Undiscovered gem

“Unless you have sailed down the Oslofjord on a tranquil day, you cannot imagine the sensation of absolute peace and beauty that surrounds you.”

So wrote Roald Dahl in his memoir Boy, of his childhood holidays in Southern Norway. And 100 years later, Southern Norway is still an undiscovered treasure. While Norwegians have been flocking to this coastal paradise every summer, international travellers have yet to uncover its charm. At its heart lies Kristiansand, a vibrant city blending culture, history, and breathtaking coastal beauty.

Kristiansand bursts to life in spring and summer, with streets, parks, and coastline in full bloom. Thanks to its mild coastal climate, summer arrives early and lingers late, earning it the nickname The Norwegian Riviera. This makes Kristiansand an ideal destination from April to September, offering long days, vibrant city life, and sun-drenched shores. High summer sees the region packed with locals, making spring and early autumn the ideal times to take delegates - with the added benefit of also being very good pricewise.

The city offers a seamless mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication. For accommodation, stay at the historic Hotel Ernst, known for its elegance and heritage, or Caledonien Hotel, offering luxurious comfort with stunning archipelago views. Both provide the perfect base to explore Southern Norway’s cultural hub.

Just outside Kristiansand, visitors can dine at Under, the world’s largest underwater restaurant in Lindesnes. Delegates will be wowed by this architectural marvel, awarded a Michelin Star, which offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience 5.5 metres beneath the North Sea, with an exquisite menu crafted from local ingredients.

Back in Kristiansand, Kunstsilo, a former grain silo transformed into a world-class art museum, showcases the world’s largest collection of Nordic modernism – the Tangen Collection. It is ideal for events such as product launches and corporate parties, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the harbour. The museum has gained international recognition, being named one of the 100 Greatest Places in the World by TIME Magazine, while Kristiansand itself was listed among the 52 must-visit destinations by The New York Times, cementing its status as a cultural hotspot.

Beyond the city, the stunning coastline and charming white-painted villages embody the idyllic essence of Southern Norway. The archipelago offers endless outdoor adventures, from kayaking tours and high-speed RIB sightseeing to sailing between islands, fishing, or discovering hidden coves and pristine beaches—a true paradise for both relaxation and thrill-seekers.

With delegates now firmly prioritising authenticity, culture, and extraordinary experiences, Southern Norway could make for an unforgettable destination for your next meeting or incentive.

Kristiansand is served by direct flights from Amsterdam and Copenhagen, ferries from Hirtshals, Denmark, and a short 50-minute flight from Oslo and Bergen, making it a convenient yet exclusive Scandinavian escape.

Capital idea

Oslo itself is a compelling destination for meetings and events, and with some major developments in the works, the capital’s star is only set to rise over the next few years.

The city offers top-tier conference facilities and unique spaces, supported by cutting-edge technology for seamless events. Chief among these is the NOVA Spektrum, which has served as Norway’s leading convention centre for more than a century.

Located 12 minutes by train from Oslo International Airport, and 10 minutes from Oslo Central Station, the centre offers 40.000 sqm of space, including five halls and 55 meeting rooms. There are also two onsite hotels with 550 rooms.

NOVA Spektrum is soon to be joined by the redevelopment of the Oslo Spektrum, set to open in November 2028.

“With the new Oslo Spektrum, we’re elevating Oslo to become the Nordic capital for major events and congresses, attracting participants from all over the world,” says Gunn Helen Hagen, CEO of Stiftelsen NOVA Spektrum. “The expansion will include a new ‘Mini-Spektrum’ beside the existing hall, giving Oslo the mid-sized venue the city currently lacks.”

Located 20 minutes by train from Oslo International Airport and just 2 minutes walk from Oslo Central Station, Oslo Spektrum has 7.000 hotel rooms within 10 minutes walking distance. The existing hall has a capacity of 9,000; this will be joined by a new 2,400 capacity hall, 20 break-out rooms of various sizes, restaurants and networking activities areas

Oslo’s compact city centre is easy to explore on foot or by public transport, and offers everything from museums and art galleries to stunning architecture and cultural landmarks.