For a Half Day

Holmenkollen: One of the most recognisable sports arenas in the world, the Holmenkollen ski jumping stadium (tel: 2292 3200; website: www.skiforeningen.no) up in the hills to the north west of Oslo attracts around a million visitors each year. At the time of writing the museum and ski jump tower are being rebuilt, though the visitors' centre remains open. The stadium will be the main arena for the Nordic World Ski Championships in 2011. To get there, take the Metro (T-bane) line 1, named Frognerseteren, from central Oslo. Get off at Holmenkollen station and follow the signs up to the ski jump. It is a 10-15 minute walk.

Fjord river cruise: Anyone visiting Oslo can't help but marvel at the stunning fjord setting of the city. The best way to explore the tranquil waterways and islands is to head out on a boat excursion. Båtservice Sightseeing A/S (tel: 2335 6890; website: www.boatsightseeing.com) offer a two hour tour on the fjord, which offers a guided tour around Oslo's outlaying islands and residential suburbs. The tours depart daily from Rådhusbrygge 3, in front of city hall.
 
For a Whole Day

Norway in a Nutshell: The ‘Norway in a Nutshell' excursion by train, boat and bus provides a spectacular glimpse of Norway's scenery within a day. The train departs from Oslo S station at 0811, reaching Myrdal station, at 866m (2,841ft), with its snow-covered peaks, sheer rock faces and streams plunging down the abyss. The Flåm Line descends to sea level along around 24km (15 miles) of winding track, precipitous inclines and deep tunnels. From picturesque Flåm, the trip continues by boat to Gudvangen in the innermost reaches of the Sognefjorden, through the narrow passage of the Nærøyfjorden, the narrowest fjord in Europe. The bus to Voss then takes the mountain road, with perilous hairpin bends, through more magnificent mountain scenery, including dramatic waterfalls at Stalheimskleiven. From Voss, the train returns to Oslo at 2213. It would be impossible to get a more comprehensive overview of the Norwegian landscape in one day. There is a second option which goes via Bergen, involving the night train back to Oslo and arriving in the capital early the following morning. Tours are operated by Fjord Tours A/S (tel: 8156 8222; website: www.norwaynutshell.com). NSB (tel: 8150 0888; website: www.nsb.no) also provides further information and tickets.