Oslo is a peculiar capital city, maybe because it hasn’t always been one. After a brief stint in the 1300s, the city wasn’t reinstated as Norway’s capital until 1814. But that’s not the only thing that sets it apart. Often overshadowed by its Scandi siblings, Stockholm and Copenhagen, Oslo is petite and walkable, yet equally rich in culture. It nurtured several creative giants: the expressionist painter Edvard Munch, the revered playwright Henrik Ibsen, and the sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Today, it remains the respected home of the Nobel Peace Prize, a slew of world-class museums, and – if the UN’s World Happiness report is anything to go by – a jolly bunch of locals.
The latter can be explained by the city’s easy access to nature. Oslo is also one of Europe’s greenest capitals, with over two-thirds of it comprising forests, lakes or parks. The nature here, though not as dramatic as the otherworldly landscapes of Norway’s north, is still incredibly scenic with pretty islands dotted around the glassy Oslofjord and moss-strewn, fairytale forests. It feels like a city where you can live well, unburdened by tourists and distinctly cosmopolitan, though still very much in line with the Norwegian philosophy of friluftsliv or ‘open-air living’
Architecturally, Oslo’s footprint is a distinctly modern one, thanks in part to a devastating fire in 1624 that wiped out most of the traditional timber buildings seen in the likes of Bergen or Trondheim. This historic reset allowed the city to carve out a unique visual identity, best evidenced along the waterfront area of Bjørvika. Here, iconic new buildings create a breathtaking skyline, studded by Snøhetta’s glacial Opera House, the striking Deichman Library (designed by Lund Hagem and Atelier Oslo), and Estudio Herreros’ sloping, 13-storey Munch museum. This sleek, contemporary cluster demonstrates how the city, having survived a fiery past, is now boldly facing the future.
“Oslo feels like a city that has finally hit its stride,” says Wilhelm Hartwig, Oslo local and the General Manager of city newcomer Hobo Hotel. “There’s a playful, creative energy in the air – you can feel it in the food scene, the cultural life, the bold architecture along the waterfront and the way people use the city’s public spaces.” In true Scandinavian style, Oslo feels effortless. The local uniform is understated yet flawlessly put together, the transport (trams, mainly) runs like clockwork, and the local sense of humour is as dry as a shot of unaged Akvavit, as evidenced in the city’s viral anti-advert from 2024.
Source link
