What to expect?

On December 2, Welcome to Oslo wishes to warm you up to Norwegian winter by helping you connect with organizations and communities offering fun activities for the colder and darker days. Whether you’ve just moved to Oslo or have been here for a while, joining organizations is a great way for internationals to meet new people, connect with those who share similar interests, and enjoy activities together. You might even discover a new hobby you never expected and uncover new ways to thrive during the winter in Oslo.

At "Warm up to Winter in Oslo: Connect with the Cold Weather", you'll meet representatives from various organizations, associations, and clubs that will showcase their work and tell you about their communities. Each organization will have an exhibition space where you can connect with them, and there will also be speed networking rounds by the fireside, giving you a chance to chat with the representatives while enjoying a cozy outdoor experience.

In addition to meeting organizations, you’ll hear from speakers who have mastered the art of enjoying winter in Norway—and perhaps get inspired to do the same.

Date: December 2

Time: 17:30-20:30

Place: Blå, Brenneriveien 9C, 0182 Oslo

Register here.

Program and speakers

There’s no better person to inspire and energize you for winter in Oslo than a cross-country skier. Hear the talk "Be the Sun" by Matt C. Smith, an Olympic cross-country skier representing South Africa, acclaimed host, speaker and author.

Enjoy a complimentary cup of gløgg or cocoa at the festive and cozy Blå, and connect with organizations such as FugleAdvokatene, Mikkeller Running Club Oslo, Oslo Dawn Patrol, Oslo Writers League, POP Norge, Prismatic Pages, Professional Women’s Network (PWN) Norway, Toastmasters, Oslo Ultimate Frisbee, Unlock Norway, XP Coaching, Blindern Rugbyklubb, and Natteravnene.

Getting ready for winter in Oslo

Norwegians often say: "Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær."—which means, "There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." And when it comes to Oslo’s cold winters, they couldn’t be more right. By dressing properly—just like the Norwegians do—you might find yourself actually loving winter and all the activities it has to offer, both in the city and around Oslomarka.

Always count on wool: Ever wondered how Norwegians seem to wear so few layers without those big, puffy jackets? The secret is wool! Wool is a breathable material that helps regulate your body temperature, keeping you comfortable without feeling too hot or too cold.

Thermal underwear: The most important step is to start with a wool base layer close to your skin and then add layers as needed. Thermal underwear, made from wool or a blend of wool and other materials, is perfect for sports and physical activities in cold weather. Even if you sweat, you won’t get cold. You can find these in any sports store in Norway.

Adding more layers: When temperatures drop below freezing, adding a wool sweater is a great way to stay warm. And in some parts of Norway, even though you have thermal underwear and a woolen sweater, you might need that puffy winter coat.

Winter accessories: Winter essentials like gloves, scarves, and hats are also a must, especially if you’re planning to be outdoors for long periods.

These accessories can be warm and a real joy to wear. Norway’s woolen clothing often features traditional patterns, each with its own history. One pattern you may have heard of is the Selbuvotter, or Selbu mittens. These beautiful mittens originate from Selbu in Trøndelag county and are known for their Selbu rose design and unique knitting technique.

If you're interested in the history of Norway's knitting traditions, check out the permanent exhibition at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, which showcases knitting history dating back to the 1600s.

Take a look at Visit Oslo's winter season highlights, and join the event to learn how and where to get involved.