Business Travel to Oslo: Around the corner from the National theater

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Housed in a fabulous turn-of-the-century building, Nationaltheatret is Norway's most important theater. Nationaltheatret is easily accessible as it's located on main street Karl Johan, between Parliament and the Royal Palace. The repertoire is a mix of classical and contemporary, dramas and comedies, for children and adults. Henrik Ibsen and his wife Susanne were seated in the front row when the theater opened in September 1899.

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Karl Johans gate (Karl Johan street) is Oslo's main artery, a partially pedestrianised street leading from Oslo S (the central railway station) to the Royal Palace, with Parliament, the National Theatre and the old part of Oslo University (the present law faculty) in between. Plenty of shops and restaurants as well as a small park line this lively street. In summer, buskers and street vendors abound and people sunbathe and lounge around in the park. In winter, the park metamorphoses into Narvisen skating rink, especially pretty at night when it's illuminated.

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Spikersuppa is the area between Stortinget (Parliament) and the national theater - right in the center of Oslo. In summer, stroll between fountains, statues, a pond and open-air restaurants. In winter, most of it is transformed into an ice-skating rink, Spikersuppa kunstisbane.

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You can't visit Oslo without seeing Edvard Munch's world-famous painting The Scream

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This museum houses Norway's greatest and largest collection of art. Most visitors flock here to see Edvard Munch's The Scream, one of four versions, this one painted in 1893. This painting was stolen in 1994 and, like the version taken from the Munch Museum in 2004, was subsequently recovered. The Scream, which is reproduced in countless posters around the world, still inspires artists today and continues to work its way into popular culture. For example, in a 2006 episode of The Simpsons, Bart and his friends steal a copy of The Scream in a parody of the real thefts.

Munch has paintings here beyond The Scream, a total of 58 of his works, some of them among his most celebrated, including The Dance of Life, Moonlight, and Ashes. Most of Munch's works on show were painted in the closing years of the 19th century. There are also several self-portraits of Munch -- see why he was called "the handsomest man in Norway."

The leading Norwegian Romantic landscape painter Johan Christian Dahl (1788-1857) is in fine form here, but we find his paintings a little too sentimental. Our favorite is Christian Krohg, who painted it like it was, drawing inspiration from sailors to prostitutes. Scandinavian...

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Enjoying Grand Café's extensive and delicious breakfast buffet is a treat after a very late night on the town. Open from 6:30 am.

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Grand café is one of Oslo's legendary restaurants. It was a favorite haunt of the Christiania Bohemians, a band of 19th century artists and intellectuals who used to hang here, often drinking absinthe. They can all be spotted in the large mural on the back wall. To the left is pictured famous playwright Henrik Ibsen. He had his own table at Grand Café and used to come twice a day to read and have a beer. His table is still there. The central location on Oslo's main street, along with the excellent food, makes it a popular choice for business lunches. Grand Café offer a popular jazz brunch every Sunday 12:00 - 4:00 pm.

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Designed by Swedish architect Emil Langlet in 1866, this historic building is home to the Norwegian Parliament (Storting). Parliamentary meetings have been open to the public since the beginning. Guided tours of the Parliament building are organized several times pr. week; admission is free.

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The Blitz building was occupied by left-wing youth in 1981, and is still a center for alternative, left-wing activity in Oslo. Famous painter Edvard Munch lived in this building for a couple of years, and it is easily recognizable by the black-and-white mural of the Scream (Skrik) that covers the south wall. Today, most people have learned to accept Blitz's existence in the city. Blitz usually offers one or two concerts a week, covering everything that is considered part of the underground music movement. Try the waffles in the café, they are homemade, and the best you can get in the way of traditional Norwegian waffles anywhere. The café also serves vegetarian dishes at very reasonable prices.

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Dinner is the best option for a nice spicy Szechuan culinary delight.

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Located across the street from the National Theatre, Dinner is probably Oslo's most popular Chinese restaurant. The food is high-quality all the way, delighting every sense. Serves Cantonese food and original-recipe Peking Duck, but the exciting cuisine of the Szechuan province is their speciality. Friendly waiters ensure excellent service. Dinner is always full of happy customers.

