Are your delegates looking for city vibes or awesome nature? Nightlife or wellness? City hotels or spectacular venues? The best thing about Norway is that you don't have to choose. Our cities are nestled between the ocean and mindblowing nature. Even in our largest cities, you are only 30 minutes from fairytale landscapes. The combination of city life and natural attractions gives delegates a fresh perspective and can do wonders for teamwork and creativity.
Seasons and climate in Norway
Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Norway has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude. The coldest areas in the winter are often inland or far to the north.
In general, the coastal areas usually have relatively mild winters while the inland parts have cold winters with plenty of snow, and hot and relatively dry summers, especially in the eastern parts of the country.
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Jump to Northern lights and midnight sun | See jaw-dropping natural attractions | Venues in lush landscapes
Enjoy activities in magnificent nature
In Norway, you’re never far from a stunning viewpoint. Even if your meeting takes place in a city, it is perfectly possible to do a nature-based activity in the afternoon and come back in time for a special dinner. Or find a beautiful venue out in nature for your evening meal.
What can you get up to in these magnificent landscapes? The most adventurous groups go for high-energy options like advanced hiking tours, RIB-boat excursions, ski touring, white-water rafting, diving, surfing, kitesurfing, and downhill biking. For the less audacious there are always plenty of easier alternatives – from easy hikes and bike rides to fishing or fjord cruises. For complete relaxation, you can just stay put and enjoy the views or go for pleasant walks, enjoy a spa, or go berry picking.
You can also enjoy wildlife up close: From whale watching and king crab safaris in Northern Norway to musk ox safaris in Trøndelag and dog sledding (in many parts of the country). There are also plenty of opportunities for bird watching and to explore typically Nordic animals such as elks and foxes.
Where and when to experience the midnight sun
At the Arctic Circle: 12 June–1 July
In Bodø: 4 June–8 July
In the Lofoten Islands: 28 May–14 July
In Tromsø: 20 May–22 July
At the North Cape: 14 May–29 July
In Svalbard: 20 April–22 August
Experience spectacular light conditions
An added bonus in Norway is that you can time your visit to have your natural experiences framed by spectacular light conditions.
Northern lights
You're most likely to experience Aurora Borealis is in Northern Norway. You can maximise your chances of spotting this magical phenomenon by joining a northern lights safari, many of which offer a guarantee.
If you don’t get to meet Aurora in person, we’re sure you will enjoy the winter light anyway. Even during the deepest darkest winter months, the sky is not pitch black all the time but rather shifts in shades of yellow, pink, blue, and purple.
When to go: Autumn, winter or early spring.
Where to go: Check out Tromsø and Bodø on our Conference destinations page.
Midnight sun
Venture north of the Arctic Circle during the summer months and you’re greeted with landscapes that are painted in golden hues throughout the nights. The phenomenon of the midnight sun means that the sun stays above the horizon 24 hours a day. In the southern parts of the country, the sun does set for a couple of hours but it’s still remarkably light in the evenings.
Both Norwegians and visitors find the summer light energising and often take it as a chance to get more done. It is perfectly possible to go hiking or fishing any time of day or night, for example!
When to go: Summer – the further north you go, the longer is the period with the midnight sun.
Where to go: All Norwegian conference destinations offer astonishingly bright summer evenings, but check out Tromsø and Bodø for destinations where the sun doesn't set during the summer months.
Where and when to experience the midnight sun
At the Arctic Circle: 12 June–1 July
In Bodø: 4 June–8 July
In the Lofoten Islands: 28 May–14 July
In Tromsø: 20 May–22 July
At the North Cape: 14 May–29 July
In Svalbard: 20 April–22 August
See jaw-dropping nature attractions
Norway is most famous for its fabulous fjords, but the country is also blessed with vast mountain areas, deep forests, wild rivers, and even glaciers. So where and when should you plan your event for the best possible nature experience? Here are a few hints, depending on your preferences.
Fjords
The most well-known fjords are situated in the region Fjord Norway, including the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, the Lysefjord, the Hardangerfjord, and the Sognefjord. But there are more than 1,000 fjords in total and you’ll find them in most parts of the country.
When to go: Any time of year
Where to go: If you want to see the fjords in Fjord Norway, check out Bergen and Stavanger on the conference destinations page.
Mountains
Around 2/3 of Norway is covered by mountains, which makes it by far the most mountainous country in Scandinavia. If you want to hold a meeting or conference at a high altitude, you can go to any part of Norway. Having said that, the most well-known mountain and skiing resorts are situated in Eastern Norway.
When to go: Winter for skiing and other winter sports, the rest of the year for other activities such as hiking and biking.
Where to go: All conference destinations have mountains within easy reach. In particular, check out Lillehammer where the 1994 Winter Olympics were held!
Waterfalls
Norway is home to 9 of the 20 highest waterfalls in the world, as well as the 10 highest in Europe. Many of the most spectacular are located in Fjord Norway. Vettisfossen, with a single drop of 275 metres, is the tallest free-falling waterfall in the country.
When to go: The best time to see them is in May and June, when the ice and snow from the mountains is melting and the water levels are at their highest.
Where to go: For the waterfalls in Fjord Norway, see Bergen and Stavanger on the conference destinations page.
Forests
Around 1/3 of Norway is classified as forest and you’ll find them in most parts of the country. The vast recreational forest area of Nordmarka is just a 20-minute tram ride from the centre of Oslo. The rest of Eastern Norway also has thick woods that make a stimulating but tranquil environment for a meeting.
When to go: Any time of year.
Where to go: Any conference destination is suitable if you want to experience Norwegian woods. For Nordmarka, head to Oslo.
Glaciers
Did you know that there are over 2,000 registered glaciers on mainland Norway, plus another 2,000 on Svalbard? Some of these are accessible to the public – a guided group hike across blueish ice blocks is a powerful and bonding experience!
When to go: Any time of year.
Where to go: The conference destinations Bergen, Stavanger, Bodø and Tromsø can all help you plan a glacier-based activity.
Seasons and climate in Norway
Due to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Norway has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude. The coldest areas in the winter are often inland or far to the north.
In general, the coastal areas usually have relatively mild winters while the inland parts have cold winters with plenty of snow, and hot and relatively dry summers, especially in the eastern parts of the country.
Here are a few examples of meeting venues that are located practically bang in the middle of natural beauty. You can also use our advanced venue search to find your Norwegian dream venue or contact us for advice.