Take a stroll along Tjuvholmen in the evening and you will come across a colourful electrical tree entitled the "Oslo Tree". Made up of 150,000 LED light bulbs that changes color, this massive 14-meter-tall luminescent installation is made by American artist Alexander Green. The stunning artwork was commissioned by Symmetry Labs and cleverly designed to withstand the harsh Norwegian climate, including frost and snow. The lighting scheme within the tree is thoughtfully tailored to reflect the changing seasons.
It was the wealthy businessman Stein Erik Hagen who purchased the artwork at the Burning Man festival in Nevada in 2017 and generously gifted it to the people of Oslo. By illuminating the city's streets, Hagen wanted the tree to symbolize Oslo's core values: a deep appreciation for forests, nature, and the environment. Initially, his plan was to place the tree in Sofienbergparken in Grünerløkka, also in Oslo, but it ultimately found its home in Trettenparken in Filipstad, close to Skur 13.
"The Tree of Ténéré" is the original name of the art installation, and its name has its origins in a 300-year-old tree that once stood all alone in the middle of the African country of Niger, far out in the Saharan desert, in the Ténéré region. With no other trees within a 400-kilometre radius, The tree served as a focal point and resting place for travelers through the desert.
Find your way with 115 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
For over a decade, this Colombian family has been importing long-stemmed roses and coffee beans from Bogotá to Oslo, ensuring optimal quality & freshness.
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Immerse yourself in the French chocolate craftsmanship, where each bite tells a tale of creativity, and a commitment to redefining the chocolate landscape.
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"Bogstadgård" is an impressive, historic manor from the 18th c. It combines what I like about Oslo: beautiful architecture, surrounded by forests.
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"Grønn Cafe" has been my local neighborhood café since I moved to Oslo - it's a place I stop by to grab a delicious coffee on the go or to meet a friend!
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"Vøienvolden Gård" is the best-preserved gårdstun (small farm cluster) in Oslo. You have to come here if you like the typical Norwegian red architecture!
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"Stovnertårnet" in the outskirts of Oslo is not the highest in Norway, but it's definitely the longest: it's a 265-meter windy walk to go up 15 meters!
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"Linderud Gård" in Northeastern Oslo is an elegant manor surrounded by graceful gardens, the best preserved of many 18th-century rural estates...
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"Albertine Spiseri" is a simple, hidden, typical neighborhood restaurant in Oslo. It's easily accessible and has honest & delicious Mediterranean food!
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"Møllefossen Café" in Oslo has successfully brought together a cozy modern interior in a historical building next to a waterfall with creative dishes!
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The "Lysakerelva" is a 7-kilometer-long river in Oslo that has well-preserved forest on both sides. Go for a walk in nature right inside the capital!
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Folketeaterpassasjen is not just a passageway; it's a portal to captivating theater experiences, surrounded by enticing eateries and intriguing boutiques.
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Shangri-La is the central hub and shopping haven for Oslo's alternative audience, a beloved destination for those with an affinity for the exotic.
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