Edward Edward Munch's The Scream depicts the vantage point from the hilltop of Oslo's Ekeberg neighbourhood, with the fjord, town and hills below. From this vantage point, it's possible to take the melding of urban and natural landscapes that gives Oslo its distinct appeal. Modern landmarks pay homage to the country's scenery and sprawling northern forests; the imposing Oslo Opera House, designed by architecture firm Snøhetta, resembles an iceberg jetting out of a fjord. Anchoring the city's renewed waterfront, this chic metropolis is crawling with world-class museums, impressive parks and innovative restaurants. Voted the most expensive city in the world three times, Oslo is not inaccessible but admittedly some amenities are a bit of a stretch.