Guide to Oslo

• Norway is not part of EU, but is part of Schengen. While you can travel freely within Schengen, a passport is necessary.

• Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) is the main airport and most convenient (20 minutes from town). There is another airport called Oslo Torp (TRF) which is 2 hours away.

• Most locals take trains from the airport into the city. There is fast train “Flytoget” (€21) or less frequent normal train (€11; buy with Ruter, 4 zones). Do NOT take taxi from the airport unless you are ready to pay over €100.

• A super efficient airport-to-theatre takes 1.5 hour from airplane landing to the theatre: Oslo lufthavn to Chateau Neuf, 0369 Oslo. (NOTE: Currently there are major constructions in the area, and routes will be better in October.)

The festival venue’s address is Chateau Neuf - Slemdalsveien 15, 0369 Oslo, Norway. The closest metro/bus stop is Majorstuen, a major transit hub.

If you prefer walking to the venue, look for accommodation in the neighborhood Majorstuen, note this is not the most affordable part of the city. But Oslo is a small city. For most places within the city, you can easily reach the festival venue by public transport within 25 minutes.

You can look into Booking.com or airbnb.com to estimate the cost of your stay. Here are a few examples:

• The Apartments Company has been a partner of OIF. Book directly for cheaper rates, plus a tiny discount using Agent Code “OIF25”

• Smarthotel Oslo

• Budget accommodation in Oslo (by Visit Oslo)

PS: You can always ask the community for homestays in our social media channels. However, during OIF2025 many homestay resources have been taken up by visiting teachers.

• Weather: Oslo in October is approx. 4 - 10 Celcius. It can be rainy. A good weatherproof jacket and waterproof shoes (or boots) are essential. In Norway it is better to have layers as the weather can fluctuate. If you are travelling elsewhere in Norway, expect colder temperatures.

• Pharmacy: Bring basic pharmacy kit like painkillers and allergy meds with you – some medicines in Norway are more restricted than in other countries and require prescriptions.

• Money: Cash is NOT necessary. All places you can pay by card, or in special cases by payment app Vipps.

• Google Maps is highly reliable in Oslo.

• Ruter (www.ruter.no) is the city’s transportation. Download it to buy tickets. Oslo does not have Pay by Tap yet. (Apple Store | Google Play)

• YR (www.yr.no) is the weather app we use – it’s reliable and gives detailed daily forecasts. (because the weather changes fast)

• Uber or Bolt for ride-hailing / taxi service.

• Vipps (link) is the app for payment for person-to-person and small businesses in Norway. (Apple Store | Google Play)

• The locals uses public transport (metro, trams and bus called Ruter). The city has excellent and reliable transport service. You will most likely stay within Zone 1, except the airport (Zone 4N). Download the app (www.ruter.no) to buy tickets. We do not have Pay by Tap yet. Prices are

  • single journey: 44 NOK (€4),

  • 1-day: 132 NOK (€11),

  • 7-day: 366 NOK (€30).

• There are no gates - there is a high degree of trust. But there are random checks with heavy fines which are non-negotiable.

• Locals do not take taxis regularly. Minimum fares start at €20. Do not take random taxis from the street – use Uber or Bolt, much cheaper.

• For quick transport over short distances, there are many electric scooter services - Voi, Bolt, or Ryde.

• Food and services are expensive in Norway. You make significant savings by relying on supermarkets and cooking at home. Locals do not dine out as a habit, maybe only once a week. Many bring a prepared lunchbox to office.

• Even a small water bottle can cost €3+, so bring your own refillable bottle. Tap water is excellent and free everywhere.

• Supermarkets nearby are Coop Extra which is regular price. KIWI supermarket is the most budget friendly. Avoid Joker stores – very overpriced (but still cheaper than cafes / 7-Eleven).

• Some Norwegian specialties worth trying: traditional brown cheese (Brunost) and Kvikk Lunsj chocolates.

• Alcohol is especially expensive in Norway - a pint of beer can easily go over €10. This has its own section later.

• Volunteering is a great way to save money!

