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DISCOVER NORWAY

Seven of the most unmissable events in Norway in December 

Christmas markets, daily performances, standup shows and World Cup action are among the best events in Norway during December. 

Published: 23 November 2023 11:47 CET
Updated: 30 November 2023 09:43 CET
Pictured is the Lillomarka forest in Oslo during winter, with snow on the ground .
There are a number of fantastic events happening in Norway during December. Pictured is the Lillomarka forest in Oslo. Photo by Tord Sollie on Unsplash

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History’s annual Christmas fair

One of Norway’s most unique Christmas events will be held at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History during the first two weekends in December. 

The fair will host market stalls, exhibitions and showcases of Norwegian Christmas traditions throughout history. 

Houses from different periods will also be decorated for Christmas in the style of the time, and there will be family shows and carol concerts. 

Obos members can go for free on December 2nd. They can bring up to four non-members with them, too. 

Adult tickets cost 180 kroner, and children under 18 go for free. There are a number of discounts for pensioners and students. 

READ ALSO: Ten of Norway’s best and most-loved Christmas markets

Torshovbyen’s julekalender 

From one of Oslo’s most unique Christmas events to another, the Christmas calendar event in Torshov, Oslo, puts a spin on the traditional advent calendar. 

Every evening, there will be a live performance from the window of one of the resident’s homes. 

The shows are put on for free, and anybody can come along to watch. Music performances, recitals from Norway’s best-loved Christmas films, and choirs make up the bulk of the entertainment. 

Following the organiser’s social media accounts will let you know where each event is held. 

FIS World Cup trials and Handball WC in Trondheim 

Not all of the events featured in this month’s list will have a festive focus, although the Christmas market in Trondheim also opens on December 3rd. 

Sports fans in the city have plenty to look forward to, which is just as well, given local football team Rosenborg’s struggles this year. 

On Friday, December 15th, until Sunday, December 17th, a taste of the FIS World Cup comes to Granåsen as trials will be held. Day tickets will cost 250 kroner for adults. 

Between December 6th and December 12th, one of the best Norwegian handball teams of all time will compete on home soil at the Handball World Cup. The games are being held at the Trondheim Spectrum. 

English standup comedy in Oslo 

Thursday, December 14th, will see an English standup comedy night held at Nieu Scene in Torshov. Tickets are already available and cost 200 kroner. 

Several great acts from Norway and overseas will be performing.  

Bergen Christmas Market

In the super central location of Festplassen in the heart of Bergen is the city’s annual Christmas market. The market will feature a Ferris wheel and horse carousel. If those aren’t enough, the large Christmas tree will help create a holiday atmosphere. 

Those in Bergen should remember to check out the nearby gingerbread village, which is the world’s largest. The market opens at the start of December and will remain open until December 22nd. 

Nidaros Boys’ Choir 

One of Norway’s oldest boys’ choirs will hold several concerts in December. The shows will be held in the stunning Nidaros Cathedral on December 8th, 9th, and 10th. 

In addition to the choir, the Trondheim Soloists and violinist Joakim Røbergshagen will also be performing. Information on tickets can be found here. 

Egersund Christmas market

The exceedingly popular Christmas market in Egersund, near Stavanger, will be open to the public between December 7th and December 10th and then December 14th and December 17th. 

The Christmas market in Egersund takes inspiration from British and German markets. The town centre will be turned into a “Christmas town”, which will host a number of performances, concerts and stalls. 

Egersund has long been considered one of Norway’s favourite Christmas destinations. 

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DISCOVER NORWAY

How to check the water quality when swimming in Norway 

Known for its pristine nature, it's no wonder many dip into Norway's lakes, rivers and fjords. Here's how you can check the water quality. 

Published: 6 May 2024 16:47 CEST
How to check the water quality when swimming in Norway 

When you see a great spot of water to paddle in, it’s natural to want the water quality to match the surroundings—after all, nobody wants to pick up a nasty bug while going for a swim. 

Thankfully, water quality is taken relatively seriously in Norway. For example, out of more than 40 open swimming spots monitored in Oslo, covering beaches, lakes, and fjordside spots, just three received a “bad rating.” 

These ratings were based on the water’s appearance, but also on lab tests for bacterial levels. 

Tests of the quality of water occur fairly regularly, and factors such as the weather and the water becoming contaminated can affect the overall water levels. 

Checking the water quality before you pick a spot to go swimming can help inform your trip. 

Where to find water quality information

Local authorities in Norway will publish information on the quality of the water. Samples are typically collected from the most popular spots, meaning you may not have information for every spot you wish to check. 

Oslo Municipality tracks the water quality of 49 saltwater and freshwater swimming areas. 

The authorities in Bergen also take weekly readings of the water quality across 23 different spots open to the public. 

Water quality is also regularly monitored in Trondheim, and like with other local authorities – regular warnings are posted. You can find ratings for each of Trondheim’s public swimming spots here. 

To check your local area, simply search badevannskvalitet followed by the municipality. Not every area will have a dedicated section for water quality checks. You can also search for just vannkvalitet. 

However, other ways would be to ask local outdoor groups about areas prone to issues. 

Furthermore, there are some general tips to help you avoid poor-quality water. Typically, be wary of the water quality after heavy rainfall, as sewage may have overflowed in waterways, or contaminants may spill into the water. 

Areas with blue-green algae should also be avoided, as they can cause skin irritation and an upset stomach. They can also cause very serious health issues for pets. 

What if there are issues? 

When a water issue is found, the municipality typically issues a notice for the public, which is posted on its website or appears in the local press. Furthermore, health authorities in Norway also publish information on specific issues. 

For example, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health has an overview of all the waters in which the parasite “swimmers itch” has been discovered. 

It has also published information on the potential health risks of swimming in Norway.  

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