Join/
Baerums Verk
An hour-and-a-half by car from Oslo, the village of Baerums Verk rose to distinction in the 1600s, when iron ore was discovered there. In 1997, the foundry and surrounding area was turned into a commercial center, and is now home to shops, galleries, workshops and a large sculpture park. Some of the charming handicrafts on offer are quilts, glass and furniture. The charming town is also home to Norway’s oldest tavern, Værtshuset (Vertshusveien 10; 47-67-80-02-00).
Den Norske Husfliden
Located on the bottom floor of Norway’s oldest department store, GlasMagasinet, Den Norske Husfliden has been selling traditional Norwegian fashions since opening in 1891. The now-iconic brand is known for Scandinavian pieces including bunads (folk costumes), floral paintings, wrought iron and wood products and needlepoint accessories.
Fenaknoken
Stuffed to the gills with dried meats, racks of lamb and wooden crates overflowing with cheese and salami, this specialty food store is an Oslo institution and one of its most unique shops. Open since 1996, Fenaknoken is a culinary melting pot of Norwegian cultures, represented by the traditional products on sale including reindeer, salmon and perhaps Norway’s most famous export: brunost. Commonly referred to as brown cheese, the delicacy is made from the whey of goat’s milk, which is boiled until it caramelizes, resulting in a cheese that is soft, salty and distinctly brown. Brunost is best served atop buttered toast or warm waffles.
Freia
Founded in 1889, Freia is Norway’s largest chocolate manufacturer. Originally specializing in dark chocolate, the brand did not become popular until years later, when a new owner introduced milk chocolate—the Freia melkesjokolade is now the company’s best-selling product. Freia’s headquarters (Freialand) is located in Grünerløkka, where they offer factory tours—a must for families, foodies or anyone who’s ever dreamed of making Willy Wonka a reality (reservations are essential; contact Indagare’s Bookings Team for assistance).
Norway Designs
Just around the corner from Oslo’s National Theater and the Hotel Continental, the decades-old Norway Designs is a two-story emporium filled with Scandinavian-style, sleek furnishings and all things design-focused. Whimsical children’s clothes and toys are stocked on first floor, while the vast, basement-level space has sections dedicated to stationary and prints, home accessories like pillows and ikat blankets and furnishings and kitchenware, including Marimekko plateware, Kahler ceramics and blown glass pieces.
All Results