Hei hei Scoopers,

It’s –8°C in Oslo this week, which is the kind of cold that makes you ask a better question than “what’s on?” - namely, “what’s actually worth it?” There’s a winter escape in this Scoop that does most of the heavy lifting for you: hot water, winter light, cosy cafés, and no need to sacrifice a full week of your life to travel.

There’s also some very Oslo stuff in here. A family home high up on Nordstrand with fjord views, and a red wooden house briefly left hanging in the air while the city calmly rebuilds around it. Ordinary, strange, and quietly emotional, which is usually when Oslo is at its best.

And then the things that make winter feel manageable rather than heroic: a neighbourhood restaurant designed for sharing, not performing; Pony racing with a difference; and a place where the welcome on a cold day includes a free proper hot meal.

If you’re going to leave the house this week, it might as well be for one of these.

(Oh and if you’re new here welcome, I hope it’s a helpful read!)

Got a tip, listing, or local story? Reply and I’ll include it in an upcoming Scoop.

Reykjavík, Iceland – ~2h 50m from OSL (direct)
Why go: The ultimate “reset” break. Hot springs + winter light + cosy cafés, and you can do the whole thing without burning a week of your life in airports.

Málaga, Spain – ~4h 10m from OSL (direct)
Why go: Gentle winter sun, long seaside walks, and food that tastes that bit better when eaten in the sunshine. The city’s lively, but it’s not peak-season frantic.

Marrakech, Morocco – ~5h 8m from OSL (direct)
Why go: Fastest route to somewhere that feels like a very different culture. Warm days, riads, markets, and those aromatic atmospheres.(Also, January often prices well on this route.)

High up on Nordstrand with proper Oslofjord views, this is the kind of place that is perfect for a family, without a ridiculous price tag. Big windows, a sensible layout over two levels, fireplace, garage, and a garden that (in warmer months) basically runs its own fruit shop.

The vibe: calm, residential, and “we could actually live here,” not just pose for a brochure.

What really makes this place work is the combination of fjord view, elevation and privacy the big three for this part of Oslo.

There are sun-friendly outdoor areas and a proper garden that actually feels usable, not just decorative, plus a fireplace, two bathrooms, a separate toilet room and a dedicated laundry space that makes everyday life easier.

Add a garage and additional parking and it’s already ticking a lot of real-world boxes.

The listing is also refreshingly honest: some modernisation is needed, which is really just code for a bit of TLC and the chance to make it your own rather than inherit someone else’s choices.

This striking image by Kanne-Hausen.shows one of the well-known red wooden villas in Stabekk, Bærum, temporarily left standing during the long-running E18 road and rail expansion just west of Oslo. As the motorway and railway were widened and the land lowered around it, several older houses were bought out or removed, while a few remained briefly elevated on supports, creating scenes like this, domestic life paused mid-transition.

Photographs like this resonate because they capture a fleeting moment where Norwegian wooden-house heritage collides with modern transport needs, turning an ordinary villa into something quietly symbolic before it eventually disappears or moves on.

If you want a place that feels properly local (not “special occasion theatre”), is a safe bet. It’s a true neighbourhood hub on Ullevålsveien, and it’s also Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide, meaning high quality cooking at a friendlier price point than the star-chasers.

The whole setup is built around sharing, their own words are that they want a “social and inclusive meal,” and the menu is designed to make that easy. In the evening you pick your size: “Smalhans” = 6 small dishes served as a 5-course menu, or “Krøsus” = 9 small dishes served as an 8-course (basically the full run of what they’re cooking).

Reviews and booking pages keep circling the same things: it’s convivial, staff are friendly and on it, and it’s known for natural wines plus a solid beer selection, which makes it ideal for a midwinter, post Christmas gathering.

Good to know this week (Jan 14–20): if you want it calmer, aim for an earlier or midweek sitting; if you want it to feel like a proper night out, go Krøsus and let the kitchen drive.

