Oslo

Recently ranked the world’s most expensive city to live in, Oslo is a relatively tropical paradise among Scandinavian cities. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the climate is generally pleasant in summer and the winters are a far cry from some of the blisteringly frigid, sub-freezing environments of her neighboring cities. With a population of just under one million including the surrounding area, Oslo is a vibrant city that has grown over the centuries into a unique and interesting culture. Dating back someone thousand years, this capital of Norway has an exceptional harbor that makes visiting via boat an enjoyable and easily scheduled way of travel. In addition to Oslo’s many museums and various parks, outdoor galleries (like the popular Vigeland Sculpture Park) make viewing the numerous examples of this rich culture very easy. Shopping, great food, and a lively nightlife are also waiting until you if you are up to it. Good quality budget food can be discovered in Torggata, and offers both local and international favorites. The surrounding countryside makes a great place for cold-weather sports like skiing and snowboarding, and the locals are tolerant of less than perfect novices.