Oslo: Stretch your stay over a Norwegian summer holiday

Oslo. Photo / Getty Images

The long days and light nights are cause for celebration in Oslo, the Norwegian capital, writes Sarah Marshall.

Go in summer

Long summer days and light nights mean festivals and parades across the city. Oslo Jazz Festival runs from August 12-18, with performances in concert halls, saunas and forest clearings. Get there in two stops with Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha or Thai Airways via Bangkok.

Stay here

Sleep with original artwork at fashion-forward The Thief on Landgangen and wake up to glorious views of Oslo's archipelago. Doubles from NOK3890 (NZ$700), including breakfast. Or save without scrimping at Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret in an Art Deco building on Storgata. Doubles from NOK1206, with a respectable breakfast, afternoon tea and evening buffet.

Walk here

Starting on an architectural high note at Oslo Opera House, curve south-west around the Bjorvika waterfront, passing pop-up sauna and art space SALT, built to resemble a fish-drying rack; then head right along Grev Wedels Plass into Myntgata and on to the medieval Akershus Fortress, where there are daily tours throughout summer (NOK50). Head north through the Kontraskjaeret park to Otto Sverdrupsgate to Oslo City Hall then head for Karl Johans Gate to reach the Royal Palace and its gardens.

See this

Most of Edvard Munch's paintings hang in the

Munch Museum

, but several of his most famous, including a version of The Scream are at the National Gallery. Entrance is NOK120 or free on Thursdays when the gallery opens until 7pm .

The center of Vigeland Park, Oslo. Photo / Getty Images

Try this

Admire outrageous and bizarre creations by Gustav Vigeland (including city mascot Angry Boy) on a stroll through Frogner Park, the world's largest sculpture park by a single artist. It's free and open 24 hours.

The center of Vigeland Park, Oslo. Photo / Getty Images

Shop here

Upscale Paleet is a calming gallery of minimalist boutiques on Oslo's main street, Karl Johans Gate. The interiors of YME alone justify a visit.

Drink here

Sip spirits distilled on site at Himkok, in one of Oslo's oldest brick buildings.

Eat here

Set aside several hours for the 15-course tasting menu at Maaemo. Expect to pay NOK2800 for the three-Michelin-star experience, excluding wine.

Off the Map

Holmenkollen ski jump is a gateway to Nordmarka forest. Climb the observation deck for panoramic views (Metro Line 1 takes 30 minutes from the city centre). Entry is NOK140.