Our trip to Norway for a very short escape from the routine remains close to heart. It was our first experience of snowing and we enjoyed every moment to the bottom. Late autumn or fall as it could be called , the nature was flowing with relishing beauty. For me and my husband it was the apt time to have had the Arctic experience as we live in extreme hot climate. Land known for its beautiful fjords is a must visit place and with hindsight I can advise to plan for longer stay.
Qatar Airways had always been our holiday partner since we had started our holiday travel and we feel rather more comfortable with their pool of options. We boarded the flight to Oslo on midnight and landed early morning had a comfortable journey. The temperature was zero degree outside the Airport.
Flytoget is the train service which is connecting Airport (Gardermoen) to Oslo Central and it can be pre booked . It takes 20 minutes to downtown which is almost 45 km away and frequent services are available in short, time intervals. The cabs are very costly whereas one can get Flytoget one way ticket for 198 NOK. The transfer from Airport is very much guided with sign boards.
Since we had our pre-booked Flytoget tickets we reached Oslo Central smoothly. Our hotel was at Toyen and we caught the tube to get to hotel from Oslo Central. Oslo Pass serves you with tube transports and one can get more details on offers on their site.
The botanical garden and Munch museum were at walkable distance. Had some good time spent through the art works of Edvard Munch, the renowned Norwegian painter.
The Magic Ice Bar though very expensive was kind of magical adventure. Drink of your choice from available pool will be served in ice glass. The temperature was sub-zero and the ice carved sculptures were mostly of Munch’s paintings. It was a precursor before our journey further North into the Arctic. More of the info is available in following link https://www.magicice.no/locations/oslo/
On the next day we enjoyed the Norwegian breakfast at the hotel. Started off to see Nobel Peace Museum, had a ferry cruise to one of the islands from Aker Brryge, spent some lazy time sipping up hot coffee to drive off the freezing cold. Roamed through the nearby shopping malls and got to the hotel by night. Everyday started and ended with prayer to Almighty and am sure it is what that keep us driving forward. We used to be in touch with our kids throughout and never forgot to call my Dad.
The next day for both of us was again something anew. We boarded our flight to Bodo, which took hardly an hour from Oslo, to catch our first ever Cruise. Bodo just north to the Arctic circle was laden with snow at many places when viewed from flight. The airport was quiet with very few passengers and we went in a cab to the shopping mall near to the port of our boarding. Shoppers can enjoy with their winter needs along with memoirs too. Since all kinds of shops are closely net, diverse interests are served.
Fitting ourselves into the warmest stuffs we paved through the ice to the port on our foot. Our choice of liner was Hurtigruten https://global.hurtigruten.com/destinations/norway/inspiration/#webinar-norway-home-of-hurtigruten. One can tailor your trip with varied packages and benefit the maximum of the seasonal gems of Norway travel.
We were warmly received by the crew and the cabin assigned was on fifth floor and we had an unforgettable 24 hour Cruising through the coast of Norway through fjords and mountains. One of the reasons to choose cruise in this short trip was to double up the probable chance of viewing Northern lights. Most of the sailors were travelling till Kirkenes the final port. There were announcements while we got through fjords and when it seemed to the Captain, Northern lights were going to be visible. A feeble glimpse of Northern lights was what we were able to see. The vegan dinner, and buffet luncheon, the Vikings’ story narrations, added to the splendour.
Tromso
Finally we boarded off the liner at Tromso, a place that captures your heart. Tromso Pass ( available at Prostneset Harbour Terminal) served for commuting. Since we had only half day left to spend there, we were on the rush to catch up the maximum. The safe lockers at Prostneset Dock were of much convenience. Cable car gave stunning panoramic view of Tromso, the tranquility at Arctic Cathedral, the roads fully laden with ice, everything will, for sure remain as lifetime memories. The bus to airport moved very slowly due to the ice and snow, giving us a little more time to trace through. The flight back to Oslo too got delayed for almost three hours due to heavy snowfall. The long wait in airport did not leave us tired, we enjoyed the drinks and food from there. Finally even after boarding, a water-spray jet was used to clear the snow from the aircraft. We flew back with a small expectation of hunting Northern lights while on board keeping our ears open for the announcement by the Pilot.
We had only a half day left on our four days trip. Had some hurried purchases from open market and checked out. Oslo Central is also a shopping venue for those who rush through. Flytoget served us back to Airport.
At the end, bade adieu to Norway, leaving much more to behold……………..
Pen N Picture 