Interested in a city that's beautiful, clean and environmentally friendly?
You might not realize that they are out there, but they certainly are and they happen to be leading the way in global consciousness!
The one particular city and country that I'm talking abut is Oslo, the capital of beautiful Norway.
Now typically when traveling I love booking non-stop flights, but sometimes for one reason or another that is just not an option and so come the layovers. Now depending on where I'm heading I'm usually not a fan of the LONG LAYOVER, however there are other times when that is exactly what I am looking for!!!
Did you know that a LONG LAYOVER can usually give you more time in a city than a port stop on a Cruise vessel?
All it takes is a bit of research, finding out what the options are from the airport to City Center and BAM you are in business!
Did you know that a LONG LAYOVER can usually give you more time in a city than a port stop on a Cruise vessel?
All it takes is a bit of research, finding out what the options are from the airport to City Center and BAM you are in business!
Streets of Oslo
Once you are in the City Center, you basically have the world at your fingertips (so to speak)...
There are tours galore for you to choose from, and/or all the transportation options that you need to your chosen destination within city limits.
Just be sure to keep an eye on the clock and get back to the airport with enough time to get through security and you are GOLDEN!
*With proper research there are even times when you can book a private tour guide to pick you up and drop you off at the airport!
There are tours galore for you to choose from, and/or all the transportation options that you need to your chosen destination within city limits.
Just be sure to keep an eye on the clock and get back to the airport with enough time to get through security and you are GOLDEN!
*With proper research there are even times when you can book a private tour guide to pick you up and drop you off at the airport!
Streets of Oslo
However there is one glitch, if the layover is in the country of your final destination and if you have checked bags - I'm sorry but you are semi out of luck, as you will first have to retrieve your bags and checked them back in for the next leg of your travels.
For me, if it's a city that I've never been to, then generally I like to start off with a city tour to get a feel for my current location. While I usually study maps before traveling, and I recommend that you do too.
Until you are actually in a city, the map doesn't always make sense - but once you arrive and get a look at things all of a sudden everything clicks.
For me, if it's a city that I've never been to, then generally I like to start off with a city tour to get a feel for my current location. While I usually study maps before traveling, and I recommend that you do too.
Until you are actually in a city, the map doesn't always make sense - but once you arrive and get a look at things all of a sudden everything clicks.
I spent my day checking out all of the famous touristy sights, because yes upon my first visit to just about any city I enjoy doing the full on tourist thing! But that's just me - you can choose to spend your time any which way you choose!!
Starting at Oslo Airport, Gardermoen I grabbed my carry on, exited the aircraft, followed signs and headed straight for the Flytoget Airport Express Train. Purchasing a return fare was a piece of cake and off I went!
Starting at Oslo Airport, Gardermoen I grabbed my carry on, exited the aircraft, followed signs and headed straight for the Flytoget Airport Express Train. Purchasing a return fare was a piece of cake and off I went!
Oslo Central Station
Next stop: Oslo Central Station. The journey only takes 19-22 minutes, and I was in the heart of Oslo.
From past experience I know that you can usually find 'hop on hop off' tour buses that start/stop around the central station, so off I went in my search to find where the stop was.
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In some cities it is easier to find than in others. But they are almost always there.
My problem was that I didn't exit the main exit and went toward the "mall" what can I say - I'm a shopper at heart!
So anyhow, after circling the exterior of the station and seeing the tour buses drive by, I had finally located the stop. I had a short wait before my bus arrived and rather than stand around waiting, I took to the streets on foot.
Once I returned to the stop, it was time to board. I collected my earphones, found a seat, and plugged in.
Commentary was provided in English, Spanish, French, Norwegian, Japanese, Italian, Russian and German.
My problem was that I didn't exit the main exit and went toward the "mall" what can I say - I'm a shopper at heart!
So anyhow, after circling the exterior of the station and seeing the tour buses drive by, I had finally located the stop. I had a short wait before my bus arrived and rather than stand around waiting, I took to the streets on foot.
Once I returned to the stop, it was time to board. I collected my earphones, found a seat, and plugged in.
Commentary was provided in English, Spanish, French, Norwegian, Japanese, Italian, Russian and German.
Oslo is the oldest of the Scandinavian capitals, founded in the 11th century, sitting at the head of a 70 mile fjord and surrounded byevergreen forests. I was quite happy to be traveling in the comfort of the bus as it began to rain. I got to see all of the popular landmarks and attractions which made this 17-stop tour just perfect!
A few of the listed sites included the recently built Oslo Opera House, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Royal Palace and the Viking ship Museum.
A few of the listed sites included the recently built Oslo Opera House, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, Royal Palace and the Viking ship Museum.
  |  The Kon-Tiki Museum |
And with choosing the hop-on hop-off bus tour I also had the freedom to plan my own sightseeing adventure. With 17 stops in total, and covering all of Oslo’s main attractions this tour provided me the absolute perfect introduction to the buzzing city.
Did you know that according to Fortune.com - Oslo will be car-free by 2019
The capital of Norway would be the first to implement such a ban.
Oslo plans to ban all cars from its city center within the next four years in an attempt to help reduce pollution, Reuters reports.
Did you know that according to Fortune.com - Oslo will be car-free by 2019
The capital of Norway would be the first to implement such a ban.
Oslo plans to ban all cars from its city center within the next four years in an attempt to help reduce pollution, Reuters reports.
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Here's a bit of info on OSLO:
Oslo is the capital and the most populous city in Norway. Oslo constitutes both a county and a municipality.
As of January 2015, the municipality of Oslo has a population of 647,676, while the population of the city's urban area was 942,084. It is the economic and governmental centre of Norway. Oslo is also a pilot city of the Council of Europe and the European Commission intercultural cities programme.
Oslo is the capital and the most populous city in Norway. Oslo constitutes both a county and a municipality.
As of January 2015, the municipality of Oslo has a population of 647,676, while the population of the city's urban area was 942,084. It is the economic and governmental centre of Norway. Oslo is also a pilot city of the Council of Europe and the European Commission intercultural cities programme.
 Oslo Opera House |   She Lies (Norwegian: hun ligger), public sculpture by Monica Bonvicini |
I had a wonderful time exploring and once my touring time was up and the clock struck I really had felt as though I got a good feel for the city, but it was time for me to back track. Arriving back to the airport I went through security and then headed to my gate to continue my voyage. -T
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