Magic Ice, Oslo

Magic Ice is found in four towns in Norway (and also in Anchorage, Alaska, Copenhagen, Denmark and Reykjavik, Iceland) The photos here were taken in Svolvær, in Lofoten in the North of Norway but the concept is much the same at each location. On entry you are given a warm robe and gloves as the temperature is several degrees below zero Celsius. Then a drink at the Ice Bar and afterwards you have fun wandering round the ice-blue rooms filled with ice statues.
The Oslo Magic Ice is right in the centre of Oslo.

Opening times:
Monday – Thursday and Sunday from 11:00 to 23:00
Friday and Saturday till midnight.

Admission price is NOK 195,- which includes a welcome drink served in an ice glass and a winter poncho to wear in the exhibition hall. Children pay 50% and there are discounted prices for families and students

Drive to the End of the World (Verdens Ende)

The name is perhaps a little dramatic, but that what the southernmost point of the island of Tjøme is called. Two of our guests from the Netherlands drove down one windy afternoon in March and thoroughly recommended making the trip. Verdens Ende is reached by driving from Vollen to Tønsberg, crossing the bridge to the island of Nøtterøy and then across another bridge unto the island of Tjøme. These islands are a paradise in the summer months but winds and gales in other seasons make the experience even more thrilling as the waves from the Skaggerak break onto the polished rocks of the shores. Many of the art galleries, kiosks and booths are closed outside the summer season but there are restaurants such as Verdens Ende Spiseriet which has an absolutely amazing panoramic view of the sea. This restaurant is open daily from 12:00 – 19:00 but closed on Mondays.

The restaurant can be seen in the middle of the photo, up on the top of the rocks.

Even on a fine July day, it can be pretty windy right out at the end of the island. Best to bring a light jacket and it’s always possible to find a sheltered spot for some sun-bathing…

On fine days you might see wedding groups having photographs taken at The End of the World

The restaurant is especially popular on fine days but cosy and with spectacular views in stormy weather.

Oslo Town Hall (Oslo rådhus)

The City Hall, Oslo Rådhus, is situated in Pipervika, right by the harbour where the ferry boat from Vollen docks.
Oslo Rådhus has characteristic architecture, (known to the citizens as the blocks of goat cheese), artworks and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, held on 10 December, and this all makes the City Hall one of Oslo’s most famous buildings. It was designed by Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson. The roof of the eastern tower has a 49-bell carillon which plays every hour.

Opening hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. From July 1st until August 31st, the City Hall is open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
During the summer the City Hall General Services offer free guided tours of the Oslo City Hall. The tours are held every day at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., from June 1 throughout August. Visitors are asked to meet at the bottom of the stairs in the City Hall.

In the picture, you can see the famous full rigged sailing ship, the Christian Radich which is often moored in the harbour just south of the City Hall.

Hiking in Asker (with maps and well marked routes)

Asker Turlag (Asker Municipality’s hiking group) has made a website where a number of hiking trips of varying types are described in detail, with duration, length, elevation profile and map. You can use the automatic translation service on the site and giggle at some of the colourful translation suggestions.

Holmenkollen Ski Jump Tower, Ski Museum & Magic Activity Centre for kids

The famous statue of the late King Olav V is at Holmenkollen which has been the site for more than a century of skiing competitions. Inside the Ski Jump is the Holmenkollen Ski Museum, the oldest of its kind in the world. The museum presents over 4,000 years of skiing history, Norwegian polar exploration artifacts and an exhibition on snowboarding and modern skiing. Recently a new activity centre has been added for children. Because the big events at Holmenkollen are sometimes “attacked” by fog, children can now meet the Blue gnomes and trolls who make fog – and also dispel it. There are caves and slides to enjoy and of course the magical characters to meet. The Blåkollen (Blue Kollen) centre is open from 10.00 to 16.00 every day.

The observation deck on top of the jump tower offers panoramic views of Oslo. It is possible at certain times of the year, and in suitable weather conditions to buy a ticket to take the zip-line from the top to a platform at the bottom of the jump. I have taken the zip-line myself – it was tremendous fun! The only danger is that you might want to try it several times and thus spend all your holiday money!
The ski jump simulator next to the Jump gives a great thrill to those who dare to try that!

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When you are up at Holmenkollen to visit the ski-jump or museum, you should take the opportunity to visit the famous Frognersæteren Restaurant just 5 minutes further up the road. This restaurant is in the best Norwegian tradition for excellent food and a wonderful atmosphere – and view! Prices are reasonable – some examples are (in NOK): soup of the day 105,- ; homemade fishcakes with vegetables and potatoes 148,- ; warm moose meat-cake with onions 105,- ; coffee and cake from 75,-

You can take the tram from Oslo to Frognerseteren station. From here you can either walk on up to the Oslo Winter/Summer Park or walk five minutes back down to the restaurant.

The Bear Park (Bjørneparken) – the place to get close to bears, moose, lynx, reptiles as well as farm animals.

At the Bear Park at Flå, the animals are housed in large natural enclosures. You can watch the animals up close and learn about them from the park presenters. In March of 2016, the park opened the largest crocodile exhibition in Norway, with 30 crocodiles, snakes and tortoises.
There is a lot for kids to explore and do in the play areas, such as an obstacle course, zip-line, outdoor and indoor playgrounds. There are also several restaurants.

The park is open every day from Easter to the middle of October:
From March 19th 10 – 16:00; from May 1st 10 – 18:00 and from August 15th 10 – 17:00 Tickets can be purchased at the entrance and the park advises early as possible arrival. Adult ticket NOK 290,-, child 240,-

Bear Park 3539 Flå, Norway Latitude: 60.434673 | Longitude: 9.445649 Altitude: 203 meters