Thinking about organising a business meeting, corporate event or congress in Norway, but not sure where in the country to go? Get to know the main conference destinations here – they all have their own character and unique highlights!
The capital Oslo offers the biggest choice of conference venues, cultural events and entertainment in the country. At the same time, you are never far from natural experiences. The vast recreational forest area Nordmarka is only a 20-minute tram ride away from the city centre.
You are also spoilt for choice with beautiful landscapes along the Oslofjord, in the archipelago, and in numerous destinations within day-trip distance.
Top highlight: The widest choice of venues and entertainment in combination with recreational areas literally outside the city centre.
Largest meeting venue capacity: 12,000 people (Norway Convention Center).
Norway’s second biggest city Bergen is known as “the gateway to the fjords”. Situated on the west coast in the Fjord Norway region, the centre is surrounded by seven mountain tops. The city’s medieval roots are well-preserved, and the old wharf Bryggen has even secured a place on UNESCO’s world heritage list.
Today, it has a lively student population and a vibrant cultural scene with lots of interesting live music and top restaurants.
Top highlight: Fjords, mountains and the sea are all within easy reach from the center of Bergen.
Largest meeting venue capacity: 3,500 people (The Grieg Hall).
Stavanger is the third biggest city in the country. It has some of Norway’s most spectacular nature attractions within easy reach, including true rock stars such as Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and the Kjerag bolt, both situated along the marvellous Lysefjorden.
Other local characteristics include top-class restaurants and lots of culture, including an unusually strong presence of colourful street art.
Top highlight: The natural attractions along the Lysefjord are all within easy reach from Stavanger.
Largest meeting venue capacity: 4,000 people (Stavanger Forum).
Trondheim is often referred to as Norway's historical centre. The gothic cathedral The Nidarosdomen is an impressive sight in the centre. The city is also a top choice for foodies with many creative restaurants and food festivals. And Norwegian nature at its finest is just around the corner, in the enormous recreational area Bymarka.
The city is known as Norway’s capital of knowledge, partly because of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, which is the biggest in the country.
Top highlight: The combination of living history, cutting-edge technology, Nordic food sensations and easy access to nature.
Largest meeting venue capacity: 8,500 people (Trondheim Spektrum).
Pick Tromsø or the surrounding area to combine your meetings with unforgettable adventures in Arctic nature. Situated 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, many people are surprised to find a lively student town with lots of restaurants, bustling cafés and a buzzing nightlife.
In the winter, you are accompanied by the magic of the northern lights. In the summer, you can enjoy daylight around the clock thanks to the midnight sun.
Top highlight: Arctic nature with northern lights and midnight sun, combined with a buzzing nightlife.
Largest meeting venue capacity: 1,000 people (Clarion Hotel The Edge).
Bodø is a vibrant city next to wonderful nature with fjords, mountains, glaciers, and a coastline with crystal clear coral-green water. It’s perfect for combining business meetings with extraordinary adventures. The city usually has a packed cultural calendar.
As you are just north of the Arctic Circle, you can catch the northern lights from September to March and the midnight sun from May to July.
Top highlight: Walking distance to astounding viewpoints – and to the local airport, just 1-2 kilometres from the city centre!
Largest meeting venue capacity: 600 people (Scandic Havet).
Halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole lies the archipelago of Svalbard. Its largest island Spitsbergen is home to the world’s northernmost town Longyearbyen, otherworldly nature, and unique wildlife such as Svalbard reindeer, walruses, and polar bears. Incidentally, this northernmost part of Norway is also the world’s northernmost destination for meetings and events!
All year round there are High Arctic adventures, both outdoors and indoors, waiting in Svalbard, only one flight away from Oslo or Tromsø.
Top highlight: The extreme contrast between vast uninhabited wilderness areas and the metropolitan comforts in Longyearbyen.
Largest meeting venue capacity: 400 people (Huset)
In lively Kristiansand, the largest city and "capital" of Southern Norway, you'll find a rare combination of urban city life and palm trees on the beach.
Located by the sea, you've got the archipelago with a myriad of lovely islands within easy reach – perfect for teambuilding events and incentive trips full of adrenaline! If you prefer staying on dry land, there are mountains within an hour's drive from the city.
Top highlight: Holiday vibes and white sandy beaches right in the city centre, plus more sun hours per year than most other places in Norway.
Max meeting capacity: 1,315 people (Kristiansand Congress Center).
Destinations on the map
Check out the location of Norway's main meeting and conference destinations here.