Would you like to see stone carvers from all over the world gather to show off their skills? At the Stone Carving Festival, participants will spend three days carving a work from Norwegian stone using only hand tools. On Sunday, they lay down their tools and brush away the dust, and the works are auctioned off to the public. You get the chance to follow the creative process from start to finish—and perhaps take home a unique piece of craftsmanship.

The festival takes place on the grounds of the Stone Carving Museum at Grorud. Entry to both the festival and the museum is free, with plenty of activities for the whole family. The museum is well worth a visit, and you will have the opportunity to try your hand at stone carving with authentic granite tools. There will also be tours to nearby quarries. Many activities are designed for children of all ages. When your feet get tired, Kafé Tatie offers food and drink in the neighboring building. The festival is located at Grorudveien 3-5, just minutes away from the Metro (T-bane) and bus stops. Most events take place outdoors, so please dress for the weather.

Are you a stone carver, letter cutter, or sculptor and want to participate? The Stone Carving Festival is a gathering for carvers (apprentices, journeymen, masters, and sculptors) from around the world. Approximately twenty carvers are given three days to carve a piece (30x30x40cm) based on their own design, which will be auctioned at the end of the festival on Sunday. No winner is crowned, but you get the satisfaction of seeing your work sold to the highest bidder. The festival retains 25% of the auction price—you keep the rest! Work hard, and you might just cover your expenses.

Remember to bring your own tools—we carve by hand, and there is no opportunity to use pneumatic or electric equipment. We carve in soapstone from Norwegian quarries. The public has free access to the area and may be curious about your work. While we understand you need to concentrate, please be prepared to answer questions.

Logistics & Registration:

  • Check-in: Begins Thursday evening; you can start work as soon as you are registered.

  • Accommodation: Open from Thursday evening.

  • Participation Fee: 2,100 NOK.

  • Included: Accommodation in a double room at Thon Hotel Linne, just minutes from the festival grounds by Metro. You are responsible for your own Metro ticket (a 7-day ticket costs 379 NOK). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There is a BBQ party on Sunday evening, and accommodation is open until Monday morning. Snacks and drinks are available in the common area all three days.

Interested? Contact us for more info or to register:

  • Email: steinhoggerfestivalen@gmail.com

  • Post: Steinhoggerfestivalen c/o Frøydis Arnesen, Apalløkkveien 23B, 0956 Oslo

  • Contacts: Chris Fleurie (for carvers) / Frøydis Arnesen (for the event)

Getting There: Oslo is not a large city, so it is easy to get here from the train station, bus terminal, and airport. The festival is held at the Stone Carving Museum at Grorud, just a few minutes' walk from the Metro and bus (including the airport express bus from Gardermoen). It is 20 minutes to the city center by car or public transport. Free parking is available on-site. Please let us know if you are arriving with a caravan or motorhome so we can find a spot for you.