Norway

One of Oslo's landmarks that can be seen from afar is the ski jump on Holmenkollen, a forest-covered... mountain above the city. The first competition was held on the world's oldest ski jump in 1892. Olympic Winter Games were held on Holmenkollen 60 years later. Various ski jumps are held as well as cross-country competitions and other Nordic disciplines at the Oslo Ski Festival, which is held in March each year. Many visitors, including members of the Norwegian royal family, turn out to support their heroes enthusiastically at this very popular sport festival. Outside the festival period the inhabitants of Oslo who love winter sports have a choice of several alpine slopes and more than 1,000 km of cross-country courses in Nordmarka, the national park around the mountain. When the snow has melted Holmenkollen is a favourite destination, as it offers a wonderful view of the city and its surroundings. If you feel up to it, you can see how it feels to ski jump - without the risk of broken bones - on the simulator, or simply visit the Ski Museum located in the jump. more

The red-brown brick City Hall building is without doubt one of the most striking landmarks of the Norwegian... capital. If you approach Oslo from the sea, you can see its two square towers from a long way out. Since the inauguration of Oslo City Hall in 1950 on the 900th anniversary of the city, a lot has been said and written about the building. Not all of it positive, and even many locals are undecided whether their landmark building is beautiful or ugly. Once you go inside though, the decision is easy. For the thick plain walls are not only home to the city authorities, they also house a number of notable art works. The interior is decorated with works by the leading Norwegian artists of the 20th century; particularly impressive is the monumental painting by Henrik Sørensen in the entrance hall. Every year on 10 December in the City Hall there is an official ceremony during which the Norwegian king awards the Nobel Peace Prize. more

The Storting is approximately halfway along Karl Johan gate on the left, going from the Central Station... towards the Palace. There is a little park behind it. Built between 1861-1866 in New Gothic style, the Parliament Building with its round centre section and driveways protected by lions looks relatively small and decorative. And a whole parliament is supposed to fit into it? What a modest country Norway is. All summer the building appears deserted, when the members of parliament have better things to do than worry about politics. But the rest of the year too you will very rarely get a glimpse of black government limousines driving up and dropping off rushed members of parliament. Nor do the Norwegians have a restriction zone. Nobody is chased off the lawn in front of the Parliament, at the feet of the statue of the poet Henrik Wergeland. If you want to have a look inside the Storting, you will have come on a Saturday outside of the summer break. You will even be allowed into the Chamber with Oscar Wergeland's large painting showing the debates on the Constitution in the year 1814. more