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I’ve eaten out in Oslo enough to have opinions, and my strong opinion is <b>most lists of the “best restaurants in Oslo” are written for visitors, not for people who actually live here</b>. From what I’ve seen, where locals eat in Oslo is often more relaxed, slightly chaotic, and way less...

I’ve eaten my way through a lot of seafood in Norway, and my strong opinion is that the best seafood meals are usually outside the capital and nowhere near a harbor packed with tour buses. From what I’ve seen, smaller coastal towns serve simpler dishes where the fish actually does the talking...

I’ve spent a lot of time hopping between cafés in Oslo, and my strong opinion is that the best coffee in Oslo makes Starbucks feel completely irrelevant. From what I’ve seen, local cafés take coffee seriously in a quiet, confident way, and even a quick espresso usually tastes intentional. I...

I’ve bakery-hopped way more than I’ll admit, and my strong opinion is that the best bakeries in Norway sell out early because they refuse to overproduce, not because of hype. From what I’ve seen, the must-try pastry is almost always gone by late morning, especially anything cardamom-heavy or...

I’ve chased classic Norwegian dishes across a few cities, and my strong opinion is that the most authentic meals are rarely found in places advertising themselves too loudly as “traditional.” From what I’ve seen, the best traditional Norwegian cuisine shows up in low-key spots that feel slightly...

I’ve stayed in both fjord-view cabins and lakeside hytte spots, and my strong opinion is that fjord views are overrated unless you’re actually right on the water. From what I’ve seen, lakeside cabins often deliver a calmer, more intimate wow factor, especially when you can swim, paddle, or sit...

I’ve done a few weekend road trips chasing Norway waterfalls, and my strong opinion is that the most impressive ones are often the ones you barely have to work for. From what I’ve seen, roadside falls can feel ridiculously powerful because you’re not exhausted or distracted by a long hike. Some...

I’ve done a lot of city walking in both places, and my strong opinion is that Bergen wins on atmosphere while Oslo wins on variety. From what I’ve seen, Bergen’s waterfront promenades feel more dramatic and compact, especially when the weather is moody, which somehow makes the walk better. Oslo...

I’ve skied a few Norway ski resort options over the years, and my strong opinion is that smaller resorts often deliver a better overall experience than the flashy “famous” ones. From what I’ve seen, places that focus on families tend to be smoother logistically, with shorter lift queues and less...

I’ve done a couple of winter island trips in Scandinavia, and my strong opinion is that islands are actually more beautiful in winter than in peak summer chaos. From what I’ve seen, the drama comes from empty harbors, low light, and weather that changes every 20 minutes, which makes even small...

I got into cross country skiing Norway mostly because I wanted easy access without a car, and my strong opinion is that trails near cities are often better maintained than the “wild” scenic ones people romanticize. From what I’ve seen, urban-adjacent areas get groomed earlier in the morning and...

I had to call emergency services once in Norway for someone else, and my strong opinion is that tourists should save all three numbers in their phone before they even leave the airport. Knowing that 113 is for ambulance, 112 for police, and 110 for fire sounds obvious when you’re calm, but...

I learned Norway’s emergency numbers the hard way after a minor hiking mishap, and my strong opinion is that memorizing them is just as important as packing a charger. From what I’ve seen, communication in Norway during emergencies is calm and efficient, but only if you call the right number and...

I’ve dealt with insurance in Norway for travel and a rental car, and my strong opinion is that the cheapest policy is usually the most expensive one once something actually goes wrong. From what I’ve seen, insurance companies in Norway are generally solid, but the real difference shows up when...

I’ve rented a few apartments in Norway while working remotely, and my strong opinion is that chasing the cheapest internet in Norway is a false economy if you actually need stable Wi-Fi. From what I’ve seen, fiber internet in Norway is the only option that consistently holds up during evenings...

I’ve tried all three options while traveling around, and my strong opinion is that eSIM is the least stressful way to get mobile internet in Norway if your phone supports it. Being able to set things up before landing felt like a small luxury after a long flight, and from what I’ve seen it works...

I’ve hopped around Norway relying on my phone for maps and bookings, and my take is that Norway mobile operators beat roaming plans once you leave the cities. From what I’ve seen, does T-Mobile work in Norway is a yes-on-paper but a headache in practice when you hit fjords, tunnels, or rural...

I’ve dealt with a tax accountant in Norway while freelancing and moving around, and my strong opinion is that most people overestimate how much professional firepower they actually need. From what I’ve seen, many newcomers jump straight to an accounting firm in Norway when a straightforward tax...

I’ve had to deal with a Norwegian lawyer for a rental issue, and honestly, the first consultation vibe matters more than any “top law firm” list. From what I’ve seen, a lot of lawyers in Norway are technically solid, but communication style is where things either click or completely fall apart...

As someone who’s dealt with banks for private clients in Norway while bouncing between countries, my take is this: most “private banking” in Norway is just a polished version of a very normal bank. From what I’ve seen, people expecting Swiss-style secrecy or white-glove drama will be...