Cultural Calendar: March
Although March marks the official beginning of spring, the Norwegian climate can still surprise with chilly days. Whether you are an optimist who has already stashed their winter jacket, or a pessimist sticking to their ice grips and mittens, Universitas’ Cultural Calendar has you covered!
Be a part of the “folkefest” (and fyllefest) at Holmenkollen
Watch Norway's best skiers compete in the annual Holmenkollen Skifestival, surrounded by passionate ski-enthusiasts. The event has become known for its massive audience turnout, with people gathering in the woods by the skiing tracks to cheer on their favourites. Many of them start drinking early in the morning, a recipe for a chaotic experience. But despite the promise of madness, it is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a beloved cultural tradition.
If day-drinking is not your thing, you can always bring hot chocolate and hot dogs and comfortably watch drunk Norwegians trying to walk uphill in deep snow. It is quite entertaining!
Where: Holmenkollen
When: 13-16 March
More information here.
Immerse yourself in history at Norsk Folkemuseum
Just a short bus ride from downtown Oslo, you can go through an incredible, historic journey from middle-aged villages to the post-war era in Norway. Norsk Folkemuseum on Bygdøy offers a wide arrange of buildings and exhibitions from different historical eras. Whether you want to see an 800-year-old Stave Church or visit a Norwegian liquor store from 1904 – the museum has it all.
On March 22, the museum will host a “Bunadsparade”, where you can see the Norwegian national costumes from different parts of the country.
Most of the museum is outside, which makes it perfect for the sunny spring days. However, Norsk Folkemuseum also offers big indoor exhibitions.
Where: Museumsveien 10
When: Tuesday to Sunday 11:00-16:00
Shop 'til you drop (without hurting the planet)
Spring is the season for flea markets in Norway. Schools, sports teams and clubs around the country are collecting second hand clothes, furniture and equipment and sell them at huge flea markets. The profit typically goes to a good cause, like funding of field trips or soccer tournaments, or purchasing new instruments for the local orchestra.
Where: Nordstrand skole and Høyenhall skole
When: 22-23 and 29-30 March
Secure your next bargain and check out this year's flea markets here.
Expand your world at Norway's biggest documentary festival
Learn about everything from finding love in China to American politics at HUMAN's annual film festival. With seven days full of new, exciting documentaries, you can pick and choose whatever suits your interest. Invite a friend or go alone – the festival is for everyone! You can either buy a single-ticket for a specific film, or you can buy a festival pass and get access to all of them.
Where: Vega Scene, Hausmannsgate 29
When: 10-16 March
More information here.
Join the trend and try padel
In recent years, padel has gained widespread popularity in Norway. Combining tennis and squash, padel is easy to learn, social and fun! Challenge your friends or sign up for a tournament for beginners.
Book a court here.
Tired of Norway? Go to Sweden!
Perhaps the winter in Norway has made you yearn to escape. Luckily, Oslo is only a train ride from the coastal Gothenburg. The city has a wide arrange of restaurants, museums and shopping opportunities. The trip by train is three and a half hours, which makes it doable in a day, if you leave early in the morning.
Check off some items on your travel bucket list and see another part of Scandinavia!
