Month: February 2019

UPDATED 2019 – Michelin Star Restaurants in Oslo

Updated 2019 – Michelin Star Restaurants in Oslo offer unforgettable journeys through the Nordic nature as well as classical gourmet.

I know Noma in Copenhagen is on countless bucket lists, but also Oslo has many great options for those that enjoy Michelin star culinary experiences. Hardcore gourmet fans might be tempted to try all Michelin star restaurants in Oslo during one visit – after all, you can count the restaurants on one hand.

Maaemo. Photo: VisitOslo/Anders Husa.

Maaemo – 3 Michelin Star restaurant in Oslo

Distinctively Nordic, Maaemo is Oslo’s only 3 Michelin star restaurant. Prepare for flavours, textures and combinations that push the limits of imagination. You’ll also experience familiar ingredients with a new Nordic twist. Langoustine with spruce butter? Yes please.

Contemporary architecture lover? The Nordic minimalistic interior has a luxurious feel to it thanks to dark tones. You’ll also enjoy the architectural eye candy  just outside the restaurant.

Fun fact: The name Maaemo is in fact Finnish (the language that is not related to Norwegian) and means Mother Earth.

Schweigaardsgt. 15b.

 

Statholdergaarden.

Statholdergaarden – Classic Michelin Star restaurant

Having trouble pronouncing that name? So do I, even after nearly 10 years in Oslo. Name aside, Stathodergaarden is without a doubt the best classical gourmet restaurant in Oslo. The interior is charming with details such as chandeliers and old plasterwork.

Housed in a building from 1640, the restaurant has an extensive wine list and focus on seasonal Norwegian ingredients, such as meat and seafood. The menu varies by season, but you’ll likely find a nice mix of classics and modern dishes, however I have always let the chef delight me with the menu of the day.

Stathodergaarden, Rådhusgate 11

 

Kontrast. Photo: Visitoslo/Anders Husa.

 

Kontrast – Modern Scandinavian Michelin star restaurant

Located a short ride from the city center, in the Vulkan area, Kontrast serves seasonal, local ingredients with a modern twist. The interior is the epitome of what I call Nordic Luxury, with mostly dark colours, raw brick walls and concrete floors. Wood and soft fabric upholstery soften the look.

Kontrast is moving the needle when it comes to the texture and coupling of ingredients: perhaps the most memorable dish I’ve had at Kontrast was bone marrow ice cream.

Fun fact: The restaurant has as rooftop garden where they grow the flowers that are used for decorating dishes.

Kontrast, Maridalsveien 15a

 

Photo: Galt

 

Galt –  Newcomer that impressed from day 1

“Nothing wrong with this restaurant” would be a funny thing to say in Norwegian. That’s because Galt translates as “wrong”. This restaurant, which falls under the category Modern European, surprised everyone in 2018 by gaining its first Michelin star under one year after opening.

Similarly to Kontrast, Galt has a very simplistic Nordic interior with rough brick walls, concrete floors and bare wooden tables – no white tablecloths or chandeliers.

The ingredients are sourced mostly from small producers in Norway, so an evening at Galt will be like a flavour journey through Norway.

Galt, Frognerveien 12

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5 Fun Things to do in Oslo in Winter

Looking for fun things to do in winter Oslo? See our list of suggested activities, such as ice skating and sledding.

Winter swimming in Oslo fjord.
Feeling extra sporty? Take a swim in the freezing cold Oslo fjord. Here in Tjuvholmen. Photo: Oslolux.com.

The fact that it’s cold in Oslo in the winter comes hardly as a surprise to anyone. But exactly how cold, when and for how long it remains cold is always a surprise. There is plenty to do during the winter in Oslo – on those days that it’s tolerable, and also when the temperatures drop below your comfort zone. Here are our top pics outdoor activities.

Winter fun in Oslo – Outdoor activities

Floating sauna in Oslo.
The floating sauna, Skarven, is definitely worth a visit – even if it’s only for photos. Photo: Oslolux.com.

