Hei hei Scoopers,

Yay! We’ve made it out of the January blues. It’s February 4th, which means it’s now officially weird to say “Happy New Year”… so stop it.

This week’s Scoop is hopefully reflecting a bit if that hope as the days are getting a little longer and we are getting closer to the day the ice thaws and we can walk normally again.

There are a few easy exits if your brain needs different scenery a Dream Home in Grefsen that basically hoards every possible ray of light, and a calm winter skin reset with Néroli for anyone whose face is currently showing signs of Oslo heating.

A Scoop reader (Scooper) tipped me off about a proper Grünerløkka neighbourhood place that starts as coffee and brunsj and quietly turns into vinbar + Detroit-style pizza once the evening rolls in.

You’ve also got three different local sports you can enjoy… even if you’re not really a sports person, a few quietly useful classifieds ), two Quick Hits that are more hidden-Oslo than mainstream, and a gig guide that mixes comedy, jazz, dance, and some under-the-radar culture without demanding loads of energy.

If you’ve got a tip, listing, or local story, hit reply I read everything and I’ll include the best ones in an upcoming Scoop.

Lisbon, Portugal – ~4h 10m from OSL (direct)
Why go: Bright, walkable, and built for a “winter reset” that still feels like a proper holiday. Pastéis, viewpoints, and that ocean-air feeling that Oslo can’t fake in February.

Vienna, Austria – ~2h 15m from OSL (direct)
Why go: Culture without chaos. Grand cafés, galleries, and the best kind of winter city: elegant, calm, and weirdly restorative even if you do nothing “touristy.”

Kraków, Poland – ~2h 0m from OSL (direct)
Why go: A cheap-and-cheerful weekend that still feels rich—old-town charm, cosy food, and loads of atmosphere for the cost of what a “normal weekend out” can run you in Oslo.

If your face is currently showing clear signs of January, you’re not alone. The cold air + indoor heating combo does something to Oslo skin that feels slightly personal.

That’s why I’m happy to feature Néroli this week - a calm, expert-led skincare studio that does the kind of treatments where you leave looking like you’ve slept properly, drank enough water, and never once forgot to put sunblock.

Their signature treatment is the Néroli Dyprens 60 min (deep cleansing facial) - properly thorough, but still relaxing. It’s ideal if you want a reset without turning it into “a whole spa day.

Scoop offer (new clients only):
20% off Néroli Dyprens 60 min
Use code SCOOP26 when you book (enter it in the “additional info” field).

«Book here»

This is the clean, confidence-in-the-build kind of Oslo home: brand new (2024), proper family-scale, and laid out over 4 levels so everyone can breathe without living on top of each other. The floor to ceiling windows mean the whole place is bathed in sunlight during the summer and you get to squeeze every drop of vitamin D from the elusive winter sun.

Terrace season is a lifestyle – the headline here is the huge terrace (66 m²) plus balcony space, so you’re basically buying yourself a summer HQ in the treetops.

It also wins on the practical stuff that actually matters: double garage, big owned plot, and loads of flexible space (incl. a full lower level) for teens, guests, gym, hobby room, or the world’s quietest office.

Key facts

This week we feature international Troubadour and Photographer Mike Mercier -

Along with the many viewpoints, cityscapes and natural beauty Oslo has to offer is the opportunity for people watching. Whether you find yourself in one of the parks, metro stations, or outdoor dining/drinking areas, there are plenty of lively folks from all walks of life to observe and maybe even interact with. Business types, street performers and artists, confused first-timers and total wackos venting frustrations at the clouds line the sidewalks and public areas.

I came across this happy couple after my performance at The Scotsman late one evening at the Tinghuset tram station, making the most of what little seating area the stop has to offer, and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to capture the endearing moment.

- Mike Mercier - IG: officialmikeontherun

This is a Reader’s tip, and it’s a good one: Vespa & Humla is a proper neighbourhood café that quietly flips into an evening spot - without turning it into “tiny plates theatre.” Daytime it’s coffee + brunsj energy (the kind of place you can actually bring someone and talk), and they serve coffee from Solberg & Hansen.

A new feature is that when the evening comes it turns into a vinbar but still with Detroit-style pan pizza as the anchor.

Insider bits that actually help: Thursday is the wildcard (“11:00–sent”, check socials), and quiz night runs every other Thursday in odd-numbered weeks (quiz at 19:00; pizza 16:00–21:00; close 23:30). Outdoor tables are drop-in only (no reservations), and if you’re 7+ people they want you to email them but they can host bigger groups across rooms, which makes it a sneaky option for birthdays/work things.

Bonus: they also do brewery tours/tastings with Grünerløkka Brygghus, then dinner with pairings.

Make sure your bunad fits perfectly - book your alterations now.
A bunad isn’t just something you wear. It’s tradition, pride, and craftsmanship - and it deserves a fit that feels just right.

At Fru Hang, we offer 30 years of experience in professional Bunad tailoring and adjustments so your Bunad sits beautifully and comfortably for the season’s biggest occasions.

