After winning a short break stay through Visit Norway to Oslo earlier in the year. James and Leigh took some bleisure time just on Christmas to enjoy some much needed downtime. But of course what Oslo could offer for corporate groups.
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city that blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern architecture. Just a 2 hour flight from the UK it is easily accessible from most airports, with great international connections across Europe and beyond.
We based the majority of our stay in and around the centre of the city. Here you will find great options for shopping, dining and culture with the likes of the opera house and Munch Museum. Due to the time of year, we had a fantastic Christmas Market that was set up in the heart of the city. It had a variety of pop up options from food and drink to local crafts.
A short walk down to the marina / port you will find the Opera House and Munch Museum. But you will also find those who are brave enough, the infamous sauna and cold water cabins. Here people will spend time in the sauna and then jump into the cold icy river to swim, before heading back into the sauna, Now they say this is really good for you..? But there was literally ice floating in the river due to time of year and it looked absolutely freezing! We much preferred nearby Salt bar where we enjoyed a warm cup of hot chocolate around a fire pit and enjoyed the views across the river and out to sea.
"I've been fortunate enough to go to the Arctic and do the Polar Plunge into the Ocean. This looked far colder than that and sent shudders up my spine even seeing people do this! " - James Bacon (CEO - We Are MEaT)
Some other notable mentions would be Barcode. It's an indoor street food venue. So many choices and varieties of food and drink on offer here. It's well worth a visit. It would be similar to Market Halls in London or Timeout in Chicago for those who know!
Additional Activities:
We took at trip outsider of the city, about 30 minutes by train up into the mountain. Here we were in literally a winter wonderland. There were plenty of people opting to go sledging and the likes down a 2km part of the mountain to then jump back on the train to come up (ingenious!!) For us we opted for the guided walk through the stunning forest.
We began late afternoon before dark with a fireside warm drink and marshmallow toasting. Once dark we lit our fire touches and headed into the forest. The walk lasted for around an hour and was an incredible was to socially detox and connect with some of the most beautiful natural surrounding you can find.
This was a great option as a small leisure group. But equally it would be a great corporate team option. We would 100% recommend this and please do reach out to us to discuss further. It had that wow factor and then some!
Sommerro Hotel (Strawberry Group)
We stayed at Sommerro - a luxurious Art Deco hotel housed in the historic former headquarters of Oslo Lysverker, the city's electrical company. Located in the heart of Frogner, an upscale residential area, Sommerro provides easy access to Oslo's main attractions, making it a convenient choice for travellers seeking both luxury and proximity to cultural sites.
"As an Art Deco / Gatsby era fan, I totally fell in love with the style an feel of the hotel. Having a live band playing modern songs but of that style of era throughout dinner was an amazing experience." - James Bacon (CEO - We Are MEaT)
The rooms are beautifully designed and the rooftop bar/restaurant provides two great options. A relaxed sharing Asian fusion menu or at the very top a fine dining option.
Location and Accessibility:
Central Oslo Location: Situated in the upscale Frogner district, the hotel is easily accessible and close to many of Oslo’s attractions, providing opportunities for team outings or after-hours exploration.
Transportation: Its central location ensures easy access to public transport and Oslo’s main business hubs. It is just a few minutes walk from the National Theatre Station and can be accessed via the normal train system or via an Express Service directly from Oslo Airport.
** We took the express train for ease and speed and it was around 15 euro each way and took just 25 mins from the airport to the station.
Hotel summary for corporate events:
Accommodations and Amenities:
Rooms: The hotel offers 231 rooms, each thoughtfully designed to reflect 1920s decadence while providing modern comforts.
Dining: Guests can choose from seven restaurants and bars, including the rooftop restaurant TAK, which offers panoramic city views.
Wellness Facilities: Sommerro features Oslo's first year-round rooftop pool and sauna, as well as the restored Vestkantbadet public baths, now part of an urban wellness retreat.
Entertainment: The hotel houses a small cinema and a 100-seat gilded theatre, enhancing its cultural offerings.
Meeting and Event Spaces:
The hotel features several event spaces, including a grand 100-seat gilded theatre, ideal for presentations, seminars, or entertainment during corporate events.
Meeting Rooms: There are a variety of smaller meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology for board meetings or breakout sessions.
Historic Atmosphere: Many spaces maintain the building’s historic Art Deco design, providing a sophisticated and inspiring backdrop for events.
Technology and Support - AV Capabilities: The meeting rooms and theatre come with advanced audio-visual equipment. Wi-Fi Access: High-speed internet is available throughout the hotel.
Catering and Dining: The hotel's catering services offer customizable food and beverage packages to suit the needs of your event. Diverse dining options, guests can enjoy meals at one of the hotel's seven restaurants and bars, including the rooftop restaurant TAK, which also serves as a venue for networking or informal gatherings.
Wellness Facilities: With amenities like the rooftop pool, sauna, and restored Vestkantbadet baths, corporate groups can incorporate wellness activities into their itinerary.
Sustainability Focus: The hotel emphasizes sustainability, which can align with the values of eco-conscious organizations hosting events.
Summary:
Oslo’s mix of professionalism, innovation, and cultural richness makes it an excellent choice for corporate events, retreats, and team-building trips. Its focus on sustainability and high-quality experiences ensures a memorable and impactful visit for any group.
A perfect finale to 2024! Let's start the conversation about your 2025 events. Get in touch with us - info@wearemeat.com
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