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
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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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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"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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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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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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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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"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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