More than a million books, movies, games, CDs and other media finally got a fancy new home. It stands side by side with Oslo's best-known landmark, the Opera house, with a view over the fjord, and just a few steps from the central station. The first impressions might suggest it is trying (too) hard to steal some of the attention, with its cantilevered roof and modern - many argue too cold and corporate - facade.
But let's focus on the core, its interior, the atmosphere and the library as an institution. It feels welcoming, inclusive and dynamic, where different zones and departments attach to an open room in the centre filled with skylight. I believe modern libraries should be much more than storage for books: they should ignite a love for knowledge and learning, offer a safe and calm environment for work and mental exercise, and above all create a place where one can just be. Deichman Bjørvika succeeds in this aim and it has something for everyone. There are cool and fun nooks and play areas hiding in the children's department and it is our family's favourite new afternoon activity when Oslo serves bad weather.
If you just want to sit and relax, continue to the top floor where you will find a spacious lounge area with a magnificent view over the Opera and the fjord behind it - city exploring break really cannot get any better than that.
Find your way with 115 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Isdammen is known as a fishing lake in the summer months, but one can also go ice skating there during the winter (as the lakes in Oslo are usually frozen because of the low temperatures, as one would expect).
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Hønse Lovisas hus is a part of the Industrial museum in Oslo named after a great woman who took care of the girls that used to work at the factories along the Akerselva river.
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The place is a jungle, full of green plants, fruits, and vegetables - a real explosion of color that satisfies all of your senses. I have tasted some of the most amazing raw cakes here.
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The smell of freshly baked waffles and coffee is enough to invite you in. And then you enter and get to find everything your heart desires!
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Once you step inside the hotel reception, Kafé Lucy warmly welcomes you, immediately setting the tone for a relaxed, casual and enjoyable visit.
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Here you'll find Italian sausages, British teas, French cheeses, Russian caviar, locally sourced meats, fresh fish, baked goods and much much more.
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Here you can discover Norwegian films, foreign films, cult classics, regular 35mm screenings and family matinees. They also organize special film events.
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Under one roof, you'll find a diverse selection of venues. Navigate the grand halls to discover everything from aquavit and whiskey to exotic cocktails.
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With 34 beer taps offering local and international brands, there's a beer to suit every taste. And they provide beer tasting samples!
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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.
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The sculpture park was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano and the sculptures are playful, inviting the audience to sit, climb or crawl into them.
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"Farine" in Kampen, one of Oslo's most charming neighborhoods, is a lovely bakery in a peculiar yellow house. Its kardamommebolle are now local favorites!
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115 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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