The recent transformation of Oslo’s waterfront has opened up enticing spots for travelers who need to sit and work. As part of our series for laptop workers, here are some suggestions for the best places to get some work done in the Norwegian capital city, from the newest fjord-side spaces to older local favorites.
Oslo Library (Deichman) – Bjørvika
Location: Anne-Cath Vestlys plass 1, 0150 Oslo
Opened in 2020, the new Oslo Central Library is situated between the train station and the Opera House along the Oslo Fjord. The six-story building emphasises openness and inquiry, with cantilevered floors, natural light, and tucked-away rooms that invite visitors to explore. Places to work can be found on every level of the library, but I especially recommend taking the escalators up to the fourth floor, and looking for a seat in the outcropping that looks out over the fjord. From here, you may even spot the brand-new Munch Museum, the new home of The Scream, and a striking addition to the Oslo skyline that everyone in the city has an opinion on.
Library at the Norwegian National Gallery
Location: Dronning Mauds gate 2, 0250 Oslo
The new Norwegian National Gallery, which opened in 2022, is the largest museum in the Nordic region – and possibly Oslo’s second-most talked about piece of architecture. The imposing stone building houses more than 400,000 works of art, furniture, textiles, and fashion from Norway and around the world. Less well known is the fact that the new museum also features a public library that offers a quiet and inspiring environment for researchers, as well as free WiFi. The library has its own entrance off Dronning Mauds gate, around the corner from the main entrance to the museum.
Kulturhuset
Location: Youngs gate 6, 0181 Oslo
If you don’t mind a public debate or book reading seeping through from the next room, try Kulturhuset in the core of the city. Located just off Youngstorget plaza, the historic centre of the Norwegian labour movement, Kulturhuset is an Oslo institution and cultural meeting spot. The labyrinth of rooms includes a café that serves coffee, drinks, and simple but tasty food. And with three floors to choose from, you’re almost guaranteed to find a place to sit.
Cafes & Restaurants
The city of Oslo is a city of transformation, having been both Oslo and Kristiania, controlled by both Danes and Swedes – and likewise some of the best cafes and restaurants in the city are not just one thing. Some of the best coffee in the city can be found at Fuglen, a café and jazz lounge – and also mid-century design store. Just a tram ride up the street, Café Laundromat offers what the name promises: a cozy, book-lined café with laundry services in the back (52 Norwegian kroner for a cappuccino and 80 for a wash cycle). If you want to visit the Norwegian coffee chain that keeps Starbucks at bay in Oslo, try the Kaffebrenneriet at Grønlandsleiret; this location occupies an old fire station, and antique Norwegian fire trucks are often parked at the Brannmuseet in the café’s backyard.
When it’s time to disconnect
Oslo Mekaniske Verksted (no WiFi)
If you’re looking to get some serious reading or writing done, then a cozy pub that eschews WiFi may be just what you need. Another convergence of old and new, Oslo Mekaniske Verksted (or just “Oslo Mek”) has turned an old welding shop into a den of books and plants, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and no connection to the web. Oslo Mek calls itself an “informal pub for well-behaved people”. But if you are also a hungry person, note that Oslo Mek doesn’t serve food – though they don’t mind if you bring your own.
Heading to Helsinki or Stockholm Instead?
In a previous segment of this series, Maarit Jaakkola ventured into Helsinki, while Tobias Linberg delved into Stockholm. Stay tuned for our upcoming feature on Copenhagen.
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