Social
In addition to the scientific programme for WATOC 2025, we offer a fun social activity programme every morning for you to socialize, network, exercise, and enjoy Oslo. Participation is at your own expense/risk.
Sign up: Some activities require signing up at the registration desk (for headcounts).
Morning Run
Date: 07:00 daily (Monday June 23 – Friday June 27)
Duration: 30–40 minutes
Sign-up: Encouraged, not required
Cost: Free
Location: Outside the Deichmann Bjørvika Library Main Entrance,
Anne-Cath. Vestlys plass 1.
Start your day off with fresh air and exercise by joining our morning run. This light guided jog will let you explore the new Oslo harbour area, and (if the weather permits) cool off with an optional refreshing swim afterwards. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just an occasional hobby jogger, all fitness levels are welcome! The pace will be adjusted to suit all participants, and we may split into multiple groups depending on the number of participants and their preferences. The distance will be approximately 4 km – 7 km. If you prefer to walk, rather than run, we also offer a guided morning walk.
Morning Walk
Date: 07:00 daily (Monday June 23 – Friday June 27)
Duration: 30 minutes
Sign-up: Encouraged, not required
Cost: Free
Location: Outside Oslo Kongressenter,
Youngs gate 21.
Start your day off with a relaxed and refreshing guided walk. This morning stroll is the perfect way to ease into the day while you enjoy some nice conversations with fellow conference attendees. Whether you're an early riser who likes to have breakfast beforehand, or if you prefer to eat afterwards—all are welcome. The walk will be suitable for everyone.
Morning Sauna
Date: 07:00 and 07:45 daily (Monday June 23 – Friday June 27)
Duration: 45 minutes
Sign-up: Required
Cost: Free
Location: Sukkerbiten (Island just outside the Oslo Opera house).
Begin your day with a revitalizing Nordic tradition at the Oslo Badstuforening’s saunas on Sukkerbiten, just south of the Oslo Opera house. Experience the contrast of soothing heat and invigorating cold as you jump into the sea, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Oslo fjord. The water quality in and around the Oslo harbour area is measured and controlled for swimming safety every day by the Municipality of Oslo. Expect sea temperatures between 15°C and 18°C. You will register for one of the time slots; 07:00–07:45 or 07:45–08:30.
Wednesday Afternoon Excursions
Between 11:40 and 18:20 on Wednesday 25th June the scientific programme pauses to make room for an afternoon of optional excursions designed to help you explore and experience Oslo beyond the conference venue. Whether you’re interested in art, history, architecture, nature, or simply stretching your legs with fellow participants, there's something for everyone.
General Rules
Cost: Each attendee covers their own expenses unless stated otherwise.
Sign-up: Some activities require sign-up. Check each individually.
Transportation: Not included. Use public transit or Oslo Pass.
Liability: Participate at your own risk.
Museum Visits
Munch Museum
Time: Open Wednesdays 10:00 to 21:00
Sign-up: Not necessary
Cost: 180 NOK (Free with Oslo Pass)
Location: Edvard Munchs Plass 1.
We recommend a visit to the MUNCH museum, located in the Bjørvika district near the Oslo Opera House. This striking waterfront building is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Edvard Munch, Norway's most famous painter, including iconic pieces like The Scream and Madonna. In addition to the permanent Munch collection, the museum also houses exhibitions from Kerstin Brätsch and Kiyoshi Yamamoto this summer.
National Museum (Nasjonalmuseet)
Time: Guided tour starts 14:30
Sign-up: Required for guided tour (no extra cost)
Cost: 200 NOK (Free with Oslo Pass)
Location: Brynjulf Bulls plass 3.
The National Museum is home to Norway’s largest collection of art, architecture, and design—including works by Picasso, van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse, Monet, Munch and Renoir. The museum also has one of the versions of The Scream by Edvard Munch. It is the largest art museum in the Nordic countries. Conference participants are invited to join a complimentary guided tour during the excursion afternoon; however, please note that you will need to purchase your own standard entrance ticket.
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum)
Time: Open Wednesdays 10:00 to 17:00
Sign-up: Not necessary
Cost: 195 NOK (Free with Oslo Pass)
Location: Museumsveien 10.
For those interested in exploring Norway's rich cultural heritage, the Norsk Folkemuseum on the Bygdøy peninsula on the western side of Oslo offers a captivating journey through time. As one of Norway's largest open-air museums, it features over 160 historic buildings. The museum's exhibits span from medieval times to the present, showcasing traditional Norwegian architecture (including the Gol Stave Church), folk art, and cultural practices.
Norwegian Museum of Science & Technology (Teknisk Museum)
Time: Open Wednesdays 10:00 to 17:00
Sign-up: Not necessary
Cost: 190 NOK (Free with Oslo Pass)
Location: Kjelsåsveien 143.
The museum has over 25 different exhibitions and 100 interactive installations. Explore transport, aviation, Norwegian industrial history, energy, music machines, oil and gas, plastics, clocks and watches, medicine, computers and telecommunications history. A great place to visit, especially with kids.