Expect dining out costs to be €15 for budget (McDonalds and cafes), €25 for mid-level, and over €50 for splurge.

Tips to reduce cost:

• Ordering water is always free and never frowned upon.

• Tipping is not a custom in Norway and it is normal for people not to leave a tip. Ultimately it is your choice.

At the venue

• Oslo Impro Festival may have lunch packages, to be pre-ordered the day before (estimate €10).

• Volunteering is the cheapest way to save on food.

Cafes

• Pust in the closest cafe in our Neighborhood.

• Outside our neighborhood Backstube is an affordable bakery with good coffee and pastries, Kaffebrenneriet (budget option) or Espresso House (pricey, but more selection)

• Snacks are better bought from supermarkets. Narvesen, 7-Eleven, and Deli are fine for cigarettes and drinks mostly.

Value

• McDonalds & Burger King

• If you're into sushi, Sabrura Sticks & Sushi offers a buffet for about €20 – great value.

Splurge

• Delikatessen Majorstuen

Vegan Options

• Krishna’s Cuisine in Colosseum

• Fragrance of the Heart

Delivery / Take Away

• For takeout or delivery, use the Foodora or Wolt apps.

• Too Good To Go - discounted items to pick-up but at specific times (often late afternoons)

• You can buy alcoholic drinks at the festival venue (which is cheaper than normal pubs). You may NOT bring alcohol from the outside. Strict NO.

• Purchasing of alcohol is highly regulated in Norway. Supermarkets only sell beer (until 6 PM). For wine or spirits with higher alcoholic content, go to Vinmonopolet (the only authorized store).

At a Glance

• VisitOslo.com has everything in many languages. Below are some local recommendations.

• Viking Biking & Hiking. Ride a bike and learn the Oslo History in a few hours! Use promo code “IMPRO25” to get a 20% discount!

Must do

• Vigelandsparken is an iconic statue park in Oslo an open all-year for free. It is a must-do for all visitors, and not far from Oslo Impro Festival!

City center, from the central station:

• Oslo’s Tiger statue (our city mascot) is near the central station.

• Walk along Karl Johans Gate, Oslo’s main street:

• See the Parliament on your left.

• Then pass the National Theatre.

• At the end is the Royal Palace – sometimes you can witness the changing of the guards – very impressive!

Behind the central station:

• Visit the new Deichman Library in Bjørvika – one of Scandinavia’s best and voted world’s most beautiful library.

• Nearby are the iconic Opera House and Munch Museum (the Scream).

• The waterfront area has Venice-like charm, with modern buildings and seaside walking paths.

From National Theatre, turn left to find:

• Oslo Town Hall – free entrance, decorated with Nordic fairytales.

• In the same square: The Viking Planet – a great 3D museum experience.

• Then continue to The National Museum and The Nobel Peace Center.

Facing the sea from Town Hall:

• On the left is Akershus Fortress – free entrance, beautiful to explore.

A little outside city center

• From the harbor, take the ferry to Hovedøya island (only 45 NOK). It’s a peaceful spot with old monastery ruins, forest paths, and even a place to swim (at your own risk due to rocky shores). Ferry schedule is on the Ruter app.

• Botanical Gardens – free and lovely for a stroll.

• Walk along the Akerselva River from Grønland to the waterfalls – great mix of nature and urban vibes.

• Take Tram 13 to Ekeberg Hill – great views and free exhibitions along the way, including the Ekeberg Sculpture Park, perfect for Instagram photos. Also where Munch’s “The Scream” was inspired from.

• I’ll send you the address of a great souvenir & outlet shop in Oslo – excellent quality and prices.

• Bare lave priser | Sport Outlet

• Freia chocolate is a must-try.

• Cigarettes are over €10 per pack here – better to buy at the airport if needed.

• Maybe a swimsuit – there are saunas with sea access, which is an amazing experience (if the weather allows or not it is unique to jump into fjord sea). KOK: Floating sauna in Oslo

• I can also take you to a sauna in Oslo for just €10 if you'd like! 😄