The outdoors is the first thing many people associate with Norway, but the country’s compact capital, where nature closely coexists with urbanity, is an increasingly popular destination. Among Oslo’s draws, to Norwegians and foreigners alike, is the newly developed harbor promenade and a burgeoning fashion scene (and let’s not forget the reach of Skam, a TV series that has redefined distribution). For the sporty, Oslo Vinterpark’s ski-slope is a 20-minute train ride away.
With generous social benefits—including 25 paid days of vacation—Norwegians have a lot of liberty to enjoy such attractions. And the country’s growing economy is especially beneficial to millennials, according to a recent report. There’s a lot to like about Oslo, whether or not you re as young and in love as our guides to the city, Marius Borg Høiby and Juliane Snekkestad. Though the pair live in London, they are drawn home by their families and the city s natural surroundings. “People think Oslo is like the coldest city on earth, but it really isn’t,” says Borg Høiby. “In the summer it’s beautiful, and you can go swim and have fun.”
Snekkestad, a model, and Borg Høiby, who works as a style editor at Tempus, a luxury lifestyle magazine, and is the the son of Mette-Marit, Crown Princess of Norway, are especially drawn to the city’s coolest neighborhood, Grünerløkka, where well-designed coffeeshops abound. And though modesty has long trumped showing off in Norway, sartorially or otherwise, Borg Høiby has noticed that more people are using dress as a means of self-expression, rather than to fit in.“People in Norway are experimental,” he says. “There’s a lot of creativity in Norway, and it’s growing.”
Here, a relaxed day out in Oslo with Borg Høiby and Snekkestad.
Stop 1: Velouria, Thorvald Meyers gate 34
“This is our favorite vintage shop in Oslo, it’s located in Grünerløkka. Here you can find everything from accessories to leather jackets. I don’t know how many we have hanging in the closet at home, but it’s a lot,” says Borg Høiby. “There’s so much history, each jacket has been through a lot.”
It was after watching Sons of Anarchy that the 21-year-old started transferring his painting skills from canvas to motorcycle jackets. Though not yet ready to start selling them, Borg Høiby thinks in time he probably will. “That’s our dream,” adds Snekkestad, who studied fashion design in high school, “to make our own brand.”
Stop 2: Lokk, Torggata 22
“If you’ve looked at our social media accounts, it s no secret that we have a thing for different types of headwear,” says Borg Høiby. “Lokk has a huge selection, and you can customize their gear to fit your style, with logos, etc. And best of all, it can be done in 15 minutes.”
“I like to mix,” says Snekkestad of her style. To avoid looking too “pretty girl,” she might pair “a cute skirt with something a bit more rough”—like a bandana a la Axl Rose.
Stop 3: Salt, Langkaia 1
“Just a five minute walk from Oslo Central Station along the harbor promenade, Salt has an amazing view of the Opera. Here you can enjoy a meal here like a real Norwegian, with good food, music, and the sea breeze.”
Stop 4: Vigelandsparken, Nobels gate 32
“Vigeland Sculpture Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Oslo and I used to spend a lot of time here skating when I was younger,” says Borg Høiby, who studied in California and also surfs. “There are more than 200 sculptures on the grounds, portraying naked women, men, and children in different emotions and feelings, by the the Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland.”
Stop 5: Oslo Skate Hall, Stavangergata 28
“Located on Voldsløkka, Oslo Skatehall is known for its beautiful architecture and various skate facilities. We stopped by to see if I could remember any of my skills. Skating the bowl for the first time in 3 years: Scary.”
Stop 6: Illegal Burger, Møllergata 23
“This small restaurant has the best burgers for carnivores and vegetarians alike. Juliane doesn’t eat meat and loves their amazing vegan burgers, which are served with lots of guacamole.”
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