The Best Markets in Oslo, Norway
Sure, the weather doesn’t always allow it, but if Norwegians know anything, it’s how to navigate their daily lives despite the weather – and the street market culture of Oslo is a good example of that. Although not that many in number, in Oslo’s markets you’ll be able to shop at affordable prices, get fresh produce and find unique, vintage treasures – from clothing to bric-a-brac. Most of them are evergreen (open on specific days, for the most part of the year), but keep your eyes open as there are many pop-up markets appearing every now and then.
Fisketorget
Market
Open every single day from 7am to 7pm, the Oslo Fish Market on City Hall Pier is a really immersive experience: you can buy fresh fish and shellfish at the seafood counter, you can get ready-made meals from the chefs there, or you can sit at one of the tables by the water (even after the market closes) and enjoy Nordic seafood dishes, oysters and sushi.
Sunday market at Blå
Nightclub, Pub Grub
Every Sunday, a colourful flea market takes over the artistic venue and hotspot Blå in trendy Grünerløkka. At Søndagsmarkedet you’ll have the chance to peruse handmade items, vintage clothing and accessories, bric-a-brac and homeware and even works of art made by local artists. All while enjoying the cool street art adorning the neighbourhood walls.
Bondens Marked
Market
Blink, and you might miss it. This farmer’s market in Oslo likes to keep you on your toes, appearing at a different place every week (usually Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am to 5am) – so the best thing to do is keep an eye on their website for their next location. No matter where you catch them, though, you’ll be sure to find local produce, succulent cheeses, bottled juices from small-scale producers and all things healthy and organic.
Mathallen Food Hall
In case Bondens Marked keeps eluding you, don’t worry: Mathallen is always there. Situated at what’s quickly becoming the heart of Grünerløkka, this food hall offers all the cheese, chocolates, sausages, meats, fish, and vegetables from small-scale producers your heart could ever desire – as well as many options for cafés and restaurants, and various pop-up gastronomy events.
Maschmanns Food Market
Bakery, Market
A slightly more curated but equally delicious option when it comes to food markets, Maschmanns in the posh Skøyen area is open daily (Sundays included) bringing high-quality cheeses, meat and seafood from all over Norway, as well as a gourmet variety of condiments (look out for the Italian olive oils and pestos). Apart from the food market, there’s also a bakery and pizzeria where you can sit and enjoy the delicious products on site.
Vestkanttorvet Flea Market
Market, Park
Open every Saturday (9am to 5pm, from March to December), Vestkanttorvet is one of Oslo’s biggest flea markets, close to Vigeland Park. Here you can find beautiful retro homeware and lamps, second-hand clothes, handmade items and works of art, shoes and accessories – even food treats. Browsing through the expansive set of stalls in Vestkanttorvet is not for the faint of heart or the high-healed, however, so wear comfortable shoes.
Birkelunden Flea Market
Market, Park
Speaking of beautiful, retro homeware: This open-air market, situated inside Birkelunden Public Park, is open most Sundays throughout the year (from noon to 7pm, or until it gets dark in the winter months). It’s the ideal place to look for 1940s homeware, but also for more contemporary bric-a-brac, and even books and DVDs from the 2000s. Keep an eagle eye out; there are so many little treasures all around you.