Insider's guide to Oslo

Our Director, Tietse Stelma, an Oslo native, offers his Oslo recommendations. Local walks, attractions and the not to miss, prawn eating session at the harbour.

STAY IN OSLO: Lysebu Lodge

Just 20 minutes by metro from the heart of the Norwegian capital, you can enjoy a tranquil stay in the woods. Beautifully situated near Holmenkollen ski jump and with the appearance of a fairy-tale castle, Lysebu is a wonderfully peaceful escape.

FOOD EXPERIENCE IN OSLO: Mathallen Food Hall

Mathallen is a food-lovers paradise, with everything from old-fashioned sausage makers to a market serving more than 300 types of beer and a culinary academy. It is well worth spending taking an afternoon stroll through this hall.

Anni's Pølsemakeri and lunch, Credits: CH - visitnorway.com

MICHELIN STAR EATING: Maaemo

Maaemo, in the Old Town, was awarded two Michelin stars on its first rating, just 14 months after opening. It serves one menu for all guests, which changes with the seasons. It is a real treat and one of many restaurants involved in the New Nordic Cuisine movement across Scandinavia.

WALK: Skjennungstua

Take metro line No 1 from any subway station in central Oslo to the final stop at Frognerseteren. Then set off on foot, following the signposted paths towards Skjennungstua -a lovely 7km round-trip through the forested hills above the city. Stop for lunch at Skjennungstua, with its fantastic view over Oslomarka, Oslo's green space.

WINTER FUN IN OSLO: The Corkscrew

For an adrenalin kick, ride the Korketrekkeren (corkscrew) tobogganing track at Frognerseteren. Search for The Madness – Korketrekkeren in Oslo on YouTube to get the full picture.

YES, THERE ARE BEACHES IN OSLO: Huk

Bring your bathers, a packet of Leif Vidar sausages and a disposable barbecue and join the locals at Hukon the Bygdoy peninsula in the city's west. This is where Oslo folk spend their summer afternoons and long evenings, enjoying the warm water, having something to eat and sunbathing; visitoslo.com.

CITY TREASURE: Shrimps at Radhuskaia

Pick up a loaf of white bread and some mayo, and head down to Radhuskaia (the harbour in front of the town hall). Fishermen start selling their freshly caught and very tasty shrimps (an Oslo treasure) at 7am, so it pays to be early.

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