Nestled by the river Akerselva running along its west-side, Grünerløkka (“Løkka”), Oslo’s most populated area, was once a neighborhood swarmed with factory workers, immigrants and young, aspiring artists. Edvard Munch, one of the most famous Norwegian painters, lived here in his early 20s, when his family was struggling with their economy.
The area experienced a transformative makeover during the gentrification process across Scandinavia in the late 1990s. Once notorious for its poor sanitary conditions and slums, it has re-emerged as a young and posh shopping area, dotted with designer shops, restaurants and bars. Locals and tourists alike flock here to experience the latest hot things the city has to offer.
Today, Grünerløkka gathers more independent specialty cafés than any other area in the city. It is home to several of Oslo’s most famous and arguably best cafés, such as Tim Wendelboe and Supreme Roastworks. Newcomers such as Kuro and Lille Oslo Kaffebrenneri have also managed to attract their distinctive groups of regulars. Bring your favourite book and find a comfortable corner to sit in for a relaxing afternoon, or buy take-away and take a stroll across the area’s lush parks—Grünerløkka is where Oslo’s urbanity, together with its charismatic chillness, comes to its best. Nothing this good can be experienced without a nice cup of coffee.
