Visitors to the city of Oslo are inevitably overcome by a sense of tranquility, as the people of the Norwegian capital and their way of life radiate an enviable calm composure. Uniquely nestled between the sea and mountains, Oslo offers both cosmopolitan flair and a cozy atmosphere.

Aksel Lund Svindal, Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
Regular guest: Svindal at his favorite cafe, where the former ski racer starts his day in peace and quiet.
Aksel Lund Svindal, Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
Regular guest: Svindal at his favorite cafe, where the former ski racer starts his day in peace and quiet.
Svindal’s dog Molly, Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
Loyal companion: Svindal’s dog Molly accompanies us on a stroll through the capital city.

Life has even slowed down for Aksel Lund Svindal, who no longer has to fight for each hundredth of a second like he once did as a high-performance athlete. The 39-year-old, who ended his career as a two-time Olympic champion and five-time world champion in early 2019, was one of the most successful ski racers in recent history.

Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG

It’s an ice-cold, sunny winter morning when we get together with Svindal and his Australian Cobberdog, Molly, at sunrise for a walk. With the picturesque Oslo Fjord in the background, he shares a secret with us. “I love the water and its vastness,” says Svindal, who has spent virtually half his life in the Alps. One of the things he likes about his hometown of Oslo is the fact that his old and new life mesh together perfectly. How? “You’ll see today,” he promises, smiling.

But first Svindal wants to show us his favorite spots in the city. He usually starts his day at Åpent Bakeri, a small cafe in the old part of town, with its beautiful, late-19th-century facades. Emmanuel, the manager, knows exactly what to prepare when Svindal enters the cafe: a cappuccino and a roll with jam.

The skiing legend is not a superstar here, but rather a welcome old acquaintance. “When I was still competing, I lived around the corner – in an expanded apartment on the top floor,” he explains. It was close to the Airport Express train station, which was an absolute must. “As a ski racer, I was always on the move.”

One of the charming characteristics of the Norwegian city, with its population just under 700,000, is that you can explore it by foot or on a Bysykkel city bike. In fact, the most important attractions are located within a radius of just a few kilometers. Our route takes us to the Royal Palace just around the corner. The park is open all year, while the palace itself is only accessible with tours in the summer.

Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
Magnificent: The old town surrounding the Royal Palace is dominated by late-19th-century facades.

The changing of the guards is one of the fundamental traditions of a monarchy, which even in the 21st century is quite popular among the people of Norway. As one of Scandinavia’s most successful athletes, Svindal has already had the privilege of attending receptions in the spacious ballroom. He and Crown Prince Haakon, a big fan of alpine sports, have always had a relationship based on mutual respect.

Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
Scandinavian tranquility: Oslo at night has an enchanting effect on the viewer.

Though Oslo can look back on a thousand years of history, we find ourselves entering the youngest city district, the hypermodern Oslo with its spectacular residential and commercial facades, shops, and restaurants. The Aker Brygge district surrounding the marina and ferry port was built on former docklands and now attracts twelve million visitors annually. Svindal has an office here for his many activities. What he likes most about it is the fact that he can get there by boat from his house in the summer.

Festung Akershus, Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
Akershus Fortress: Visible from afar, the medieval 13th-century fortress towers high above the port. After a devastating fire in the 17th century, it was rebuilt into a Renaissance castle with magnificent halls, which now play host to special government events. Interesting tours include the church with the royal mausoleum.

He’s not only a brand ambassador for Porsche, but is also involved in start-ups that support sustainable projects, develops skiwear, and has even written an autobiography (“Greater Than Me”). And there’s no end in sight. “Every day I have new ideas about things I could do,” he says and laughs. He’ll always be a national hero regardless. And though he stops for a selfie with just about every second passerby, Svindal never loses his friendly demeanor. “People are enthusiastic, which gives me something in return,” he says.

Aksel Lund Svindal, Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
Norwegian icon: Selfies are part and parcel of a walk with Svindal - the athlete is a legend in Norway.

