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.
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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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This isn't the kind of shop where you casually pop in; a visit here is an immersive experience bound to consume a good part of your afternoon.
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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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The cheese counter consists of a diverse selection, from classics like Gruyère and Roquefort to award-winning Norwegian gems sourced from local producers.
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Serving as a symbol of Oslo's dynamic spirit, it embodies the strength and vitality of a roaring tiger, resonating with the city's resilient character.
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"Oslo Badstuforening" is a non-profit volunteer-run association with a strong vision to bring sauna to the people. It's the one must-do thing in the city!
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"SALT" has been a great addition to the cultural scene in Oslo. It is a combination of art, music and food - and they offer different kinds of sauna...
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"Fuglen Coffee Roasters" in Oslo is a combination of roastery, café and cocktail bar, and, hopefully soon again, also a venue for small musical events...
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"Ekebergparken" in Oslo is unique, representative, important, beautiful. But, to me, this park with hidden sculptures is, most of all, serene...
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"Adriatic Café" in Oslo brings me back all the sentiment of living in the Balkans. The atmosphere is unpretentious, the food is cheap & the burek fatty...
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"Gråbein Bar" in Oslo is a true local bar - it's just like the cool hangout they have on the TV series 'Friends'! Come with your friend, lover, dog or mum!
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115 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 115 Insider Tips from our local Spotters