Oslo

Famed for its Viking history, Oslo is – as many notable Scandinavian cities are – rich in natural beauty. While certainly cosmopolitan, this Norwegian capital is also cultured and fun, blending its Viking heritage with cutting-edge cuisine and design. It’s always friendly and welcoming and boasts one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Don’t miss the newly renovated National Museum, now the largest art museum in Scandinavia, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the uniquely designed Munch Museum, and the Nobel Museum. If you’re interested in Oslo’s seafaring history, visit the Polar Ship Fram, and the Kon-Tiki Museum, both of which can fittingly be reached via ferry across the Oslofjord. Soak up Oslo’s contemporary cultural life with a self-guided art walk through commercial galleries, marveling at the variety of architectural styles and wandering through neighborhoods made famous by the works of Karl Ove Knausgård (Min Kamp was set here).