Denmark, Sweden, Norway: Day 9 - Stockholm, Sweden to Oslo, Norway

Today we would leave, after only scratching the surface of Stockholm, and head to Oslo, Norway. We arrived at the train station just before 10 am.

OK, another difference between Sweden and the US - since the train was delayed, only by a short time, this train employee, with her midsummer crown on, was handing out information and candy to the waiting passengers.  

Such a small, but kind gesture - what sets Europe apart.

We boarded the train, got comfortable and watched out the window as, heading west, the Swedish countryside whisked by.

We reserved seats with the supposed best views of the many lakes we would pass.  The countryside did seem very open and sparsely populated. 

Donning his extended daylight blocking mask, Corky used the long train ride to catch some Zs.

We all napped, read, snacked, played games, and whiled the time away as the train speed towards Oslo.

We arrived in Oslo around 4:30 in the afternoon, grabbed our luggage and then headed to our accommodations at the Thon City Hotel Rosenkrantz.  On the way we past the Stortinget, where the Norwegian Parliament meets and where a gathering in support of Ukraine was underway.

We dumped our stuff in the hotel, and then headed out for dinner.  I had read about the cool neighborhoods along the Akers River, so we hopped on a trolley to get us to Grünerløkka.

The Akers River runs approximately 6 miles through Oslo.  In the past, the river was utilized as a source of energy for local industry and there are many old industrial buildings along its banks.

By the 1970s, the river was heavily contaminated after 150 years of industrial and sewage discharge, but in the 1980s, a local initiative to limit discharges and revive the flora and fauna of the river began.

The Akerselva has largely been rehabilitated and is now "Oslo’s green lung".  Along the bank of the entire river, from Grønland to Maridalsvannet, there are park areas. Salmon now run and spawn in the upper part of the river.

From the trolley stop, it was a short walk to the the Grünerhagen Park where we began our walk.  We were looking for a relatively inexpensive dinner at the Mathallen riverside market, but when we got there it was mostly closed and the outside cafes didn't look all that appealing.

I was ready to keep looking, but the group's general consensus was to settle on something close by.  On our way to Matthallen, we had passed the fancy Nedre Foss Gård restaurant.

It's outdoor seating was appealing and it was close so we inquired about a table and were lucky enough to get one in short order.

We ordered drinks and engaged in friendly conversation, so much so that we drew the attention of the Norwegian couple at the next table.  They said they could tell we were tourists by the open and free way we spoke to one another.  Norwegians are much more reserved and keep to themselves in public.  Americans being Americans, we always stick out!  Nevertheless, they gave us some tips on wine bars to check out after dinner.

The Nedre Foss Gård menu is locally sourced and seasonal so I can't check the online menu to say what we had.  But I can tell you it was good!  

Mine was a beef dish while Kathi opted for burratta cheese and tomatoes 

As we walked back through Grünerhagen Park, I had to stop and take notice of the unique (to Americans) amenities, like this deposit box for used drug needles. 

And, on the flip side of the trash receptacle, a place to recycle your glass beer or wine bottles.  It's OK to drink in public at the park!

We caught the next trolley back to the hotel and, don't let the light of the photos fool you, it was past 10:30 at night, so after a long day, we were ready for bed!  

Tomorrow, more exploring of Oslo!