Cultural Calendar: January 2025

Whether you're new in town or just back from the holidays, Oslo is welcoming you with plenty of fun ways to kick off the new year! From diving into Norwegian culture and hitting the slopes to making your nest cosier, the city offers plenty of chances to get out, explore and have loads of fun!

Sports

Skiing course 

What’s more Norwegian than skiing? Knutepunktet – the international student reception – is offering free ski lessons consisting of theory and practice, tailored to get beginners skiing in no time. Make sure you sign up early to secure your spot and hit the slopes in style!

When: 28 January, 19:00 – 21:00

Where: Sognsvann metro station

Learn more here.

Men’s Handball World Championship

The IHF Men’s Handball World Championship is coming to Oslo! You cannot miss the chance to a see a world-class match at the Unity Arena in Fornebu, just 10 minutes out of the city. This iconic venue will be transformed into a buzzing handball hub for thrilling matches, all the way through the prelims to the finals. 

When: 15 January – 2 February

Where: Unity Arena

Learn more here.

Culture

Winter is upon us, and if you come from abroad you might find yourself shocked in the cold and dark of wintery Oslo. But do not worry! Museums offer a great shelter from the cold and a chance to discover more about Norway, its history, and its people.

Munch Museum Guided Tour

The Munch Museum is a must-see for everyone passing through Oslo. Think what you will of the controversial, brutalist concrete giant that is the new-ish museum building, Edvard Munch’s art has undeniably made history and moved people all over the world. Knutepunktet organizes a free guided tour for students interested in learning more about the life, poetry, and art of the legendary painter. Limited availability of tickets—book early!

When: 31 January 2025, 12:30 – 13:30

Where: Munch Museum

Learn more here.

VÍKINGR Exhibition Guided Tour

If you are passionate about history or if you want to learn more about the famed Vikings, the exhibition now on display at the Historical Museum has got you covered! The ever so helpful Knutepunktet offers a free guided tour of the exhibition, where you can learn more about everyday life in the age of the Vikings and appreciate the legacy that this civilization has passed on. 

When: 24 January, 12:30 – 13:30

Where: Historical Museum 

Learn more here.

Social events

Whether you're looking to make new friends, experience local traditions, or just have a good time, this is your go-to guide for all the exciting social happenings around Oslo. From lively meetups to themed parties and everything in between, there's something for everyone to enjoy and be a part of.

Uka på Blindern 

The UKA festival at Blindern campus dishes out loads of fun for those over 18. During the festival, you can attend concerts, stand up shows, and more; the varied program caters to any taste. 

When: January 27 – February 9

Where: Blindern campus

Learn more here.

Swing Dance Course

Looking for new dance moves, a fun twist to your routine, or something to do on Tuesday evenings? Join the free intro course with Blindern Rockeswing! No experience needed—just leave your reservations at home, and you’ll be swinging in no time! 

When: 28 January, 17:30

Where: Cantine and lobby at Helga Engs Hus, Blindern 

Learn more here.

Speedfriending with Studentslippet

Are you new in town and wish to meet people? Would you like to expand your circle of friends? Then take part in the Speedfriending event, where you get the chance to strike a chat with other students living in Oslo. Here you’ll find Norwegians at their most social!

When: 

In Norwegian: Tuesday, January 14, 19:00; Thursday, January 30, at 19:00

In English: Thursday, January 16, at 19:00; Tuesday, January 28, 19:00

Where: Mesh - Møllergata 6 and 8, 0179 Oslo

Learn more here.

Crafts and flea markets

Looking to breathe some life into your new, admittedly quite barebones student flat? Skip IKEA and instead head to the city's great flea markets for a one-of-a-kind treasure hunt. Even if you're not shopping for anything specific, this is the perfect excuse to get out, explore the city, take a stroll, and maybe stumble upon a little gem that steals away your heart!

Birkelunden bric-a-brac market

Check out the outdoor market at Birkelunden, where you can score great deals on everything from vintage items to 00s kitch. Kitchen utensils, clothing, vinyls, books, small furniture, jewelry, and more line the shelves of this cute little market. 

When: Every Sunday, 12:00 – 18:00

Where: Birkelunden

Learn more here.

Ingensgate market

Grünerløkka is known for its vibrancy, colorful shops, and exorbitant rents. Every Sunday it attracts lots of people to the market at Ingensgate, where denizens of the city’s cultural slipstream gather to buy jewelry and other accessories. You might suddenly find yourself thirsty for craft beer. Don’t worry about it.

When: Every Sunday, 12:00 – 17:00

Where: Ingensteds

Learn more here.

And with all of this, season 2025 is off to a great start!