Oslo, Trondheim and Bergen are brimful of buildings showing off Scandinavia’s age-old flair for design in cosmopolitan surroundings. Beautiful though the cities are, the real wonders of Norway are to be found outdoors, with ample skiing, fishing and rock-climbing opportunities for the adventurous and nature lovers alike.

Most of them are from 80km to 160km (50 to 100 miles) long, and are usually flanked by towering mountains. Much of northern Norway lies beyond the Arctic Circle and consequently, mostly takes the form of rugged tundras. The south is covered with pine and larch forests, and dotted with lakes, rivers and mountains.

Currency

Norwegian Krone (NOK; symbol Kr) = 100 øre. Notes are in denominations of Kr1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of Kr20, 10, 5 and 1. The 50 øre coin is now out of circulation.

Electricity

230 volts AC, 50Hz. European round two-pin plugs are standard.

General business opening hours

Mon-Fri 0800-1600

2018

Nyttårsdag (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2018
Palmesøndag (Palm Sunday): 25 March 2018
Skjærtorsdag (Holy Thursday): 29 March 2018
Langfredag (Good Friday): 30 March 2018
Første påskedag (Easter Sunday): 1 April 2018
Andre påskedag (Easter Monday): 2 April 2018
Første mai (Public Holiday in May): 1 May 2018
Kristi himmelfartsdag (Ascension Day): 10 May 2018
Grunnlovsdagen ( Republic Day): 17 May 2018
Første pinsedag (Whit Sunday): 20 May 2018
Andre pinsedag (Whit Monday): 21 May 2018
Første juledag (Christmas Day): 25 December 2018
Andre juledag (Boxing Day): 26 December 2018

All information subject to change.

During this 10-day event, whose patron is Crown Princess Mette-Marit, visitors can experience a wide and diverse range of musical performances in Oslo’s many wonderful churches and cathedrals. The line-up includes regional, national and international choirs and performers and always attracts large and enthusiastic audiences.

15 May is St Hallvard’s Day, in honour of the patron saint of Oslo, also said to be the defender of innocence. Quite a sombre occasion, the day is marked by a ceremony in Oslo’s Old Quarter with speeches by the city’s Mayor, members of the church and other dignitaries. The ceremony is recognised by both Catholics and Protestants, who attend the event together. Guided tours of this historically rich area take place before and after the ceremony.

An annual national holiday celebrating the day the national constitution of Norway was signed at Eidsvoll in 1814. Parades of flag-waving adults and children led by various bands are the main event en route to see the royal family waving from the castle balcony.

This annual rock-fest features a veritable who’s who of local and international bands in the picturesque Frogner Park. Recent years have seen the likes of Bob Dylan, Lou Reed, Roxy Music, Tori Amos, Foo Fighters, System of a Down, Keane and Duffy take to the main stage. The Underwood stage, meanwhile, gives up-and-coming local bands the chance to make their name in front of large crowds.

One of Europe’s oldest jazz festivals, the Oslo event celebrated its 25th birthday in 2011 with an impressive line-up that included the Liberation Music Orchestra, the Espen Eriksen Trio and Kevin Dean’s Nordic super group with Kåre Nymark Jr, Anders Aarum, Mads Vinding and Alex Riel all getting involved. The first day of the festival usually features a parade led by a brass band.

First held in 1989, the annual Oslo Chamber Music Festival has developed into one of the most significant events of its kind in the country. During the 10-day event, visitors can expect a dazzling line-up of Norwegian and foreign musicians performing in some of the city’s most magnificent buildings, performance venues and outdoor settings.

Under the motto of ‘Paths to Experience’, the organisers of the annual Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival strive to draw attention to the artistic creative process. Each year the festival presents a programme of contemporary artistic performances ranging from dancing and music to art installations and exhibitions.

With more than 10,000 participants vying to take the laurels and hundreds of thousands of spectators, the Oslo Marathon is one of the Norwegian capital’s biggest sporting events. The race starts and ends at Festningsplassen near Akershus Fortress, taking in Oslo Opera House and Aker Brygge en route.