If you blink, you might just miss this little yellow building, nestled quietly among a row of businesses on Drammensveien, a major street that snakes west along the fjord from the Royal Palace. But the search is worth the find. The Nobel Institute embodies the peace-loving spirit of Norway more than any other sight, attraction or museum in Oslo can.
By the way, if you are planning WAY in advance for your trip, keep in mind that the institute is opening a Nobel Museum in an old train station between city hall and Aker Brygge on the fjord in June 2005.
I'm not sure if they have official tours. But just try stopping by. They have a library and other resources open to the pubic, so you are welcome inside. The institute's office is open weekdays 8am to 3:45pm (until just 3pm mid-May to mid-September).
I happened to be in Oslo on business, but I simply called the institute (+47 22 12 93 00) asked for the director (Geir Lundestad, one of the kindest people I've ever known), and the next thing I knew, I was in his office. Not only did he let me see the room where the Nobel Peace Prize committee decides the annual winner, but he let me stay there for as long as I'd like after he left for another meeting.
It's a simple room, nothing visually stunning or remarkable, but it has aura and energy. Pictures of past winners line the walls. Mother Theresa, Ghandi and Kofi Annan stare out from frames on the simple wooden table with five seats for the 5-person committee. It may take more work than other sights, and it may not be especially photogenic, but trust me: It will be the brightest memory of your visit and the most peaceful thing you'll do all trip.