Oslo Christmas Tree Disaster Narrowly Averted

Reykjavík’s yuletide pride, the Oslo Christmas tree, was destroyed by the epic storm that blew through the capital on Sunday. But all is not yet lost, reports RÚV.

Mayor of Reykjavík, Dagur B. Eggertsson, met with Norway’s Ambassador to Iceland, Cecilie Landsverk, to cut down a new tree together. This new tree, sourced from Rauðavatn, will take the Oslo tree’s place in Austurvöllur while the Oslo tree is moved into City Hall.

“We’re thinking the Oslo tree should live in City Hall,” said Dagur. “Get it out of the bad weather and into the warmth. We’re opening a “Christmas forest” on Thursday so kids and everyone can come and it enjoy it there.”

Norway has donated a Christmas tree to Iceland for over 60 years. Earlier this year Icelanders received a scare when Norwegian authorities said it would be too expensive to send a tree this year. The outcry was such that the Oslo Business Council re-assessed the situation, and decided to send a tree after all.