Oslo Freedom Forum – Norway 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Founded in 2009 by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), the Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF) began as a gathering to document stories of survivors of Communism and Nazism, evolving into a global platform for human rights advocacy.
• Cultural Significance: OFF amplifies voices of dissidents and activists, addressing threats to democracy and human rights, with over 300 speakers from 100+ countries since its inception.
• Evolution: From 200 attendees in 2009, it now draws 2,000+ participants annually, with 10 million+ video views and 25,000+ articles, making it a leading global human rights conference.
• Global Reach: Expanded to cities like New York, Taipei, and Mexico City, with Oslo as its flagship, hosted in a city synonymous with peace due to the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Impact: Facilitates partnerships among activists, philanthropists, and policymakers, fostering initiatives like legal aid for political prisoners and media campaigns for democracy.
• Recognition: Praised by The Economist, The Guardian, and Vice for its bold approach to exposing authoritarianism and celebrating solidarity.
• Community Role: Boosts Oslo’s tourism by 5–8% during the event, supports local businesses, and aligns with Norway’s legacy of peace negotiations and democratic values.

Event Highlights

• Keynote Talks: Features 20–25 global activists, such as Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad, delivering TED-style talks on human rights.
• Panels and Workshops: Interactive sessions on topics like digital censorship, political imprisonment, and grassroots activism, held at Oslo City Hall, June 1–3.
• Creative Exhibits: Multimedia displays, including photo galleries of dissidents’ stories and virtual reality experiences of conflict zones, at venues like Sentrum Scene.
• Networking Events: Exclusive receptions at Nobel Peace Center, connecting attendees with speakers like Venezuelan activist Rosa María Payá and Zimbabwean leader Evan Mawarire.
• Special Traditions: The “Solidarity Dinner” on June 2, uniting attendees for discussions on global freedom, with performances by artists like North Korean defector musicians.
• Unique Attractions: Live-streamed talks for global audiences, plus a “Freedom Marketplace” showcasing NGOs and their campaigns, open to all attendees.
• Awards Ceremony: Recognizes activists with HRF’s Václav Havel International Prize for Creative Dissent, awarded during the closing session on June 3.
• Public Engagement: Free public talks at Oslo University Square on June 1, featuring emerging activists, fostering local community involvement.

Date & Duration

• Dates: June 1 – June 3, 2026 (confirmed per provided data).
• Duration: 3 days, with sessions from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, plus evening receptions.
• Key Schedule: Opening plenary on June 1, workshops and panels June 1–2, closing ceremony and awards on June 3.

Venue / Location

• City: Oslo, Norway, a global hub for peace and democracy, home to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony at City Hall.
• Main Venues: Oslo City Hall for keynotes, Sentrum Scene for workshops, Nobel Peace Center for receptions, and Oslo University Square for public events.
• Notable Areas: Akershus Fortress for outdoor exhibits, and Youngstorget for networking pop-ups, all within Oslo’s walkable city center.
• Google Maps Address: Oslo City Hall, Rådhusplassen 1, 0037 Oslo, Norway (59.9115° N, 10.7338° E) – central hub for the forum.

Ticket Information

• Ticket Prices (USD): General admission $550–$1,100 USD (€500–€1,000); student/NGO rate $220–$330 USD (€200–€300); VIP pass $2,200–$3,300 USD (€2,000–€3,000).
• Application Process: Attendance requires an application via oslofreedomforum.com, including name, email, affiliation, and a 100–200-word statement; approved applicants receive registration instructions.
• Purchase Methods: Tickets available only after application approval, purchased online via oslofreedomforum.com or through registration@hrf.org.
• Minimum Pricing: $220 USD (€200, student/NGO rate for 3-day access).
• Maximum Pricing: $3,300 USD (€3,000, VIP pass with premium access).
• VIP Options: Includes reserved seating, private speaker dinners, and exclusive access to the Solidarity Dinner and Nobel Peace Center events.
• Concessions: Discounted rates for students, NGO workers, and journalists, subject to verification during application.
• Note: Incomplete applications are not considered; contact registration@hrf.org for ticketing inquiries or privacy concerns.