1. Sauna and swimming in the fjord

This is one of the most unique experiences in Oslo: a floating sauna. Opened in late 2018, the sauna ‘Skarven’ can be booked for a private sauna experience, or you can stop by during their drop-in hours, which are in the mornings from 7 to 9 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) and evenings from 4 pm to 7 pm (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday). The views from the sauna are breathtaking. If you’re feeling like going for the whole Nordic experience, make sure you also take a quick swim – the water is cold, but the sauna will warm you up in no time. For updated hours and news, check out Sørengas Badstue- & Helårsbadeanstalt on Facebook.

Sled run Korketrekkeren in Oslo.
Korketrekkeren sled run is fun for all ages. Photo: Visitoslo.

2. Korketrekkeren sled / toboggan run

Feel like feeding your inner speed monster? How about riding down a 2 km-long (1.2 miles) of bobsleigh track among the woods in Holmenkollen? Korketrekkeren was opened in 1951 and the go-to place for fun loving people of all ages. How to get there: Take the tube line Frognerseteren all the way to the final stop (Frognerseteren) and follow the track down.

There is a sled rental (using the track is free of charge) close to the start of the track. The good news is that after you’re done with your ride, you don’t have to climb up the hill: the track ends by Midtstuen tube station, where you can take the tube back up to Frognerseteren. Just make sure you have a valid ticket for the tube.

Regardless of the temperature, we recommend that you dress to stay warm as you’ll easily spend quite some time outside. Helmets are also highly recommended. As any outdoor activity, poor weather conditions (in this case, warm temperatures and little snow) can limit opening hours so we recommend you check before your arrival. The best way to check the track status for the day is the Instagram account for the Sled association.

Ice skating in Oslo
Spikersuppa ice skating during Christmas Market. Photo: Visitoslo.

3. Ice skating

Test your balance on ice skates at Spikersuppa or Frogner Stadium ice rinks. The Spikersuppa skating rink is located in the city center, in Karl Johans Gate. They offer skate and helmet rental, but using the rink itself is free of charge. The Spikersuppa skating rink is small, but very cosy and definitely ideally located if you’re into enjoying some ‘after skating’ in one of the numerous bars, restaurants or cafés downtown.

In case you prefer a more spacious rink, you might want to consider the Frogner Stadium skating rink, which is the size of a large hockey rink. There is a nominal entry fee as well as skate and helmet rental. The rink is located some 5 minutes walk from Majorstuen tube station, but can also be reached by tram (number 12, stop Frogner Stadium) from the city center.

The skating rinks are open throughout the winter until late February. We recommend you check the opening hours on the day you plan to skate, as rain and longer periods of warmer winter temperatures can have an impact on service.

4. Cross-country skiing, Alpine skiing and snowboarding in Oslo

If you happen to take the tube in Oslo during the winter, the chances are that you’ll see people dressed up in their cross-country gear, carrying a pair of (very expensive) skis. Oslo is unique in the sense that there are numerous skiing tracks you can reach by the tube. Oslo Vinterpark (winter park) offers alpine hills, a halfpipe and several cross-country tracks, as well as a wide range of skiing equipment for rent. You can rent skis, ski boots, poles, snowboards and helmets, however clothing is something you should bring (layers, layers, layers!).

Oslo winter park can be reached by the tube going to Frognerseteren: get off at Voksenkollen stop and follow the signs. There is often a shuttle between the stop and the Winter Park.

If you already have a pair of cross country skis, another popular area (without ski rental) is Sognsvann, and there is a tube line that goes all the way up there. If you’re a beginner, it’s good to know that in case there are more than one set of tracks, you should keep to the right. Walking on any ski tracks is a definite no-no.

Learn more about skiing in Oslo Winterpark.

5. Sightseeing cruise on the Oslo fjord

View the Oslo city and surroundings from a different perspective by taking a fjord cruise on the futuristic ferry Vision of the Fjords. The award-winning boat is an attraction itself, as it was awarded ‘Ship of the Year’ in 2016.

The cruise takes 1-2 hours and departs from Langkaia, which is just by the Opera house, so you can combine the cruise with a visit to the iconic building. There is a café on the ferry. You can also enjoy the views and the fresh fjord air from the deck. Learn more about cruises in Oslo fjord.

Hot tip: If you feel like planning a day filled with winter activities, why not start with ice skating, followed by a cruise along the fjord and then, warming up in the floating sauna?