Exploring Oslo
Norway is a country that consistently ranks among the top in the world for its quality of life, natural beauty, and progressive social policies. As its capital city, Oslo is a microcosm of all that Norway has to offer.
With its museums, cultural landmarks, and natural scenery, Oslo offers a unique travel experience that combines the best of both worlds. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or a business traveler, there's something for everyone in this vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
We have visited Oslo multiple times and enjoyed the experience a lot! In this blog post, we'll explore some of the reasons why you should consider visiting Oslo
01.
The Well
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and the images of The Well's spa and wellness center certainly speak for themselves. The exceptional facilities and beautiful design truly create a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Well, a spa and wellness center located in Kolbotn, about 19km from Oslo Central Station. From multiple experiences, it appears that The Well is a highly recommended hotel with a fantastic spa and wellness facility.
The hotel offers an indoor pool, fitness center, and sauna, as well as a restaurant. Guests can also enjoy a hot tub and hammam. Hiking is available in and around Kolbotn. The concept of the spa is described as "cool" and "beautiful," with a variety of different pools, steam rooms, and saunas. Guests have enjoyed the spa's rituals and say that they will definitely be back for another stay. The spa's focus on bathing culture is also praised.
We describe The Well as a "wellness hotel" rather than just a hotel with a spa. The SPA and wellness facility nothing less than as "exceptional" and "outstanding," with us giving it the highest recommendations.
This hotel is 14km away from the city center.
Wellness Facilities
Fitness/spa locker rooms
Fitness
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Couples massage
Foot massage
Neck massage
Back massage
Spa/wellness packages
Foot bath
Spa lounge/relaxation area
Steam room
Spa facilities
Body wrap
Body scrub
Body treatments
Pedicure
Manicure
Hair treatments
Make up services
Waxing services
Facial treatments
Beauty Services
Sun umbrellas
Sun loungers or beach chairs
Public Bath
Open-air bath
Hot spring bath
Hammam
Hot tub/Jacuzzi
Massage
Spa and wellness centre
Fitness centre
Sauna
02.
Scandic Holmenkollen Park
Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel is a luxurious hotel located in the historic Dragon Building, offering exclusive rooms and suites that are designed to provide guests with the utmost comfort and convenience. The hotel is truly a destination in itself, situated a full 350 meters above sea level, providing guests with stunning views of Oslo and the Nordmarka right outside their hotel door.
One of the standout features of Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel is its new and delicious spa, which offers guests a range of treatments and services that are designed to help them relax and unwind during their stay. With a pool and a large gym spanning 1,100 square meters, the spa is the perfect place to escape from the everyday life and relax your mind, body, and soul. It's worth noting that entrance to the Artesia SPA should be booked well in advance of your stay, due to limited capacity.
During your stay, make sure you take full advantage of the hotel's swimming pool and spa area, providing a relaxing and tranquil environment where you can unwind and enjoy the stunning views.
This hotel is 7km away from the city center.
Wellness Facilities
Fitness/spa locker rooms
Fitness
Spa/wellness packages
Spa lounge/relaxation area
Spa facilities
Spa and wellness centre
Fitness centre
03.
The Thief
The Thief is a stunning design boutique hotel located in the trendy Tjuvholmen area of Oslo. With the promenade of Aker Brygge just a 5-minute walk away, guests can easily explore the city's attractions and soak up the local culture.
One of the standout features of The Thief is its luxurious spa, which offers in-room treatments, a spa center, and free around-the-clock gym access. The Thief Spa includes a Turkish hamam bath, sauna, and swimming pool, providing guests with the ultimate relaxation experience. Additionally, guests can also relax on the chic rooftop terrace and enjoy contemporary Norwegian cuisine at the Thief Food Bar.
The staff at The Thief are warm, friendly, and welcoming, ensuring that guests feel right at home during their stay. The spa was particularly impressive, providing a welcome for guests after a long flight or day of exploring the city. The luxurious facilities were truly a godsend, and guests will feel pampered and rejuvenated during their stay.
The location of The Thief is also a major highlight, situated right on the water with stunning views of the surrounding area. While the gym may be small, it is nicely equipped, and the sauna is a pleasant way to unwind. Guests also have the option to take a dip in the sea after a sauna session, which is only about 70 meters away.
While some guests may find the hotel a bit dated, it is undeniably stylish and provides a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The spa area is particularly pleasant, and the rooms offer stunning views of the surrounding area, providing guests with a truly unforgettable experience.
This hotel is 1,2km away from the city center.
