In times of global unrest and uncertainty, Norway offers a rare sense of calm and stability. At the heart of this peaceful nation lies Oslo – a city shaped by democratic values, freedom of expression, and a long-standing commitment to human rights.
Inner peace is the foundation of all happiness.
Nestled between the serene fjord and untamed Nordic nature, Oslo offers countless signs of its peaceful spirit. And in December, when the world turns its gaze toward the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, that spirit shines even brighter.
Between 1 and 14 December, several of the city’s attractions and institutions are coming together to highlight these values, offering visitors a deeper, more meaningful experience. This is your chance to take part in numerous events and visit symbolic places linked to peace! Check out the calendar or browse through the events below.
If you're lucky enough to visit Oslo during this special time, there are many ways to make your experience unforgettable.
Explore iconic institutions such as the Nobel Peace Center, The Rose Castle and the much celebrated Deichman library. Peace in Oslo isn’t just found in buildings however. It is woven into everyday life. Locals embrace nature with sauna sessions by the fjord, bonfires in the forest, and eco-friendly travel through a compact, walkable city, often en route to meet a friend for a cup of world class coffee.
SALT
The Sauna at SALT works as a modern meeting place for reflection and community, and as a space for dialogue and relaxation. Saunas have historically been places where conflicts were resolved, and conversations could be held in a calm and equalising environment – a tradition upheld in an urban format by SALT.
The Kon-Tiki Museum
The Kon-Tiki Museum tells the story of Thor Heyerdahl’s expeditions and his belief in global cooperation and cultural understanding. Heyerdahl set fire to his reed boat Tigris after his expedition in the Indian Ocean, as a symbolic act to draw attention to environmental threats and the need for global collaboration — a 'message of peace' in line with his humanistic values.
Fram Museum – The Polar Exploration Museum
Fram tells the story of polar expeditions and international cooperation, and about Fridtjof Nansen’s humanitarian work which resulted in him being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922.
Fuglen
Fuglen combines coffee, design and culture, and works as an informal space for conversation and the exchange of ideas – an important prerequisite for dialogue and conflict resolution.
Nobel Peace Centre
As the face of the Nobel Peace Prize, The Nobel Peace Centre is a natural cornerstone of Oslo as a City of Peace. The Peace Centre tells the stories people who change the world, and who give a voice to hope.
Deichman Bjørvika, Oslo Public Library
The Deichman Library, is a place where people across all ages and social standings gather to share in knowledge and science. As such, it is an important part of Oslo's democratic identity.
Rose Castle
Through a spectacular, outdoor art installation high above Oslo, the rose castle highlights the pillars of our free society: the rule of law, democracy and humanism.
Holocaust Center
The Holocaust centre transfers knowledge about the Holocaust and about the rights of minorities. It is an major contributor in working towards tolerance and historical awareness.
Oslo City Hall
Oslo City Hall is the place where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded every year. It symbolises the role Oslo holds as an international arena for peace and democracy.
A city of peace, with wartime history
Remembering the past is essential to preventing future conflicts and sustaining peace. Signs of Nazi-Germany's occupancy of Norway are still present in Norwegian society today.
The Resistance Museum in Oslo documents the history of the resistance from 1940 to 1945 – a story that still carries important lessons for our time. And don’t miss The Rose Castle, a magnificent outdoor art project telling the story of what happens to a country when totalitarian forces gain control, how society fights back, and how to bring the values of freedom into future generations.
Hobo
With its urban and inclusive concept, Hobo Oslo offers a meeting place for creative and socially engaged individuals and has a clear vision of community-building.
Voksenåsen Hotell
Voksenåsen was a gift from Norway to Sweden after the war, and as a centre for Nordic cooperation, Voksenåsen contributes to dialogue and cultural exchange between people, cultures, and countries.
Lysebu
Lysebu, a hotel that was a national gift from Norway to Denmark, focuses on Nordic cultural understanding.
What is peace?
... and what role can cities, and Oslo in particular, play?
How you define peace is truly a personal question, but most will agree that peace is something more than the absence of war.
Oslo has not only enjoyed the absence of war since 1945, but also ranks high in global peace and quality of life indexes due to its strong social welfare system, low crime rates, inclusive urban planning, and emphasis on dialogue and democratic participation.
The city is i.e. involved in Mayors for Peace, Oslo Breathing Space City, and supports the ICAN Cities Appeal. Norway also celebrates its National Day with children’s parades rather than a military spectacle. A privileged position comes with responsibility and through “Oslo - City of Peace”, we seek to inspire others.
Join us in December for a celebration of democracy, human rights, and hope for the future. Our aim is that a visit to Oslo will leave you inspired to contribute to a more peaceful world.
LEGG TIL KART HER
Alfred Nobel, Oslo and the Peace Prize
Chemist, engineer, inventor, businessman, and philanthropist Alfred Nobel (1833–1896) built a fortune selling explosives and ammunition and investing in in petroleum companies. Even though he sold weapons, he hoped that his inventions would eventually remove the need for wars entirely.
In 1895, Nobel drew up a will in which his wealth was to be devoted to the annual award of five prizes "to those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind" within the fields of chemistry and physics, litterature, economics, medicine and peace.
The will laid down that the Nobel Peace Prize was to be awarded in Norway by a five-member committee appointed by the Norwegian Storting (the legislative assembly). The first Nobel Peace Prize was awarded in 1901, and it is always awarded on December 10th.
Like much else concerning the Nobel Prizes, the reasons why Alfred Nobel picked Norway for the Peace Prize remain unclear. Regardless of Nobel's thoughts and intentions, though, Oslo's inhabitants are very proud that their hometown gets to host the Peace Prize ceremony.
LEGG TIL GLOBAL BLOCK