Book an appointment and quote SCOOP

Football (Pre-season friendly) - Vålerenga Fotball vs Sandefjord Fotball - Vallhall Arena
A clean daytime plan: indoor arena, lower-stress friendly, and you still get that “season’s coming” feeling without giving up your whole evening. Fri 6 Feb, 13:00.

Ice Hockey (International) - Norway men's national ice hockey team vs Austria men's national ice hockey team - Jordal Amfi
A proper Oslo winter outing that’s easy even if you’re not a hockey person: fast, physical, loud, and the arena energy does the work for you. Sat 7 Feb, 16:00.

Basketball (BLNO) - Centrum Tigers vs Kongsberg Miners - Vulkanhallen
The “locals know” one: close seating, quick tempo, and you’ll be oddly invested by the second quarter. Sun 8 Feb, 16:00.

If you’re new in Norway and job-hunting, this is the kind of practical help that beats doom-scrolling FINN at midnight. Sammen om en jobb are running a short Zoom workshop on how to use their self-matching system to find a mentor/mentee match inside their programme. It’s only 30 minutes, and it’s built for people trying to break into the Norwegian job market without already “knowing someone.

Proper grown-up listing, clear salary range, and a legit “gets you into the system” kind of role if you’re good with detail, admin, and customer service. U.S. Embassy Oslo is hiring a Visa Assistant (non-immigrant visas), with an application deadline of 17 Feb 2026.

If you like your luxury to be quiet (and actually hold value), this is a tidy listing: Rolex Datejust 16220, 1988, black dial, sapphire, Caliber 3135, and it notes a service done 09/2025. Price is 59,500 NOK.

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.

A tiny, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it medieval stone relief (c.1100) built right into the cathedral tower base, basically Oslo’s oldest little “Easter egg.” Look to the right of the main entrance, at the first corner. It shows a figure being attacked by a lion and a dragon, and locals have ended up calling it “The Devil of Oslo.”

One of the strangest, coolest concepts in Oslo: a 100-year artwork where writers hand over manuscripts that won’t be published until 2114 and the paper will come from 1,000 spruce trees planted in this forest. You could treat this like a mini winter pilgrimage: take the metro up, then walk into the quiet to take in the intention of this beautiful project.

How to do it: the forest is about a 30-minute hike from Frognerseteren Station.

What started as Åpent Bakeri by day and Lofthus Samvirkelag by night and Bar Amour upstairs, the activity at Tranen has now expanded again. The space next door has been knocked through and very quietly opened as a wine bar, serving snacks and drinks by day and becoming a proper wine bar Wednesday–Saturday evenings. With a chef from Apostrophe, a bartender from Lutlaget, and an art installation by Lars Ramberg, Tranen is turning into one of the most quietly ambitious food-and-drink hubs in the city.

Wed 4 Feb
Alfa Mist (19:00) – John Dee (Sentrum)
Jazz-Hiphop that feels cool without being try-hard. Proper “midweek reset” music: tight grooves, warm keys, the kind of music that seems to warm your soul and move your body.

Thu 5 Feb
Aurora Latina Bachata & Salsa Night (19:00) – Kulturhuset (Youngstorget)
This is the easy social win: you can turn up with zero plan, dance a bit, chat a bit, and it never feels awkward. Great if winter’s got you feeling like you’re shrinking into your sofa.

Fri 6 Feb
Knut Kristiansen Quartet (20:00) – Victoria, Nasjonal Jazzscene (Sentrum)
A “grown-up Oslo night” that still feels intimate: proper musicianship, close seating, and that warm hush in the room when everyone’s actually listening.

Sat 7 Feb
Skedsmo storband – Soul Pop Funk Experience (Doors 20:00 / Start 21:00) – Røverstaden (under Oslo Konserthus)
Big-band party favourites (Bruno Mars / Prince / Stevie Wonder / ABBA etc.) with proper live punch. This is the “we’re dancing tonight, no discussion” pick.

Sun 8 Feb
ENDO (18:00) – Sentralen (Sentrum)
A genuinely different one: a performative fashion show that sits between dance / theatre / sound (and the theme is endometriosis - making the invisible visible). Proper “Oslo culture city” energy without being mainstream.

Mon 9 Feb
Standup Nykommerkveld (20:00) – Josefine Vertshus (Majorstuen-ish)
Newer comics + looser vibe = you get that fun unpredictability (and occasionally someone who’s clearly going to be a future favourite).

Tue 10 Feb
English Standup Oslo (19:00) – SALT, Pyramiden (Langkaia)
Your best “ticks all boxes” midweek night: international line-up, easy atmosphere, and you can make it a full fjord-side evening and it doesn’t finish too late for a school night.

Want to meet up IRL?

«A few people have asked about a very casual Scoop get-together, nothing formal, just a drink and a chat with other readers.»

If that might be something you’d enjoy, just hit reply and say “interested.”

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

PS. Know someone in Oslo who’d love The Scoop? Hit reply with their email and I’ll add them.