City guide: 48 hours in Oslo

Published on 27/05/2012 12:53

Friday, 8pm Check into the Bristol Hotel (Kristian IV’s Gate 7, www.thonhotels.com, rooms from £160 per night) which is situated in the city centre.

Saturday, 9am Soak in the sights with a stroll along the main pedestrian street, Karl Johans Gate. Pause for a spot of breakfast at a kerb-side café, like the trendy Ett Glass (www.etglass.no).

Noon A number 30 bus (www.visitoslo.no) takes you out to the Viking Museum on the Bygdøy Peninsula (admission £5.50). The ornately carved Oseberg longship there is one of the finest and best preserved of its type in the world.

4pm Back in the city centre, catch a tram to Vigeland Park. Sit and contemplate life amongst the eerie collection of Gustav Vigeland sculptures.

7pm Dine at the coolly decorated Michelin-starred restaurant Maaemo (Schweigaards Gate 15b, www.maaemo.no), where you can experience some Nordic haute cuisine.

Sunday, 11am A visit to the National Gallery (admission £5.50, www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en) must not be missed. There’s a wide selection of work by Cezanne, Picasso, Monet and others.

1pm Stop for a sandwich at the People & Coffee cafe (Radhusgata 21 0158, www.peopleandcoffee.no). Wash it down with one of their strong coffees.

3pm The imposing Akerhus Fortress (admission free) offers views across the harbour as well as access to the Norwegian Resistance Museum (admission £3) which tells the story of the fight against Nazi occupation.

6pm The Opera House (www.operaen.no), designed to look like a great iceberg in the harbour, hosts operas, ballets and concerts all year round. After a show, wander up the accessible sloping roof and take a final look over the city.

JOSHUA KING

THE FACTS Return flights from Edinburgh to Oslo-Gardermoen with Norwegian Air Shuttle (www.norwegian.com/uk) start from around £150.