What’s special about September?

September is the month when there are lots of mushrooms in the forests.  A few are edible, many are not!  You MUST be 100% sure that those you eat are not poisonous.  If you are a newcomer to mushroom picking, stick to the one which is golden yellow, delicate and tasty – the cantharelle. It’s easily recognizable as the lower surface, underneath the smooth cap, has gill-like ridges that run almost all the way down its stripe, which tapers down seamlessly from the cap.  These mushrooms should be brushed clean and then fried in butter, seasoned lightly, perhaps adding some rømme (soured cream) before serving.  We also like to add some cantharelle to moose or reindeer hot-pot.

If you want to expand your knowledge of mushrooms, you’ll find books on picking edible mushrooms in the local bookstores.  But remember NEVER eat a fungus unless you are completely sure it’s safe! 

There are still delicious wild blueberries and cranberries to be found in the forests!  It’s best to bring the cranberries home and stir them with sugar before eating.  In Norway cranberry jam is an accompaniment to dishes made from moose, reindeer and so on.

The Autumnal Equinox is the date when it is worth visiting Oslo between 20:00 and 23:00 hrs for a magical walk up the Aker River.  In 2019 this special evening is on 26th September. This is a beautiful walk at all seasons for the river is in the city but away from city noises and bustle.  There are calm river stretches, tumbling waterfalls, wild-life and many benches to eat lunch or enjoy the view.  This is where you will see young Norwegian fathers on obligatory ten week, paternal leave getting exercise by running along while pushing thier new baby in its pram or well trained people of all ages running or cycling.  But in the evening of the Equinox, there are cultural shows with music, light art, installations and with electric light turned off about 4000 candles shine and twinkle in and on the water.  You won’t be alone, but you will never forget this special experience that Oslo people put on for their own enjoyment.

Places especially worth going to in September