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Stockholm to Oslo
View from train window - typical scenery Train from Stockholm to Oslo, Norway - departed the hotel with heavy suitcases and golf bags for another walk to the railway station – having been there so many times by now we knew exactly which platform to head for – platform 15 to board the 7.58am Stockholm-Oslo express.
Boarding was like a cattle stampede and of course we had to heave all the luggage up the stairs along with others who were unable to lift their gear up the steep train steps. Then the aisles were jammed with people trying to locate seats and shove luggage anywhere it would fit. We ended up with our gear spread from one end of the carriage to the other. A lovely young tall Norwegian guy helped Graham lift the golf bags up onto racks that were so high we could not reach them – not a good place for people with duck’s disease!! Found our seats, settled in only to be told that my seat was double booked as was the Norwegian couple who had helped us with the luggage. So they discussed the matter with the conductor and in the end he
Oslo City
What a beautiful city in the evening sunshine - Karl Johans Gate - looking towards the castle in the distance moved about 12 other people who were in incorrect seats and left us where we were because the rail company had stuffed up our booking.
The carriage became much quieter and we settled in for the 6 hour journey. Our new friends turned out to be a doctor and a community aid worker. We had a great time chatting and eating all the way to Oslo. The scenery was green, lush and there were many lakes. Arrived 50 mins late and walked from the station to the Thon Opera Hotel, very close to the station and our new home for 3 nights.
Settled into the new digs – had a terrific view of the city square etc. Decided to walk up to the Palace via the Hans Frederick Boulevard. The city was crowded with people enjoying the 27 degree heat and the long days of sunshine. As we were walking past the historic Grand Hotel we noticed a crowd standing around 5 black mini buses pulled into the kerb and a few police etc. Turned out Bill Clinton was attending a meeting and about to leave. We strategically placed ourselves to get a photo and of course the
Oslo
Canberra tourists spotted strolling along Karl Johans Gate towards the castle crowd really started to get bigger. Then Bill C walked out the entrance and waved. He walked straight up to Graham and gave him a very big hand shake – GG was a bit surprised because all he was hoping for was a photo! So he now has a new friend called Bill and we had to go all the way to Norway to visit him. We were amazed at the easy going security, the almost non-existent cops - such a contrast to the crap that goes on in Canberra with security etc for these kinds of visits.
Then walked up to the palace and on the way we were joined by a lovely Chinese guy and his teenage daughter – he wanted to know all about Aus because he had almost chosen Aus instead of Norway when he immigrated 23 years ago. Enjoyed a balmy summer’s evening in the city area and by 9.30 it was time to find food and head back to the hotel – really enjoyed our first day in Norway.
Wednesday 1 July – Oslo – Viking museum, Maritime museum, Kon Tiki Museum, Spegelgarten Sculpture Park. Caught the bus to the ferry terminal
Oslo
Grand Hotel Entrance - hardly no security and along came Graham's new friend Bill C. to cross to Bygday Island. It was a beautiful sunny day and people were really enjoying the heat after 6 months of winter followed by a cold, wet spring. Oslo harbour is beautiful harbour – jammed with all kinds of boats, cruise ships and ferries. We arrived on the island and started the 1.5km walk up a steep hill to the Viking Museum. We were surprised to learn that the three ships were actual burial ships from about 850AD, one for a Viking Queen and the others for 2 wealthy women. The ships have been found under about 100 metres of soil deep in a clay layer on a farm in the 1900’s. After excavation the ships were reconstructed. The ships contain artifacts that were buried with the women to help them on their journey to the other side – a bit like the old Egyptians. The artifacts are truly remarkable pieces of work. The intricate carving on the wooden carts, bowls, plates, buckets, collars for the animals etc is quite unbelievable.
Also spent a little time in the Maritime Museum - saw a fabulous video of sea life in Norway displayed on a 180 degree, 5 piece screen.
