Thinking of somewhere slightly different to host your next event?  How about one of the world leading countries in sustainability – Norway!

With over 95% of Oslo hotels being 95% being eco-labelled or certified, venues in the fjords, and on top of ski jumps – Norway really does have a lot to offer to transform your next event.

Recently one of the team had once in a lifetime trip, getting to experience and learn about all things Norway.

After flying to Oslo we transferred to the beautiful quaint city of Trondheim – home to Norway’s national shrine and north Europe’s most important pilgrimage site, Nidaros Cathedral.  We were lucky enough to stay at the city’s 5 star The Britannia Hotel from the moment you walk into the stunning lobby area, you know you are in for a treat!, located a 5 minute walk from Trondheim train station. The hotel – famous for “The Best Breakfast in Norway” – is a luxurious, spacious hotel with fantastic event space, where we attended a useful networking event, meeting with the country’s leading hotels and suppliers, and got a true understanding of what the country had to offer.

The Britannia Hall can seat up to 240 on rounds or 300 Theatre style. For breaks you can make use of the foyer & networking space outside of the room, or you can decide to reserve space in Palmehaven – which a lot of clients do, as the food is so spectacular, and the space is simply stunning!  If you did want to indulge, there are the best hand decorated cakes you have ever seen, and a cheese station with a connoisseur to advise you on the different cheeses that Norway have to offer.  Norway have just won the “World’s Best Cheese” so if you like cheese, this is the restaurant for you!

On night one, we were taken for dinner at The Archbishops Palace – where the King of Norway dines throughout the year.  This historical landmark can be hired out for events, and the staff are extremely knowledgably and proud of the space’s heritage. The food was exceptional, with probably the best scallops I have ever tasted – apparently The Norwegian scallop is one of the most ecologically friendly seafoods in the world!

On day two, we attended a superbly organised networking event with Norway’s leading suppliers – Scandic hotels, the leader of Scandinavian hotels, with nearly 300 hotels across Norway, Sweden & Denmark alongside other European countries. We met with a vast range of venues, hotels & DMC’s, each with something different to offer across the country.

Oslofjord Convention Centre, with over 28,000 SQM of event space, 9000 bedrooms located in the fjords, which has everything you might ever need onsite – including many activities to add onto your conference.

Wood Hotel in Bodø, is built with glulam beams and solid wood, meaning that the hotel will have around 45 per cent lower CO2 footprint than if it had been built in steel and concrete.   The hotel is set in stunning countryside, and offers an abundance of outdoor activities, as well as meeting space for up to 100 delegates.

If you are looking for activities for groups – Norway has it all!  From Husky sledding in the arctic in Svalbard to see the polar bears, out on the water to see the Orca’s, kayaking in the many fjords, and some of the best seafood in the world – there really are activities for every taste that can be attached on to an event.

Following the Meet in Norway industry event – we set off on RIB boats in The Trondheim Fjord!  As the water is so cold you must be fully geared up in a full floating protection suit, which only added to the excitement getting out on the water.  This is truly a once in a lifetime experience for all of the adrenaline junkies out there, and a great way to see the stunning beauty of The Trondheim Fjord – with the chance of seeing orcas.

Next we travelled by coach to Roros, the traditional mountain village, which is one of the oldest towns of wooden buildings in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site.  As we got closer to Roros, the snow got deeper and roads got quieter.  We had lunch at Rorosrein with a traditional Sami family. We were greeted by a reindeer, which we were able to feed whilst we were given a warm drink and told about the history of the indigenous Sami people.  Learning how they herd the reindeer throughout the seasons was fascinating and truly a magical experience.  Rorosrein can seat 70 people in a traditional heated hut, where the family prepare wonderful homecooked food – I tried a Reindeer Stew which was one of the tastiest meals I have ever eaten.

That evening, we had a whistlestop tour of the traditional Roros – starting with a city tour in the snow, through the winding streets and wooden houses – it looked like a scene from a postcard!  Our hotel was the family run Erzcheidergaarden Hotel.  A great option for or smaller groups, with each of the individually decorated bedrooms overlooking the snowy town.

We dined in the extremely funky Bergstadens Hotel and saw the event space which can accommodate up to 120 delegates; the staff were very knowledgeable and informative.

The following morning – we departed on our 4-hour train back down to Oslo for the return trip home.  If you would love to hear more about hosting an event in Norway – we would be delighted to talk you through the many options this wonderful country has to offer!