Useful information

Travelling to Oslo

Oslo is well connected by air, sea, rail, and road, making it easy to reach from various parts of Europe and beyond.

By Air

Oslo’s main airport, Oslo Airport, Gardermoen (OSL), is located about 50 km north of the city and is well-served by international and domestic flights. There are direct flights to Oslo from most major cities in Europe, as well as select destinations in North America and Asia, covering a total of 100 direct destinations.

From the airport, the Flytoget airport express train is the fastest way to reach Oslo Central Station (Oslo S) and Jernbanetorget, taking just 20 minutes. Alternatively, Vy trains offer a slightly slower but much cheaper option, taking 23 minutes. Tickets for Vy trains can be purchased via the Vy app, ticket machines, or the Ruter app. Ruter tickets also include access to buses, trams, and the metro within the selected area zone.

Airport buses operated by Flybussen provide additional options, though they take longer.

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are available but can be expensive, with fares to the city center typically ranging from 1100-1400 NOK, depending on the time of day.

By Sea

Oslo can be reached directly by ferry from Frederikshavn and Copenhagen (Denmark) and Kiel (Germany). Regular ferry routes also connect Norway to Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands. In Denmark, ferries depart from Copenhagen, Frederikshavn, and Hirtshals; from Kiel in Germany; from Strömstad in Sweden; and from Eemshaven in the Netherlands. Arriving by ferry offers a scenic approach to Oslo and allows for easy transport of vehicles.

By Rail

An extensive rail network links Norway to the rest of Scandinavia and Europe. There are regular train connections to Oslo from Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Gothenburg. Many train journeys from continental Europe are overnight, with sleeping compartments available. If you plan to travel extensively by train, various discount passes are available for both Norway and Europe.

Tickets for Vy trains, which operate long-distance and regional routes, can be purchased via the Vy app, ticket machines, or at station counters. For those arriving in Oslo, it’s possible to buy a Ruter ticket that includes onward travel by bus, tram, and metro, making it a convenient option for getting around the city after arrival.

By Road

Buses provide an affordable and efficient way to reach Oslo from nearby countries. There are regular long-distance bus connections from Copenhagen and Gothenburg, as well as from other cities in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. International buses arrive at Oslo Bus Terminal, located near Oslo Central Station, making for easy onward travel within the city.

While driving to Oslo is an option, be aware that the city has toll roads and limited parking, so unless you plan to travel outside the city, public transport is usually the better choice.

Accommodation

⚠️ Scam warning: Hotel booking emails

Some participants have received fraudulent emails about hotel reservations for ICSC 2025. These are not from us.

Official communication will only come from icsc2025@toi.no, svar@toi.no, checkin.no, coms.app, or our official event organiser Macsimum.

Please ignore suspicious messages and see our full scam email notice for details.

We have arrangements with the following four hotels for accommodation during the conference:

Thon Hotels

Thon Hotel Cecil (400 meters from the conference venue)
25 rooms are reserved for conference attendees until September 5, 2025.

Thon Hotel Panorama (350 meters from the conference venue)
50 rooms are reserved for conference attendees until October 5, 2025.

Booking link for participants:
Book your room at Thon Hotels for ICSC 2025

Citybox Hotels

Citybox Oslo (500 meters from the conference venue)
No rooms have been pre-reserved, but a discount code is available for stays during the conference dates, November 4-6, 2025.

Upon booking, use discount code: ICSC25

Scandic Hotels

Scandic Victoria Oslo (450 meters from the conference venue)

There are no reserved rooms, but you can receive 10% off current rates by booking through the following link:
Book at Scandic Victoria with 10% discount

Visa guidelines

Norway is part of the Schengen Area, so visa requirements depend on your nationality.

  • Citizens of EU/EEA countries and several other nations do not need a visa for short stays.
  • Non-EU/EEA visitors may require a Schengen Visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Visa processing can take several weeks, so apply well in advance if needed.
  • If you require an invitation letter for your visa application, you can request one by contacting us at icsc2025@toi.no.
  • Check the official website of the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) for the most up-to-date information: https://www.udi.no.

