"You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book." (Dr. Seuss)
Oh the Places You'll Go in Bergen! Whether you're Going on a Bear Hunt, or looking to lose yourself in tales of adventure, look no further than Where the Sidewalk Ends. Literally, look no further, as the store graces the corner of Strandgaten and Torgallmenningen.
Norli is one of Norway's largest bookstores with 88 locations across the country. The large Strandgaten Norli that we visited spanned two floors...and multiple stories. Though the store was extremely crowded, the organized layout and modern, minimalist décor helped the space feel less claustrophobic.
Though it lacked the character of a smaller independent bookstore, the store was squeaky clean and held several surprises within, including a spiral staircase to the second floor. The staircase was a piece of art in itself, reminding me of an Ammonite fossil when viewed from the top downwards.
Aside from the sea of books, many other goodies could be found from cards, notebooks, writing utensils, and calendars to stuffed animals, games, and backpacks.
In a surprising plot twist, witty signs with phrases like, "We are more than brutal Vikings, you know! Or are we...," mounted several of the book tables, providing incriminating proof that Norwegians are capable of more humor than they dare admit. Someone alert the bookarazzi!
Most of the second floor was dedicated to the Norli Junior book section, Where the Wild Things Are. An area was also designated to keep munchkins occupied, comprised of owl chairs, and a table of contents including paper, and writing utensils.
I only purchased two books for my nephew from this store, Lille Frosk and Gravosaurer, a book about construction trucks with dinosaur features. Though I have no idea what any of the words mean, there are plenty that appear to be onomatopoeic. I'll just do my best to pronounce them with extra animation in Fauxrwegian.
If you visit Bergen, take a page out of my book and stop in to find a souvenir for your favorite bookworm or bibliophile...even if they can't read in Norwegian. Someone will Love You Forever if you do!
I give Norli Strandgaten a rating of 4.4/5 chapters of Harry Potter Og Fangen Fra Azkaban read more