With amazing architecture and floating saunas, Oslo oozes Nordic cool, says Judith Baker The Norwegian capital, situated between the mountains and the sea, has always had a distinctive allure of Scandi style, and an essential part of that is its architecture and design. One of Oslo’s most exciting recent hotel openings is Sommerro, housed in the former headquarters of Oslo Lysverker, the city’s electrical company and a 1930s landmark. The Art Deco building has stunning murals, elegant period décor and the city’s only rooftop pool.
Found in the fashionable Frognal district of the capital, there is a dramatic wrought iron staircase and huge murals by artist Per Krohg in the main hall, as well as a feature wall in the basement public baths. The interior design is by GrecoDeco, the team behind The Ned in London. Read more: Why a cruise to the Norwegian Fjords is a journey through time It might be the chilliest of mornings along Oslo’s fjord side promenade, but the locals are used to it.
There are plenty of people enjoying a stroll and a coffee, and others jumping into the freezing water (about 9 degrees). They have just emerged from the KOK floating wood burning sauna so getting cold may be more appealing, but only just. The locals extol the benefits of saunas and pre-work cold water dips and visitors are encouraged to join in.
Walking away from the harbour I crossed into the vibrant Bjorvika district, formerly the old container port and now reimagined as home to the Ba.