Travel and accommodations
The majority of guests have booked their own travel and accommodations. All transportation throughout the Exchange (from the morning 09 Oct – 4pm 10 Oct) has been organised. We are using the Grand Hotel for all pickups and drop offs. Please note that airport transport is not included.
Arriving in Oslo
The fastest way to travel is by the Airport Express Train (Flytoget) to Oslo Central Station (Sentralstasjon). After passing customs, turn right and follow the signs to ‘Flytoget’. There are 6 departures an hour, and the journey to Oslo Central Station will take about 19 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate, or on the Flytoget app (from the App Store or Google Play). For other transportation options refer to the VisitOslo website.
Weather
Oslo in October can be cold. The average temperature ranges from 9 to 4°C. There is a high chance of rain so it helps to pack an umbrella and a warm jacket. To keep up to date with the local weather visit Yr, the national weather service’s English website: https://www.yr.no/place/Norway/Oslo/Oslo/Oslo.
Clothing
There is a common saying when it comes to weather and clothing in Norway: “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær”, or “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing”.
It is best to pack warm (wool) clothing, preferably in layers, so it is easy to stay warm as you move indoors and outdoors. The main programme will take place at Skur 13, while the six parallel studios will be held at various locations around the city. (All transport will be arranged by the Xynteo Exchange.)
Dress code at the Xynteo Exchange is business casual.
Things to do
During the Exchange, we anticipate that you will not have much time to explore Oslo. We have put together some suggestions for if you arrive before or stay after the Exchange:
The Oslo Architecture Triennale, is the Nordic region's biggest architecture festival - check out their exhibitions on DeGrowth, and their 'Factory of the Future' installation.
The Munch Museum, has the world’s largest collection of Edvard Munch’s works, and provides insight into the artist as a pioneer of expressionism.
Vigeland Park, the world's largest sculpture park made by a single artist. This is in a larger greenspace called Frogner Park with many walking trails and a lake.
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Folk Museum), is located on the city island, Bygdøy. It is an open-air museum with over 150 buildings, relocated from towns and rural districts and Norwegian artifacts.
The Oslo Opera House, is designed to allow you to walk on the roof. Once at the top you will have an overview of the beautiful Oslo Fjord and archipelago as well as the centre of Oslo.
Christmas in Winterland (Jul i Vinterland) is a traditional Christmas market in Oslo city centre, complete with a ferris wheel, ice skating rink, traditional holiday foods and more.
Where to eat and drink
Tim Wendelboe is a world famous micro-roastery and espresso bar run by World Barista Champion and World Cup Tasters Champion, Tim Wendelboe.
Sentralen is a centre for social innovators, that is also home to a cafe and restaurant serving traditional Nordic foods with a modern twist. Bread is baked daily.
Vippa is a food court located near the fjord and offers international street food served from shipping containers.
Mathallen, translates to food hall in English, is a modern indoor market with many gourmet and international eateries.
Torggata Botaniske is a must visit cocktail bar in town. The bar is covered in lush greenery, making it feel a bit like you’ve been transported to a jungle. Cocktails are served with fresh herbs and flowers.
Other considerations
Credit cards are a common payment method. There is no need to take out the local currency, Norwegian Kroner.
Oslo is situated in the Central European Time zone (CET).
The local language is Norwegian, however, almost everyone understands and speaks English.
5. Important contact information
Should you have any questions, the following contact information are of note:
General inquiries: Exchange@xynteo.com
Emergency numbers
Police: 112
Fire department: 110
Ambulance: 113
Accident and emergency departments: 116 or 117