Fly from Nice to Oslo

Want to surprise your sweetheart by whisking them away for a surprise weekend in an unusual destination? Try Oslo! The Norwegian capital is the perfect place to spend time as a couple. The city is on a human scale, exceptionally pleasant, and easily explored on foot or by bike. Nevertheless, whether it’s accommodation, shopping or culture you’re after, it promises all the advantages of a big metropolis: hotels with fascinating design, unusual and innovative boutiques, charming and buzzing neighbourhoods, amazing contemporary buildings, world-class museums…
What’s more, Oslo, like any self-respecting Scandinavian city, is closer to nature than most capitals in the world. Built at the end of a fjord, it has many parks, and even some fabulous forests. The people of Oslo take good care of this natural heritage, with lots of initiatives to ensure sustainable development in the city. So do like the locals, head somewhere green, sleep in an environmentally friendly hotel, go mountain biking or kayaking, and dine at organic or vegan restaurants, where you can often eat better for less than in their traditional counterparts.

• Discover the idol of a whole kingdom: Edvard Munch, Oslo’s most famous artist. The museum devoted to him has over a thousand of his works, including the famous “Scream”.
• Wander around the loveliest parts of the city: lively Grünerløkka with all its bars, restaurants and little shops, historical Kvadraturen, waterside Aker Brygge and arty Tjuvholmen.
• Stroll along Karl Johans Gate. This pedestrianised street is Norway’s answer to the Champs-Elysées! Walk up this large, beautiful avenue to the Royal Palace, to see the Changing of the Guard (every day at 13:30).
• Ski! There is even a museum devoted to Norway’s national sport in Holmenkollen, at the base of an Olympic ski jump. Enjoy the thrill of the jump without the risk, with a ski jump simulator, and climb to the top of the ski jump for an incredible view of the city.
• Explore the Oslofjord by boat, along with its tranquil islands: Langøyene, Gressholmen, Heggholmen, Hovedøya… You’ll see beaches, “hytte” (the cabins that Osloites love so much) and old buildings.
• Combine nature and culture, by visiting a sculpture park: Frogner Park boasts more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, while Ekebergparken contains masterpieces by Louise Bourgeois, Damien Hirst and Auguste Rodin.
• Get the perfect jeans from Acne Studios, without breaking the bank. The luxury Swedish brand has an outlet, Acne Archive, in the district of Grünerløkka. Another recommendation for fashionistas: the Vestkanttorget flea market, every Saturday.
• Try some tasty food trends at Mathallen: an indoor market that has just set up in an old factory. On the menu: sushi, fish & chips, Italian antipasti and local specialities.
• Dine in the city’s best restaurant: Maaemo, the world’s northernmost three Michelin starred restaurant. Norwegian cuisine at its finest. You’ll need to book (very) well in advance!
• Taste one of the best espressos of your life at Fuglen, Java Espressobar & Kaffeforretning, or Tim Wendelboe. With masters like these, Norway is another country of coffee!