Shopping in Oslo

Typical Norwegian products

• Knitted jumpers, hats and gloves: Wool is an important part of Norwegian life as it can keep you warm and cosy during the cold winter months. You'll find many shops in Oslo specialised in knitted products.
• Reindeer and goat leather: Even though it's not a very common gift, many artisan shops in Oslo stock reindeer and goat leather.
• Reindeer sausages: If you want to bring home an interesting food item, reindeer sausages are a delicacy in Oslo and a unique Norwegian gift.
• Trolls: These funny little figurines are some of the most typical products in Norway. Souvenir shops in Oslo stock trolls of all shapes and sizes, from keyrings and pins to giant sculptures.
• Decorative items: Norway specialises in interior decoration, as shown by the many shops that sell tableware and other ceramic products.
• Jewellery: Although it's not Norway's most popular export product, Norway offers a wide range of jewellery, appealing to all tastes and price points. In Oslo, you can easily find rings and earrings made from thulitt, the Norwegian national stone.

Shopping Areas

Karl Johans Gate: The centre of Oslo is also an important shopping area, full of local stores and big brands. On this street, which connects the Parliament with Oslo's Central Train Stations, you'll find clothes shops, interior decorations shops and some supermarkets.

Grünerløkka: Considered the artist's neighbourhood, this district is home to several vintage and second-hand shops which add to the special charm of Grünerløkka. You'll also find shops specialising in art and design, as well as kids shops.

Aker Brygge: On the banks of the port is one of the most fun and busy areas in the city. Aker Brygge is also an important shopping district that is home to small boutiques, large stores and many restaurants. All with views of the sea!

Verksgata Street: A paradise full of handiworks and artisan shops found on Verksgata Street, around 15 minutes on the tram from the centre of Oslo. If you don't know what to buy in Oslo, you'll find glass, wood and knitwear products here.

Shopping centres

If you're looking to go shopping in Oslo without going too far outside the city centre, these shopping centres are the best options for you:

• Storo Storsenter: This is the biggest shopping centre in Oslo. It's only 15 minutes by tram from the city centre and contains more than 150 establishments: shops, restaurants and other services.

• Oslo City Shopping Centre: In the heart of the city, next to the Central Station, is this grand shopping centre. Due to its fantastic location, you'll pass by it several times during your stay, making it a perfect place to end the day or do some last-minute shopping.

• Paleet: Central, cosy and exclusive. At this shopping centre in Studenterlunden, you'll find some 30 modern and stylish shops, several cafés and a large bookshop.

• Steen & Strøm Department Store: This department store, situated just next to the cathedral, is the perfect spot for you if you fancy more luxurious items. As well as its shops and big brands, you'll also find a couple of Norwegian food halls and products.

Recommended

When going shopping in Oslo, don't forget to ask for a Tax-Free invoice to be able to claim back national taxes later on. Once you're back at the airport, you can show these receipts at the customs office and claim back up to 25% of the prices paid.

To make tax-free purchases, you have to spend a minimum of 315 kr (US$ 28.40) on products that don't fall under the category of restaurants, hotels or food.