Hi Scoopers!
This week we have the most interesting man in Oslo, Colors Of Norway giving us a suprise Twist and the return of Pour Decisions!
Can you even wait?
Me either, let’s go…
Sponsored Spotlight · Zen Pute
In cooperation with nature - handmade buckwheat pillows from Oslo.
Zen Pute uses natural buckwheat which is totally safe, non toxic and very comfortable.
Crafted by hand using carefully selected natural materials, Zen Pute pillows mould gently to your body, supporting healthy posture while you sleep. Breathable, sustainable, and made for calm - ideal for rest, meditation, and even little ones.
”Super satisfied! Since I got it, I can’t live without it 🙂. In addition, it helps prevent the formation of lines and wrinkles. A quality product at a good price. Fast delivery.” -
Watch: Meet the Maker – Zen Pute
Explore: zenpute.com
Handmade · Local · Natural
(Each month, The Scoop features one exceptional Oslo business we personally admire chosen for craft, character, and contribution to local life.)
Flights of Fancy (Nov 12th-19th)
Tromsø, Norway - 1h55 from OSL (direct)
Why go: Cosy Arctic vibes - saunas, fjord views, and the Fjellheisen cable car at blue hour. Peak Northern Lights window runs mid-Sept to mid-April - so now is good!
Málaga, Spain - 4h10 from OSL (direct)
Why go: Reliable winter brightness: ~18-20 °C days in November - perfect for terrace lunches. Culture hit: Picasso Museum + a very walkable old town.
Alicante, Spain - 3h50 from OSL (direct)
Why go: Soft sun & sea breezes: highs around 18-20 °C in November. Explanada de España, palm-lined promenades, or a glass bottomed boat trip to Tarbaca Island
Strømstangveien 20 A & B, 1367 Snarøya
Ok, so it’s not technically Oslo, but a stone’s throw from it. And yes, quite possibly the most ridiculously priced home on the market in Greater Oslo right now… which is exactly why it deserves a peek. Because if you’re going to window-shop, you may as well press your nose against this window.
Headline stats
Asking: 135 000 000 kr (Total: 138 393 990 kr)
Type: Enebolig (freehold) • Beds: 5 • BRA-i: 776 m²
Terraces: 176 m² • Plot: 1 561 m² • Year: 2014 (major upgrades 2024/25 by LOGG arkitekter)
Energy: B (gul) • Municipal fees: 77 344 kr/yr • Formuesverdi: 14 133 968 kr
Harbourside panorama straight from the sofa - sunsets, sailboats, and smug satisfaction included.
Why it’s outrageous - in the best way
Waterfront royalty: Private shoreline on the Oslofjord with a deep-water jetty-bring the RIB, the sailboat, or both. West-facing for all-day sun and those late, golden sunsets.
Resort living at home: Heated pool (heat pump) + elevator (ground to 2nd) + 150 m² heated garage and heated driveway.
Smart + silent luxury: Full KNX/Control4 for light, heat, and sound; balanced ventilation and air-con. Triple-glazed, floor-to-ceiling glass with motorised blinds keeps the fjord views front and center.
Design-first interiors: Poliform kitchen (Bora & Gaggenau), Antonio Lupi & Dornbracht bathrooms, Poliform wardrobes, custom stairs/doors by Villasnekkeriet & Viva Porte, and 3.1 m ceiling height on the main level.
Serious flexibility: Ground-floor separate suite with its own entrance (perfect for guests, au pair, office, or wellness space). Plus a two-bedroom porter’s residence on site.
Daily ease: Båtplass, lift access, pet-friendly, cable/broadband, and proximity to coastline trails and calm coves-Swim at sunrise, grill at sunset.
Seen something comparable (or even crazier) around Oslo? Hit reply and I’ll feature the wildest contender next week.
Sponsored Spotlight - Fru Hang
When Mrs Hang arrived in Norway from Vietnam in 1993, she brought little more than her sewing skills and a fierce work ethic. After years of mending bunads and áo dài dresses, she opened Fru Hang Tailoring & Dry Cleaning at Carl Berners Plass.
When chemical fumes began affecting her health, her son searched for a safer solution, and found GreenEarth Cleaning, a U.S. system using liquid silicone instead of petroleum solvents. Non-toxic, odourless, and biodegradable, it leaves clothes softer, colours brighter, and the planet unharmed.
