When we arrived at CDG we definitely got our steps in wandering around the airport and immigration. When our flight landed in Oslo we took the convenient Flytoget train to the downtown train station, which was just across the street from our hotel, the Amerikanlinjen, From their website: “Here the journey began for thousands of hopeful Norwegians. They were going to travel with Amerikalinjen to the land of opportunity. The Norwegian America Line’s venerable headquarters opened their doors in 1919.” This was my favorite hotel in Norway. It was embused with the history of the ship line that took many Norwegian emigrants to America (and perhaps my grandparents). Also, the breakfast and bar were most excellent.

One of the first things we did was purchase an Oslo pass from the transit agency. We mainly used the trolleys, finding that we could get almost anywhere we needed to go.

The next morning we met our guide for an architectural walk around Oslo. Oslo is a clean, vibrant city with innovative urban development and beautiful architecture. We visited the library (of course), the Opera House, Barcode and more.

The Deichman – Future Library was not only beautiful and full of art, books, and users of all ages.

Another of those ”must do” places is the Vigeland Sculpture Park. According to many guidebooks and Rick Steves videos this park is grand, beautiful and thought-provoking. Of course, I didn’t believe it until I actually saw the park. We took the trolley and entered through the park area of lush gardens and sculptures. But, when you enter the sculpture park the sculptures in bronze, granite and cast iron are almost overwhelming.

We also visited the National Museum, the Opera House, the Barcode, and took many long walks around the city. We did not do a sauna at the floating saunas in the harbor followed by a quick dip in the cold water. Other fun included a night of American and Norwegian jazz at our hotel.