We enjoyed spending a lot of time browsing at this store yesterday. Ark is the largest bookstore…read morechain in Norway, and this location is the largest in Oslo. The selection of photography, art & graphic art books is terrific, and there's also a pretty good selection of graphic novels & illustrated children's books. With the exception of the children's books, most of the others are in English. Interestingly, an American author was being interviewed when we first arrived. At one point a customer approached me and asked a question. I asked her in Norwegian if she spoke English and she complied (maybe she thought the store had hired a non-Norwegian-speaking person?), but she was mortified when I then told her I didn't work there. I kind of liked the idea that I looked so "official". :)

Whenever I'm in Oslo (which is not as often as I would like!) I always pop into this wonderful…read morebookshop to pick up a favourite comic book in Norwegian. My Asterix and Lucky Luke collection is building nicely. Friendly service and so much temptation! Best prices too, compared with other stores I've visited.

One of the best book stores in Oslo with a great selection of books from all genres. Whatever you…read moredo don't go to Norli.

In search for books to learn Norwegian, I found this bookstore. This bookstore is extensive and has…read moretwo locations next door to each other. One is smaller and has a collection of items that appeal to tourists: tour books, books on Viking history, troll books, etc. There are fun backpacks for children as well. The larger bookstore next door is three floors. The top floor has an entire aisle dedicated to learning Norwegian. There are plenty of language acquisition books to appeal to all. There are books written in English. Staff was friendly and took the time to assist. Great shop!

A very cute book store with nice staff who will help you pick out a book if you don't have anything…read morespecific in mind :)

I have a slight love affair with books and when it comes to bookstores I am in heaven. Someone…read moreshould combine books and healthy food....I would never leave. Anyways, this place is a gem. I came in just to check it out and had no intentions of buying but the guy that was working there honed in on me and knew I was a sucker. I left with two awesome reads. My cousin even left with a 1962 published Ernest Hemingway book, a real steal. Everything is categorized alphabetically by author, so don't go in expecting an English section or a food section. Go in with an open mind and maybe a list of authors you would like to explore. Some books are new but I would say most are used. I started rambling off some authors I was hoping to read but the book had either been sold already or they didn't have the title I was hoping for. But what I loved about the guy working there was he took in everything I was asking and came up with his own recommendations. And he was spot on. excellent excellent service! I won't be going to any other bookstore but here. If I can support local and have a handy dandy resource to help me navigate the endless shelves of books for new treasures I will never shop anywhere else. Do yourself a favor and explore this place.

This small independent bookstore is a little treasure. They have a wonderful eclectic selection of…read morebooks (in Norwegian). The staff is genuine book lovers, friendly and helpful and provides great personalized advice.

Another one of my must-stop-by stores when I'm in Oslo. It's a travel store / coffeeshop...which is…read moregreat, because while you browse their collection, you can get inspired by the smell of the cinnamon buns and the grinding of the coffee machine. But the reason I really like this store, because they carry my favourite Scandinavian (outdoor) brand: Fjall Raven. I've bought various items here, amongst others a jacket and a pair of trousers...all of which I wear all the time...and I hate to admit it...but I get complimented on a lot. (I guess the brand is not so established in Central Europe and so people think it's something exotic ;-) It's not a cheap place...but I was lucky enough to buy some items on sale!

I want to like this place so bad. But it had a huge problem which I'll get to in a bit…read more The girl who worked there was super friendly and welcoming as I walked in. I was super cold after initially heading to a place in Torshov which was randomly closed for the day. She knew what she was selling and could describe each of the teas they had in pretty good detail. She knew enough to make a fantastic recommendation of one of the Earl Greys for me (and she was spot on...it was delicious). Their wifi worked exceptionally well. The atmosphere was unusually pleasant and inviting. As a travel nerd, I love being surrounded by all things travel. That is partly why I felt at home at the Chillout Travel Center in Bergen as well. BUT... and this is a big BUT... The heat didn't work. For anyone that doesn't think this is a big deal...Oslo has been -20C or more the last few days. In addition, the place had small holes the size of a kroner/dime in the windows that the cold air seeped in through. They tried covering the holes with tape or something on a few of the windows...but the other ones were left open and the customers sitting there were clearly just as cold as I was. I stopped into Chillout to do freelance work at my computer but obviously couldn't do it as my fingers were frozen solid. They pulled out a little portable heater and placed it by me...but it was too late. The damage was done and I couldn't recover and thaw out. My tea even went cold within a matter of minutes and I was unable to finish it. I would totally head back here...but I'll wait until summer I think. And for any other businesses that may read this...PLEASE...for the LOVE OF GOD...have your heat on and make the customers comfortable. There is nothing worse than going into a nice and seemingly cozy cafe to work and order a nice hot tea...only to be left in the cold.