Will be in Oslo for 5 days(staying at Rainbow Astoria)in early June-interested in some day trips in and around the city. Is it possible to travel to Lillehammer for the day? Any/all recommendations of must see sights/casual places to eat appreciated!

You must visit Viegland Park in Oslo. The park features the sculptures of Gustav Viegland. They are absolutely amazing depictions of people throughout the life cycle.

5 days is a long time to spend in Oslo.<BR>Could you not spare a couple of days to do the Norway in a Nutshell tour to Bergen, via Flam and Sognefiord. Its well worth it I can promise you.

Tony is right. It would be a shame to be so close to the fjords and not see them. The one long day Norway in a Nutshell does the job admirably. You will have a chance to marvel at the views and scenic beauty. You can come back to Oslo or end at Bergen. Search on "Norway in a Nutshell" on this board and you will get tons of information and testimonials. Yes, you can go to Lillehammer for the day if that is what you want. Be sure to take in the Akershus Fortress including the Resistance Museum; fascinating, Go out to Bygdoy by ferry to see the Viking Ships and take in the Folk Museum. The Fram and the Kon-tiki Exhibits are very interesting. Take an Archipelago Tour by boat. Catch one at the harbor. We found a great little Italian Restaurant called Spezzo. The food, service and wine list were very good; reasonably priced; in the downtown area. We found it on our walk from the harbor back to the Palace area left of Karl Johans Gate. Oslo is very enjoyable.

Hi, Debbie<BR>Lucky you, not having to rush all over Norway in split seconds. Oslo is a place for relaxation, and early June often comes with the very best of both spring and summer. If you happen to enjoy outdoorlife like bicycling, walking, even hiking and fishing in the surrounding woods, I promise that 5 days in Oslo will add value.<BR>Personally I'd not care about a day trip to Lillehammer. It is around 180 km one way. But a boat ride to the tiny and charming town Drobak some 25 km down the Oslo fjord (around 40 by car) might be considered.<BR>Downtown Oslo is easily done by foot, and your hotel is close to both the Main street Karl Johan, the fortress and the harbor. <BR>The Bygdoy museums and Vigeland sculpture park you of course should not miss, but do not forget to have the views from the surrounding hills. Walking down town from the Frognerseteren/Holmenkollen is a very good one. Renting a bicycle and have picnic at Bygdoy together vit museum visits is another. Etc etc<BR>Feel free to e-mail me, and welcome to one of the world's best places to live..<BR><BR>Bjorn, Oslo