Going back to city centre
I am now back at the stop to take Tram no. 12. Usually, it goes back to city centre and stops at National Theatre. However, there is some ongoing construction today so I need to take a de-tour. I will have to take the tram to its last stop at Majorstuen then change to use T-bane Metro to get back to National Theatre.
If you refer to the metro map, you will notice all the trains stop at National Theatre so you don’t need to wait a long time for the trains.
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was built as a residence for King Carl Johan, but was not completed until after his death. Later in 1849, the Lord Chamberlain took possession of the new palace on behalf of King Oscar I, and it was formally inaugurated in the presence of the whole Royal Family.
It is open to the public during summer and all visitors must follow a guided tour which lasts approximately one hour. The entrance is at the west side (the back) of the Royal Palace.
I want to buy a ticket (Cost: NOK 135) at the entrance but I am told that it is already sold out. That’s when I find out that only the remaining tickets are sold at the entrance before each tour. So, if you are interested in going, best to purchase tickets in advance at ticketmaster.no, Oslo Visitor Centre, Narvesen and tel. (+47) 815 33 133 as stated on the website.
Well, I am not disappointed because on the bright side, I get to save my money again. Haha. OK, now I just need to stay here and wait till 1:30 p.m. to watch the changing of the guards.
20 minutes before… a group of adorable kids show up. They are sooo cute! May be they are here to watch the changing of the guards too?
Hmm…the guard is kinda cute? Hehe.
OK, here they come!!
Mission accomplished! The changing of guards takes around half an hour’s time to complete. It was pretty interesting to watch but nothing exciting, at least not for me.
It’s already 2 p.m. My stomach is growling madly, I need fooddddd. I have been looking forward to today’s lunch as I will be having a traditional Norwegian dish at Restaurant Schrøder which has good reviews. Sounds exciting right? Follow me!
Restaurant Schrøder
My friend has taught me to take either Tram no. 12 or 13 from National Theatre to Solli. After I get off at Solli tram stop, I will have to look for the bus stop – Lapsetorvet to take bus no. 21 to go to St. Hanshaugen.
When I arrive at St. Hanshaugen, my sense of directions gets in the way and once again, I become lost. No surprise there. Haha. Anyway, this is just a small matter. I stop by a cafe shop to ask for directions, “Hi, do you know where Restaurant Schrøder is?” The shop assistant smiles and shakes her head so I show her my map. Despite not knowing where it is, she helps me out by looking at my map. She says, pointing at the map, “You see our shop is here so I believe the restaurant is just across the street.” I thank her then quickly cross the street.
I walk up and down the street but I just don’t see the restaurant. Instead of wasting time, I go into a bakery shop and ask for help again. The shop assistants have not heard of the restaurant before so they kindly help to look at my map and say, “Do you want us to help you google map it?” I response in delight, “Oh, that will be great! Thank you so much.”
This is why I don’t want to use data on my phone and insist on using a hard-copy map to find my ways. Not only I get to connect with people, but also recovering faith in humanity in a way. The people I have met so far are very friendly and nice.
Few seconds later, they tell me that the restaurant is at the back of their street only. I happily thank them and walk to the back of street. There it is! Yes!!
Hmm… are you guys thinking what I am thinking? It is empty except for an elderly person sitting at the corner near the door. I am starting to have my doubts especially when the people I asked for directions earlier do not know this restaurant. I look at my watch, it is 2:30 p.m. already. Lunch time is way over hence could be the answer why there is no one around. *Fingers cross* Let’s hope the food is nice.
The waiter seems friendly. He smiles and passes me the menu. I already know what I want to have so I place my order quickly. While waiting for my food, I look around and observe the atmosphere. It is rather old-school since it is a classic pub and restaurant, in fact, one of the few brown cafes left in Oslo.
Restaurant Schrøder can trace its history back to 1925 in Oslo, and back to 1956 at St. Hanshaugen. It is also known as the favourite hangout for detective Harry Hole in Jo Nesbø’s popular crime novels. I have not read his books before but I am sure readers who are his fans will be happy to know this.
15 minutes later, the food is served! TA-DAAA, this is kjøttkaker (large, Norwegian meatballs). It looks and smells fantastic~~~~
Eagerly, I cut a piece of the meatball and dip it in the gravy and jam then I put it in my mouth. Omg….it tastes so good. The meat is soft and tender. Moreover, the savoury of the gravy and the sweetness of the jam have a good balance which match well with the meat. Last but not least, this dish is obviously incomplete without the sour cabbage, boiled potatoes and mushy peas which are just as good. Together, they make a very hearty meal which warms your heart and feed your soul. Aa…(sigh of relief)
While I am enjoying my meal, a group of elderly people walk in. I put on my detective cap. Hmm… I think I figure out why the people I asked earlier do not know this restaurant. It could be because this restaurant is more popular with the elders. Younger generations generally prefer to go to more hipster places. It’s such a pity though for what they are missing out on. Hmm… perhaps not as they can easily make this at home too? Anyhow, I will definitely recommend this place to everyone.
The photo above is the evidence of how delicious it was. I finish it except for the potatoes because I am simply too full. Still, I can’t believe I ate so much. Who can resist such delicious food right? *wink*
The remaining time
For the rest of the afternoon, I just walk around the city.
The National Library of Norway
Karl Johans Gate, the main street in the city.
Stortinget – The Parliament
Grand Hotel, a 5 star hotel where the lowest rate starts from around NOK 1,600 per night
It’s only 4:30 p.m. by the time I finished exploring the places stated on my itinerary. It is too early for dinner and I am still full from my late lunch so I head to REMA 1000 first to buy some bread for tomorrow’s breakfast.
Wienerpekan (i.e.a pecan and maple danish pastry) looks tasty. Yummss… I choose you!
OK, I am going back to the hotel to rest for a while, feeling exhausted after having walked so much today. Yikes, imagine if I hadn’t use the public transports and walked everywhere instead? *shake head* I don’t want to know. It is not going to be feasible. Luckily, I follow my friend’s advice.
Back at Hotel
Now that I am back at hotel and lying comfortably on my bed, I no longer have the urge to go out again for dinner. To be honest, I am really not that hungry. I think a banana and an apple for dinner will do. Yup, decided!
I also need to rest early today as I have a very early train to catch tomorrow. All right, see you tomorrow then!
Travel tips in Oslo:
- Take NSB train from airport to oslo city centre as it is cheaper than FLYTOGET. See comparison:
- If you want to buy cheaper food and beverages, go to supermarkets like REMA 1000/KIWI/ BUNPRIS.
- Free admission on Thursday for the National Gallery.
- Get a 24-hour ticket rather than a single ticket if you intend to take more than two journeys during a 24-hour period, a 24-hour ticket will work out cheaper than buying single tickets.
Costs reference:
The hotel cost is quite expensive because I book it quite last minute. It will be much cheaper if you book it earlier. However, do bear in mind that hotels in Norway are not cheap.
Please see below for the costs I incurred during my visits to the tourist attractions which will surprise you:
Zero cost! Simply because I did not opt for any guided tours.
Reviews:
