Surroundings, Oslo

3km/2mi southeast of the center of Oslo rises the Ekeberg, with Ekeberg Park (riding school, camping site, restaurant) and the former Nautical College, in the entrance hall of which are frescoes (signs of the Zodiac) by Per Krohg. From the terrace of the College there are fine views of Oslo harbor and the fjord. Between the College and Kongsveien is an area containing a number of 5,000-year-old rock carvings (helleristninger), with 13 figures, mostly of elks. From a viewpoint below the camping site can be seen the remains of the old settlement of Oslo, including part of the royal stronghold (Kongsgården) and St Hallvard's Church.

A pleasant excursion from Oslo is to Holmenkollen (371m/1217ft), the wooded range of hills northwest of the city, which attracts large numbers of visitors for the sake of the views it offers. Holmenkollen is part of the Nordmarka, in winter Oslo's favorite skiing area. There is a good road to Frognerseteren (13km/8mi) and Tryvannstårn (lookout tower); also reached by the city's T- Bane from the National Theater and the Storting (35minutes).By car, Holmenkollen is best reached by leaving Oslo on Drammensveien, turning right into Frognerveien, continuing alongside Frognerpark on Kirkeveien and then turning left at the junction with Valkyriegate. After running parallel with the Holmenkollen railroad for some time the road bears right and winds its way up through the forest, passing many villas. 11km/7mi.

Tusenfryd Family Park has 33 attractions, 74 games and numerous restaurants. Rides include RollOver, SuperSplash, SpeedMonster coaster, ThunderCoaster and SpaceShot with an area set aside for young children.

Spread out over an expanse of 60ha, this park includes a number of very mature trees, a reflecting pool and informal garden space.

A possible excursion from Oslo (9km/5.5mi) is to Grefsenkollen (364m/1,194ft), northeast of the city. From the summit of the hill there are superb views of Oslo and the Oslofjord (viewpoint restaurant).

12km/7.5mi southwest of the center of Oslo on E 18, on Høvikodden, is the Henie-Onstad Art Center (1966-68), founded by Sonja Henie and Niels Onstad, with Norway's largest collection of international art, including works by Matisse, Miró and Picasso. The cups won by the champion skater Sonja Henie (1912-69) are displayed in one of the rooms. There are rooms used for various cultural events (theatrical performances, concerts, etc.).The art center is beautifully situated on the Oslofjord and has a large parksite with sculptures as well as a beach.

This beautiful rail trip features glacier-hewn gorges, numerous tunnels and stunning mountain scenery.

This scenic rail route features beautiful mountain and seaside scenery. Constant daylight for the whole trip, combined with musk and rich scenery make this a memorable voyage.