Oslo Norway Part 1: Tuesday Sept. 8th, Wednesday Sept. 9th:
What a difference a day or two makes when making hotel reservations. Flew from Helsinki to Oslo at 2pm on Norwegian Air which was a quick 1.5 hour jaunt. Last April, I booked a room at the Oslo Hotel Bondeheiman for 3 nights.
Little did I know how my timing of this hotel reservation would coincide with world events. Norway's King Harald V died on August 28, 2026 at the age of 89. His national funeral was scheduled to occur on Wednesday Sept. 9th in Oslo the day after I arrived.
I received an email from hotel Bondeheiman last week indicating that access to the hotel could be limited for security concerns because the hotel was a few blocks from the Royal Palace where the funeral procession would begin, close to the Oslo Cathedral where the funeral service would occur and close to the Akershus Fortress where King Harald V would be laid to rest.
I read about King Harald's death before I left the US but had no clue that I would arrive in the thick of things surrounding his funeral. The Grand Hotel where many countries visiting dignitaries would be staying is on the same block as my hotel. The weather cooperated with sun, cool temperatures and high clouds. After breakfast and getting organized, I walked up to the Royal Palace to see the crowds forming for their beloved King.
Upon seeing all the flowers placed near the Palace and the crowds lining up my emotions got the better of me. I walked back towards the end of the procession route near the Cathedral but had to back track to the square at the Concert Hall which had a jumbo video screen to see the entire proceedings.
While waiting for the procession to begin at noon, I met two nice ladies who were originally from the United Kingdom (UK) but who were now living in Norway and working at the Historical Museum nearby. We commiserated about things in the US and details about their new life in Olso. This was a great spot to witness history in the making. The procession was impressive, the red draped casket was pulled by a Mercedes G wagon followed by an Audi limousine with the widow. The New King, his daughter and all the dignitaries were walking behind. King William from the UK was there along with Volodymyr Zelenskyy from the Ukraine.
Every possible branch of the Norwegian military lined the streets along with military bands. Cannon fire was heard at the beginning of the procession. After the main procession ended, I had lunch at my hotel while watching the Cathedral service and the procession to the Fortress on a screen setup in the restaurant. Later I walked back along the procession route as the Royal family returned to the Palace and flags were raised back up to full staff.
Some rain came into the area, and while sharing an umbrella I met a young professional German who was in Oslo for a job interview. We had a very nice conversation talking about many aspects of our lives and our thoughts on Germany. Once again some dumb luck served me up an experience that I won't soon forget.