TOP FIVE: Post-Easter activities in Oslo
Inter Universitas brings you the top five tips to beat the post-Easter blues.
The Easter break is over and we are just beginning to see the start of Spring. Perhaps international students have visited friends and family, relaxed over the extended break and just generally over-indulged and gorged themselves on Easter treats. Compared to that, returning to Oslo to begin studies again may seem a little dreary, so here are Inter Universitas’ Top Five Tips to beat the post-Easter blues. Embrace the paradoxical snow and sun that is peculiar to Oslo in April.
1. Toboggan run (Korketrekkeren). Ridiculously fun at any point in the winter season, but especially over the Easter break with the added benefit of the sun shining. Take a group of friends up to Frognerseteren T-bane, and sled down the exciting (and slightly terrifying) course. When you get to the bottom take the T-bane back to the top of the slope from Midtstuen. A standard Zone 1 Ruter Card includes the price of this journey and the run is free to ride, but the toboggan rental costs between 100-150 NOK, or you can bring your own. The charity organisers Akeforeningen update their website with sledding conditions and availability, so make sure to check that out first.
2. The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). With a membership and a bit of know-how, you can use one of the 500 cabins that the association has to offer. Around 450 of them are non-staffed, so make sure you do your research beforehand. The membership gives you access to a skeleton key which can be used to unlock the numerous cabins. Grab a group of friends and go and explore the Norwegian wilderness!
3. Cross country skiing in the sunshine. Although it is the end of the season now, the particularly chilly winter has left plenty of tracks still available. The Association for the promotion of skiing (Skiforeningen) has loads of suggestions on where to go. Students are able to rent skis from SIO at a very reasonable price, and the Oslo Ski Centre also offers complete equipment rental.
4. Loppedmarker. This is possibly the most useful thing for international students here in Oslo. Many schools open their doors in April to host flea markets and jumble sales. The products range is anything from kitchenware to water-skiing equipment and as it is second hand everything is ridiculously cheap. Look through the Loppemarkeder website to find the one nearest to you.
5. City Bikes. The start of April means those bright blue bikes will once again be dotted all around the city. For the low price of 399 NOK you can register for the whole season (April-November) and pick up a bike from any of the 200 stations. Bygdøy is a particularly beautiful area to explore by bicycle, or just use them to get to school and enjoy the sunshine.
The Norwegian Trekking Association DNT
