Fjord Oslo's Outdoor Light Art Festival Will Illuminate Norway Again

Gaia, by Luke Jerram, part of the Fjord Oslo 2020 light show
Gaia, by Luke Jerram, part of the Fjord Oslo 2020 light show | © Jim Huntsman

Editorial Manager

Many international festivals have found it impossible to proceed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Social distancing and mass interaction simply don’t work in this climate. Yet one art event is set to return later this year in Oslo, and its unique concept makes it perfect for the times we live in.

The cultural calendar has been decimated by global events this year. A summer without music has been difficult, and empty schedules have left many of us with little to look forward to.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

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An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

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The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

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SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

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From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

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An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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A young boy is mesmerised by Luke Jerram’s Gaia, a touring artwork

Thankfully, some of the more creative arts events that rely on public spaces have been able to bring some colour back. We’re currently enjoying the London Mural Festival as it continues to highlight the best street art around and now another city-wide event has been announced.

Fjord Oslo debuted in 2019 with the objective of delivering a collective art experience. The free event was held outdoors and proved to be such a massive success that a return was inevitable. The three-day event this year will be held on November 6-9 and promises to bring the most exciting light installations to Oslo’s waterfront.

Le Bal des Luminéoles, by Christophe Martine, spreads its colours across the Oslo night sky

Using techniques such as projection mapping and colour movement, the selected works all explore the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Norway’s capital city is the ideal backdrop, with the 2019 edition showcasing the booming Harbour Promenade area as well as some of the more traditional architecture and open spaces along the waterfront.

Things to do in Oslo

If you’re looking to visit this event or are planning a trip to Oslo in the coming months, Culture Trip has picked out the best places to stay and things to do in the area.

The Oslo City Walk (the City of Contrasts) takes place every Monday throughout the year, and is the best way to see the city. The modern front that many experience on their first visit can sometimes hide the historical heart of Oslo, so this tour gives you a chance to see it all in one go.

Downtown Oslo boasts an array of museums, restaurants, bars and boutique hotels

Another type of walking tour is the Taste of Oslo experience. As the title suggests, this guided walking tour will take you around the city and give you a chance to sample Norway’s best dishes and cuisine.

Finally, if you find yourself in Norway on an extended trip, then the picturesque train journey from Oslo to Bergen is a must. This unique experience includes a cruise through the fantastic fjords and a train journey that takes you from sea level to the peaks of nearby mountains.

Places to Stay in Oslo

Oslo, like many Nordic cities, is bursting with unique hotels and boutique residencies.

Comfort Hotel Grand Central

Boutique Hotel

Comfort Hotel Grand Central
Courtesy of Comfort Hotel Grand Central / Booking.com

If you have zero time to waste, but want to explore as much of the city of Oslo as possible, Comfort Hotel Grand Central is strategically placed in Oslo Sentralstasjon. In three minutes, you can take the train to the airport. In one minute, you can be in Karl Johans gate and explore the city’s highlights. And when you just want to relax, the hotel’s New York-style modern design will help you lounge like the cosmopolitan traveller you are.

Oslo Guldsmeden

Boutique Hotel

Oslo Guldsmeden
Courtesy of Oslo Guldsmeden / Booking.com

Right next to the buzzing Aker Brygge lies Oslo Guldsmeden, a welcoming boutique hotel with a distinct Nordic interior design style that really knows how to do hygge. Whether you’re having a drink at the bar, relaxing with a candlelit bath or cosying up in your room, Guldsmeden’s warm atmosphere will make you feel welcome in this home-away-from-home establishment.

The Thief

Hotel

The Thief
Courtesy of The Thief / Expedia
Their mission over at the Thief is to “steal you away from everyday life” – and they’re definitely succeeding at that. This boutique hotel is located in Tjuvholmen, Downtown Oslo, just a breath away from the fabulous Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. The style is unassuming timelessness meets contemporary art, and traditional Norwegian design meets spectacular views of the city. They also have a spa you won’t want to miss out on.
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