Tucked away at the end of one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords, Oslo offers history, culture and adventure set against one of the world’s most scenic backdrops.

The harbor area is the perfect place for visitors to begin their exploration of Oslo. Perched on the hill overlooking the Oslo fjord, visitors can walk around the grounds of the city’s oldest and most beautiful sight, Akershus Castle and Fortress. The fortress was first constructed in the late 13th century and has resisted many invaders over the years. Inside, visitors can view the church, banquet rooms, royal mausoleum and the medieval dungeons. Also onsite is the Norwegian Resistance Museum, which displays the history of Norway’s resistance movement against Nazi Germany, the attack of 1940 and the somber times that followed during the five-year occupation.

Located down the hill from the Akershus, situated in the center of the wharf area, are City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony takes place, and the Nobel Peace Center, which displays exhibits about the Peace Prize Laureates. Nearby is Aker Brygge, located on the site of a former shipyard, with its mix of old and new buildings housing over forty restaurants and sixty shops. There is also an indoor mall with a movie theater as well as a vast open-air dining and shopping area, offering something for everyone.

From the wharf area, travelers can catch Ferry 91 to the Bygdøy Peninsula, which houses a number of must-see sights, including the renowned Viking Ship Museum, which showcases three massive ships dating back to 800 A.D. that were once used by Viking chieftains. Additionally, the Kon-Tiki Museum is a fascinating showcase for the famed Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, who made a number of historic sailing voyages on rafts made of balsa leaves to test his theories about the discovery of the New World. Another worthwhile stop is the open-air Norwegian Folk Museum, which features 14th-century buildings, historic wood homes and an ornate wooden stave church. Keep in mind, this museum usually closes by mid-afternoon, so you may want to make this one of your first stops in Bygdøy.

While the wharf area and Bygdøy Peninsula offer incredible sightseeing, shopping and dining, Karl Johans Gate is the main street in Oslo and considered the heart of the city. From Oslo Central Station to the Royal Palace, Karl Johans Gate is always abuzz with activity because it’s home to a number of bars and restaurants with inviting open-air patios, dozens of shops and boutiques, as well as improvisational street performers. In addition, it is centrally located near landmarks such as the National Gallery, the National Theatre and Norwegian Parliament, making it a great jumping off point for a day of sightseeing.

To the east of the downtown, in Tøyen, you will find the Munch Museum, which is dedicated to the life and works of the world-famous artist Edvard Munch. This museum is a very popular attraction among visitors and can be reached by foot or by metro (take any line east from Oslo to Tøyen). The Munch Museum displays hundreds of paintings, prints, and other works by the artist, but the most visited are The Scream and The Madonna, which were stolen at gunpoint in 2004 but since recovered and restored. Unfortunately, some damage is still visible on both pieces.

If you’re looking for a great way to spend an afternoon in Oslo, consider a visit to the world-famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump. (Editor’s Note – the jump and museum are undergoing renovations, January 2009) To get there, take the twenty-minute metro ride from the National Theater towards Frognerseteren, using line 1, and get off at the Holmenkollen stop. The ski jump, which was also the site of the 1952 winter Olympics, is just a short walk up the hill. After you’re done marveling at the incredible height of the jump from the ground, you can take the elevator and a few steep flights of stairs to the tower at the top to see the death-defying views that professional skiers see before they take off. The tower is so high up that it features magnificent views out to the Oslo Fjord in the east and the snow-capped mountains in the west. At the bottom, you can visit the Ski Museum, which tracks the evolution of the sport from 600 A.D. or try out the ski jump simulator, which gives visitors the experience of soaring headfirst off the ski jump at 80 mph, just like the pros. The best way to end a fulfilling day in Holmenkollen is at the Holmenkollen Restaurant, which looks out over Oslo and serves traditional Norwegian fare.

Whether you’re looking to explore history, experience culture or enjoy everything in between, Oslo is truly the kind of place that has something for everyone. Oslo makes a great jumping off point but is also an enjoyable final destination. Travelers won’t be disappointed with the wide variety of activities and attractions Oslo has to offer. Just be sure to allot enough time in your itinerary to see everything.