Essential Info
Emergency numbers:
- Fire: 110
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 113
Public urgent care:
Legevakten, Trondheimsveien 233 (Oslo.kommune.no) (Open 24/7 for medical emergencies)
Airport Transportation
From Oslo Lufthavn Gardemoen
The Airport Express Train - Flytoget: The train departs every 10 or 20 minutes depending on the time of travel and arrives at Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) at the city centre in ca. 20 minutes. The cost for an ordinary ticket is NOK 196 (ca. $22), while students aged 21-31 with a valid ID get a discounted ticket at NOK 98 (ca. $11). There is no discount for return journeys. This is the most straightforward option, but not the least expensive.
Tickets can be bought in advance online, or at the entrance to the station.
Norwegian State Rails - VY: All regional VY trains on the route to Skien-Oslo-Lillehammer-Trondheim as well as various VY local trains go via Oslo Airport Gardermoen. They arrive at Oslo in approx. 23 minutes and depart at various times throughout the day. The cost is NOK 105 (ca. $12) for ordinary tickets and there is no discount for return journeys. This is the best and cheapest alternative, but not as frequent as the express train. Tickets can be bought in advance online, or at the train station.
Shuttle bus: Shuttle busses connect the airport to the main bus terminal, located at the city centre (very close to Oslo S and several major hotels). The journey takes between 40 minutes to an hour, and the ordinary tickets cost NOK 179 (ca. $20) with discounted price for students aged 21-31 at NOK 95 (ca. $11). Unlike the trains, the buses operate during the night. Tickets can be bought in advance, or on the bus.
Taxi: We would not recommend taking a taxi as this is quite expensive, not as comfortable and takes longer than the trains – which are also more environmentally friendly.
From Torp Sandefjord Lufthavn
Train: A shuttle bus service transfers passengers from the airport to the train station, from where they continue to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S). The journey takes about 1,5 hours, with trains departing usually once per hour. An ordinary ticket costs NOK 273 (ca. $33), while the student ticket costs NOK 205 (ca. $25). Tickets can be bought in advance online, or at the train station.
Torp Express Bus Service: The Torp Express bus service corresponds with most international flights to/from the airport. Buses arrive at Oslo bus terminal in approx. 2 hours. The ordinary ticket costs NOK 260 (ca. $31) with a discounted price for students at NOK 200 (ca. $23), while various discounts apply for web and return tickets. Tickets can be bought in advance online (torpekspressen.no), or on the bus.
Local Transportation
Public transport:
Download the Ruter app (plan routes, buy tickets). One ticket covers trams, buses, metro, and ferries
Biking - Oslo bysykkel (“city bike”):
Downtown Oslo is rather small and walking around or biking using the public bicycle sharing system is the most enjoyable way to explore it. Here you can find more information about the bicycle sharing system (Oslo bysykkel).
Despite the fairly short distances, the urban area is quite hilly and getting to the Blindern University Campus would be more comfortable if using the well-developed and convenient public transportation system.
Taxi:
- Oslo taxi: +47 02323
- Norgestaxi: +47 08000
Places to Eat and Drink
- Mela Café - budget-friendly and cozy.
- Punjab Tandoori - iconic indian food in Grønland neighborhood
- Torggata Bad - food court with many options. Turns in to more of a club at night.
- Mikes Corner - trendy sandwiches in Bjørvika.
- Babbo collective - multiple locations. Great brunch!
- Håndbakt – Local bakery with among the best cinnamon rolls in the city
- Szechuan Chengdu – Chinese restaurant with very tasty food, remember to ask for the red menu
- Åpent Bakeri Damplassen – Cozy, and expensive, bakery, but in walking distance from the conference
- HIMKOK – Bar with drinks of traditional Norwegian herbs and plants
Things to Do & Places to See
Deichman Bjørvika: stunning public library by the fjord
Munch Museum: The museum has the world’s largest collection of Edward Munch’s works. A brief introduction to the exhibition is given in English every Sunday at 1 pm.
Akershus Fortress: historic and has beautiful views
Ekebergparken: sculpture park with panoramic city views
The Norwegian National Opera and Ballet: Oslo’s Opera House is located right at the harbour, with an exterior that appears to be rising right out of the sea. Visitors are invited to climb its roof and enjoy panoramic views over Oslo and the fjord. Guided tours are given in English and Norwegian.
Sauna in the fjord:
- - SALT
- - KOK Oslo
- - Oslo Badstuforening
Oslo Fjords: The Oslo fjord and all its islands are easily accessible with the ferries going between Aker brygge and the islands of Hovedøya, Lindøya, Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Gressholmen and Langøyene. The islands are popular places to go swimming during summer, each with its unique character and history. With a regular public transportation ticket, it is possible to go island hopping between the different islands.
Vigeland Sculpture Park: Sculpture park located inside the Frogner Park containing more than 200 sculptures by the artist Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943), including The Angry Boy and the 17 meters high Monolith. The park is free to enter at all times.