Oslo World Music Festival 2019

Oslo, Norway

Oslo World Music Festival 2019: Bringing the World to Oslo, and Oslo to the World

Oslo World Music Festival is an annual music event that gathers artists from all over the world to world-class venues in Norway’s capital. Over the last 25 years, the festival has grown to become a  major European festival and showcase of musical experiences. The festival also offers seminars and has been actively bridging the gap between artistic expression and political debates. Each year, the festival is centred around a brand new theme and welcomes designers, artists, architects, dancers, actors and more to the week-long event. 

“Oslo World is one of Europe’s leading venue festivals, presenting a global outlook on today’s music scene”

The festival has a special focus on music from Africa, Latin-America, Asia and the Middle East. Previous editions have welcomed a wide range of artists from across different disciplines and countries.

Where to view Oslo World Music Festival

Oslo World Music Festival takes place in the Norwegian capital of Oslo. The festival is hosted at a range of different venues in and around the city. You can find most events at the following popular locations:

Victoria Nasjonal Jazzscene (Karl Johans  gate 35, 0162 Oslo)
Riksscenen (Trondheimsveien 2, 0560 Oslo)
Rockefeller Music Hall (Badstugata 2, 0183 Oslo)
Nordic Black Theatre (Hollendergt 8, 0190 Oslo)
Cosmopolitan Scene (Vogtsgata 64, 0477 Oslo)

How to get around Oslo

The nearest major airport is Oslo Airport, located approximately 45km north of the city centre. The quickest and easiest way to travel between the airport and the city centre is via ‘Flytoget’, the city’s express shuttle train. The train runs from 5:35 am to 12:35 am every 10 minutes and a one-way ticket is NOK 160 (around $20). If you are travelling around Scandinavia, the Norwegian State Railway system offers train services throughout most of Norway, as well as between Oslo and Gothenburg. 

Getting around Oslo is easy with their convenient public transport system, operated by Ruter. Tickets are valid for buses, trams, subways, ferries and local trains and start at 36 NOK (approximately $5) for pre-bought tickets. Passes are also available for 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days and 365 days. Visitors can purchase an Oslo Pass for unlimited free travel within Zones 1 and 2 in the city centre. The pass also grants access to the Bygdøy Museum Ferry, which is not included in regular tickets. 

Where to stay for Oslo World Music Festival

As Oslo World Music Festival takes place at a range of different locations in and around the city, it is recommended to stay near the city centre. Countless options ranging from hostels to hotels and Airbnbs are available and are within walking distance to many of the events and venues.

‘Thon’ Hotels is a popular 4-star hotel chain with over 50 hotels located around Norway, as well as Belgium and The Netherlands. You can find at least 10 Thon Hotels in the city centre of Oslo alone; most of which are within walking distance of Oslo World Music Festival events. You can find similar nearby options on the map below. 

Things to do in Oslo

Know for its green spaces and museums, the Norwegian capital offers plenty of attractions and experiences for visitors. Popular museums include the Viking Ship Museum, The Fram Museum, The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and the Kon-Tiki Museum. The city is also home to a number of eye-catching attractions such as The Royal Palace, Oslo Opera House and Oslo Cathedral. The Vigeland Park is a large and popular park located just outside of the city centre; featuring a sculpture park, museums, art exhibitions, cafes, a lake and even an ice rink. It is the world’s largest sculpture park, boasting over 200 pieces by Gustav Vigeland, a famous Norwegian sculptor.

Visitors looking for an adventurous day trip can head over to Bygdøy, a picturesque peninsula known for its beaches, trails and maritime museums. The southern end of Bygdøy is home to Huk, a stunning parkland featuring a sandy beach. You can also find a range of traditional Norwegian restaurants in and around this area. Located just outside of the city, Holmenkollbakken is home to a popular large ski jumping hill; with a capacity for over 70,000 spectators to come and witness professional athletes or even learn to ski as well. Slightly further north, you can also find Oslo Winter Park, a small ski resort with snowboard park that is also frequented by visitors. 

Oslo World Music Festival 2019 Dates

The next edition of Oslo World Music Festival will take place from October 29 – November 3, 2019.