After sailing one final time across the Baltic Sea and spending another night in Stockholm, I embarked on a memorable journey from Stockholm to Gothenburg, Sweden, to reunite with the friends I had met during my trip to Santo Domingo, D.R.
Arriving in Gothenburg, my friend Kristoffer greeted me at the train station, and together we navigated the local metro system to his apartment complex. I really didn’t pay attention to where we were going because I was with him.
A Night Out in Gothenburg
Joined by our mutual friends Tobias and Andreas, we embarked on a lively night out, attending a concert by the Swedish group Arvingarna.
Somehow, in the midst of the excitement, I became separated from the group, unable to locate them in the closing venue.
Lost and without a connected phone, I found solace in the kindness of a Swedish girl named Ewa. Sharing her umbrella, she guided me to an all-night diner, introducing me to the delightful experience of Swedish pancakes at 4 AM.
Lost in Sweden at 4 AM
With her assistance, I managed to secure a taxi back to the apartment complex.
Once there, I found the building to be locked but was able to pick up Kristoffer’s Wi-Fi signal, so I knew I was at the right spot.
I waited a while before the newspaper delivery man came early to deliver morning papers. since he had access to the building, and I followed in behind him once the door was unlocked. I made my way to my friends’ place and ended the night at long last.
From Gothenburg to Oslo
After a few more adventures, the weekend was over, and I went next to Oslo, Norway.
Oslo is a very modern metropolitan city with a unique feel. I stayed just one block off Karl Johans Gate, the main shopping district area, which was a great place to wander. The entire “street” is for walking only—no cars allowed. Lined with many familiar international retailers like Benetton and H&M, along with lots of unique Norwegian stores and smaller shops, the area is filled with eateries and street performers doing their thing.
At Karl Johans Gate, there is plenty to keep one occupied for hours while getting a good vibe of the city.
Exploring Oslo
Although disappointed to find the world’s only mini-bottle museum closed during my visit, I managed to snap a few photos from outside, capturing a glimpse of its allure.
As I continued my stroll, I made my way to the iconic Royal Palace, a symbol of Norway’s rich heritage. The accompanying museum provided a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s royal history, setting the stage for further exploration.
I took a long walk through the city and made my way to the Royal Palace.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Oslo’s cultural treasures continued to captivate me as I ventured to the Gustav Vigeland sculpture park.
Spread across 80 acres, this mesmerizing park showcased Vigeland’s masterpieces, created over two decades. Each sculpture seemed a bit odd, and quite fascinating.
The nearby waterfront area exuded a hip and trendy vibe, reminiscent of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor but with a distinct European flair. There, I reveled in the vibrant ambiance while gazing at the formidable Castle/Fortress Akershus, an ancient stronghold dating back to the 13th century.
From this strategic vantage point, Oslo’s beauty unfolded before me.
The Waterfront Area…..
The Old Fort….
Swedish Friends and Norwegian Adventures
My journey from Gothenburg to Oslo proved to be an adventure filled with unexpected encounters and cultural immersion.
From getting lost and finding solace in the kindness of strangers in Gothenburg to exploring the vibrant streets of Karl Johans Gate and embracing Oslo’s rich history, every moment left a mark on my travel memories.
Where I Stayed
Stockholm — Skanstulls Boutique Hotel
My stay at the Skanstulls Boutique Hotel in Stockholm was a brief one – I spent just a single night there while passing through the city. With a busy travel schedule, I wasn’t looking for an elaborate hotel experience; I simply needed a comfortable and convenient place to spend the night before continuing my journey.
The hotel is located in the Södermalm district, one of Stockholm’s lively neighborhoods, with restaurants, cafés, shops, and public transportation nearby. Its location made it practical for a short stopover and gave me an opportunity to experience a little of Stockholm even though I wasn’t staying long.
The property has a more intimate, boutique-style atmosphere than the large international hotels I often use. The rooms are compact and functional, providing the essentials for a comfortable night’s rest.
Since I was only in Stockholm for one night in transit, I didn’t have enough time to take full advantage of everything the hotel and neighborhood had to offer. Still, it served its purpose well—a convenient place to rest, recharge, and get ready for the next leg of my travels.
Oslo — Numa Oslo Hallen
In Oslo, I stayed at Numa Oslo Hallen, a stylish apartment-style property located right in the heart of Oslo’s Sentrum district on Tollbugata. Its central location made it an excellent base for exploring the city, with the waterfront, restaurants, shopping, and many of Oslo’s major attractions all within easy walking distance. Oslo Central Station was also only about a five-minute walk away, making it particularly convenient for getting around the city and connecting to the airport.
Numa Oslo Hallen has a different feel from a traditional hotel. The property occupies a former post office building and has been transformed into modern, comfortable apartments with a clean, contemporary design. Rather than a conventional hotel room, the accommodations have more of a small apartment feel, with many rooms featuring kitchenettes, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and even washing machines.
The digital approach was another interesting part of the experience. There is no traditional front desk, with check-in handled online and access provided through a PIN code or digital system. It was a convenient and straightforward way to come and go without having to deal with a hotel lobby or wait in line.
The rooms were designed to be comfortable and functional, with spacious beds, modern bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and work areas. Having a kitchenette was also a nice bonus, especially for travelers who want the flexibility to prepare something themselves rather than eat every meal at a restaurant.
What I particularly liked about Numa Oslo Hallen was its combination of location and independence. I could walk out the door and immediately be in the middle of Oslo, yet return to a quiet, comfortable space that felt more like an apartment than a conventional hotel.
For a traveler who plans to spend most of the day exploring Oslo, Numa Oslo Hallen is a very practical choice. Its central location, apartment-style accommodations, and easy digital check-in made it a memorable and convenient place to stay during my visit to the Norwegian capital.