Oslo Grand Hotel
and then Bill C spotted his friend Graham and came up to shake his hand along with a few other friends The video was shot from a helicopter and we really felt like we were in a chopper looking at the amazing coastline and the workings of the ships and boats.
After that we had our final dose of sea “stuff” at the Kon-Tiki museum where we saw the original raft used by Thor Heyerdahl to cross the Pacific Ocean. Also the reed boats he used to recreate prehistoric voyages proving that early man had mastered sailing before the saddle and wheel were invented. I was really intrigued with the reed boats but could not see me out on the ocean on one of them!! All very impressive.
After a double scoop of Norwegian ice cream to cool off we caught the bus back to the city to walk through the famous Vigeland Park - the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist. We had no idea what to expect but it became clear very quickly. 220 nude bronze statues of parents playing with children in an 88 acre park where the roses were just starting to bloom. People were sunbaking and picnicking everywhere and it was lovely. We caught the tram back to our hotel and
Oslo
After the excitement of meeting Bill the Canberra Tourists continued walking to the castle despite missing the tramstop, we eventually found our way to the hotel – exhausted and hungry after another top day out in Oslo.
Thursday 2 July – a day at Oslo Golf Club. With clubs over our shoulders we were off to catch Bus 32 to Bogstad. Luckily for us the bus stops about 200 metres from the Golf Club so it was an easy start. The course was in great condition and we were made very welcome. It was a tough course – very hilly and long walks between tees and greens. We also had to play with 2 very old members for the first 9 holes which on one hand was nice but on the other was hard work finding balls for them all the time. We played some great golf but of course our short game is in need of a bit of work not having played for a while. Also playing in 28 degrees was warm. Another great golfing experience.
Later that evening we walked across the road to the Opera house. The work that has gone into creating this place is terrific. Decided that Adrian would be very interested in the work of
Oslo
Views of the dock area where we caught the ferry to Bogday and the Viking Ship Museum the tilers here! Walked the rooftop in the twilight taking lots of photos and enjoying our last views of Oslo.
Friday 3 July – Oslo to Bergen - early wake up call to get to the railway to catch the Oslo-Bergen train. This is rated one of the top 10 train journeys in the world. It crosses the mountains to the west of Oslo via the snowfields of Gol and Myrdal. In winter it is packed with skiers heading to the mountains for downhill and cross country skiing.
We sat with 2 locals who lived just out of Oslo. They were great company for the 6.5 hour trip. The scenery was absolutely stunning especially between Gol and Myrdal. The late, heavy snowfalls had turned the place into a winter wonderland with snow everywhere. It looked amazing in the summer sunlight. It was definitely one of the best train trips we have ever had. Also had 1
st class seats and an unlimited supply of yummy hot chocolate.
As we got off the train we met up with an American couple we had met on the ship. They were staying at the same hotel as us and it was
The Viking Burial Ship Museum
The Oseberg - one of the three Viking Burial Ships on display at the museum nice chatting with them before they headed back to the US. Walked down to the fish market where the variety of seafood was awesome. They had whale meat for sale (minky whale only as it is not endangered). I thought it looked yuck cause it was almost black. We did try the Whale salami but thought it was just like any other salami. Headed over to the big grill areas and had an amazing seafood meal. Graham had two big Halibut steaks and I had a mix of Salmon, Halibut and prawns. Yum Yum!
Walked along the docks towards the castle noticing heavy crowds. We wandered into the lanes behind the old dock buildings exploring the UNESCO restored village buildings. There was a shop selling traditional lace work but we decided that Grandma Guymer’s tatting and lace work was far better. The wood and leatherwork shops were impressive also the jewellery.
The crowds were everywhere and we needed a coffee. Found a bakery that did not so good coffee but great gluten free cakes etc. Batteries recharged we hit the crowds outside again and learnt that Elton John was performing up at the castle. After enjoying the music
Viking Ship Museum
Example of the intricate wooden carving on parts of the Oseberg Burial ship of the street performers we headed back to our hotel as the misty rain set in. It was a great start to the west coast of Norway.
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