Team building in Oslo: a complete planning guide

In short: good team building in Oslo comes down to three things – an activity everyone can take part in on equal terms, enough time for people to actually talk to each other, and a relaxed social finish where the conversation can carry on. Choose the activity to suit the group (not your most competitive colleague), allow two to four hours in total, and book early if your event falls in a busy period such as autumn or the run-up to Christmas.

What is team building – and why does it work?

Team building means shared experiences that help colleagues get to know each other outside their usual roles at work. When you solve a problem together, plan tactics or cheer each other on, you see new sides of people. That makes it easier to communicate, ask for help and bring out the best in each other back at the office.

It doesn't all have to be "educational". Often it's the laughter and the stories afterwards that people remember. The best team building gets people talking – including those who normally sit in different departments, or who have only just joined.

How do we choose the right activity?

Start with the group, not the activity. Ask yourselves a few simple questions:

How many of you are there? Some activities suit small teams; others can be turned into a tournament for a large group.
How active do people want to be? Not everyone wants to break a sweat or pick up a bruise. Always have an option that works for everyone.
Indoors or outdoors? Oslo weather is unpredictable for much of the year. Indoors is the safe bet; outdoors offers a different kind of experience.
What's the goal? Collaboration, friendly competition, getting to know new colleagues, or simply a great evening together?

Activities that suit almost everyone

Laser tag is a classic because it works for absolutely everyone, whatever their age or fitness. You split into teams and play a tournament in mazes full of lights, sound and smoke. Street curling at Fjellstua is a "no-sweat" activity where everyone can contribute, and there's soon plenty of cheering around the lanes.

For teams who like to think together

Outdoor escape games such as Operation Mindfall and Blackout are built around collaboration: teams of 2–5 get an iPad and a case of equipment and spend two hours solving tasks in the streets of Oslo. Communication and logic matter more than speed.

For groups who can take a few knocks

Indoor paintball is played with rubber balls and delivers a lot of adrenaline in a short time – but it can sting a bit, so check the group is up for it. Outdoor paintball is run together with Highjump at Stensrudvannet, about 20 minutes from the city centre, for 6–100 people.

How much time and budget should we set aside?

A typical team-building session in Oslo lasts somewhere between two and four hours, including the activity, food and some social time. A common format is one activity of one to two hours followed by food and drinks. If you want a full day, combine a daytime meeting with an activity and a social evening.

The budget depends on the number of people, the activity and whether you want food and a bar. A few tips:

Decide in advance whether the company covers drinks with an open bar, a set number of drinks tokens, or whether everyone pays for themselves.
Check whether prices include VAT. At Megazone, all prices on the website include VAT.
Find out whether you need an invoice. Limited companies (AS) can be invoiced by Megazone; sole traders (ENK) cannot.

Planning your team building, step by step

Fix the date early. Thursdays and Fridays get booked up quickly, especially in November and December.
Estimate numbers. You don't need an exact headcount straight away – enter an estimate and adjust closer to the day.
Choose the activity with the group in mind, and think about the least enthusiastic participants.
Plan food and drinks – and check for allergies in good time.
Send practical details to everyone: where to meet, what time, what to wear and any age limits.
Leave time for socialising afterwards. This is often where the real bonding happens.

Food and socialising afterwards

The activity gets things started – it's around the table afterwards that the conversation really flows. Many companies gather in a private venue where they can eat, crown the winning team and carry on the evening. At Megazone you can hire Fjellstua exclusively: a log cabin built indoors in central Oslo, with a bar and four street curling lanes, for up to 70 people. With exclusive hire you can order food such as tapas, stews or pizza. Note that food is not included in the activity packages; it is ordered as an extra.

If you'd rather eat out, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of Youngstorget.

Team building checklist

Date and time agreed with management
Estimated number of participants
An activity that suits everyone in the group
Food, drinks and allergies
Invoicing and payment sorted
Practical details sent to participants
A plan for socialising afterwards

See all the options on our team building page, or go straight to booking to check availability.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should we book team building?

The earlier the better – particularly for Thursdays and Fridays. For events in November or December, it pays to book as early as September.

Do we need the exact number of participants when we book?

No. At Megazone you enter an estimate and confirm the final number a few days beforehand. You don't need to tell us about a difference of two or three people.

Which activity works if not everyone is sporty?

Laser tag and street curling suit almost everyone. Street curling is a gentle activity anyone can join in, while outdoor escape games are more about teamwork than fitness.

Can our company pay by invoice?

Yes, limited companies (AS) can be invoiced by Megazone. You fill in a short form when you arrive, and there's no payment when you book online. Find more answers in our FAQ.