Norway

Welcome to part one of The Best Boutique Hotels in Oslo! The Amerikalinjen Hotel is conveniently located just steps from Oslo’s Central Station (aka Oslo S). This is a perfect base during your time in Oslo if you want to be in the center of the action. You can take full advantage of the walkability of the city as well as the efficient and clean public transportation options right outside the front door. This upscale four-star hotel is also just a few minutes’ walk from the Bjorvika District and Oslo’s Famous Opera House!

The hotel is housed in the historic headquarters of the Norwegian-American Line (Den Norske Amerikalinjen in Norwegian) which opened its doors in 1919. The theme of the hotel is based on the line’s rich history, with original artifacts displayed throughout the guest rooms and common areas, including Gustav Henriksen’s (CEO of the Amerikalinjen) old office on the second floor – a must see!

Welcome to part two of The Best Boutique Hotels in Oslo! In this edition, we are talking about Sommerro, an iconic building that has been a staple of the community since the 1930s, but has only recently blossomed into this elevated art-deco inspired boutique hotel. Located in the Frogner neighborhood on Oslo’s west side, Sommerro started off as the headquarters of Oslo Lysverker (Oslo’s electrical company) in the early 1930s. In 1932, Sommerro housed one of the city’s only public bath houses, which you can now enjoy for yourself since it has been expertly restored as part of the hotel’s magnificent bath house.

Norway is pure magic. From the stunning landscapes to the delicious food and the fabulous art, this country is a must-stop in Northern Europe. My trip was a mix of high & low adventures from boutique properties and fancy dinners to road-tripping and hiking on the Lofoten islands. When I travel, I want to immerse myself in the country and experience all it has to offer. Norway's beauty is like nothing I have ever seen and if you want to be surrounded by the wild terrain this country is for you.

New, modern upscale rooms at Hotel Brosundet. Very nice spaces with exposed wood in the rooms and throughout the hotel which gave it a rustic, almost "chic mountain elegance" feel thats bright and airy.

As someone who has been living in the Stockholm for the past few years, I've had the chance to explore much of the Nordics. However, one destination that had been on my bucket list was the picturesque city of Bergen on Norway's west coast. With its colorful wooden houses, stunning fjords, and incredible seafood, I knew I had to experience it for myself. So when the opportunity arose to visit in May 2023, I jumped at the chance.

Oslo, the captivating capital of Norway, is a city that seamlessly blends modernity with rich cultural heritage. I visited in 2023 and loved its stunning architecture and culinary delights, this Nordic gem is very fun to visit. Join me on a journey through the heart of Oslo as we uncover its foodie spots and activities to create unforgettable memories.

If you are one of the over 55 million retirees in the United States, it’s time to hit the road and take advantage of your time now that you’re not tied to the clock or calendar. According to the U.S. Travel Association, retirees spend more on travel than any other age group. So where do you begin to plan your next chapter traveling in retirement? You’ve spent your entire adult life working and planning for this time, and along the way engaged career counselors, financial advisors and other experts to help meet your life goals. For the same reasons you’d utilize a financial manager, it’s wise to connect with a travel advisor each year to map out (no pun intended) your travel goals and identify the best bang for your buck. Travel advisors give you access to insider information, extensive resources and valuable perks that will significantly enhance your vacation experience.

Norway is where art and nature converge in an extraordinary way, weaving together the threads of human creativity with the striking landscapes that define this Nordic nation. For centuries, nature has inspired art — the curves of a river, the clouds in the sky or even the human body. This connection feels especially alive in Norway, where the relationship between people and their environment is tangible.

When I visited Norway, it felt like a revelation. With my background in art and design, I was awestruck. The country is at a fascinating crossroads, redefining its identity and using its wealth to create spaces that are as inspired as they are beautiful. Art here isn’t confined to museums — it’s integrated into daily life and emerges in unexpected places, from remote fishing villages to futuristic cultural hubs. Norwegians, with their quiet pride and appreciation for quality, seem to embrace this balance of tradition and innovation effortlessly. Who knew?

This guide celebrates Norway’s art and design highlights while pairing them with thoughtfully selected stays that complement the experience. Whether you’re drawn to sculpture parks, historic buildings turned museums or contemporary galleries overlooking the sea, there’s a thread connecting it all: a deep sense of place and purpose.