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The sight of this place makes you happy, especially in summer, when the Parisian tables outside are reminiscent of Continental temptations. Even the large bar with all its mirrors reminds you of all those Parisian restaurants you have seen in romantic films. The place is definitely classy. Quite a few business people come here, together with people who are simply attracted to the great food and the stylish bar. The place is often a bit crowded but the atmosphere is still good. Live night-jazz is played every Friday and Saturday from 11p to 2a. The cuisine is traditional French and the standards are high. A lot of typical Norwegian ingredients are used - such as game and fish and you can choose from a list of ten different main courses.

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Last Train on Karl Johan Street has a long tradition of housing musicians, especially those with a predilection for rock. It has been the starting-point for countless Norwegian chart-raiders and flops, and is still important for those who want to be seen with the right people. If you feel like taking a break from the ultra-trendy and fashionable parts of Oslo, Last Train is a useful hideout. The beer is inexpensive and staff and patrons alike are generally nice and welcoming. Even the bouncers have a nice reputation.

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Have a look at the fabulous murals in the hall where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held

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Inaugurated in 1950, Oslo rådhus is Oslo's City Hall. Located by the next to the waterfront, Aker brygge and Akershus fortress, Oslo rådhus attracts more than 100 000 visitors yearly. The Nobel Peace Prize is responsible for much of this interest, as Oslo rådhus is venue of the annual awards ceremony. Oslo rådhus is handsomely decorated by early 20th century Norwegian artists. Admission is free. Guided tours are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays (every day during summer).

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In October each year, the Norwegian Nobel Committee decides which worthy individual or organisation have contributed the most to global peace during the last 12 months, as specified by wealthy humanitarian Alfred Nobel in his will. The Nobel Peace Prize awards ceremony takes place every 10 December in Oslo's City Hall.

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Nobel Fredsenter (The Nobel Peace Center) offers a guided tour, including lunch or dinner at Pascal Café de la Paix, an irresistible combination.

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Since 1901, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded according to the terms of the last will and testament of wealthy industrialist and humanitarian Alfred Nobel. Opened in 2005, the high-tech Nobel fredssenter (Nobel Peace Center) celebrates all the laureates. Nobels fredssenter aims to inspire reflection and discussions on war, peace and conflict resolution. It's located near Akershus Fortress, between Oslo's City Hall and Aker brygge. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission is NOK 80 for adults, 55 for students/seniors; children free. Guided tours are included on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Centrally located close to Karl Johan main street and the City Hall. This office is full of information about Oslo and other selected destinations in Norway. Free brochures are available in several languages, amongst them the monthly guide What's On in Oslo. The Oslo Pass, which gives you free admission to most museums and free rides on public transport, is sold here. You can also buy tickets for sightseeing and excursions, as well as exchange currency and receive assistance with hotel bookings. There is also a smaller tourist office at the central station.

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A former ship yard, Aker brygge is a fashionable area with high-end shops, cosy pubs and restaurants, a cinema (including and IMAX-screen) and art galleries. In summer, Aker brygge is a favorite hangout for Oslovians for after-work beers. This is where people have their first utepils (meaning outdoors beer) of the year - or buy shrimps right off the boats. Aker brygge is lively at night as well.

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This pub, furnished with mahogany counters and plush booths, make for an intimate and cozy nightspot. In the summertime a variety of light snacks and sandwiches are offered within the outdoor cafe, which acts as welcome addition to the impressionistic indoor decor. The frequent live music makes Hannibals Hybel is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.

Our Local Expert Says:

Come for fantastic mussels in white wine.

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At the tip of Aker Brygge, with the sea right outside its door, it's not surprising that this restaurant serves only the best and freshest products. All types of fish, from salmon to cod to monkfish, are served fresh and cooked in a variety of sauces. Try to get an outdoor table in the summer. Along with the view of late evening sunlight on the fjord, you will have the advantage of a cheaper menu.

