A Guide to Skøyen, Oslo's Trendy Neighbourhood

The beating heart of Skøyen is undoubtedly Karenslyst Allé, and it’s a heart with a lot of fashion sense. Over 80 boutiques grace this beautifully urban shopping area that spans the avenue and the surrounding streets, creating a sort of shopping arcade. Wandering down Karenslyst Allé, you will find everything from cool clothing brands such as Day Birger et Mikkaelsen and eclectic boutiques like Høyer, to super-stylish wedding attire and cute children stores. There is also a substantial selection of homeware and design stores.

You will work up an appetite after all this shopping, but not to worry: Skøyen has some great food options. Start with a strong coffee at Kaffebrenneriet, a beautiful coffee shop you can also find in a couple of other places around Oslo. Then shop for high-quality cheeses, meat and seafood at Maschmanns Matmarked, one of Oslo’s most beautifully curated food markets. After you’ve filled your bag with delicious foodstuffs, you can sit at their bakery or pizzeria and enjoy the delicious products on-site.

Another excellent food suggestion in Skøyen is Santinos. Sit at the well-lit, spacious restaurant to enjoy a risotto with porcini mushrooms along with a crisp glass of Italian wine and you’ll feel decidedly cosmopolitan. If you’re after something more cozy, DA Capo restaurant & Bar at the end of Karenslyst Allé, next to Thunes bus stop, serves Norwegian and Asian tapas along with beers from both Europe and Asia, and sometimes you’ll get to listen to live music while you’re eating.

You’re probably pretty full by now, so it’s time for some physical activity to make amends. Thankfully, Skoyenparken is not far away. This park is actually an extension of the vast green area that also includes Frognerparken and the Vigeland Park. Once there, you can take one of the walking paths around Skøyen Manor, admire the oak and ash trees and see if you can spot the odd sculptures that are dotted here and there – yet more proofs of how Skøyen can surprise you.