Getting around in Oslo

Oslo has an efficient and reliable public transport system operated by Ruter, which includes:

  • Metro (T-bane) – The fastest way to get around.
  • Trams and buses – Good for shorter trips.
  • Ferries – Great for visiting the Oslofjord islands.

💡 Tip: Get an Oslo Pass if you plan to use public transport frequently and visit museums – it offers unlimited travel and free entrance to many attractions.

🚲 Biking and e-scooters: Oslo is bike-friendly, and you can rent a bike through Oslo City Bikes, available across the city. Shared e-scooters from Ryde, Bolt, and Voi are also available.

🚖 Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Taxis in Oslo are expensive, but available. Apps like Uber, Bolt or Oslo Taxi are useful for booking.

🚶 Walking: The city center is compact, and many attractions are within walking distance.

Tourism

If you have an hour or two to spend, here are some easy-to-reach outdoor highlights:

  • Frognerparken – Best visited during the day when the sculptures and autumn colours are at their finest.
  • Ekebergparken – Wander among forest paths and modern sculptures, and don’t miss the spectacular light installation after dark. 
  • Jul i Vinterland – Opens 8 November 2025; still pre-opening, but its famous light tunnel makes it Instagram-friendly. 
  • Holmenkollen – A little further out, but worth the trip. Enjoy sweeping views over the city, visit the Ski Museum, or simply take in the crisp mountain air and autumn colours.

 

If you’d rather stay warm and dry, Oslo offers several easy-to-reach cultural spots — all open until late and perfect for a slow autumn afternoon:

  • Nasjonalmuseet – Scandinavia’s largest art museum, showcasing everything from medieval tapestries to modern design. The building itself is worth a visit, and the rooftop café gives you a peaceful city view.
  • MUNCH – Dedicated to Edvard Munch’s art and legacy, this fjordside museum combines world-famous paintings with striking architecture. Stay for the sunset view from the top-floor bar.
  • Deichman Bjørvika – Oslo’s new main library is a modern architectural gem with reading nooks, exhibitions, and a café overlooking the Opera House. Ideal for a quiet hour or two away from the rain.

 

Weather

November in Oslo offers a glimpse of the city’s transition into winter, with crisp air and a changing urban landscape.

  • Average temperatures: –2°C to 6°C.
  • Chance of rain or snow: Both are possible, and conditions can shift quickly between clear skies, rain, and early snow.
  • Daylight hours: Shorter days, with sunset around 15:30–16:00, create a unique opportunity to experience Oslo’s cycling infrastructure and street life in a Nordic winter setting.

💡 Packing tips: Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and gloves to stay comfortable while exploring the city on foot or bike.

👉 While November isn’t peak cycling season, it offers valuable insights into winter cycling culture, infrastructure adaptations, and the resilience of everyday cycling in Oslo.

Currency and payments

  • The currency in Norway is Norwegian Krone (NOK).
  • Most transactions are cashless – credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
  • Mobile payments, such as Google Pay and Apple Pay, are also widely accepted.
  • ATMs are available, but carrying cash is usually unnecessary.

Cultural & practical tips

To ensure a smooth experience in Oslo, consider the following:

  • Tipping: Tipping isn’t obligatory or expected in Norway, but it’s common to round up the bill or leave a small amount as a gesture of appreciation, especially in restaurants and taxis.

  • Sunday opening hours: Many shops and businesses operate on reduced hours or remain closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping accordingly. Tourist shops are often open on Sundays, though.

For comprehensive information on various aspects of visiting Oslo, including transportation, dining, and cultural insights, the Visit Oslo website is a valuable resource.

We hope this information enhances your planning for ICSC 2025. Should you have further questions or require additional details, feel free to reach out.

Abstract Submission: Closed
Notification of Acceptance: June, 2025
Online Registration Opens: June, 2025
Early Bird Deadline: 31 August, 2025
Pre-conference Events: 4 November 2025
Conference: 5-6 November, 2025

Submission portal
Registration

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