NAVIGATING

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Wrapped around a ord and surrounded by lush forests – with ski elds just 20 minutes away –Oslo is a city with nature on its doorstep. And, as you would expect from one of Scandinavia’s capital cities, minimalistic design from the past and present intrigues and impresses, even if o en utilitarian. Over the past few years, investment has been pumped into major cultural attractions, from museums to the glacier-shaped opera house, while existing cultural attractions and landmarks remain pristine.

e ‘Hygge’ lifestyle – creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life – is fully embraced in Norway, from the glow of candlelight and traditional woollen clothing and blankets to long and leisurely dining, at breakfast, lunch and dinner, not to mention ord-bound activities including kayaking, swimming and shing that are popular all year round, whatever the weather. Here are ve Oslo experiences not to be missed.

National Museum, Nobel Peace Centre and City Hall

On June 11 last year, the new National Museum opened in Oslo. e largest museum in the Nordics, it has a permanent exhibition of about 6,500 objects spanning design, arts and cra s, ne art, as well as contemporary art. Museum-goers can also see the most famous paintings by the Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, including the iconic e Scream (1893) and Madonna (1894). Unlike most other European museums, it’s not at all crowded, so you can get close to these works without queuing. Close to the museum is the Nobel Peace Centre, a museum for the Nobel Peace Prize, revealing the ideas and thoughts of winners, as well as the imposing Oslo City Hall, decorated by great Norwegian art from 1900-1950, with motifs from Norwegian history, culture and working life.

nasjonalmuseet.no; nobelpeacecenter.org; oslo.kommune.no

Fjord cruise

A two-hour cruise of Oslo Fjord is a must – sightseeing tours depart from the city’s Anker Brygge area and sail past The Norwegian Opera and Ballet house, the Munch Museum and then navigate through sailboats, swimmers and kayaks around numerous pretty islands, some with beaches and another with the famous Dyna Lighthouse. There are plenty of photo opportunities, with every island dotted with wooden houses, large and small, as well as waterside huts. The boat also passes close to the peninsula of Bygdøy, housing the Maritime Museum and the impressive Fram Museum, housing the polar ship of the same name. Another option is to hop on a ferry to the main island, Hovedøya, with its lush forests, beaches and monastery ruins. It’s best to pre-book a fjord tour. I used the GetYourGuide app. getyourguide.com

Three Ideal Oslo Experiences

The pine forests in eastern Oslo are ideal for skiing, cycling, hiking and swimming. Grünerløkka is a lively district on the river with charming shopping streets, cosy cafés and exciting eateries. Ekeburg Sculpture Park features works by artists including Salvador Dali and Damien Hirst as well as the highly recommended restaurant, Ekebergrestauranten. It overlooks the city and is where Munch found his inspiration for The Scream visitoslo.com

Opera House, The Deichman Library and Munch Museum

This trio of top attractions, on the doorstep of Oslo’s central station and virtually all next door to one another on the harbour, are cultural and architectural highlights. Take a walk on, around and inside the iconic Norwegian National Opera and Ballet house, designed in the shape of a glacier by the architectural firm Snøhetta AS. Winner of multiple international awards, its angled white exterior appears to rise from the water and visitors can climb onto its roof for panoramic views of Oslo and the fjord. Next door, The Deichman Public Library is a beautifully designed modern building worth visiting to relax, read, work, play chess, or have a coffee. It’s an Oslo gem where locals hang out. Another architectural masterpiece, the Munch Museum is the world’s leading destination for experiencing Edvard Munch’s life and art. You can also walk on top of its roof for a superb architectural experience, with wonderful city views to boot. operaen.no; deichman.no; munchmuseet.no

Vaaghals

For a Norwegian foodie experience, book into Vaaghals for dinner, located in the Barcode area, serving traditional dishes and sharing platters with a cool and casual atmosphere (below). e restaurant celebrates ‘ski e’, an old tradition where food is passed around the table, with sharing plates made using fresh, locally sourced seasonal ingredients. e eight-course tasting menu is highly recommended. vaaghals.com