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700-year-old seat of kings and government

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Akershus festning was originally built as a seat for kings. Through the ages, the castle turned into a fortress overlooking the Oslo fjord. The present city center of Oslo was established below the ramparts in 1624. The fort is located on a hilltop in the center of Oslo and contains the original castle, the castle church, Norway Resistance Museum and the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum. Walking the grounds, you very much get a sense of history, from its beginning in 1299 until the present. Norway's last death sentence was administered here in 1945. (You may have heard of him: Vidkun Quisling, convicted of treason.) To arrange a guided tour, call + 47 23 09 32 12. Admission to the fortress is free.

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Kvadraturen is home to several local gourmet restaurants

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Kvadraturen (meaning the quadrature) is the center of Christiania, the old name for Oslo. After the great fire of Oslo in 1624, Christian IV, king of then Denmark-Norway, decreed "the new town will lie here!" In the middle of the square, the large golden hand expresses the king's decision. Some of the 17th and 18th century buildings remain, including the first city hall and Cafe Engebret, Oslo's oldest restaurant. Several galleries and museums can be found in Kvadraturen, as well as some excellent restaurants and cafes.

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The medallion of reindeer is mouth-watering.

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This low corner building dates from the 1700s, and the restaurant has been in business for more than 140 years. Situated right across the street from the Museum of Contemporary Art, it is within walking distance of the medieval Akershus fortress. Offering traditional Norwegian food, the emphasis of the menu is on Fish, but in the autumn there is always game. Coming here to eat the fantastic Lutefisk of the Christmas season is a tradition in Oslo. In the summer guests can enjoy the beautiful outdoor dining area.

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In the historic center of Oslo, Statholdergaarden is a a top choice for local gourmet dining.

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Run by master chef Bent Stiansen, recipient of the culinary Oscar, the Bocuse d'Or, Statholdergaarden is a gourmet restaurant located in the old part of Oslo's city center in a fabulous building from 1640. The restaurant is divided into five rooms of different size, from the large Cleopatra room, where the stucco-decorated ceiling depict Cleopatra's striking death scene, to smaller, more intimate dining rooms. The menu is changed every day and Stiansen emphasizes use of fresh, local produce.

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The traditional Norwegian dishes served here are so regional that they seem exotic not only to tourists but also to some Norwegian city folk. specialties include potato dumplings and a myriad kinds of fish. Meat dishes served with nothing less than perfectly boiled potatoes. This really is the place for those who want to discover the real, traditional Norwegian cuisine.

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One of Norway's largest cultural venues, Smuget comprises 2 stages, 6 bars, a cafe/restaurant and a discotheque. All kinds of high quality music in various genres are on offer, including blues, R&B, jazz, rock, folk music and funk. Bruce Springsteen has performed here, as has Eric Clapton and Mick Jagger. With 600 - 700 cultural events annually, Smuget is one of Europe's largest music clubs and also a popular venue for celebrity-spotting. Expect long lines outside.

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One of the oldest and one of the most popular Irish pubs in Oslo, The Dubliner attracts ex-pats and locals alike. It's located near Akershus Fortress in the old part of town. The Dubliner hosts Irish dance classes on Monday nights, Irish jam-sessions on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and often live music most other nights of the week as well. Offers nice Irish pub-grub after 2 - 9 pm. After Oslo's restaurants and pubs became smoke-free in 2004, The Dubliner opened up an outdoor smoking area, reputed to be the warmest in town.

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The Royal Palace is the residence of King Harald and Queen Sonja. On top of a small hill, it offers great views of the city center and across to Parliament. Watch the changing of the Royal Guards - or have someone take your picture with a guard while you try to make them smile. (You won't have any luck, I'm afraid). In summer, people hang around in the Palace park, sunbathing and chatting. On May 17th (National day), all the schools parade down Karl Johan street, passing by the palace. The royal family will be waving to the children from the palace balcony for hours. Between mid-June and mid-August, you can tour some of the most beautiful staterooms.

