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Cruise ships must traverse a 60-mile-long fjord to reach Norway’s stunning capital city, but Oslo -- surrounded by forested ski trails and craggy, snow-covered peaks -- is worth the extra travel time. This is an innovative city, a place of cultural, political and scenic importance not only for the country but the whole of Europe.

Founded in 1050, Oslo offers panoramic tours of Norwegian history -- here, Viking museums stand alongside medieval castles, the Nobel Peace Centre, the sculptures of Frogner Park and a popular museum dedicated to Edvard Munch, expressionist painter of “The Scream.” More than a dozen music festivals scattered throughout the year honor the city’s jazz, rock and classical artists. Oslo also is home to world-class cuisine, where Michelin-rated restaurants share boardwalk space with mom-and-pop seafood houses.

Language: Norwegian     Currency: Krone (NOK)