Oslo: Cool, casual and with nature on speed-dial

Welcome to Oslo – a capital shaped by nature and defined by its laid-back confidence. Forest and fjord are part of everyday life here, and the style on the streets leans more towards practical than pretentious. Oslo doesn’t shout for attention – it grows on you, one hike, coffee break and museum at a time.

Capitals tend to follow their own rules, but few play the game quite like Oslo. It’s not just the perfectly brewed cortado or the dress code which pairs silly expensive sneakers with weatherproof layers – Oslo is built like a layer cake, best enjoyed by those curious enough to dig in and explore. And the first layer? The locals, of course.

Photo by Marit Tynning Henriksen

Oslo native – more than just a postcode

While “Osloenser” might technically be the correct demonym, you won’t hear locals using it. Born-and-bred city folk prefer Oslojente (Oslo girl) or Oslogutt (Oslo boy) – titles that stick for life, no matter the age.

It’s a subtle way of marking hometown roots in a city where most faces have arrived from every other corner of Norway. Being born and raised in Oslo is a badge of honour, much like a true Manhattanite in New York or a Cockney tracing their East London roots.

A city crush shared by locals and tourists

So, how does the typical Oslojente or Oslogutt enjoy their city? Surprisingly enough, they indulge in all the same things as tourists do – minus the selfie stick.

When friends from abroad come knocking, locals happily slip into tour guide mode, showing off their favourite places: the sculpture-studded Frognerparken (which explains once and for all why Norwegians don’t blush at nudity), the waterfront cool of Bjørvika, the panoramic views from Ekeberg, and the grand finale – Frognerseteren, the old fashion top-of-the-hill café where a generous serving of homemade hot chocolate (with abundant amounts of whipped cream) and apple pie is considered a local rite of passage.

Frognerparken. Photo by Marit Tynning Henriksen

Effortlessly chic – the Oslo uniform

In Oslo, fashion is less about making a scene and more about mastering the art of deliberately underdressing. Think clean lines, neutral tones, and just enough edge to catch a fashion editor’s eye.

You’ll spot locals mixing timeless Scandi staples with homegrown labels like ByTimo, known for its romantic, vintage-inspired prints, and Envelope1976, the go-to brand for minimalist silhouettes with a sustainable twist.

Both are the kind of style that slips quietly into the pages of Vogue Scandinavia. But keep this in mind: whether Oslo’s gals and boys are headed to a gallery opening or a cabin in the woods, the dress code always strikes the perfect balance between polished and practical.

Photo by Marit Tynning Henriksen

Then there is nature

In Oslo, the great outdoors starts where the tube line ends. We’re talking a maximum of twenty minutes on famously punctual public transport. The city’s wrapped in forest, fjord, and hills, all accessible by metro, ferry, or the blue tram.

Locals don’t escape to nature; they treat it like their second living room. They go island-hopping in the Oslofjord in summer and glide into Marka (forest surrounding the city) with skis or hiking boots in the winter. And just hours later, you’ll spot the same people discretely swapping Gore-Tex for designer sunglasses over a jet-set brunch in Frogner. This is urban après-ski, a homely way of life which Oslo folk take for granted.

3-2-1: Indulge

The city’s buzzing with sourdough bakeries, foraged fine dining, ramen joints, and natural wine bars. Start the day with a juicy pistachio bun from a popup place (you may want to follow urban trend setter Vink), graze your way through Mathallen for lunch, and end it at some dimly lit bar in Tøyen where the food is as stylishly understated as the clientele.

And the neighborhoods? Oh, Oslo’s got options. Want classic elegance with a whiff of the fjord? Head to Frogner. Are creative tote bags, cool cafés and vintage shopping more you? Grünerløkka is waiting. Do you crave modern architecture and waterfront views for your feed? Bjørvika’s got you covered. And if you prefer that effortlessly cool, almost-too-relaxed local vibe? Sagene and St. Hanshaugen are the neighborhoods Oslojenter and Oslogutter actually call home.

To sum it up; Oslo doesn’t try to impress you – and that’s exactly why it does.

Photo by Marit Tynning Henriksen