There aren't many capital cities that can boast the possibility to combine a touch of retail therapy, cultural sightseeing and winter sports, such as skiing, skating or tobogganing (or in the summer months, a spot of beach relaxation) all within a single day (for those with limitless energy, that is) - but Oslo can.
Sitting at the mouth of the Oslo Fjord and in the midst of forested hills, the city has much to offer.
With a population of only approximately 550,000, there is a relaxed and un-bustled feel to this beautiful city (which, admittedly, may also have been due to the sub-zero temperatures persisting at the time of visiting!).
Since October 2003, Duo airlines has been operating flights direct to Oslo from Birmingham, so now it's easier than ever to pop over to see city living Norwegian-style.
Norwegians are a friendly bunch (and you'll be glad to know, most speak English) and are happy to offer advice on places to check out while visiting their city, but you shouldn't be stuck for ideas. All of the main sites are easily accessible by tram or on foot.
A must-do is a stroll around the Vigeland sculpture park, featuring more than 200 sculptures by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland who also designed the architectural setting and layout of the grounds.
The sculptures are set along an 850-metre long axis running from the impressive entrance of wrought iron and granite through to the wheel of fortune at the end.
The theme of the sculptures is intended to reflect mans' journey from cradle to grave (apparently). Make sure you don't miss one of the most famous of the sculptures (and ironically also one of the smallest), the angry little boy, situated on the bridge.
In terms of museums, if you'd like to know more about the Norwegians' warrior past, you can visit the Viking Museum to learn about their seafaring adventures.
If you fancy a bit of art, the painter Edvard Munch donated a large amount of his works to the city just prior to his death in 1944, and you can see these housed at the museum of his name - not all are as haunting as The Scream!
A spectacular sight (and somewhat unusual for a capital city) is the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, just a stone's throw from the city centre, which has been the site of the Winter Olympics and the World Ski Championships.
Whilst adrenaline junkies may have thoughts of Eddie the Eagle style stunts, there's the opportunity to test your speeds on the snow at the Tryvann ski centre, or tobogganing at Korketrekkeren luge track - great fun where you can pick up a fairly hair-raising speed, so not for the faint-hearted (and be prepared to get a faceful of snow when you attempt to apply the brakes!)
If you prefer a more subdued sporting experience, you can have a skate round the Narvsen skating rink, situated in the centre of the city on Karl Johan's gate (also the main shopping drag) and within the sights of the neo-classical National Theatre.
For the shopaholics, the centre has all of the larger shops and chains, such as Steen and Strom (Oslo's equivalent to Rackhams), or if you prefer the more independent shops selling the wares of young Norwegian designers, then visit the Grunerlokka area, which also has a selection of trendy bars and cafés where you can quench your thirst between purchases.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars to visit in the evening, but be warned, eating out (or even drinking, for that matter) does not come cheap in Oslo.
For the more well-lined wallet, try the Odeon in the upmarket Hegdehaugsveien area. It's a sleek and elegant cocktail bar and restaurant, serving Asian fish and noodle selections, which attracts a media, wannabe crowd.
For jazz enthusiasts, the Blaa jazz club set in a disused warehouse is a good place for a bit of toe-tapping. Alternatively, for a cosy retreat from the biting Nordic winds try Café Lorry in the city centre. With a warming wooden interior, a reasonably priced gastro pub type menu with traditional Norwegian dishes, together with Elks' heads and varied artworks filling the walls for something to look at, it's a good choice.
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