Illustration of Ascidia virginea Müller, 1776 from Zoologia danica, sev Animalivm Daniae et Norvegiae rariorvm ac minvs notorvm descriptiones et historia …. Havniae :typis N. Mölleri aulae regiae typographi et filii,1788-1806. Under public domain via Biodiversity Heritage Library

Travel, accommodation and venues

Meeting attendees are responsible for arranging their own travel and to ensure that they have the documentation required for entering Norway.

Travel requirements for entering Norway

Check if you need a visa to visit Norway. If you need a visa, follow the instructions under “Attend a cultural event or visit an organisation” and email gb33@gbif.org for an invitation letter.

Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norwegian Embassies by country)

Insurance

Meeting attendees are advised to ensure appropriate comprehensive health and travel insurance for travel to Norway.

Arriving in Norway

International airports

The primary airport for international arrivals is Gardermoen (OSL) https://www.avinor.no/en/airport/oslo/

  • 19 minutes by airport train to the Oslo city center
  • Direct routes to 112 international destinations
  • Contactless and self-service check-in, bag-drop, and boarding
  • Europe’s most punctual major airport according to Eurocontrol statistics.
  • We recommend using the main airport, OSL.

Another option is Charter airport (Torp, Sandefjord) https://torp.no/

  • 1,5 hour by train or bus to the Oslo city center
  • Transportation from the airport

Gardermoen Airport has very good public transport connections to and from the airport. You can choose between train (Airport Express Train or Regional trains) or various bus options.

The airport trains stop at the main Oslo Central Station, and at the secondary train station Nationaltheatret (National Theatre), which is very close to the University of Oslo campus City Centre.

You can also take a taxi from the airport. It takes about 40 minutes to drive from the airport to Oslo Central Station. More information available at https://www.avinor.no/en/airport/oslo/info/Taxi/.

Train

It is also possible to arrive in Oslo by train. The main central train station in Oslo (Oslo S) is located downtown within walking distance to venue and hotels.

Local transportation

It is easy to get around in Oslo, either by foot or by using public transportation. Everything in the city centre is within walking distance. All public transport in Oslo and the surrounding boroughs are included in one ticketing system. The public transport system in Oslo is called ‘Ruter’ and their ticketing system includes city and regional buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains and ferries (the ferries to Bygdøy are not included).

Hotels

GB33 attendees are asked to organize their own accommodation.

We have made a block reservation for three hotels. The block reservation code is “TDWG 2026” (20% discount).

Block booking reservation link (valid to 2026-08-01): https://www.visitoslo.com/en/accommodation/hotel/

Hotel Details
Clarion Hotel Oslo Clarion Hotel Oslo
255 rooms, 500 m from Central Station
Clarion Hotel The Hub Clarion Hotel The Hub
810 rooms, 190 m from Central Station
Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret Clarion Collection Hotel Folketeateret
160 rooms, 350 m to Central Station

Other hotels in Oslo: You can find a list of other hotels in Oslohere

Venues

GBIF committee meetings - 28 September 2026

The GBIF committee meetings on 28 September will take place at the University of Oslo Natural History Museum at university campus Tøyen.

Icebreaker - 28 September 2026

The Icebreaker will take place at Klimahuset (Climate House) at university campus Tøyen.

GBIF Governing Board meeting - 29 September-1 October 2026

The venue for the Governing Board meeting has not yet been confirmed but it will be in the centre of Oslo.

Hosted dinner - 30 September 2026

The venue for the Hosted dinner has not yet been confirmed.

Science Symposium - 2 October 2026

The Science Symposium will take place at the University of Oslo Aula in the Domus Accademia, Auditorium 4.

UiO Campus City Centre:

Map

General information

Practical information from the Tourist Information Oslo: https://www.visitoslo.com/en/oslo/practical-information/

Climate and weather

Typical weather in September, high 16° C, low 9° C, 9 days of rain

Electricity

Norway has 220 volts, AC of 50 Hertz, a European continental-style two-pin plug

Internet and telecommunications

Internet in Norway is advanced, featuring extensive 5G coverage, widespread fiber-optic availability, and high speeds.

Language

Most people understand and speak English very well. Norwegian is a Scandinavian language.

Money

Debit cards and credit cards are widely accepted and are the preferred mode of payment (Visa, EuroCard, etc.). Cash is accepted, but rarely used.

  • ATMs are rare to find; you may find ATMs at the Oslo Central Station
  • Opening hours for banks: 09:00 to 15:30 on weekdays (closed weekends)

Opening hours (for shops)

  • Larger shops in the city centre close around 18:00 (6 pm)
  • Smaller shops usually close around 17:00 (5 pm)
  • Most shops are closed on Sundays

Personal security

Oslo is a safe city with a relatively low crime rate. However, it is recommended to take measures to avoid pick-pockets in crowded areas.

Health

Norwegian restaurants

Tipping

Tipping in Oslo is not mandatory. 5-15% tipping or rounding to the nearest 10 or 100 kr is usual for restaurants if the service is good.

  • Most restaurants close the kitchen at 21:30

Tourist information