We take a detour to Astrup Fearnley Museet, which was built by top architect Renzo Piano and is one of the leading museums for contemporary art in the Nordic region. And then Svindal wants to show us something in front of the Nobel Peace Center. “Look at that,” he says, pointing to the inscription on the arched sculpture in front of the museum. It reads, “The best weapon is to sit down and talk.” “It’s a quote by Nelson Mandela,” Svindal explains. “It never fails to impress me whenever I walk by.”

Aksel Lund Svindal, Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
Take a seat: A short break in front of the Nobel Peace Center. Even the new National Museum (in the background) has developed into a major attraction.

He then leads us through Mathallen, a market inside an old industrial building with shops, cafes, and restaurants. After a brief espresso break, we continue in the direction of the opera house, an architectural masterpiece that opened its doors in 2008. The roof provides a breathtaking view of the water, the city, and the surrounding mountains. “Where else would you see something like this?” asks Svindal. “A fjord on one side and a forest on the other.”

Aksel Lund Svindal with his dog Molly, Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
The big picture: Here with his dog, Molly, skiing legend Svindal also loves Oslo for its water.

Another spectacular new building is the museum dedicated to the great painter Edvard Munch, which opened in late 2021 and is located just around the corner. But it’s another venerable institution that draws us in. Located at Karl Johans gate, the Grand Café in the hotel of the same name serves up traditional Scandinavian specialties. One of the tables there is permanently reserved for a regular guest – Henrik Ibsen. Because the Norwegian national poet died in 1906, a mannequin has been seated in his place ever since. “That just goes to show that we do things a little differently here,” says Svindal with a wink.

Oslo Porsche Studio, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
Brand store: The Oslo Porsche Studio is part of a new retail concept that brings the brand to life even in urban spaces.

Oslo’s charm is unique – and as if we needed proof, we approach the highlight of the day, at least geographically speaking. The drive from the city up to the Oslo Vinterpark on Holmenkollen mountain takes a good quarter of an hour. Svindal takes his Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, which he views as the perfect companion for his free time activities. “Ready for adventure,” he says. “The car is a lot of fun to drive. And I can bring the stuff I need to have fun.” That’s because the variable cargo space of the all-electric sports sedan offers plenty of room for all of his ski equipment, including a new pair of skis of the Head brand, which was developed in collaboration with Porsche.

Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo, Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
Home mountain Holmenkollen: The Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo offers enough space to transport Svindal's ski equipment.

The ski lifts on the 371-meter mountain stay open until Easter in the winter season and are even busy during the week. For the people of Oslo, heading up to the slopes after a day at the office, with its view of the water, has become a popular pastime. “I prefer to ski at night,” says Svindal. “Fortunately, the slopes are illuminated with floodlights. And there’s almost no one else up there.”

Askel Lund Svindal, Oslo, Norway, 2022, Porsche AG
Ready for descent: the ski jumper’s downhill pursuit of medals often landed him at the top of the winner’s podium.
Aksel Lund Svindal, 2022, Porsche AG
Driving fun: after a long day at the office, Svindal makes his way up Holmenkollen mountain – during the day (as shown here) or at night, when the slope is illuminated with floodlights.
Midtstuen winter sports facility, Holmenkollen mountain, Oslo, Sweden, 2022, Porsche AG
Ski jump: view of the Midtstuen winter sports facility on Holmenkollen mountain, where ski jumpers reach speeds upwards of 55 mph.

Days near the water, evenings in the mountains – now we understand how Svindal’s old and new life mesh together. He pushes off with his poles and elegantly glides back and forth down the mountain. He takes his time, as it no longer comes down to hundredths of a second.

Info

Text first published in the Porsche magazine Christophorus, No. 405.

Author: Thomas Ammann

Photos: Tim Wendrich, Nick Night (Unsplash), Gunnar Ridderstrom (Unsplash), Alain Gehri (Unsplash)

Copyright: All images, videos and audio files published in this article are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without the written consent of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG is not permitted. Please contact newsroom@porsche.com for further information.

Related Content