The façades and edifices of Oslo can sometimes appear rather impenetrable. Dense development, towering office buildings, and minimal storefront advertising often leave one wondering what lies behind closed doors. Perhaps this serves as an apt metaphor for the facial expression of the average Norwegian.
Let's set aside that last observation, as in this article, I'd like to point you towards some rather concealed and alternative bars in Oslo. There are many such establishments, often undiscoverable to the average mortal. Each bar possesses its own distinct character, but they are, without exception, all worth visiting; obviously. Let's begin.
Kafe Hærverk
I particularly encourage you to run the name of this café through a translation machine. However, it sounds far more violent than it actually is. Hærverk is a pillar of both Norwegian and international alternative music scenes. By alternative, I mean everything that isn't mainstream. This brings with it a wonderful atmosphere and clientele. Hidden behind a door plastered with posters and a façade covered in various symbols and random scribblings, you'll find this diamond in the rough. Here, you'll encounter jazz enthusiasts, squatters, rockers, and alternative types who guard the city's character. I've listened to many of concerts here and invariably found myself in conversation with perfect strangers.
Schouskjelleren
If you're a beer enthusiast, you simply must descend the stairs to the cellar of what was once a grand brewery complex. With its creaking wooden dark floor, brick vaults, and smouldering fireplace, this pub reminded me of Utrecht's historic wharf cellars during my first visit. When it's cold and rainy outside, I can't imagine a better place than Schouskjelleren to indulge in a dark brown porter or stout.
HIMKOK
It's quite remarkable. A bar that regularly climbs the top 10 lists of the world's best cocktail bars proves devilishly difficult to find. And that's not surprising. The entrance of HIMKOK is barely noticeable. It's a generic door, like any other in the street. Only the tiny sign with a capital H reveals that something special lies within. And perhaps that's for the best. For this is where connoisseurs come, or at least those who appreciate extraordinarily well-crafted cocktails. Don't ask for a Long Island or a Shirley Temple here; rather, immerse yourself in the menu and let yourself be advised by the talented bartenders.
Prindsen Hage
Picture Oslo on a warm summer's day. The asphalt is scorching, barely a whisper of wind, and you're terribly thirsty. If you're reading this on such a day, I heartily recommend taking a seat in one of Prindsen Hage's deck chairs. This spot is nestled between the tall late 19th-century buildings that characterise Oslo's city centre. Prindsen Hage is a delightful oasis of tranquility, with flowers, plants, parasols, pleasant music, and not least, a relaxed clientele whiling away the afternoon over ice-cold lagers. The spot is difficult to find and invisible from the street, ensuring it's never completely full, let alone visited by tourists. One of my favourites.
Glasnost
The name is Russian, meaning something akin to openness or transparency. To my mind, that openness represents the character of the visitors to this illustrious little bar on the outskirts of Oslo's centre. The ceiling of Glasnost is adorned with Wunderbaum air fresheners, and the walls are covered with fascinating artifacts and references to the late Soviet era. It's quintessentially a neighbourhood pub, where Tøyen's diverse demographic comes for a drink on Friday evenings. Tremendously convivial!
Baba
Perhaps Oslo's most elusive bar, for as you walk through the passage that provides access to the folketeateret, you wouldn't suspect an excellent bar resides here. You enter through a restaurant, and via a long staircase, you arrive at a rather special café on the upper floor. When I first walked in, Mos Def - Miss Fatbooty was playing, which immediately captured my attention. The charm of this place lies in its incredibly friendly staff, the tiles with written messages on them, the music, and naturally, the guardians of Oslo's multicultural street culture who find sanctuary here. Borrow a marker and leave a lovely message on one of the tiles. Much love for this place! Much love!
Revolver
Particularly the cellar at the back of Revolver. For the obscurities that take place there are barely imaginable. If you're fond of punk, rock, metal, and everything related, keep an eye on this venue's schedule. Round the corner, down the stairs, through a door, and you enter a dimly lit space with a bar and stage where obscure bands perform several times weekly. A fantastic spot if you ask me. And a shout out to Deepthroat Diare, who recently delivered a highly entertaining concert and launched their new single in 4 parts (literally in parts, as the bass line, guitar part, drums, and vocals were sold on 4 different LPs).
Krondgods
Another gem whose entrance you're unlikely to find by chance. Krongods is a tiny cocktail bar that's part of Nedre Foss gård, which, incidentally, is an excellent restaurant. In a pleasant and relaxed ambiance, you can sip on classical yet expertly prepared cocktails.
Mynt
Hidden high above the busy streets of Oslo's centre on the roof of a former bank. Well, busy - nothing's really busy in Oslo. Mynt rooftop terrace is an excellent hideaway during the summer season. Drinks, pizza, good music, and a lovely crowd. You'll easily walk past if you don't know exactly where to look. The perfect stop when heading from the harbour to the centre.
Dattera til hagen
Excellently concealed in one of the nooks amidst Oslo's most international district, it caters to a truly diverse audience. I'm not sure if Dattera til Hagen could be called one of the hidden bars of Oslo, but it's not frequented by foreign visitors at least. It's mostly students, cool kids, new Norwegians, and an assorted array of characters who gather in the convivial courtyard to indulge in their libations. The atmosphere is utterly unpretentious, exuding an optimistic cheerfulness that becomes evident upon entry, as you traverse the artistically decorated corridor.