8 Top Flea Markets and Thrift Stores in Oslo

Bargains abound in Oslo, if you know where to look
Bargains abound in Oslo, if you know where to look | © Ekely / Getty Images
Josephine Platt

Commissioning Editor

Norway’s capital of Oslo is notoriously expensive for those of us who aren’t from Nordic regions. While this is true when it comes to things like dining out, transport and accommodation, there are exceptions to the rule. One of these is its thrifting landscape.

If you know where to look, you can pick up pre-loved goods like designer and vintage clothing, literature and furniture in different corners of the city. Here are 10 frugal destinations to add to the itinerary when next in Oslo.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Sunday market at Blå

Market

Søndagsmarkedet på Blå
Courtesy of Blå
Sundays done right should start with coffee, include moseying about, and end with bargains in tow and a beer in hand. To acquire these bargains, make like a local and head to Brenneriveien, where Søndagsmarkedet pops up every Sunday from midday to about 5pm. This flea market takes over the artsy area of Blå in Grünerløkka, and promises to yield handmade items, vintage clothing and artwork from locals.

Fretex

Shop

Fretex boutique
Courtesy of Fretex
As Norway‘s largest second-hand chain with nine stores in Oslo alone, Fretex is a must-stop on every thrifters quest for unique goods. Of these nine destinations, Ullevålsveien gets our vote for the variety of goods: you’ll find designer clothing, books and interior furnishings. Plus, it’s part of the Salvation Army, so it’s about as guilt-free as shopping comes.

Vestkanttorvet flea market

Market, Park

Vestkanttorvet flea market, Courtesy of Vestkanttorvet
A much larger affair than the Sunday market at Blå, Vestkanttorvet flea market (located next to Norway’s oldest sculpture park, Vigeland Park), features over 100 stalls. Since 1989, between the months of March and December, locals have woken up early on a Saturday to head down to this market at 9am in the hope of stumbling across quirky wardrobe and home items. First come, first served!

Fuglen, Universitetsgata

Bar, Pub Grub

Cafe Fuglen, Oslo
© Courtesy of Fishman / Ullstein Bild /Getty Images
There are not many places where you can feel at home… and actually bring a piece home with you afterwards. Fuglen is one of them: this beautiful vintage shop, where you can buy Scandinavian design furniture from the ’50s and ’60s, also doubles as a coffee shop (by day) and a cocktail bar (at night). So basically relax on the couch, order something to drink, and ponder which of the items that surround you should be your next purchase. While you’re pondering, one of Fuglen’s many cool events might start taking place somewhere near you.

Ny York

Shop

Marking all products with ‘dead stock’ (meaning it wasn’t sold at the time and never worn), ‘vintage’ or ‘second-hand’, Ny York makes shopping a breeze. You’ll find all kinds of women’s and menswear, along with accessories of a bygone area, in this Grünerløkka treasure trove.

Birkelunden flea market

Market, Park

Another flea market that will spoil you for choice, this market is situated inside Birkelunden public park and is open yearly on most Sundays, from noon to 7pm (or until it gets dark in the winter months). Here, you can find anything from homeware from the ’40s to books and DVDs from the 2000s – and everything in between. Peruse carefully, because hidden treasures may await you in every stand.

Schous Bøker

Bookstore

Inside Schous Bøker store
Courtesy of Schous Bøker
A haven of antique books spanning most genres, with many first editions, Schous Bøker is a literature lover‘s dream. Offering free (yes, free) coffee and with a few armchairs dotted around, we don’t blame you if you don’t ever leave…

This is an updated version of an article originally written by Danai Christopoulou.

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