How long does it take to walk from central Oslo to Mathallen?

The walk from Jernbanetorget (Central Station) to Mathallen takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes if walking directly. However, if you follow a scenic route via Torggata and the Akerselva river, it can take 45 to 60 minutes depending on your stops.

Is Mathallen Oslo worth visiting for tourists?

Yes, Mathallen is a must-visit for anyone interested in Norwegian culture. It offers a unique opportunity to taste local specialties like reindeer, stockfish, and artisanal cheeses in a beautifully restored industrial setting.

Can I do this walking route in the evening?

Yes, this route is excellent in the evening as many stops, like BLÅ and Oslo Street Food, come alive at night. However, be aware that Mathallen usually closes by 7:00 or 8:00 PM, while the restaurants around it stay open later.

Are the stops on this route accessible for wheelchairs?

Most of the route is highly accessible, featuring flat pavements and elevators in modern buildings like Mathallen and Clarion The Hub. The only challenging section is the incline leading up to Telthusbakken.

What are the highlights of the Vulkan neighborhood?

The main highlights of Vulkan include the Mathallen food hall, the Dansens Hus theater, and the sustainable architecture of the entire district. It is also known for its proximity to the Akerselva river and its vibrant beehives on the rooftops.

Is there a lot of street art in Oslo?

Yes, particularly around the BLÅ and Brenneriveien area. This neighborhood is famous for its large-scale murals and constantly evolving graffiti, making it a hotspot for photography and alternative culture.

Where can I find traditional Norwegian wooden houses near the city center?

Telthusbakken and the nearby Damstredet are the best places to see 18th and 19th-century wooden houses. They are located just a short walk from the Vulkan district and offer a very picturesque, historic atmosphere.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Embark on a self-guided walk through the aromatic and artistic soul of the Norwegian capital. This journey takes you beyond the standard tourist trails, weaving through the historic streets of central Oslo toward the revitalized industrial district of Vulkan. You will explore how the city has masterfully blended its gritty industrial heritage with a modern, sophisticated culinary identity. From the bustling energy of Storgata to the serene banks of the Akerselva river, this walking route showcases the diverse flavors that define modern Norway. Discover the story behind the transformation of old factories into vibrant food halls and creative hubs where local artisans and international chefs coexist. Along the way, you will encounter iconic landmarks like the Mathallen food hall, a temple of Norwegian gastronomy, and the colorful, graffiti-lined alleys surrounding BLÅ. The route also invites you to experience the contrast between the sleek, contemporary architecture of Bjørvika and the charming, 18th-century wooden houses of Telthusbakken. Whether you are interested in the evolution of Oslo's coffee scene at world-renowned spots like Fuglen or the grand history of the Nobel Peace Prize at the Grand Hotel, this neighborhood stroll offers a comprehensive look at the city's pulse. This travel experience is designed for those who want to taste, see, and feel the authentic rhythm of Oslo at their own pace, moving from the historic center to the innovative green spaces of Vulkan and beyond. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Mathallen Oslo: A premier food hall featuring artisanal Norwegian products.

Akerselva River: The scenic, green lung of the city's industrial past.

Telthusbakken: Picturesque 18th-century wooden houses and gardens.

Vulkan District: A model of sustainable urban development and gastronomy.

Oslo Street Food: A vibrant social hub located in a historic public bath.

Fuglen: A unique fusion of vintage design and world-class coffee culture.

Tour Stops (15)

McDonald's Storgata

Start your journey at one of Oslo's busiest intersections. While it may look like a standard fast-food outlet, the building itself is part of the historic Storgata, a street that has served as a central artery for the city's trade for centuries. This area represents the gritty, authentic side of Oslo’s urban life. From here, you can see the mix of 19th-century architecture and the modern transit lines that keep the city moving. It’s the perfect jumping-off point to witness how the city transitions from its commercial roots into its more refined culinary districts.

Clarion Hotel The Hub

Just a short stroll away is The Hub, a landmark of sustainable hospitality in Norway. This hotel is famous for its 'GrowHub'—a massive rooftop garden that provides fresh herbs and vegetables for its restaurants. It is a prime example of how Oslo is integrating urban farming into its modern infrastructure. The building’s design reflects the city's commitment to eco-friendly growth, proving that even in the heart of a bustling metropolis, nature and local food production can find a significant place.

Mamma Pizza

Tucked away in the historic Dronningens gate, Mamma Pizza is a testament to the international influence on Oslo's food scene. Founded by an Italian family, it brings the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean to the north. The surrounding area is filled with historic facades that survived the city's great fires. Take a moment to appreciate how international communities have woven their own culinary heritage into the fabric of Oslo, making it a truly cosmopolitan destination for food lovers.

SALT - Art & Music

Head toward the waterfront to find SALT, an nomadic art project that combines music, sauna culture, and street food. Housed in structures inspired by traditional Norwegian fish-drying racks called 'hesjer,' SALT celebrates the country's maritime and arctic identity. It is a unique cultural space where you can enjoy a drink by the fjord or experience a traditional sauna. Please note that the art installations and food stalls here change seasonally, offering a fresh experience with every visit.

