Van Life Diaries: Magic & Mountain Air in Oslo, Norway July 2025
Welcome to the first stop on our big van adventure! If you’ve been following our stories, you know when we arrived on our Europe trip we made sure our first stop was the land of fjords, trolls, and the most incredible crisp summer air we’ve ever experienced.
Our first destination? Oslo.
📍 Home is Where You Park It
Finding a spot to tuck a van away in a capital city can be tricky, but we leaned heavily on Park4nite. It hasn’t steered us wrong yet! We found some peaceful spots that let us enjoy the nature surrounding the city while still being close enough to dive into the action.
Skiing in the Summer? Only in Norway!
One of the absolute highlights was heading to SNØ, the crazy-cool indoor skiing facility just outside the city. It’s a bit surreal to walk from a sunny summer day into a literal winter wonderland, but the kids (and let’s be honest, us too) absolutely loved it.
Whether you're a pro or just trying not to fall over, it’s a must-visit. You can check them out here: SNØ Oslo - Indoor Skiing.
🌲 Lakes, Friends, and "Crisp" Summer Vibes
We weren't alone for this leg of the journey! We spent an amazing time with our friends George and Crissa, exploring the hidden gems of the area.
We spent our days:
Lakeside Lounging: The lakes around Oslo were crisp and cold and perfect for the kids to splash and cool off in.
Mountain Magic: We spent a lot of time in the ski areas, which transform into hiking paradises in the summer. The air was so magical and crisp—it’s the kind of freshness that makes you feel like a new person.
Meeting the Locals: We have to say, Norwegians are incredibly kind and welcoming. It made the whole experience feel so grounded and easy.
Final Thoughts on Oslo
Oslo was the perfect first official stop on our trip, it gave us everything we wanted: city culture, deep woods, and freezing cold ski runs in the middle of July. It was an amazing experience that we’ll never forget, but the road is calling...
Next Stop: Bergen! 🏔️🌊