Men’s EHF EURO 2026 (Handball) - Unity Arena (Fornebu)
Big week for live sport close to Oslo: Unity Arena hosts the preliminary round matches from 15–20 Jan.

Vålerenga Ishockey vs Lørenskog - Jordal Amfi
Proper local derby energy: Sat 17th Jan (16:00) at Jordal. These games usually have extra nerve, extra hits, and a crowd that’s fully awake from puck drop.

Bjerke Travbane - Tirsdagskveld med V75 Express
A very Oslo winter classic: Trotting at Bjerke on Tue 20th Jan. Doors open 18:00, first race 19:00, and it’s an easy, low-effort night out (with food/drink available right by the finish line).

A really beautiful, unique carved oak monk’s chair from early 1900s Sweden with original finish and decorative detailing on both sides of the backrest. Loose triangular seat with green patterned velour.

Gently used DJI Osmo Action 4 Adventure Pack in good condition.
Selling due to upgrade. Includes waterproof housing and monopod.

Volue is hiring a LinkedIn-focused Social Media Manager (6-month contract). Working language: English. Hybrid role, Oslo/Gdansk (other locations considered).

If you’re looking for an English-speaking church that actually feels like a family, Grace International Church of Oslo might be the city’s best-kept secret.

It’s a warm, international fellowship that’s growing so fast they’ll soon need a bigger home. Services are relaxed, joyful, and genuinely welcoming – and after every service they serve a full hot meal buffet. As far as I know, they’re the only church in Oslo doing that every week, and the welcome is just as warm as the food.

You’ll find a mix of Norwegians, expats, and long-term locals who’ve found real friendship and faith under one roof – and around one table.

Often overlooked, this small museum inside Grønland’s old fire station explores migration, identity, and everyday life in Oslo without shouting about it. Thoughtful exhibitions, calm rooms, and usually very few visitors, a genuinely reflective stop.

A small gallery space tucked upstairs at Sagene Samfunnshus, showing rotating exhibitions by local and emerging artists. Easy to miss, never crowded, and a good reminder that some of Oslo’s most interesting culture lives slightly off-stage.

Wed 14 Jan
Standup på Latter – Oslo Latter
Five new comedians take the stage in this weekly Norwegian stand-up showcase (in Norwegian). A lively mix of local talent and fresh jokes.

Thu 15 Jan
2AM-DM – Parkteatret Scene
A genre-blending live set from Oslo act 2AM-DM, mixing electronic, experimental beats and live performance at one of the city’s most creative music venues.

Fri 16 Jan
Little Ladder – SALT, Pyramiden
Catch Little Ladder live at SALT’s Langhuset - a night of thoughtful indie/alternative live music in one of Oslo’s most atmospheric venues.

Sat 17 Jan
Fredfades invites Anacalypto – BLÅ
A late-night club session exploring deep, curious corners of house, techno, breakbeats and trance. Obscure, forward-looking selections over nostalgia.

Sun 18 Jan
Alter Bridge – Sentrum Scene
International rock band Alter Bridge plays Sentrum Scene with their blend of hard rock and melodic hooks, a big-venue Sunday concert with powerful riffs and strong vocals.

Mon 19 Jan
Standup Nykommerkveld – Josefine Vertshus
A Monday evening stand-up night hosted by Reis Deg Komikerklubb with a fresh line-up of local comedy talent. Great if you want a funny start to the week.

Tue 20 Jan
English Stand-Up Oslo – SALT Pyramiden
A lively English-language comedy night featuring a mix of local and international stand-up performers, perfect midweek mirth and laughs in a harbour-side space.

The Scoop grows through word of mouth, so if you liked this week’s issue, send it to one friend and help me spread the word.
Behind the scenes, I’m also helping a handful of Oslo businesses get found and remembered. If that sounds like you, let’s talk.

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Stay curious, Oslo.

Spence

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