Today, Fru Hang is Norway’s only dry cleaner using this method, a small family business proving sustainability and craftsmanship can coexist beautifully.
“We don’t just clean clothes,” they say. “We protect what matters.”
Sponsored Spotlight - Neroli
Tucked away on Bjerregaards gate 70, just above St. Hanshaugen, Neroli is one of Oslo’s most quietly elegant wellness spaces.
It’s not just a salon, it’s a sanctuary built on calm energy, organic products, and the art of slowing down.
With a 4.9-star rating on Google, it’s clear locals love this place, and for good reason. As one regular put it:
“The atmosphere at the salon is fantastic. Your pulse drops as soon as you walk in the door, and you are always greeted with a smile. I’ve been going to Vilde for skin care for many years, super skilled! Highly recommended.” – Sesilie
Néroli Hudpleie is a warm, welcoming oasis at Alexander Kiellands plass. Certified therapists blend research, innovation, and experience to tailor treatments that boost skin health and overall well-being
Owner Hege and her team offer everything from restorative massages and botanical facials to naturally nourishing hair treatments, all grounded in the belief that true beauty begins with balance.
Every appointment starts with a conversation, not a checklist, because here, you’re treated like a person, not a project.
If you’ve been running on empty lately, Neroli is where you refill.
Pro tip: Mention The Oslo Scoop when booking this week for a little extra care on the house.
Photo of the Week
Presented in collaboration with Colors of Norway
Step into The Twist at Kistefos: a 60-meter bridge-museum by BIG (2019) that “twists” over the Randselva-an illusion created by perfectly straight slats.
The Twist - a habitable sculpture by Bjarke Ingels Group linking both banks of Kistefos; inside, rotating exhibitions use river light as a backdrop.
Inside, light-soaked galleries frame river and forest; outside, aluminum gleams against nature. About one hour from Oslo-art, architecture, and landscape in one stop and well worth a visit.
Got a photo that captures Oslo’s mood? Hit reply and share it, you might be next.
Eat & Drink Pick - Katla
Open-flame, Latin-Nordic-Asian cooking from chef Atli Már Yngvason (ex-Pjoltergeist). Origin: opened in 2018-Atli’s Mexico/Noma inspirations meet Nordic produce; named for Iceland’s Katla volcano, with sauces ground in lava-rock molcajetes. Lively open kitchen plus a drop-in food bar if you skip the set menu. Perfect antidote to the cold winter evenings.
Order: scallop tostada, karaage, lamb kebab (pair with a bright citrus cocktail).
Menu: 5- or 7-course set (prices vary; check site).
Pro tip: Counter seats are gold; kitchen wraps ~22:00-arrive on time
Sponsored Spotlight - DUGG Pop-Up
A tidy, flexible rentable pop-up studio you can book by the hour or day. Perfect if you need a blank canvas without the faff: shoots, mini-shows, trunk sales, podcast tapings, workshops, or a one-day showroom.
Why we like it:
Plug-and-play: easy access, clean white space, movable furniture-set up in minutes.
Neighbourhood footfall: close enough to Grünerløkka to draw your people, without big-venue overhead.
Made by a creative, for creatives: run by Hege (DUGG Design), who actually helps you make the space work.
Use it for: capsule collections, beauty/wellness pop-ins, artist previews, intimate talks, private client days.
Pro tip: book weekday daytime for calmer traffic and lower competition on dates; pair it with a same-day newsletter/QR flyer to drive walk-ins.
Pour Decisions - November - by Luci B.
Rakfisk season is here. If you’re wine-curious with this funky Norwegian classic, a touch of freshness and softness is your friend.
Whites: Go juicy, not austere. An off-dry Loire Chenin Blanc (a whisper of sweetness) smooths the edges nicely. Pinot Gris-from Alsace or New Zealand-brings ripe fruit and enough body to stand up to the fish.
Bubbles: An English sparkling with clear brioche/toast notes (autolytic goodness) is brilliant-bright, full, and palate-resetting between bites.
Reds: Keep tannins low. Frappato (Sicily) is fragrant and light; Gamay is a no-brainer-think Beaujolais styles, and yes, Beaujolais Nouveau traditionally lands on the 3rd Thursday in November, the 20th this year. Chill lightly.
Not into wine? Traditions still hold: Christmas beer (juleøl) and aquavit are classic pairings. Or pivot to craft geuze/saison for tang and lift, or a clean Norwegian cider if you want fruit without heft.
