Oslo

The Viking Ship Museum showcases great viking ship discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune, including the world’s two best-preserved viking wooden ships, as well as other findings from viking tombs around the Oslo Fjord.

An iconic city landmark, the white oblique building of the Opera House is located right next to the harbour and was constructed to emulate a floating glacier. Offering a rich program of opera and ballet, this emblematic building has oak interiors, street-level windows and a shimmering marble rooftop: to climb it and enjoy the great view over Oslo and its fjord is a must for every visitor.

Aker Brygge is a lively and very popular area situated right by the fjord. It has seen an enormous development since the days when it used to be a ship yard, up until the 80s. Now visitors and locals come here for shopping, al fresco dining at one of the countless restaurants and bistros or just to take a stroll along the waterfront. Tjuvholmen is one of the most recent areas in Oslo: characterised by innovative architecture, it hosts many art galleries, a sculptures park and a city beach. Here you'll also find the Astrup Fearnley Museum, housed in the spectacular wooden building designed by Renzo Piano.

Located in Frogner Park, this park-inside-a-park hosts more than 200 granite and bronze sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland and is one of Norway's most popular tourist attractions. There is no entrance fee and the park is open 24h all year round.

Norsk Folkemuseum is an extensive open-air museum displaying more than 150 traditional buildings from all around Norway, including an impressive stave church. Craft demonstration, animal feeding and horse raiding are among the many activities available daily through the summer. An indoor exhibition showcases traditional handicraft items, national costumes, folk art and an exceptional insight into Sami history and culture.

The double-towered building made of red bricks hosting Oslo Rådhus is a major symbol of the city. The interiors are decorated with scenes of Norwegian culture, history and working life from the first half of the 20th century. The ceremony for the Nobel Peace Prize awarding is held here every year.

At the Museum of Cultural History visitors will find a large collection of items tracing back Norwegian History from the Ice Age to Christianity, with a focus on the Viking period and the Middle Ages. On the top floors there is an ethnographic museum with rotating exhibitions.

The Botanical Garden in Oslo is a nice retreat from the hustle of the city, with vast green and lush gardens. The garden was established in 1814 and is the oldest one in Norway; it boasts: an Arboretum with about 1,800 different plants including many exotic species, a scent garden and wooden sculptures by British artist Tom Hare.

The neo-classical Royal Palace lies right at the end of Karl Johann Street, and makes for a very impressive sight. The park, which surrounds the palace, is a popular picnic and sun-bathing spot thanks to its grassy areas and majestic trees. Every day at 1.30 pm the guard changing ceremony takes place.

Tusenfryd is an amusement park about 45 minutes outside of Oslo and it's a favourite with children and families. Visit Tusenfryd and have a great time on one of the many attractions, including wooden roller coaster, carousels and long rides.

DogA, the Norwegian Centre for Design and Architecture, was established by Norsk Form and the Norwegian Design Council in 2005 as a meeting place for design, architecture and related disciplines. DogA is located in a converted power station by the Aker River, and hosts a number of exhibitions, conferences and seminars.