Oslo, Norway + Add a trip

Visit the Emanuel Vigeland Mausoleum, it's obscure but amazing. http://www.emanuelvigeland.museum.no/

Whenever there is snow you can rent a sled up in the hills and enjoy a looooong downhill slide. Take the local train to Holmenkollen where the skijump is, have a ride and take the train back up again for another screamy journey! http://tinyurl.com/6787qy

A long stroll in the Vigeland park followed by a visit to Vestkanttorget (Sat 09-15), the local second hand market, before going to lunch at Bølgen & Moi's.

Start with a walk on the roof of the new Opera in Oslo designed by Snøhetta architects. It has proven very popular with the locals and visitors alike. You will find the entrance to the right outside the Oslo Central Station on the side facing the harbor across a bridge. With the snow and ice of winter Oslo it is probably slippery though so be very careful; you enter at your own risk. Perhaps enjoy lunch inside the Opera after.

With the Holmenkollen skijump currently being demolished to make room for the new one, I would suggest an afternoon visit to the newly restored cafe/restaurant Grefsenkollen. At 380 meters above sea level it has a magnificent view of Oslo, the fjord and a great sunset weather permitting. The restaurant has good food and there is a sporty crowd on the weekends due to the nearby ski areas. http://www.grefsenkollen.no/ (in Norwegian only) Bus 56 towards Solemskogen to Trollveiskrysset, then a 15 minute walk. Bus all the way to the top on the weekends.

Take the bus or tram to rysja. Visit the Techninal Museum (good for kids as well as grownups) and make sure to include the hands-on experimental section in the basement. From just outside the museum, walk along the Aker river (paved walkways) all the way to the city centre, takes app. 2 hrs - and yes, it's possible to bail along the way and take a tram or bus instead. There are some cafés along the route, and the views tell the picturesque version of the story of industrial development along with city development.

Go dancing at The Villa! This dark but very friendly club plays a very diverse selection of electronic (dance) music to tiny hordes of enthusiastic people every weekend. Best sound system in Oslo by far, and guests come to dance, not to show off. My second home in Oslo. http://thevilla.no/