Here below some practical information to organise your stay in Oslo.
How to reach Oslo
Oslo is a very accessible city and Norway’s hub for national and international travel. You can reach it:
- By plane: Oslo is primarily served by the Gardemoen airport, which is connected to the city by several services. If you use the train (Flytoget or Vy), disembark at Oslo S (Oslo Central Station) or Nationaltheater (the trip takes between 20 and 25 minutes). Alternatively, one can land at Torp airport, which is also connected to the city by various services, but it takes a longer time (by a combination of bus and train, around 2 hours)
- By train or bus: Oslo can be reached by train or bus, in both cases passing through Sweden
- By boat: Oslo can be reached by boat, leaving either from Germany (Kiel) or Denmark (either from Copenhagen or Fredrikshavn)
For a complete overview, see the dedicated VisitOslo webpage on Travelling to Oslo.
Public transportation in Oslo
While Oslo is a relatively small city, the easiest way to move around is by public transportation. This is especially useful for the Delegates who will attend the social events, as, except for the Welcome Reception, these events will not take place close to the main Conference Venue.
The easiest way to buy a ticket is to download the Ruter app and purchase the ticket there. It is possible to pay by card in the app and have the ticket ready on the phone before boarding. Receipts can be easily obtained in the app too. We recommend buying a weekly ticket (7 days), which covers the entire duration of the conference. All conference events, including excursions, will take place in Zone 1, so the weekly ticket would only need to cover that zone.
Alternatively, physical travel cards can be purchased at various kiosks in the city (Narvesen, 7-Eleven, Mix) or at Ruter's customer service centre at Jernbanetorget 1.
The train ticket to and from Gardermoen Airport (only Vy trains) can also be purchased through the Ruter app. If you plan to buy a weekly ticket, you may want to first buy the weekly ticket for Zone 1 and then purchase a single extension to Zone 4N.
Accommodations with an IWSM2026 agreement
Oslo offers many accommodation options at a wide range of prices.
There are only a few hotels within walking distance of the venue (approximately a 20-minute walk), but it is easy to reach the workshop venue both by metro and tram. Any accommodation close to a metro (T-bane) station or tram station will suffice.
The hotel at 20 minutes walking distance (or one metro stop) to the venue is:
The hotel is easily reachable by metro from the central station. Fixed rate NOK 1740 (around €150) per night, by using the following link (valid until the 28th of May).
In addition, there are reduced rates for the IWSM2026 participants at the following hotels in the city centre:
- Citybox Hotel Oslo, 15% discount by using the discount code IWSM15 (instructions about where to add the code)
- Comfort Hotel Grand Central, 12% discount by booking through: directly to the booking page (app.mews.com/)
- Comfort Hotel Xpress Youngstorget, 12% discount by booking through: directly to the booking page (app.mews.com/)
- Clarion Hotel The Hub, 12% discount by booking through: directly to the booking page (app.mews.com/)
Unfortunately, the University of Oslo does not offer temporary accommodation for students in the summer. Possible hostels (no discount for IWSM delegates) are:
Visa Requirements
Norway is part of the Schengen Area, so there is no border control for travellers from many European countries. Many other countries have a visa-free agreement with Norway, please check UDI official webpage.
If you have a passport from a country that is neither in the EU/EEA nor in that list, please see https://www.udi.no/en/want-to-apply/visit-and-holiday/visitors-visa-to-norway/. You may need an invitation letter, in which case please contact the IWSM 2026 Chair.
Currency
Norway is part of the European Economic Area, but it does not adopt the Euro. The local currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK). The easiest way to pay in Norway is through electronic payment (debit/credit cards), as cash is not much used.
Electrical Plugs
Norway uses the standard Euro plug socket with two round prongs, so you can use types C or F plugs. Note that plugs with three prongs (e.g., type L) do not work, and you need an adaptor.
Communication
Norway has two official languages, Norwegian and Sami, but nearly all population also speaks English.
Weather
It will be sunny during the workshop, but it may be useful to carry a light rain jacket. The sun will be visible between 4am to 11pm. Last year, during the same week of the workshop, the temperature ranged from 13 to 31 degrees Celsius. The average temperature of the sea water was 18 degrees.