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Kunstnernes Hus was built in 1930 by Norwegian architects Blakstad and Munthe-Kaas, and represents a central trend in Norwegian architecture. The four exhibition rooms are solely used for temporary exhibitions of Norwegian and international contemporary art. One of the greatest events of the year is the Annual National Autumn Show, where a jury selects the exhibitors in the show from artists (and would-be artists) from all over the country. At the entrance you will find the popular restaurant Arcimboldo, with a nice view of Slottsparken..

Our Local Expert Says:

The large terrace at Kunstnernes Hus Restaurant & Bar is excellent for a relaxing dinner outdoors.

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Kunstnernes Hus Restaurant & Bar is a newly-opened restaurant situated in Kunstnernes Hus (House of Artists) just across the street from the Royal Palace and Park in Oslo. High-ceilinged and with authentic 30s decor, this is a nice, bright and airy restaurant. The atmosphere is informal and relaxing. Wide stairs lead up to the exhibitions' hall and talks, debates and intimate concerts are often organized here. The menu is varied, from refined gourmet food to simple rustic fare, with the daily 6-course-dinner as a highlight. In summer, outdoor dining is offered on the large terrace overlooking the Royal Park.

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Located behind the Royal Palace and close to the House of Artists and the new House of Literature, Lorry has been a favorite hang-out for artists and culture vultures. Lorry offers comfortable leather seats and 129 varieties of beer, local food and a vibrant, yet cozy atmosphere. When Oslovians go out for Yuletide-tables (eating and drinking with emphasis on the drinking) in the month leading up to Christmas, Lorry is a popular choice and tables need to be booked pretty far in advance.

Our Local Expert Says:

Bonus: an excellent short black-and-white film of Ibsen's life.

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Henrik Ibsen's apartment, where the famous Norwegian author lived from 1895 until his death in 1906, has been restored and transformed into a museum. The study contains his original furniture and belongings, and the rest of the apartment has been restored to its original appearance. Throughout the year, the museum arranges lectures and theatrical performances, with a new program every spring and autumn. There are also temporary exhibitions. In order to gain entry to the apartment you must be on a guided tour. Tours begin on an hourly basis, and last for approximately thirty minutes.

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Two blocks from the Nationaltheatret, this is the home of the widely acclaimed Oslo Philharmonic. Performances are given autumn to spring, on Thursday and Friday. Guest companies from around the world often appear on other nights. The hall is closed from June 20 until mid-August, except for occasional performances by folkloric groups. The box office is open Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday 11am to 2pm.

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The vegetarian buffet-restaurant Vega has taken over operations from the former Vegeta Vertshus and is now located in Akersgata.

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Restaurant Annen Etage in the Hotel Continental is an excellent place to enjoy sumptuous International cuisine. The joint has only lately been added to the hotel. The restaurant is unique in its own way as it has a new menu to serve you every week. The cuisine is definitely international but is given a local touch with typical Norwegian ingredients. Dining at Annen Etage is made even more exciting with the stunningly contemporary and innovative interiors!

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Oslo being well known for its rock and metal scene, the Rock In club is an ideal spot for all rock fans. At this rather small place which is very scantily lit with loud blaring music in the background you will find locals sipping on their alcohol while tuning into the fabulous music. Live Performances by local bands promise some original music and take the overall entertainment quotient a notch higher. The theme of this club is Gothic with most of the crowd sporting piercings and colored hair.

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If you long for blues music, make your way to this club, with its two fully equipped stages. At least one live band plays almost every night, often with big names, both local and international. This is not necessarily a club for moppets, as a slightly older crowd (at least those over 30) flocks here. Beer costs NOK55 ($11/£5.50). Open daily 2pm to 3am.

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During the day, Onkel Donald is a cafe serving up a creative lunch menu and excellent coffees. Also popular for after-work gatherings. There's Wi-Fi, magazines and newspapers from all over the world and even computers you can use free of charge, so why not bring your work? At night, Onkel Donald turns into a party with loud music and as many as 2000 people out to have a good time. Night-time age limit: 24.