This is one of the best live music venues in Oslo,” club owner Smith-Simonsen says. “It used to be an old diamond vault so it’s a fantastic old brick building with high ceilings and a great outdoor bar if you just want a drink in the summer.” Right next to the river, Blå is located in the trendy industrial Grünerløkka district, renowned for its colourful graffiti art, galleries and excellent bars. “It’s a cool spot and is a great place to see bands, but it’s worth checking what’s on that night before you pay on the door,” says Smith-Simonsen.

This is one of the most happening clubs for jazz, electronica, hip-hop, and related sounds. The patio, along the Akerselva River, is popular in summer.

A short walk down the river from Vulkan is Blå (pronounced ‘blaw’, meaning ‘blue’), one of Oslo’s most prominent venues, which covers the whole spectrum of contemporary rock, pop, jazz and club sounds. The premises, inside an old industrial building, play host to a smorgasbord of musical acts, and its punk-picturesque outdoor space is situated next to the river. A guide to by:Larm’s venues could in fact start at this musical focal point for both Oslo and Norway, because Blå hosts both the delegate lounge and the international lounge, with its inner chambers a safe haven for festival VIP’s to wine & dine in peace, away from all the music.

Make time to explore the Akerselva River, which winds through former industrial areas now firmly at the heart of the city’s creative scene. While in the past decade the Grünerløkka district has shifted from up-and-coming to fully gentrified, among its graffiti-tagged warehouses is a riverside cluster of vibrant bars, galleries, cafes, and street-food trucks that remain as popular as ever. Music venue Blå sits at its heart, with gigs, DJ sets, and alfresco ping-pong drawing crowds until late.

Considered to be one of the biggest names in Oslo's jazz scene, Blå is an independent club that operates as a professional venue for upcoming artists and international performers. Located by the river Akerselva, the musical repertoire comprises alternative music, international indie, rock & jazz bands, live DJ, contemporary jazz and more. Address: Brenneriveien 9c, 0182 Oslo, Norway.

Blå is an alternative live music venue hosting numerous concerts that vary from indie to rock to jazz bands. They have both Norwegian and international artists performing early in the evenings and then, as time progresses, Blå turns into a vibrant nightclub with DJ sets. They also have a great outdoor terrace on the banks of the Akerselva River.

When the sun doesn't set at night, you can hang out at Bla, where there might be literature debates, bingo parties or "Klubb Juicy" taking place; or head to Grunerlokka Brygghus to get a peek of Norway's microbrew culture. Before you fall into bed, however, make sure to follow the reputed Norwegian tradition of kveldsmat and grab a bite to eat.

BLÅ is one of Oslo’s grand old club venues, located in alluring surroundings by the Akerselva river. It is known for booking progressive and alternative quality acts, and on Fridays and Saturdays, concerts often fade into some of Oslo’s most popular club nights. Every (yes, every) Sunday there is a free concert with Frank Znort Quartet.

Since opening its doors in 1998, Blå has been Oslo’s hotbed for jazz and experimental music. They have a number of events and concerts across genres, as well as fantastic outdoor dining along the Akerselva River. On the other side of the road you’ll find Ingensteds, which also offers concerts and club nights all year round.

The Frank Znort Quartet has held jazz concerts on Sundays since 1998. The band consists of regular musicians and guests can enter the stage together with the live band. It's a really good atmosphere and setting, with Blå located right by the river in the urban district of Grünerløkka.

Located at 9C Brenneriveien, Bla is the ultimate nightclub to die for. It’s a great place for those looking for something very different in Oslo. Its location near a river makes it more scenic.

An intimate spot for live music where you’ll see international indie and rock artists as well as some great live DJs. No pretences here, just good old fashioned fun with your drinks.

Finish the night at Bla (blaaoslo.no), a really amazing little club if you like a proper night out — but just remember the city sleeps at 3am!