On a business trip to Oslo: the Scandinavian pearl

Welcome to Oslo! This vibrant capital of Norway has a lot to offer, from culture and architecture to impressive nature and sustainability. Did you know that Oslo was named European Green Capital in 2019? This is not surprising, as it is one of the few cities in the world where you will find extensive forests and hiking trails within the city limits. So green can be taken literally here! Norway in general strives for sustainability and environmental friendliness, this offers many opportunities for companies that want to focus on greener technologies and sustainable practices. 

Located on the Oslofjord, Oslo is Norway's largest city with a population of 700,000. After Oslo, the city of Bergen has the most inhabitants, are you curious about a round trip or information about this city? Then be sure to read our blog: On a business trip to Norway - Idyllic Bergen.

How to get to Oslo? 

From the Netherlands, there are several ways to travel to Oslo, such as partly by car and by boat, but the fastest and often most economical option is by plane. You fly in about an hour and a half from Amsterdam to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), about fifty kilometers from the city center.  

KLM, Norwegian Airlines and SAS offer daily direct flights. More than 50 flights depart weekly from these airlines to Oslo. 

The fastest and most economical option to get to the city center is the high-speed train (Flytoget), which takes you to the heart of Oslo in just 22 minutes. This train leaves every 10 minutes, so you never have to wait long. By cab or with a rental car is also possible, but besides being pricier, the city center of Oslo is car-free. So less convenient if your final destination is in the city center!  

Want to know which option is best for you? Our Business Travel Consultants will be happy to create a proposal based on your travel needs!  

The Norwegian climate 

At Norway has a temperate maritime climate, the same as we have in the Netherlands. The temperature is just a bit cooler, especially in winter the temperature can quickly drop below zero. There is less rain than in the Netherlands. So bring warm clothes, but you can often leave the umbrella at home!  

Norway has a temperate maritime climate, the same as we have in the Netherlands. In Oslo, however, it is a bit cooler on average and then (of course) especially in the winter months, temperatures can drop below zero early on. Oslo is fortunately among the drier cities in Norway, though. So for packing for your trip, you can pack the same as what you would pack for a weekend at home. 

Where do you sleep well? 

Oslo has a wide range of hotels, from well-known chains to unique boutique hotels. Highlighted below are a few special places to stay: 

• Hotel Amerikalinjen: This hotel is located in the former headquarters of a Norwegian-American cruise line. The interior is a nice mix of classic and modern, and there is a fitness center open 24 hours a day. 

• Comfort Hotel Grand Central: This hotel has only been around for three years but is already one of the hippest hotels in Norway. Part of the hotel is located in an old train station where some authentic elements of it are also reflected in the interior. The soundproof rooms also have a desk to work at. 

• The Thief: This is the design hotel in Oslo. Warm, stylish rooms and nice gadgets like a built-in sound system. Hotel guests receive free admission to the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. In addition, meeting rooms can be booked for up to fifty people. 

• Saga Hotel Oslo: Want to stay royally? Located 500 meters from the Royal Palace, this hotel offers a luxurious Scandinavian experience. Each room has a desk, flat-screen TV and a mini bar. 

• Scandic Vulkan: A sustainable hotel with stunning views of the city. Around the corner you will find the Mathallen Foodcourt with numerous cafes and deli stores. At hotel you can rent a bike to get to your meeting in a sporty and sustainable way! 

Photo source: Hotel Amerikalinjen, Comfort Hotel Grand Central, Hotel The Thief, Saga Hotel Oslo and Hotel Scandic Vulkan.

Doing Business in Norway: Tips & Tricks 

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind for doing business in Norway: 

• Norwegians are particularly punctual, and would rather arrive too early than too late. So plan your appointment well in advance and be on time. 

• Efficient planning: plan your appointments between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. After all, Norwegians do not work long hours and value their free time. So keep in mind tight schedules! 

• Informal dress style: the dress code is often a bit more informal than in the Netherlands. Clothing should be mainly practical and comfortable, but Norwegians do maintain a stylish and modern look. 

• Listening is more important than talking: Norwegians don't like hard bargaining. They appreciate it if you listen carefully and don't talk too much. 

• Transparency and honesty. This helps to establish the bond of trust. It may take a little longer for Norwegians than for the Dutch - all in all this means: patience is a virtue! 

Must-see spots in the city 

Oslo is a compact city and many attractions are easily accessible on foot. With the Oslo Pass, you can use public transportation for free and have access to more than 30 museums. Here are some must-sees:  

• Opera: An impressive building in the shape of an ice floe. You can even go up on the roof for a great view of the city! 

• Nobel Fredssenter: This museum is dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize and offers inspiring exhibits.  

• Kongelige Slottet: The Royal Palace is one of Norway's most important buildings. Don't miss the changing of the guard at 1:30 p.m.!  

• Karl Johans Gate: This is the boulevard that runs from the central station to the royal residence. This street is often the starting point for many tourists so here, besides many more impressive buildings, you can find many cozy bars, restaurants and stores. 

• Akerhuis: A medieval castle on the water where you can stroll and enjoy the view of the harbor. 

• Grünerlokka: One of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Oslo! This part of town is particularly known for hip restaurants, vintage stores, concept stores, eco-conscious boutiques, vibrant nightlife and lots of street art. 

• Vigelandsparken: A sculpture park with works of art by Gustav Vigeland. A nice place to relax for a while during your business trip!  

Practical tips for your trip to Oslo 

A few final facts to get you well prepared: 

• Currency: Norway uses the Norwegian krone (NOK). Paying by debit or credit card is common so you rarely need contact money. 

• Safety: Oslo is one of the safest capitals in Europe, but as in any big city, it is good to watch out for pickpockets. 

• Sun hours: In summer it hardly gets dark, while in winter the days are very short. Keep this in mind when planning your appointments.  

Planning a business trip to Oslo soon and curious about more tips, information or the best travel options?We are here for you! 

 

Travel Well! 

Anne van den Berg
Business Travel Consultant