Oslo is in some ways, a combination of many different elements- one of the ten largest world capitals, but with a population of less than half a million. It’s a glittering, smart city with upmarket shopping malls, hotels and discotheques; and it’s a city with old, interesting cathedrals and excellent museums. It’s the transport hub, the commercial centre and the seat of government in Norway; and it’s one of the greenest cities in the world, with large expanses of forest and parkland within the city itself. An unusual city, to say the least.

Although many tourists head straight for the wilds, bypassing Oslo or making it a brief stopover, you won't be disappointed if you spend a few days in the city. There’s plenty to see, including the Oslofjord, and interesting excursions in the countryside can be made from here. The city also offers some of the best shopping in the country, besides being a great place to get a feel of `civilization’ once you’ve done your treks across the wild wastes of the north.