Joining a Gym in Oslo 2026 — Contracts, Prices & What You Need to Know

Do Oslo gym staff speak English?

Yes — staff at all major chains in Oslo speak English. SATS, Evo, Fresh Fitness and Fitness24Seven all have English-speaking staff. Apps and websites are available in English for SATS and Evo. Friskis & Svettis is more Norwegian-dominant — staff speak English but materials are in Norwegian. Contracts are in Norwegian — you can ask for a translation or use Google Translate. Bottom line: you can join, train and cancel entirely in English at all major chains.

How do gym contracts work in Norway?

Norwegian gyms typically offer two contract types: NO COMMITMENT: Monthly payment, cancel with 1 month's notice. Slightly more expensive per month. 12-MONTH BINDING: Cheaper per month (50–100 NOK/month less), but you pay for the full period even if you cancel early. IMPORTANT: "Binding" in Norway means you have committed to paying for the full period. You cannot cancel early without paying the remainder. EXCEPTIONS: Illness (with documentation), relocation (if no nearby location), and some gyms allow pregnancy. RECOMMENDATION FOR NEWCOMERS: Choose no commitment until you are certain the gym works for you. Evo and F24S offer the most flexibility.

What is the enrollment fee at Norwegian gyms?

Most Norwegian gyms charge a one-time enrollment fee on top of the monthly price. CURRENT FEES (2026): Evo: 299 NOK (free with 12-month binding). F24S: 249 NOK (start fee). Fresh Fitness: 0–399 NOK (campaign dependent). SATS: 0–499 NOK (campaign dependent). Friskis & Svettis: 250 NOK (annual fee, not monthly). TIP: Almost all chains run enrollment-fee-waiver periods — typically January, August/September (new start periods) and just after Easter. Wait for a campaign if you can. Always ask directly: "Is there a campaign with no enrollment fee right now?"

How do I cancel a Norwegian gym membership?

Cancelling a Norwegian gym membership: ONLINE (most chains): SATS: sats.no/mitt-sats → Avslutning. Evo: evofitness.no/min-side. F24S: fitness24seven.no/kundeservice. Fresh Fitness: freshfitness.no/avslutt. NOTICE PERIOD: Most require 1–2 months' notice. Notice runs from the current month — cancel April 1 = last day is May 31 (1 month notice). COMMITMENT: You cannot cancel before the commitment period ends. EXCEPTION DOCUMENTATION: Doctor's certificate (illness), confirmation of new address >30 km from nearest location. TIP: Always get written confirmation of your cancellation. Verify that billing stops on the correct date.

Are Oslo gyms cheap compared to London/UK?

Oslo vs. London gym price comparison (2026): Budget Oslo: F24S 329 NOK/month (approx. £24/month). Budget London: Pure Gym £20–30/month. Mid-range Oslo: SATS Standard 699 NOK (approx. £51). Mid-range London: Virgin Active £60–80/month. Note: SATS at £51/month includes sauna + 200+ group classes — Virgin Active charges £70–80 for equivalent. CONCLUSION: Oslo budget gym prices (F24S, Evo) are similar to London budget gyms. Oslo mid-range (SATS with sauna) is actually cheaper than London equivalent. Oslo is expensive in NOK but not necessarily expensive for expats earning in GBP/EUR.

Do I need a Norwegian ID number to join a gym?

Not necessarily, but it helps. MOST CHAINS: Accept passport or foreign ID when joining in person at the front desk. SATS and Evo require a Norwegian ID number (personnummer) or D-number for online sign-up — but you can join in person without one. F24S and Fresh Fitness: more flexible, accept foreign payment cards and ID. PAYMENT: All chains accept Visa/Mastercard with a foreign billing address. CANCELLATION: To cancel, you need access to your membership account. TIP: Join in person with passport + payment card. Keep the receipt and your login details.

Which chain is best for someone in Oslo for 3–6 months?

For short stays in Oslo: EVO FITNESS (recommended): 449 NOK/month, no commitment, cancel any time with 1 month's notice. 05:00–24:00 hours. Access to all Evo locations. No surprises. FITNESS24SEVEN: 329 NOK/month, no commitment. True 24/7 access. Simplest setup. SATS (if you want sauna + classes): 699 NOK/month Standard Oslo, no-commitment option available. Cancel after 1 month. AVOID: 12-month binding contracts. They are cheaper per month but you are locked in if you leave. BEST TIP: Join in January, August or just after New Year — almost guaranteed to get a free enrollment fee.