That this memorial to the terror attacks on the 22nd of July 2011 is called a “learning center” tells you so much about how Norway has dealt with this terrible event. According to the aims of the center knowledge is our most powerful tool against hate, violence and extremism and they want to inform about what happened in a sensitive way with respect for the victims and their families.
The center is located in the Government quarter, in the actual building that was bombed and they make no attempt to polish what happened there: the windows are boarded up and there are giant cracks in the walls. Through actual CCTV footage, photos, text messages between victims and their families they tell the story of both the bombing of government buildings and the attack on Utøya. They also have a room containing pictures of each person killed and it is heartbreaking to see all the young faces that lost their lives that day and the text messages they sent to their friends and family while hiding from the gunman.
This isn’t a tourist spot or a local spot, but a profoundly humbling place to visit that will make you appreciate even more Oslo’s openness.
Find your way with 115 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
If I could recommend only one place for food lovers to visit in Oslo, it would be Kampen Bistro. I love the atmosphere, the leisurely pace, the food...
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"Café Fiasco" is next to Oslo Plaza and the perfect spot for watching all kinds of stories unfold. It's also one of my favorite burger joints around.
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The "View Over Oslo" from the side towards the plateau of Ekeberg, is much better than where most tourists go to, namely Holmenkollen, and the locals know!
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"Oslo Mikrobryggeri bar" has been serving up beer brewed on location since 1989, and has basically stayed unchanged since. Its atmosphere is its real quality.
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It has an open area vibe with plenty of space so that you can be left alone to do as you please. It's also a good spot for a casual meet-up with friends.
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"The Botanical Garden" in Oslo is an oasis for both young & old. It's a lush, expansive area that will appeal to all visitors but particularly to children!
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"Kampen Økologiske Barnebondegård" just outside Oslo is a quaint farm/petting zoo oasis where kids can interact with animals and learn about farms & ecology.
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What sets Lakrids by Bülow apart from traditional licorice is the innovative range of flavors that have captured the hearts of connoisseurs worldwide.
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Take your culinary exploration a step further with gourmet items like Russian caviar, truffle-infused products, French pâté, snails, or Japanese tea.
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"Too Good to Go" is an app in Oslo where you can go pick up unsold produce in a surprise bag from bakeries, juiceries, cheese shops and more!
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115 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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