Explore Oslo's most distinctive neighborhoods with Lysløypa as your guide. Inside the book, you'll find curated walking routes that lead you through independent shops, cafés, bars, cultural spaces, and community initiatives across the city. Carry the book in one hand and bring a friend, a grandmother, or a partner in the other—or set out solo. Discover local businesses, inspiring people, and the vibrant grassroots culture that makes Oslo unique.
Text: Ida Frisch & Christina Skreiberg
Illustrations: Siri Marki
Gamle Oslo
Gamle Oslo is a place where, in a way, Lillebjørn Nilsen’s songs, the working class, and medieval ruins all exist at the same time. Walk up through Kampen, past the classic low wooden houses, and you can almost hear the sound of the working class who toiled in the factories through Oslo’s early days. And if you sit down on a bench by Vålerenga church, you might catch both the roar of Vålerenga fans’ football chants and distant shouts from the skaters at Jordal.
Pull out Lysløypa and start your day! Is it Thursday? Join morning yoga with Moveable Yoga at Factory Tøyen alongside this book’s very own editor (!), where desks to work from and lovely surroundings await you afterwards. From there, walk a few streets up to Kiosk, which is actually Oslo’s smallest café, built straight out of the wall of an old, mega-funky petrol station. Then set off downhill into town to Kumi by the Opera House, for an organic breakfast or brunch – feel free to stay long enough for a swim too. Next stop, Hakone, for a coffee break in the Japanese corner of yourself. Curious about 4.5 billion years of natural history? Stop by the Naturhistorisk museum in the gorgeous Botanical Garden and let yourself be blown away by everything from dinosaurs to stones from outer space, before heading back out to enjoy the botany. In Bjørvika you can also pop into Lille Betong for coffee and pastries during the day – famous for their skolebrød buns. And when real hunger strikes, just head to Sørengkaia and Indian Street Food & Co, for Indian flavours and good vibes. All of these places are in Lysløypa, so don’t forget your book!
If it’s summer, you simply have to swim, highly recommended!! Sørenga is just so lovely. Bring some food out onto the pier and enjoy. And how about trying a kayaking course with DNT, like yours truly recently did? This one you sort out yourself, no book required.
Gamle Oslo is New Oslo, is always Oslo. Enjoy.
Want to discover the other districts of Oslo?
Explore the district Frogner in Oslo with Lysløypa 2027!
Explore the district Grünerløkka in Oslo with Lysløypa 2027!
Explore the district Oslo City Center in Oslo with Lysløypa 2027!
Explore the district St. Hanshaugen in Oslo with Lysløypa 2027!
Explore the district Sagene in Oslo with Lysløypa 2027!
Explore Marka and the neighbourhoods outside the city center with Lysløypa 2027!
Looking for great tips on independent and unique places in Oslo? Get yourself a copy of Lysløypa 2027! The book gives you discounts at selected spots. Think global, shop local!
