Martin
Meet Martin, the professional rower and freediver who can't seem to keep away from the water. Check out his favourite spots in Oslo, and you might be able to discover some hidden gems along the fjord!
What’s the best thing about Oslo, according to you?
– The best thing about Oslo in my opinion is the people.
Meeting others with exciting stories to tell, and different perspectives than me, makes me learn new stuff every day. Both in general and about myself.
Martin's happy place is the sea. He takes care of it by gathering a group of other people who are as passionate about sustainability as he is, and dives down to pick up litter. He also teaches freediving through Oslo Fridykkerklubb and Frivannsliv.
Where in Oslo do you go to find excitement, to feel alive?
– I think my line of work as a professional rower brings a lot of excitement to my life. I get to spend a lot of time on the water racing others and chase my big olympic dreams.
To me it’s very valuable to have a clear purpose to wake up to every day.
Let Martin show you around in his Oslo
Where do you get the best food?
– Restaurant REST was [editor's note: Rest is now closed] an interesting concept where they prepared creative dishes from food that would normally go to waste.
Food waste is a big issue, so I will bring the initiative from this restaurant forward.
Sometimes I dumpster dive to see the extreme amounts of food waste. It’s a good challenge to find food and make good dishes from it.
What is your favourite museum?
– I’m very interested in everything related to the sea. My cleanup project has been a part of an installation at the Maritime Museum, and I have been lucky enough to spend a lot of time there. Norway has an interesting relationship to the ocean and I think the museum talks about it in a captivating way. Definitely worth a visit.
Where is the best place for a swim?
– I have several favourites for places to go swimming in Oslo.
As a freediver I like to go to Lutvann. It’s a lake with clear water and many areas where you can get some privacy.
If I want to go for a quick swim for myself I like the Bestemorstranda area, which is way less crowded than around the city centre.
How do you prefer to get around in the city?
– In the city center I’m cycling all year around. In winter I use my steel bike, which can handle the wear and tear from the salted streets. And I have a quicker carbon bike for the spring through fall.
For distances longer than 20km I typically go by my electric moped. This way I get around effectively in an effective and environmentally friendly way.
Some more of Martin's favourites
Best pizza?
Halibut Pizza at Teatro.
Best place to go running?
Østmarka. You don’t need to go far to have the woods for yourself and it feels like I have endless opportunities of trails to follow.
Best time of year?
Definitely summer. It’s just so much more pleasant to move around in just one layer of clothing. Outdoor activities are better and the fjord is more appealing.
Where is the best place for a walk?
I like to go to the less crowded areas. I think Ormøya and Malmøya are nice places to go for a walk. It’s close to town, but still calm and of course, close to the sea.