Contact Information

• Email: info@oslofreedomforum.com (general inquiries); registration@hrf.org (ticketing); contact@hrf.org (sponsorship/partnerships).
• Phone: +1 212-246-8486 (HRF New York office, English, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM EST).
• Website: https://oslofreedomforum.com (event details, application form, speaker bios).
• Social Media: @OsloFF (X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Nostr); @HRF (LinkedIn, Medium for updates and talks).
• Key Staff: Per Elvestuen (Director, Oslo Freedom Forum); contact via info@oslofreedomforum.com for speaker or partnership inquiries.
• Press/Volunteers: Press passes via contact@hrf.org; volunteer applications (ushers, tech support) via info@oslofreedomforum.com, opening March 2026.
• Response Time: 24–72 hours for email; phone support during business hours.
• Language Support: English, Norwegian, Spanish; limited French and Arabic for international attendees.

Cultural Experience

• Activist Stories: Speakers share personal narratives of resistance, like Hyeonseo Lee’s North Korean defection, fostering a global dialogue on freedom.
• Norwegian Context: Held in Oslo, a city tied to peace through the Nobel Prize, events incorporate Norwegian values of dialogue and democracy.
• Art and Music: Performances by activist-artists, such as dissident poets or protest musicians, enhance talks, blending culture with advocacy.
• Networking Culture: Attendees engage in “freedom circles,” small-group discussions post-sessions, mirroring Norway’s collaborative ethos.
• Global Solidarity: The forum unites diverse cultures, with speakers from Cuba, Afghanistan, and Belarus, creating a mosaic of resistance stories.
• Educational Impact: Workshops on digital security and advocacy empower attendees to support human rights in their communities.

Food & Drinks

• Smørrebrød: Open-faced sandwiches with salmon or herring, served at City Hall catering ($8–$12 USD).
• Brunost: Norway’s iconic brown cheese on rye bread, available at festival food stalls ($4–$6 USD).
• Kjøttkaker: Norwegian meatballs with lingonberry sauce, offered at Youngstorget vendors ($6–$10 USD).
• Akvavit: Traditional Norwegian spirit, served at evening receptions ($5–$8 USD per shot).
• Fjord Trout: Grilled trout plates, a local delicacy, at Nobel Peace Center events ($10–$15 USD).
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Norwegian apple cider and lingonberry juice at all venues ($3–$5 USD).

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL, 50 km from city center), with flights from London, New York, and Dubai; airport express train to Oslo Central ($20 USD, 20 minutes).
• Public Transport: Trams (lines 11, 12) to City Hall from Oslo Central ($4 USD, 5 minutes); buses (line 31) to Sentrum Scene ($4 USD, 10 minutes).
• Festival Shuttles: Free shuttles between City Hall, Sentrum Scene, and Nobel Peace Center on June 1–3, running 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
• Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis from OSL to Oslo ($70–$100 USD); Bolt app for city rides ($8–$15 USD).
• Parking: Limited paid parking at City Hall garage ($15–$25 USD/day); free P+R at Sognsvann with tram access.
• Walking: Oslo’s compact center allows 5–10 minute walks between City Hall, Sentrum Scene, and Youngstorget.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Hotel Continental (near City Hall, elegant, $200–$350 USD/night).
• Mid-Range: Clarion Hotel The Hub (near Oslo Central, modern, $120–$180 USD/night); Thon Hotel Opera (harbor views, $100–$160 USD/night).
• Budget: Citybox Oslo (near station, minimalist, $60–$100 USD/night); Airbnb apartments in Grünerløkka ($50–$90 USD/night).
• Boutique: The Thief (waterfront, art-focused, $150–$250 USD/night); Saga Hotel Oslo (cozy, $110–$170 USD/night).
• Hostels: Anker Hostel (central, dorm beds, $25–$45 USD/night); Cochs Pensjonat (budget, $40–$70 USD/night).
• Rural Stays: Voksenåsen Hotel (15 km from center, scenic, $80–$130 USD/night).