Oslo, NorwayThe greatest Viking artifact collection in the world — three actual 9th-century longships excavated from burial mounds, plus the extraordinary Oseberg ship with its carved dragon prow and complete burial treasure. On the Bygdøy peninsula; combine with the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums for a full day of Norwegian exploration.
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The most architecturally magnificent building in Scandinavia — a 2008 glacier of white marble and glass emerging from the fjord that you can walk across the sloping roof to reach the summit. The views of the Oslo Fjord and Bjørvika waterfront are sensational; free to walk up at any hour.
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Oslo's most creative neighborhood — a former working-class district that has transformed into the city's centre of independent design, vintage fashion, craft beer, and excellent food. Akerselva river runs through it; the Sunday flea market at Birkelunden park is outstanding; the café density per block is among Europe's highest.