an entire evening there.
On our first day in Norway, we toured the best of the museums in Oslo city. The Viking ship museum has a collection of four ships on display. I like the story of the burial ship most. Made in the year 820, it was used to bury people and mourn their death. Every 15 minutes they show a documentary inside the museum which gives an insight into the story of the ships.
Very similar to this was the Fram museum. Fram ship was bigger and in a much better shape then Viking ships. Also, people are allowed to explore the ship on their own. We saw the documentary on it which explains beautifully the origin and the end of the ship. Just outside the museum you can enjoy the breeze flowing from the North sea as well as take pictures.
Next day was the highlight of our tour. The visit to Flam.
My father rented a car from the company Hertz ( He has asked me to mention that its always better to rent it from the airport because of the higher rates in the city) which made our trip to Flam easier and smoother. Though you can always travel by train from Oslo to Myrdal to Flam, which is infact a very scenic train ride, its cheap only if you book it beforehand. When in Flam you can take a cruise to Gudvangen. But my father loves being a free bird, no wonder we have never been on a cruise yet. We also enjoyed the liberty of stopping on the way for photographs and refreshments. Once we stopped right at the lap of snow covered mountains, I played with the snow unceasingly.
On our way back to Oslo, we had a flat tyre. Since on that very day a number of cars had broken down, help arrived us pretty late. We were stranded near the Oslo town hall. Passers – by helped us throughout. Infact, everyone suggested us to retire to our hotel after safely placing the car keys on front right tyre of the car. Since we had never heard of a such a thing in India it came as a shock to us. My dad doesn’t even trust my mom when its his car in question .. !! 😉
Please visit the Oslo Opera house, white marbled structure, where you can walk all the way to the roof and also the royal palace where you can see the change of guards at 1:30 pm everyday. It takes around 40 minutes and occurs everyday no matter what the weather of Oslo is like. For your information, out of 365 days, it rains for 270 days in Oslo. I had my rainwear with me all the time.
Or, if you don’t enjoy regular sightseeing like my mom, just enjoy the uncontrolled growth of tulips on the roads, try the Norwegian delicacies or listen to one of the many talented musicians and singers performing on the crowded streets. There is something for everyone in Oslo.
I wish i could share everything in pictures ! I have one for every moment. My parents love revisiting places, more than exploring new. They click pictures to keep the place alive in their memory until they can go back again. Hence when i grow up they want me to visit these places again alone and relive the old moments ! Fingers crossed 🙂
MOIMEHR 
Never been to Norway but It’s definitely high on my wish list! Northern European countries are a must! Thanks for sharing your experience with us! 🙂
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They are more beautiful than their pictures on google !
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I agree that every city has more to offer than the ‘most talked about places to see’. This is a good detour. Cheers!!
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Thanks, I am glad you liked it !
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Norway has been on the top of our bucket list for ages! I can’t wait to go!
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Got to go here some day. What a wonderful place.
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I would love to visit Norway, I’ve always wanted to see the northern lights too but I have Norwegian friends that tell me there is so much more to see and do 😀
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You should plan soon !
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Norway is a beautiful country and it’s our dream to see the Northern lights. So much to see in Norway! Thank you for sharing the highlights of your trip. 😉
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It is indeed !
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I’ve been wanting to go to Norway, specifically in Oslo. Thanks for sharing your trip there. 🙂
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I am so glad you liked our trip ! Between September to March is when you can see Northern lights.
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I love Norway, it was one of my favorite trips to date. I definitely want to go back to see more 🙂
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Ditto !
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Sounds like such a beautiful place! Great write up 🙂
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Lovely post – what an amazing place 🙂 thanks for sharing
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I’d love to visit the Viking museums. Such heritage.
There’s no way I’d leave my keys on the tyre in Southern Africa though! 😂
Oslo sounds very interesting!
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This is so helpful. I am actually headed to Norway at the end of the month and would love to check out some of the viking ships!!
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Flam, trolltunga, Lofoten island, Atlantic ocean road – plrase try and see atleast some of these !
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I plan to visit Norway for the Northern lights and Toltuga rock among others.
Would you recommend someone to visit during summer or winter for their first trip?
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This was a great trip report! Looks like a visit to Oslo is in order! Now we get airfare sale pretty often directly to Oslo, was thinking of taking advantage of that. After reading this, I think we really should make a plan soon! I hope you get to revisit Norway soon and get to view that northern lights!
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I would also love to see the Northern Lights in Norway, but your post has highlighted how much more there is to Norway than just that. Oslo looks like a really cool city to visit and the Viking Museum looks interesting.
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It looks like you had a pretty interesting time! I would love to go to Norway, especially to see the northern lights! They are a beautiful sight!
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I love your pictures documenting the journey to visit the northern lights. I love the picture of you sat on the car roof too. Very cute
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Always fancied Norway and like you the northern lights fascinate me ( will see them one day) I can’t believe they leave the keys under the tyre too, I’d be frightened someone would drive off with it but then again you did have a flat tyre ha really enjoyed your post, thanks for a great read!
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Norway is definitely on my bucket list! It looks amazing and you’re photos are great! Awesome post 🙂
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Looks like SO MUCH FUN. I really hope to get to Norway soon myself for the awesome outdoor activities
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Wish you luck with Northern lights. They don’t come to Oslo really often, but to the north, you have good chances to see them. Have a nice trip.
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Never been to Norway but It’s definitely on the top of my wish list! Northern European countries are so stunning! Maybe for the next summer 🙂
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I’ve been to Norway once, but only for one day during a cruise. I like it – but man, is it expensive! Anyway, would love to go back after I’ve seen your lovely pictures.
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