Clarion Hotel Oslo

Located in the futuristic Bjørvika district, this hotel sits at the intersection of art and architecture. Bjørvika is home to the famous Munch Museum and the Opera House. The Clarion Hotel Oslo itself houses a permanent art collection, emphasizing the neighborhood's role as a cultural powerhouse. The sleek glass and steel structures here represent the 'New Oslo,' a city that is rapidly expanding its architectural horizons while remaining deeply connected to its waterfront.

Oslo Street Food

Back toward the center, you’ll find Torggata Bad, which was once a public bathhouse. Today, it has been transformed into Oslo Street Food, a massive hall featuring diverse cuisines from around the globe. This venue is a centerpiece of the city's social life, especially on weekends. It highlights the trend of repurposing historic industrial buildings for community and culinary use. The atmosphere is always vibrant, reflecting the youthful and diverse energy of the Torggata neighborhood.

BLÅ

As you walk toward the Akerselva river, you will encounter BLÅ, an independent venue for jazz and alternative music. This area is the heart of Oslo's street art scene. The walls are ever-changing canvases for local and international artists, so what you see today might be different tomorrow. BLÅ is situated in an old diamond-cutting factory, and the surrounding courtyard is a favorite local spot for a riverside drink. It’s where the city's industrial past meets its creative, rebellious present.

Dansens Hus

Located within the Vulkan area, Dansens Hus is Norway's national stage for contemporary dance. Like many buildings in this district, it is part of a massive revitalization project that turned an old iron foundry and workshop area into a hub for the arts. The architecture preserves the industrial aesthetic—exposed brick and steel—while providing a state-of-the-art space for performers. It serves as a reminder that the Vulkan area is about more than just food; it is a holistic cultural ecosystem.

Mathallen Oslo

Welcome to the culinary heart of the city. Mathallen is an indoor food market located in a former industrial hall. Inside, you’ll find over 30 specialty shops, cafes, and restaurants offering the best of Norwegian produce—from brown cheese and cured meats to fresh seafood from the coast. It is a place to celebrate small-scale producers and traditional flavors. Spend some time wandering the aisles; the sights and smells here are the definitive experience of Oslo’s modern gastronomy.

Nedre Foss Gård

Just across the bridge from Mathallen lies Nedre Foss Gård, the oldest building in the Grünerløkka district. Once a manor house and a mill, it has been beautifully restored into a restaurant and brewery. The building has survived multiple fires and centuries of change along the Akerselva river. The surrounding park, Nedre Foss Park, offers a peaceful break from the urban bustle and features a large waterfall that once powered the city's early industries.

Telthusbakken

A short walk uphill brings you to Telthusbakken, one of Oslo's most charming streets. It is lined with colorful, well-preserved wooden houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. On the other side of the street are lush allotment gardens. This area feels like a village frozen in time, providing a sharp contrast to the industrial and modern sites you’ve just visited. It offers a glimpse into how the city's working class lived before the industrial revolution truly took hold.

Fuglen

Moving back toward the city center, stop at Fuglen. This isn't just a coffee shop; it’s a design icon. By day, it serves world-class coffee; by night, it’s a cocktail bar. The interior is a living museum of 1950s and 60s Norwegian furniture and design, all of which is for sale. Fuglen has been instrumental in putting Oslo on the global map for high-quality coffee culture, emphasizing a light roast that allows the bean's natural flavors to shine.

Grand Hotel Oslo

Located on Karl Johans gate, the Grand Hotel is perhaps Norway's most famous hotel. Since opening in 1874, it has hosted the annual Nobel Peace Prize banquet. Henrik Ibsen, the world-renowned playwright, famously ate lunch here every day. The architecture is a grand example of 19th-century elegance. While it represents the high-society history of the city, its location on the main thoroughfare makes it a central point for all major national celebrations, including the 17th of May parades.

Sommerro

Located in the upscale Frogner neighborhood, Sommerro is housed in the former headquarters of the city's electric company, Oslo Lysverker. This 1930s landmark is a masterpiece of Art Deco design. The building features stunning murals and mosaics by artist Per Krohg. Recently transformed into a luxury hotel and cultural hub, it pays homage to the era of 'electric progress' while offering some of the city's most sophisticated dining and wellness experiences. It’s a perfect example of Oslo’s knack for preserving heritage through modern luxury.

Bjerke Travbane

The final stop on our route takes us slightly further afield to Bjerke Travbane, Norway’s premier horse racing track. Since 1928, it has been a center for harness racing and a significant part of the local community’s leisure life. While it may seem a world away from the trendy food halls of Vulkan, it represents a different side of Oslo’s culture—one rooted in tradition, sport, and outdoor gatherings. It is a popular spot for locals to enjoy a day at the races and experience a slice of Norwegian life outside the immediate city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the Vulkan and Torggata districts is the best way to see the variety of Oslo's culinary offerings. These areas feature concentrated hubs like Mathallen and Oslo Street Food, allowing you to sample everything from traditional Norwegian seafood to global street food within a short distance.