Fram Museum
Time: Open Wednesdays 09:30 to 18:00
Sign-up: Not necessary
Cost: 180 NOK (Free with Oslo Pass)
Location: Bygdøynesveien 39.
The Fram Museum in Oslo is dedicated to Norway's polar exploration history and features the iconic polar ship Fram, which famously sailed further north and south than any other wooden vessel. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that showcase the adventures of renowned explorers like Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen, offering insights into the challenges of extreme environments. The museum provides a fascinating journey through the age of exploration, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Additional Excursions
Networking Bar Event
Time: Wednesday 15:00 to 17:00
Sign-up: Not necessary. Maximum capacity 150 people.
Cost: Free to attend. Buy your own drinks.
Location: Røør Bar, Rosenkrantzgate 4.
We’ve reserved the first floor of Røør Bar for the WATOC participants to enjoy their large selection of craft beers. This includes access to their shuffleboard game.
Hikes and Walking Tours
For the hikes, please use comfortable clothing and footwear, bring sufficient water and optionally fruits/snacks for your own consumption.
Please Note: Our guided hikes are a wonderful opportunity to explore the beautiful trails and enjoy the great outdoors. However, for your safety and comfort, in the event of adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, we may need to cancel the hikes. We will make every effort to inform participants as soon as possible should this occur. Thank you for your understanding!
Hiking Excursion to Vettakollen
Time: Wednesday 14:00 to 17:30
Sign-up: Encouraged, but not required
Cost: Free. Public transport ticket to Sognsvann not included.
Location: Starting outside the conference venue Oslo Kongressenter,
Youngs gate 21.
Guided hike (~3 hours, moderate difficulty) with scenic views from Sognsvann to Vettakollen. The hike is approximately 3.5 kilometers (about 2.2 miles) one way, making it a round trip of around 7 kilometers (about 4.4 miles) (total elevation gain of around 300 meters). Upon reaching Vettakollen, hikers are greeted with stunning panoramic views over Oslo, the fjord, and the surrounding areas, in what is considered one of Oslo's most beautiful views. It’s a great spot for photography. The group will leave from the conference venue, take the T-Bane to Sognsvann (public transport ticket not included) and hike from there.
Ferry trip and walk in Hovedøya
Time: Wednesday 13:30 to 16:00
Sign-up: Encouraged, but not required
Cost: Free. Public transport ticket (ferry) not included.
Location: Starting outside the conference venue Oslo Kongressenter,
Starting from the conference venue, we walk through the city center to Aker Brygge (1.5 km – about 20 minutes) and take a ferry to Hovedøya. The ferry offers a very nice view of the Oslo fjord before reaching Hovedøya in about 8 minutes. After reaching the participants will have the opportunity to explore the ruins of the Cistercian monastery, have a great view of the Oslo fjord and even take a quick swim, if the weather allows for it. We will spend about one hour exploring the area before taking the ferry back and finishing the tour in Aker Brygge, where the participants can enjoy the rest of their evening. The public transport ticket for the ferry in both ways is not included, but is the same regular ticket used for bus, T-Bane and trams (included in the Oslo Pass). You will need one ticket for each way or a day ticket.
Guided historic walking tour
Time: Wednesday 14:00 to 17:00
Sign-up: Required. Limited spots.
Cost: Free.
Location: Starting outside the conference venue Oslo Kongressenter,
Guided tour with the Oslo Guidebureau where you can learn about how the city evolved over centuries to the modern, lively capital it is today. The walking tour covers major attractions in the city center. Once all participants have arrived at the meeting point, your guide will greet you and brief you about the landmarks you'll cover during the sightseeing trip. You'll stop at places like the magnificent Akershus Fortress, which has witnessed many battles from the 14th century to the Second World War, the Royal Palace and the Parliament.
Oslo Pass
The Oslo Pass is a tourist card that offers visitors free access to a wide range of attractions, museums, and public transportation in Oslo. It also offers discounts in some restaurants and other activities. Valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, the pass includes entry to popular sites like the National Museum and the Munch Museum, as well as unlimited travel on buses, trams, and ferries within the city.
Discount code for WATOC participants: Available in conference materials (valid from June 20–28), the discount code gives 20% off in any of the passes.
What’s included: Access to the museums listed above, as well as many others. Tickets to the public transportation, including from/to the Gardermoen Airport (OSL). Discounts in some activities and restaurants. See what's included: Visit Oslo
Where to buy: From the app (buttons down below) or at the Oslo Visitor Center.
See: Buy the Oslo Pass
More information: Visit Oslo Pass Info
Congress Chair: Trygve Helgaker
Congress Secretaries: Simen Reine, Erik Tellgren
Young WATOC Chairs:
Abril Castro, Ainara Nova
Local Congress Committee: David Balcells, Michele Cascella, Abril Castro, Odile Eisenstein, Trygve Helgaker, Simen Kvaal, Ainara Nova, Thomas Bondo Pedersen,
Simen Reine, Erik Tellgren, Einar Uggerud
Congress Organizers: Gyro Conference – watoc@gyro.no