Whatever you pour, keep it fresh, bright, and fun.
Cheers!
Luci.B
Hot Picks
Barbers Corner - Maridalsveien 75-59
Do you know that tiny curiosity shop that puts its contents out in the street? Did you know it used to be a Barber shop… Something even older is hidden in the basement and still in use.
The owner (pushing 80, sharper than a new razor) bought the place in ’79 when it was falling down. He kept it open for one reason you’ll want to hear from him, not me.
This man and his shop hold lots of local history - characters like this should be respected and cherished
Why pop in this week:
There’s a surprise downstairs that seats a dozen.
A couple once came back to visit the back room where… let’s just say, their story started in 1923.
American relatives still turn up with photos that make Oslo feel like Minnesota.
Go daytime. Ask one question: “What was here first?” Then let him talk. Buy a small thing-keep the lights on and the stories flowing.
Watch the short video - then go meet him in person. If you catch his name before I do, tell me and I’ll add it next week.
Not a collector? Treat it like a five-minute street museum - one story, one smile, you’re done.
Grace Church Oslo
If you’re looking for an English-speaking church that actually feels like a community, Grace International Church of Oslo might be the city’s best-kept secret.
It’s a warm, international fellowship that’s growing fast, so much so they’ll soon need a bigger home. Services are relaxed and welcoming, followed by shared lunches every week: a potluck one Sunday, and a light meal provided the next.
You’ll find a mix of Norwegians, expats, and long-term locals who’ve found genuine friendship and faith under one roof.
Quick Hits
New: POWER Grünerløkka - (Sorry we missed this one last week!)Big-box electronics drops anchor in Løkka; the crowds on launch day (6th Nov) snaked nearly a kilometre! Pop in for TV/appliance deals - go off-peak.
MUNCH Triennale: “Almost Unreal” - Opening Weekend (Sat 15 Nov, Bjørvika)
New edition exploring the blur between reality and virtuality; opening talks + late events around launch. Great excuse to finally see the new shows stacked across multiple floors.
Astrup Fearnley - “Lutz Bacher: Burning the Days” (through 4 Jan, Tjuvholmen)
First posthumous survey of the influential American artist; grab the guided Sunday tour for context before a waterfront stroll.
Litteraturhuset: “Om Dag Solstad” (Sat 15 Nov, 15:00)
A focused talk on one of Norway’s most important authors—smart, cultural, and perfectly timed for a late-afternoon coffee after.
Gigs & Shows (Wed 12 Nov – Tue 18 Nov)
Wed 12 Nov - Macbeth (Nationaltheatret)
Hovedscenen • 19:30
A sleek, high-stakes staging of Shakespeare’s darkest power play.
Thu 13 Nov - Standup på Josefine Vertshus
Josefine Vertshus • 20:00
Oslo’s coziest comedy room curated lineups, Galvan Mehidi headlines.
Fri 14 Nov - Secret Garden: 30-årsjubileum
Oslo Konserthus • 20:00
“Nocturne” turns 30 -strings, melody, nostalgia.
Sat 15 Nov - ULD + Det Nye Norske Storband
Oslo Konserthus • 18:00 & 20:30
Big-band energy meets immaculate Scandinavian polish.
Sun 16 Nov - Aviana
John Dee • Doors 17:00
Swedish metalcore in an intimate room - cathartic and loud. earplugs reccommended!
Mon 17 Nov - Benson Boone - American Heart World Tour
Unity Arena • Doors 18:30
Viral ballads scaled for sing-along arena moments.
Tue 18 Nov - Tom Grennan
Vulkan Arena • 19:00
Feel-good Brit-pop soul with big choruses in a room built for sweat and smiles.
All listings verified as of press time. Check venue links for updates and ticket availability.
🎄 The Grünerløkka Christmas Hamper Giveaway 🎁
This December, I’m teaming up with a few of my favourite local spots, Neroli, Fru Hang and others, to give away one very local Christmas Hamper worth over 3500NOK!
Every subscriber to The Oslo Scoop is automatically entered.
But here’s the secret: every friend you refer gives you another entry in the draw.
The winner will be announced in our December 17th edition and I’ll deliver the hamper myself before Christmas.
So go on, spread some local cheer. The more you share, the better your odds.
That’s Your Scoop!
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.
Stay curious, Oslo.
Spence
Spence - Your friendly neighbourhood newsletter guy.