Oslo has some extremely unique things which are typical of the Scandinavian culture and tradition and it is difficult to find those things elsewhere. Thus, it’s highly recommended you keep a day off to shop for these one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take back a little bit of Norwegian culture with you for memories as well as gifts for loved ones. Here’s a list of what to buy in Oslo, Norway and where you can find these items.
1. Lucky trolls
Trolls are an important part of the Scandinavian culture and folklore. These creatures were believed to dwell in caves and mountains. Today, these are made into mischevious looking creatures carved in wood or stone and are the most unique Norwegian souvenir to pick up. You will find them in all of Oslo’s souvenirs shops.
Quality Shop
Address: Tordenskiodsgate 12, Oslo, Norway
Working Hours: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday, 10.00 am to 4.0 pm Saturday, Sunday closed
Price: 6 USD onwards
2. Knitted sweaters
Take away a piece showcasing some iconic knitwear in the form of these swanky traditional Norwegian knitted sweaters. A classic Christmas gift amongst the locals and tourists alike, these warm snuggies are characterized by their typical designs of edelweiss flowers, snowflakes, and hearts. These sweaters are made of the highest quality Norwegian wool and make for great gifts for everyone.
Oslo Sweater Shop
Address: Tullins gate 5, Oslo 0166, Norway
Working hours: 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Saturday, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm Sunday
Price: 150 USD to 550 USD
3. Cheese slicer
Norway is quite popular for its invention of the classic cheese slicer. The locals take pride in this fact and you will find so many shops selling these in various shapes and sizes. Have some fun by buying a moose-shaped, sheep-shaped or a Viking-shaped slicer for that cheese-loving friend back home.
Norway Shop
Address: Fr. Nansens Pl. 9, Oslo, Norway
Working hours: Always open
Price: 25 USD onwards
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4. Brown cheese
Finding its roots in Gudbrandsdalen (the Gudbrand Valley), brown cheese or Brunost as the locals call it, is a caramelized cheese delicacy loved by Norwegians. Often enjoyed on a slice of bread or on waffles, this is delicious to have even on its own. It has an existence of over 150 years and is a must buy when in Oslo.
Den Blinde Ku
Address: Maridalsveien 17 A, 0178 Oslo, Norway
Working hours: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm Tue-Wed, 10.00 am to 8.00 pm Thu-Fri, 9.00 am to 6.00 pm Sat, 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm Sun, Monday closed
Price: Tine Brown cheese 500 gram (Brunost – Fløtemysost) - 12 USD
5. Cloudberry jam
Cloudberry is a very rare kind of berry-species often known as arctic-berry and is found in Oslo. Not necessarily cultivated but rather its found in the wild only in the month of July. When ripe, preparations like jams are made out of it. Due to its rarity, the prices are quite expensive, but nonetheless, its deliciousness makes it a must buy. Locals prefer to mix the cloudberry jam with whipped cream and sugar to make a traditional Norwegian dessert called ‘multekrem’. Take a jam jar back for the foodie in you to recreate this speciality in the comfort of your home.
Baker Hansen
Address: Vogts gate 68, 0477 Oslo, Norway
Working hours: 7.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Saturday, 9.00 am to 6.00 pm Sunday
Price: 12 USD
6. Reindeer meat
A traditional Norwegian meal consists of stews, sausages and a whole lot of other preparations made from Reindeer meat. You heard that right. Reindeer meat is quite significant in the cuisine here so you can but the meat and prepare some traditional dishes when you are there. If you need to take it back home, do read up on the customs regulations beforehand and also make sure its properly packaged.
Fenaknoken
Address: Tordenskiolds gate 12, 0160 Oslo, Norway
Working hours: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Saturday, Sunday closed
Price: Reindeer Sausage - 20 USD, Reindeer steak/stew meat - 100 USD onwards for around 250 to 400 grams
7. Drinking horn
You will come across many Viking-themed artefacts in Oslo. One such fun artefact to take back is the drinking horn which is in the form of a Medieval cup made of horn that comes complete with a leather holder. Just what’s needed to put you into the Viking vibe at home. These are quite popular and can be used to play a drinking game with friends where the cup cannot be put down unless all of its content is consumed. Sounds fun right?
Viking Ship Museum
Address: Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo, Norway
Working hours: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm on all days
Price: 25 USD onwards
8. Bunad
The people of Norway wear a traditional costume known as Bunad to celebrate their huge functions such as the National day which is observed on 17th of May every year. Bunads are characterised by intricate embroideries on bright colours in floral or geometric patterns. Though buying the whole costume is an extremely expensive affair, what can be done is, one can buy small pieces of this costume like a vest or a shirt or an embroidered headpiece and customize it to their own liking.
Heimen Husflid
Address: Rosenkrantz gate 8, 0159 Oslo, Norway
Working hours: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Saturday, Sunday closed
Prices: Full costume - 3000 to 4000 USD, Vest - 35 to 60 USD, Shirt - 50 to 150 USD
9. Freia chocolate
Attracting customers from almost a century, Freia chocolate shop is your go-to place for all things sweet and chocolatey. Its products are often referred to as ‘a piece of Norway’ and are a must-stay on every tourist’s shopping list. Freia Melkesjokolade, Freia Kokesjokolade, Kvikk Lunsj, and Firkløverv are some of its most popular creations and a great takeaway for friends and family back home.
Freiabutikken or Freia Chocolate shop
Address: Karl Johans gate 31, 0159 Oslo, Norway
Working hours: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm Saturday, Sunday closed
Price: 2 USD onwards
10. Akevitt
Akevitt/Aquavit/Akvavit is a rich and smooth Norwegian liquor made from caraway and has a sort of sweet taste. The colour can be yellow and darkens towards a brownish shade as it ages. The minimum alcohol percentage is 37.5 percent which makes it a great spirit to enjoy during festivities like Christmas. It can be bought at state-run alcohol stores called ‘Vinmonopolet’ or at the duty-free shop at the airport.
Oslo Airport Shop/Heinemann TaxFree
Address: 2060 Gardermoen, Norway
Working hours: Always open
Price: 20 to 30 USD
Shop till you drop and then some more...
Oslo has many shopping centres and malls which cater to the ever-growing tourist herd as well as the locals alike. Some of the well-known places are Byporten Shopping right next to Oslo Central Station, Oslo City Shopping Center - the largest, most popular shopping place, Karl Johans Gate shopping area - a pedestrian street shopping centre right in the centre of Oslo, and The Paleet Shopping Center situated right by Karl Johans Gate.
One thing to keep in mind though is that most shops in Oslo start early and close early too. Sundays are usually off and Saturdays are mostly half-day working. Do check out the working hours and plan accordingly.