Excursions

Guided Aquatic Plant Hike with NIVA

Join aquatic botanist Bernhard Askedalen for a guided walk through Oslo’s northern forests, visiting three lakes that support a rich diversity of freshwater plants. Starting by bus from the city to Maridalen church, the route follows forest trails along the eastern shore of Dausjøen before continuing to the lakes at Movatn. The excursion ends with a train journey back to central Oslo from Movatn station.

Along the way, participants will experience classic Norwegian coniferous forest, learn about common aquatic plants and algae, and visit one of the few known Norwegian sites for the protected floating water-plantain (Luronium natans). This rare species is protected under Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive.

Good for: Nordic forest, freshwater biodiversity, aquatic plants, rare species
Duration: 4-5 hours, including public transport; requires good mobility / physical ability
Bring: lunch box and water, dress for the weather, suitable footwear for forest trails

Public transport directions: Take bus 30 towards Nydalen from the city centre at 09:20. At Nydalen T, transfer to bus 52 towards Maridalen. Arrive at Maridalen Church at 10:09.

Contact person: Bernhard Askedalen, +47 94141429, bernhard.askedalen@niva.no

Botanical Garden, Natural History Museum & Research Collections

Choose from guided public tours and small-group visits to the museum’s research collections.

Morning – behind-the-scenes

Afternoon

Visit spaces are limited. Please express interest using the Google Form. A physical sign-up form for final registration will be available at the conference registration table.

Museums of Oslo

Most major museums are in or near the city centre and can be reached from conference hotels by foot or public transport.

Good for: art, design, history, peace and culture
Duration: 2-4 hours for one museum, or half a day for a small museum route

• National Museum: older and modern art, contemporary art, architecture, and design.
• MUNCH: Edvard Munch and a large program of exhibitions across 90 rooms.
• Nobel Peace Center: exhibitions and events about peace work around the world.
• More Oslo museums.

Vigeland Sculpture Park

Vigeland Sculpture Park is the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist, with more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.

Good for: public art, easy walking, outdoor time
Duration: about 2 hours for the park; longer if you visit the museum or stay for a picnic

You can visit independently or as a group. A student guide may be arranged if there is enough interest. The Vigeland Museum is nearby and can be paid for on entry.

Visit Oslo information

Island Hopping in the Oslofjord

Explore the botany and history of two inner Oslofjord islands with guide Kristina Bjureke.

Meet: 09:45 at the B1 ferry terminal at Aker Brygge (City Hall Pier/Rådhusbrygge 4). The ferry leaves at 10:00 sharp and will not wait.
Duration: 09:45-15:40
Maximum: 40 people

1. Hovedøya: tour of the island’s botany and history.
2. Gressholmen: arrive at 12:40 for a picnic lunch, followed by a tour of the island’s botany and history. The return ferry leaves at 15:00 and arrives at Aker Brygge at 15:40.

Bring: a picnic lunch, something to drink, and warm clothes. The island café cannot be relied upon to be open; a thermos with a hot drink is recommended.

Ferry ticket: a valid Ruter Zone 1 ticket is required. If you do not have a weekly ticket, buy a one-day Zone 1 ticket.

Accessibility: not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Visit Oslo island hopping guide

Bird trip

Join guides Håkan Billing and Naïd Mubalegh-Håvardsholm for a three-hour birding walk along the western side of Østensjøvannet. The route visits the bird hide and continues into a forested area, with opportunities to observe waterbirds and different kinds of passerines.

Meet: 10:00 at the Østensjøvannet meeting point
Duration: 3 hours
Maximum: 40 people, split into two groups of 20
Cost: $30, payable with your registration

A total of 25 binoculars and four telescopes will be available at no extra cost.

Reserve your spot by purchasing a ticket with your registration. See the Add-ons section of the registration page.

Bygdøy Museums

Bygdøy is home to several museums focused on coastal heritage, polar exploration, cultural history, and twentieth-century history.

Good for: maritime history, polar exploration, Norwegian culture
Duration: 4-5 hours

Consider the Kon-Tiki Museum, Norwegian Maritime Museum, Fram Museum, Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, and the Holocaust Center.

Bygdøy attractions

Walking Tours

If there is enough interest, local guides may be arranged for selected walks.

Good for: city views, beaches, forest paths, sculpture parks
Duration: 1-3 hours depending on the route

• Oslo Central Station to Paradisbukta on Bygdøy: a 7.4 km walk to beaches, forest paths, and coastal scenery.
• Oslo Central Station to Ekeberg Restaurant: a 4.8 km walk with city and fjord views. Ekeberg’s landscape inspired several Edvard Munch paintings, including The Scream.