Oslo has a foot in the past and one in the future - it’s steeped in historic significance yet forges ahead in world-leading urbanisation. Incentive events in Oslo offer a serious wow factor.

Fringed by mountains and fjords, Oslo is a stunning, vibrant and fascinating urban space. Historic structures, globally significant institutions and ground-breaking architectural masterpieces lie side-by-side along its magical waterfront. This area comes alive in summer with terraces, beaches, water sports and floating saunas.

With around 25% of Norway’s population inhabiting greater Olso, much of the nation is condensed into this region, ensuring short event visits can experience much of Norwegian life.

Oslo is bursting with globally significant landmarks, and the fantastic urban planning ensures it is easy to experience these places on foot or by water. Navigating the city offers the chance to see this urban utopia in motion, with open spaces, pontoons, and beaches all enjoyed by Norwegians basking in the open air.

The Norwegian state's deep pockets have ensured that event spaces, cultural landmarks, and facilities are abundant, making Oslo a superb location for an incentive event.

3 reasons for an incentive travel trip to Oslo

Swimmers jumping off a sauna into Olso fjord.

The fjord

Oslo Fjord is the crown jewel of the city. The waters are packed with boats and swimmers during the summer months. Sailing is popular, whilst floating saunas are incredible experiences.

Facade of the national museum in Oslo

The Culture

Oslo is a city of global significance. Its cultural mix includes museums, galleries, art installations, and festivals.

Person zip lining down a ski jump in Oslo

The mountains

Just north of the city are the local mountains with fantastic venues and activities on offer.

Oslo city

With over a quarter of Norway’s population living in Greater Oslo, the city dominates culturally and politically. In the city on the fjord, water is entwined into the city's fabric, with bathing beaches all along the waterfront, museums and theatres lining the fjord, and commuters riding the ferries to the city from the islands. The waterfront of Oslo is stunning, iconic, and expanding to the east.

The stunning recent additions of the Munch Museum and the National Opera House join the historic Nobel Peace Centre and the Akershus Fortress on the fjord. Deep government pockets have been put to impressive use with these stunning structures. Life beneath them continues with beach bars, fjord swimming, and floating saunas, allowing residents and visitors alike to sample the incredible Oslo way of life.

The capital with the most open space globally, Olso is a joy to explore. A fantastic transport system, cycle paths and waterfront pedestrian routes link the city. Olso is a fusion of old and new, with historic fortifications residing next to incredible, modern architecture. New suburbs are springing up on the western side of the fjord - waterfront enclaves with steps to pontoons for swimming and water sports – a Nordic Venice!

Dining is a similar mix of new and old, with fusion cuisine bridging the gap between traditional Norwegian fayre and international cuisine, including South and East Asian dining. Heading out into the fjords, there are a series of islands and magical oases that the luckiest residents of Oslo call home. Attractions and entertainment can be customized here to cater to group events.

Activities in Oslo

Olso Fjord is the city's focal point. Kayaking through the suburbs and into the fjord is a great way to discover the city from a unique perspective. One of the highlights of the fjord itself is the floating sauna. Bookable for private groups, these are wonderful and authentic event experiences.

Sailing and boat charters are also popular group event activities on the fjord. The coastal and island suburbs outside of Oslo are the stuff of fairytale.

Mountain sports are possible just north of Oslo. Zip-lining the ski jump is a great spectacle, while there are hiking trails and a frisbee golf trail through a forest. Views over the city and fjords are special, and there are some superb event and dining venues to enjoy.

For those looking for a slower pace, Olso city is bursting with cultural experiences. Museuems and galleries are world-remowned and a tour along the waterfront of Olso Fjord takes in many of the incredible cultural exhibits.

We have listed some more incentive activity ideas. Not all can be undertaken in Olso, but for event planners searching for thrilling activities, there are some inspiring options out there.

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Olso dining

As the capital of Norway, Olso boasts the widest range of dining options in the country. Its southern location on the fjord ensures that seafood is widely consumed in the city. Influences from the north include reindeer, while there is a thriving microbeer industry and cider made with West Coast apples.

Locations include historic settings as well as modern, venues with themed dining possible for group events. Waterfront dining is hugely popular and can be combined with visits to the many attractions in this part of Oslo.

As an international city of global stature, Olso attracts residents and visitors from all over the world. The demand for international cuisine has resulted in a wide range of dining options in Oslo. Large Indian and East Asian communities have developed numerous fantastic restaurants.

Groups can sample the domestic and international flavours at one of the many street food markets in Oslo.

Oslo nightlife

Oslo is also a truly multicultural city offering a varied and thriving nightlife scene. The region's nightlife powerhouse has a fantastic mix of indoor and outdoor nightlife. Bar, restaurant, and café terraces abound along the Oslo fjord and the city centre.

Long summer days can be whiled away amongst the waterfront's sights, sounds, and atmosphere. Numerous microbreweries in Oslo offer unique and sustainable brews, and the city’s live music scene is vibrant.

Norway is famous for its expensive alcohol, but that is only part of the story. A beer might cost double the amount of one bought in a provincial European town, but compared with French and Swiss resorts or other European capitals, the differences become far less stark.

And when combined with dining, the overall price is often very competitive with wining and dining in other parts of Europe – Norway dining is both high quality and surprisingly well priced.

Alternatives to Oslo

View over the Lofoten islands

Other incentive travel options in Norway

While Olso is the dominant city in Norway, this is a vast country with stunning geography. Other incentive event cities are located on the west coast, and further north, there are the Arctic outposts offering incredible event opportunities.

View over the water in Copenhagen

Alternatives to Oslo - Copenhagen

Norwegians often claim that they have most in common with the Danish. In Copenhagen, event planners will discover many similarities with Oslo, including waterfront areas, superb dining, outdoor lifestyles, and a huge range of cultural landmarks.