Wellness Facilities
Fitness/spa locker rooms
Fitness
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Foot massage
Neck massage
Back massage
Spa/wellness packages
Foot bath
Spa lounge/relaxation area
Steam room
Spa facilities
Body wrap
Body scrub
Pedicure
Manicure
Make up services
Facial treatments
Beauty Services
Hammam
Massage
Spa and wellness centre
Fitness centre
Sauna
04.
Grand Hotel
Grand Hotel in Oslo is a historic hotel that has been serving guests since 1874. The hotel is located in the heart of the city, just 500 meters away from the Royal Palace. The hotel offers a range of amenities that cater to the needs of its guests, including a well-equipped gym and a spa.
One of the standout features of the Grand Hotel is its spa, which offers guests a chance to unwind and relax after a long day of exploring the city. Guests can enjoy free access to the Artesia spa on weekdays, however some of the treatments may reqquire additional booking and payment and it is a subject to availability. The spa is well equipped and offers a range of services, including a couple's massage that is highly recommended. However, it is important to note that the spa can get quite busy, so it is advisable to book in advance if you want to use the pool.
The gym at Grand Hotel is also impressive, with a range of equipment available for guests to use. The gym is well maintained and provides a great space for guests to work out and stay active during their stay.
The hotel's location is another great feature. Guests are within walking distance of some of Oslo's most popular attractions, including the Royal Palace and Aker Brygge. The hotel is also well connected to public transport, making it easy to explore the city further.
In terms of drawbacks, some guests have reported that access to the spa can be limited due to high demand. However, the overall consensus is that the spa is amazing and well worth a visit.
This hotel is 50m away from the city center.
Wellness Facilities
Fitness
Spa lounge/relaxation area
Steam room
Spa facilities
Beauty Services
Hammam
Massage
Spa and wellness centre
Fitness centre
Sauna
05.
Sommerro
One of the standout features of Sommerro is the sauna and spa center, which is perfect for guests who are looking to relax and unwind during their stay. The high-quality fitness studio is also a great perk for guests who want to stay active during their travels. The charming spa is a great place to get pampered and the smiling and helpful staff make the experience even more enjoyable.
The rooms at Sommerro are decadent and stylish, with each room offering a wardrobe and a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. Some rooms even offer a stunning city view, which adds to the overall experience. The bed linen and towels are provided, ensuring that guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.
One of the things that sets Sommerro apart is the rooftop pool and terrace, which is Oslo's first. This is a great place to relax and take in the stunning views of the city while enjoying a swim or some refreshments.
The hotel is located in one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, which adds to the charm and character of the experience. Guests will also appreciate the convenient location of the hotel, which is close to great restaurants and bars.
This hotel is 1,1km away from the city center.
Wellness Facilities
Spa and wellness centre
Fitness centre
Sauna
Some cool tips about Oslo
01.
The world's most stunning natural scenery!
The city is surrounded by beautiful fjords, mountains, and forests, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, skiing, and boating are just a few of the activities that visitors can enjoy. In addition, the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Jump Tower, a popular attraction in Oslo, provides an opportunity to learn about the history of skiing while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Oslo is a hub for cultural experiences. The city is home to several world-renowned museums and galleries, including the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum, and the National Gallery. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and artistic culture of Norway while exploring these cultural landmarks. Additionally, the Oslo Opera House, an architectural masterpiece that sits on the waterfront, is a must-see for those interested in the performing arts.
02.
Museums and art galleries
Oslo is a city that takes its cultural heritage seriously, and visitors will find no shortage of museums and art galleries to explore. The Munch Museum is a must-see destination for art lovers, featuring a comprehensive collection of works by the famous Norwegian painter, Edvard Munch.
Other notable museums in the city include the National Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Norwegian art from the Middle Ages to the present day, and the Nobel Peace Center, which celebrates the legacy of Alfred Nobel and the laureates of the Nobel Peace Prize.
For those interested in contemporary art, the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit, featuring works by some of the world's most influential contemporary artists. Whether you're a history buff or an art lover, Oslo's museums and galleries are sure to captivate and inspire you.
03.
Hub for business and innovation
Oslo is not just a cultural and scenic paradise, it's also a hub for business and innovation, making it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs and business travelers. The city is home to many global companies and institutions that drive the country's economy, such as Telenor, DNV GL, and Statoil.
What really sets Oslo apart is its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. The city has set an ambitious target to become carbon neutral by 2030, and it is well on its way to achieving this goal.
The city has a growing startup scene that is focused on green technology and renewable energy, making it an exciting place to be for anyone interested in sustainability and innovation. With a thriving business community and a focus on sustainability,
Oslo is known for its progressive social policies
This includes a strong emphasis on gender equality, environmental protection, and LGBTQ+ rights. Norway is consistently ranked among the top countries in the world for quality of life, and Oslo embodies this commitment to social progress.