With Aer Lingus launching a new summer route to Oslo for summer 2026, Ireland’s gateway to Norway’s sublime landscapes and refined urban culture just got a whole lot more exciting. From fjords carved like fjords of legend to Nordic cuisine and stylish city living, Norway is the kind of destination that seduces the senses and slows your pulse in equal measure. Here’s your insider’s guide to what to do, where to eat, where to drink and where to stay in this breathtaking Scandinavian gem.
Begin in Oslo: Nordic Cool Meets Fjordside Flair
Oslo is a city that marries rugged nature with sleek design. Wander through the revitalized Bjørvika district where the Munch Museum anchors the waterfront with its striking architecture and world-class collection, including The Scream and other masterpieces.
Slide over to the Oslofjord by ferry and find pockets of summer calm on islands where locals swim and picnic under endless daylight. Or stroll through Vigeland Sculpture Park and the elegant streets around the Royal Palace for your fill of art and history.
Eat Like a Local — Elevated
Norway’s cuisine in summer is all about pristine ingredients and thoughtful execution, without unnecessary fuss. In Oslo, book a table at Ekebergrestauranten, an art-deco landmark perched above the city with sweeping views over the Oslofjord. The menu champions modern Nordic cooking, think delicately cured fish, seasonal vegetables and beautifully restrained desserts—served in surroundings that feel effortlessly glamorous rather than intimidating.
For something both refined and rooted in tradition, Den Glade Gris serves up timeless Norwegian dishes in a convivial setting. If you want a vibrant food hall vibe with Nordic and international bites, Mathallen Oslo is the perfect stop on a sunny afternoon.
Sip in Style — Oslo’s Best Bars
Oslo’s cocktail culture is thriving. HIMKOK Storgata Destilleri is consistently ranked among the world’s best, with inventive cocktails made with spirits distilled on-site, a Nordic design and flavour experience all its own.
For a more intimate evening, About Contrasts Oslo dazzles with a perfect balance of classic and modern cocktails, while SVANEN Cocktailbar offers sleek drinks right on Karl Johans Gate , ideal for people-watching between sips.
Where to Stay — Style Meets Comfort
For a stay that feels as curated as your itinerary, The Thief is Oslo’s quintessential design hotel , sleek, art-filled and perched right on the waterfront with stunning views and a cultured vibe worthy of its reputation.
If you prefer historic elegance and theatre-inspired interiors in the heart of the city, Hotel Christiania Teater is an excellent boutique choice that keeps you steps from Karl Johans Gate and Oslo’s cultural pulse.
Fjord Adventures — The Heart of Norway
No trip to Norway in summer is complete without seeing its fjords. Consider a Norway in a Nutshell® tour, which connects Oslo with UNESCO-protected waterways like the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord via scenic rail, dramatic roads and serene cruises.
These tours typically span a few days and include ferry cruises through towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and tranquil waters, the quintessential Norwegian natural spectacle. It’s the kind of experience that gets under your skin in the best possible way.
Summer in Norway — A Slower Pace, Epic Views
From Oslo’s design-centric city life and sublime restaurants to outdoor fjord cruises and midnight sun landscapes, summer in Norway is an intoxicating balance of sophistication and sublime wilderness. With Aer Lingus adding direct flights, there’s never been a more thrilling time to answer the call of the North and discover this quietly dramatic corner of the world.
