Scandinavia
Fjords, northern lights, and nature on the doorstep.
Norway is nature turned up to the sublime — a long, wild country of deep fjords, glaciers, midnight sun and northern lights, threaded by some of the most spectacular train and ferry journeys on earth. Oslo, the compact capital at the head of its own fjord, is the easy gateway: a green, walkable city of world-class museums, bold modern architecture and a harbour you can swim in, with forest and water on every side. Seriously expensive, seriously beautiful, and outdoorsy to its core.
What things cost: Norway is among the most expensive countries anywhere — a beer, a burger, a bus ticket all sting, the price of high wages and a spotless, well-run country in pristine nature. Tap water is superb, hot dogs and supermarket food save money, and many of Oslo's best things — the harbour, the forest, the sculpture park — are free. When a zone below says 'low', it's still not cheap.
Sometimes the event picks the city for you.
Uniquely among the Nobel Prizes, the Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo — the ceremony at the City Hall, and a torchlight procession through the streets in the winter dark in honour of the laureate. A solemn, moving occasion that puts the small capital on the world stage.
Oslo · Oslo City Hall
A weekend of World Cup ski-jumping and cross-country racing at the famous Holmenkollen arena, with tens of thousands of flag-waving, grilling, partying Norwegians on the hillside. The high point of the winter-sports calendar, and a gloriously Norwegian day out in the snow.
Oslo · Holmenkollen
Norway's national day, and its biggest — the whole city turns out in traditional bunad costume for the great children's parade up Karl Johans gate to the palace, where the royal family waves from the balcony, amid flags, brass bands and endless ice cream. Joyous, patriotic and unmissable.
Oslo · Karl Johans gate & the palace
Oslo's biggest music festival, set in the green Tøyenparken — a week of international and Nordic headliners across several stages, famously well-run, sustainable and friendly. The best summer party in the city, with the long light stretching the evenings out.
Oslo · Tøyenparken
