Sample a wide range of Oslo’s best casual food and local producers under one roof at Oslo´s largest food hall.
Located in the Vulkan eco-district (an old industrial area turned hipster hub), Mathallen ("The Food Hall") is a large indoor food hall and market concentrated on high-quality, casual eating and regional food producers. Expect a mix of independent stalls and small restaurants serving everything from traditional Norwegian dishes to international street food, plus a selection of wine, beer and specialty groceries. The hall is filled with specialty butchers, cheese counters, and small eateries.
Seating Hack: On weekends, the main floor "Torget" (central plaza) is a war zone of people fighting for chairs. If you can't find a seat, take your food and walk down the stairs to the basement (Smelteverket) or, if it's summer, walk outside to the "amphitheater" steps by the river.
Highlights
For something Norwegian, go to Vulkanfisk (the seafood counter) and order the creamy fish soup (fiskesuppe), loaded with chunks of salmon and cod, and served with unlimited bread and aioli.
Buy packaged specialty foods and artisan products from dedicated vendors to take home
The "Sausage" Souvenir: Stop by Annis Pølsemakeri (the butcher). Don't just look; ask for a "dry-aged" slider or buy their dry-cured sausages to snack on later in your hotel room.
Best time to go
Weekdays outside lunchtime or early evening on weekends to avoid the largest crowds
Time needed
30–120 minutes
Getting there
Can easily be reached on foot from the city center. Bus 34 or 54 to Møllerveien drops you right at the top of the stairs leading down to the market.
What to do nearby
A single urban complex that houses Norway's most extensive natural science collections together with a historical botanical garden and interactive mineral and climate displays.
Norway's oldest botanical garden (established 1814) with free admission to 6.5 hectares of geographically organized plant collections, a Victorian Palm House from 1868, and modern climate-controlled greenhouses.
A centrally located, seasonal public winter event that combines a public ice rink, chalet-style stalls with Norwegian seasonal food and crafts.
Hotels nearby
Steps from Mathallen and Grünerløkka, Oslo's best food and bar neighborhood, at a reasonable Oslo price.
Centrally located, a tram stop at the door and Grünerløkka within walking distance make it a solid launchpad for exploring Oslo on a budget.
A quiet, central location in Oslo with one of the better hotel breakfasts in the city.