Must-see entertainment in Norway

  • Dokkhuset

    Trondheim

    In an artistically converted former pumping station (look through the glass beneath your feet at the old engines), the Dock House is at once auditorium …

  • Blå

    Oslo

    Blå is all things to everyone, with DJs (it happens to be the city's best spot for hip-hop), live gigs and jazz. On Sundays there is a live big band that…

  • Kafe Hærverk

    Oslo

    A friendly, intimate and rather stylish live venue that also has excellent craft beers and natural wines to drink. There's a summer courtyard for hanging…

  • Nationaltheatret

    Oslo

    Designed in lavish fashion by Oslo's Henrik Bull, Norway's showcase theatre was constructed specifically as a venue to honour plays by Norwegian…

  • Parkteatret

    Oslo

    Oslo's beloved medium-sized venue, right on the lovely main square. Come to see international acts such as Shabazz Palaces or locals like Lindstrom and…

  • Rockefeller Music Hall

    Oslo

    One of the city's best concert halls, Rockefeller Music Hall, once a bathhouse, hosts a wide range of artists and events.

  • USF Vertfet

    Bergen

    This huge arts and culture complex in a renovated warehouse space hosts a varied program of contemporary art exhibitions, theatre, dance, gigs and other…

  • Hulen

    Bergen

    Another minor legend of the Norwegian music scene, this basement club has hosted top rock and indie bands since opening its doors in 1968. Hulen means …

  • Olavshallen

    Trondheim

    Trondheim's main concert hall is within the Olavskvartalet cultural centre. The home base of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, it also features…

  • Stormen Konserthuset

    Bodø

    Bodø's showpiece new concert hall is one to watch for big-name classical concerts – this is where the Northern Norway Opera & Orchestra (www.noso.no)…

  • Revolver

    Oslo

    Dark and (ever so slightly) dirty rock-and-roll bar with an attached band room. A great place to see a local or interesting international act or just to…

  • Nordlænningen

    Bodø

    This low-key basement pub beside the main square has live music six nights a week with karaoke on Sundays – see the signed posters of bands who've played…

  • Østre

    Bergen

    This venue hosts cutting-edge Norwegian electronic artists, along with respected international acts. There are often three or more gigs a week; see the…

  • Oslo Opera House

    Opera House & Bjørvika

    Apart from being one of Norway's most impressive examples of contemporary architecture, Oslo Opera House is also the venue for world-class opera and…

  • Lofoten Kulturhus

    Svolvær

    This stylish and relatively new cultural centre houses a cinema and exhibition space, as well as mostly classical-music concerts.

  • Fincken

    Bergen

    Pretty much the only gay club in Bergen, which ensures it's nearly always packed out at weekends. It's a happy, upbeat place, with a varied music line-up…

  • Stavanger Konserthus

    Stavanger

    Despite what the rest of Norway thinks, Stavanger has a thriving cultural scene. Check out the Stavanger Konserthus program online or at the tourist…

  • Café Sanaa

    Bergen

    This little shopfront cafe just up from the lake spills over onto the cobblestones and draws a fun, alternative crowd with live music and, later, resident…

  • Logen

    Bergen

    Part of the Logen theatre, this 3rd-floor bar has a loyal local following for its concerts on most Sunday and Monday nights from September to June. For…

  • Trøndelag Teater

    Trondheim

    Constructed in 1816 and handsomely refurbished despite the hotch-potch of architectural styles on the outside, this theatre stages large-scale dance and…

  • Organ Recitals

    Central Norway

    For five weeks from early July to early August, the church hosts organ recitals, sometimes accompanied by orchestral musicians from across Europe.

  • Saga Kino

    Oslo

    The six-screen Saga Kino cinema shows first-run movies, including Hollywood fare, in their original language; the entrance is on Olav V's gate.

  • Gloria Flames

    Sofienberg, Grønland & Tøyen

    Gloria Flames is a popular rock bar with frequent gigs (including some big-name performers), and a roof-terrace bar during daylight hours.

  • Grieghallen

    Bergen

    Performances by the respected Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra take place inside this striking glass hall.

  • Oslo Spektrum

    Oslo

    One of the city's largest concert venues hosts a range of big-name international stars.

  • Filmens Hus

    Oslo

    Filmens Hus screens old classics and international festival winners.

  • Fram Kino

    Bodø

    Bodø's cinema is near the entrance to the Glasshuset.

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