Despite the notorious cost of living, Oslo is a truly priceless travel destination. The sights, shopping, and dining are no doubt fantastic, but there are less tangible aspects of Oslo that make it such an extraordinary place to be. Here I list my three favorite things about Oslo in celebration of what the city really stands for.
The Seasons
Every season is cause for celebration in Oslo. Spring and fall are incredibly bright thanks to the plethora of parks and well-planned landscaping that dot the city, and summer so near to the North Pole is delightfully mild. No city on earth celebrates Christmas quite like Oslo, however, making winter arguably the most exciting time to be there. The Christmas lights that go up all over town are expansive and cheerful, perfectly matching the mood of citizens going from Christmas markets to hours of fun snow sports. One truly feels like a kid again when spending a winter in Oslo—the perfect destination to revive your Christmas spirit.
The Culture
Oslo is at its core a very learned city. It offers a cultural draw for any taste, an ideal place to learn about history, art, architecture, politics, and much more. One of the best places in Oslo is the new Oslo Opera House, where one can see incredible presentations of performing arts ranging from opera to ballet to contemporary dance. A visit to the Viking Museum allows a chance to let your imagination run wild, while time spent at the tastefully done Nobel Peace Center reminds one of Oslo’s true, loving character. This perfect blend of fun and educational value provided by a visit to Oslo is very unique. In Oslo, cultural attractions are not obligations one must check off the list of things to say they did while abroad; they're activities to savor for a lifetime.
The People
The true gem of the city of Oslo is its people. On a practical level the ignorant American will be pleased to find that—unlike so many places with an undeserved reputation for being full of English speakers—Oslo residents speak incredibly good, almost accent-free English. In addition, they are a delightfully friendly and warm people. The person sitting in front of you at a performance will turn around to make sure you can see over him, inevitably starting up a conversation that lasts until the show starts. The couple at the table next to you at dinner is quick to help you decipher a few “delicacy” items on the menu before talking to you at length about their favorite wines. The joyful disposition of Oslo’s inhabitants contribute a great deal to the cheery personality of the city itself, a place where even the most out of place traveler will be made to feel at home. It's always refreshing to visit with people who are proud of their city and their lifestyle, and in Oslo one finds such people on every corner.
Michael Piznarski - Michael Piznarski studied English literature at Colgate University. He is a globetrotter, volunteer, former pre-law student, and actor.
