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Columnist Alexandra Pereira lets us in on how to achieve hygge, lagom and koselig both at home and on minibreaks across Scandinavia. Here she takes an eco-conscious mini-break among the fjords, mountains and saunas of Oslo.
17 September, 2020
It may be the home of rather intense black-metal music and world-famous skiing events, but in Oslo, warmth and peace are surprisingly easy to come by too. The summers are famously light and hot, with fjord swims and sunny hikes aplenty - but as with much of Scandinavia, it's "snug" and "dramatic" that the Norwegian capital nails the best.
Oslo may be a tiny city with less than 700,000 residents, but its eco-credentials punch well above its weight. In 2016 it introduced a "climate budget" with a goal to reduce emissions by 95 per cent by 2030; 1,000 trees were planted for the Future Library project two years later; in 2019, it was crowned the European Green Capital.
Oslo's young professionals and creatives may scatter themselves among the hip, diverse neighbourhoods of Grünerløkka and Tøyen, or the more bougie Frogner and St Hanshaugen - all Parisian-esque facades and tree-lined streets of mansions - but the main thing this city's dwellers have in common is their commitment to time spent in nature.
Ergo, the city's green, sustainable-leisure offering is increasing too. Visitors will find eco-friendly hotels committed to eliminating waste and championing reusable materials, restaurants that support third-world communities, as well as spas and saunas scattered between the city's central harbour and the dense surrounding forest.
In a time when travellers are becoming more eco-conscious, it's interesting to see Oslo's dedication to learning and introducing the bigger ideas behind eco work. Indeed, this year's Oslo Innovation Week goes digital with its aim to solve real global challenges through entrepreneurship, innovation and green tech - the subjects of its panels include energy, circular economy and life-science investment.
With all this in mind, Oslo makes a great spot for a sustainable city-break. We've picked out some of the best places to stay and play for eco-conscious travellers.
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thingstodo
With the sheer wealth of open nature skirting the entire city, it's no wonder most Osloites' weekend activities revolve around getting a fix of the outdoors - it's more popular than pubbing and clubbing. A 20-minute scenic tram ride from the city will take you to the winding hiking routes, dramatic lakes and towering pines of our favourite forest, Nordmarka. It's where the trees for Future Library are planted. After exploring, take the lift to Holmenkollen, famed for its ski-jumping hill and competitions - though there's plenty of ski opportunities for amateurs too. Workout done, stop by the Bavarian-like Holmenkollen Restaurant for tartare, a hot toddy and mountaintop views.
thingstodo
thingstodo
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This is a restaurant with a really great initiative. André Evju came home from his travels with an idea to seize the affluent Norwegian appetite and put something back into the communities to which he grew close while in Africa. A snug and inviting noodle bar with a succinct menu and bottles of local craft beers, it feeds a child in need for every meal bought. We love the Frogner outpost, but there are locations in St Hanshaugen and at Oslo Street Food too.
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Oslo, Norway
Fuglen (or "the bird") is a coffee-shop-cum-vintage-store-cum-cocktail-joint that opened in 1963 and has consistently supported local small businesses and artisans of every flavour since. The 60s Scandi interior alone is a charm.
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This Michelin-starred restaurant is a good alternative to the much-hyped, Noma-like Maaemo. Against a semi-industrial backrop of exposed pipework and concrete floors, it serves dishes that showcase Norway's bounty of organic, ethically sourced produce at the peak of its season. We recommend the 10-course tasting menu.
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