If you follow my new Instagram account, Unlock Norway, you’ll know that I love sharing tips, tricks, and lessons I’ve learned about life in Norway. From navigating the quirks of everyday life to discovering hidden gems, it’s been a fun way to document my experience and connect with others who are new to the country or just looking for something fresh.
But after a while, I realized something was missing... Sure, I could give people tips about where to go and what to do, but what many of us really need—especially as internationals—is more opportunities to meet people and make friends. That’s when I decided to take things a step further and start organizing events.
So far, I’ve tried out a variety of different events, some free and some paid, and the response has been super positive! Here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve done so far:
River walk: We had a group of 15 people come together to enjoy a walk by the river. It was a relaxed, free event where people could chat, explore, and get to know each other. This was my very first event, and I was shocked when so many people showed up!
Lunch event at food court: This was another free gathering where 20 people joined for a casual lunch. It was a great way to meet new people in a low-pressure setting.
Picnic with Oslopolitan: This was a bigger one, with over 30 people coming out for a fun, casual afternoon picnic. The best part? It was free, and we had a really diverse mix of people attend. I was very grateful to Mari from Oslopolitan (part of the Oslo Region Alliance) for co-organizing this event with me!
Sauna session: A cozy paid event where 20 people got to enjoy the ultimate Norwegian experience—sauna time! It was a more intimate gathering, but people really bonded over it.
Guided hike with Monica from @WanderlustWalks: In collaboration with Monica, I organized a paid guided hike for 15 people. It was a great way to get out in nature and connect with fellow hikers.
Guided beer tour with Diana from @Oslo4Me: Partnering with Diana, we led a group of 15 people on a paid beer tour around Oslo. This one was a hit—who doesn’t love learning about the city while sampling local brews?
What's next? Well, right now, I’m still experimenting. I’ve been trying out different types of events to see what works and what people enjoy. It’s been a rewarding learning process, and I’m excited to continue organizing more in the future.
I’ve received really positive feedback from participants so far, which is encouraging. I can’t wait to see where this goes, and I’m looking forward to creating even more opportunities for people to connect, explore, and enjoy everything Norway has to offer!
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