Löddeköpinge
Marknadsvägen 1246 42 Löddeköpinge
5,99 SEK / kWh
8 plugs
As the end of the year began to feel like it was staring us down, we wanted to charge up the van and head somewhere for the weekend. We needed to tell ourselves the year’s fun and exploration wasn’t over just because the sun would soon be setting around the time small children get out of school… that it’s fine, we can still get up and get out there! There’s plenty of days ahead to “hygge and home”.
To get our imaginations activated and because we’re alway ready to eat, we decided to go somewhere urban, cool and, of course, culinary. The only place that really fit the assignment distance wise was Oslo. And because it’s a city, we knew it would offer some great food. But was it cool???
I had only been to Oslo once before, and quickly. I had hit the guidebook highlights and must-sees, but had generally found myself not vibing with the city. Something about the place felt a little “buttoned-up”, reserved and almost as if it was on its best behaviour at all times. Over the years it had always left a lingering question in my mind over whether I gave it a fair chance, or if it had another side that I hadn’t seen.
My friend had never been before and was curious, and I now knew a few people who lived in the city and could now offer personalised local recommendations beyond what Google research could turn up. So, we settled on the Norwegian capital, plotted our route and decided to head out at the weekend.
We took the VW ID Buzz because we’ve been on a mission this year to accomplish more regional travel, powered primarily by curiosity for what’s in our own backyard and Powered By Eon and Clever hyper chargers. Like everyone else, we wanted to hurry up and get there already, so the 300kw stations meant we could get back on our way to play in about 30 min.
Oslo is nearly surrounded by Powered By, with hyper chargers in Kløfta, Oslo Centrum, Vinterbro, Rudshøgda, Nesbyen and Karlstad, Sweden, so wherever you’re driving in from, you can likely hit one on the way.
One very cool thing about the city of Oslo is that it is nestled smack-dab between the fjord and the forests. Because of this, it is able to effortlessly combine natural beauty with Scandinavian modernism, all while putting an emphasis on eco-friendly living.
With just a bit over 24 hours to explore, we decided to immerse ourselves in two vibrant neighbourhoods, Grünerløkka and Sagene, where we had a ton of great recommendations to check out.
We rolled into town just before dinner time, so, as the day came to a close, we made our way to Villa Paradiso Tivoli, a beloved Italian restaurant in Grünerløkka known for its authentic Neapolitan pizza. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a circus themed decor that made it feel like we had stepped into an old-timey carnival — but make it Scandi.
Having been joined by one of our Oslo contacts, we ordered for the table, starting with a classic Margherita pizza, made with organic tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, all on a perfectly charred, thin crust.
We also filled our bellies with a hearty lasagna just like my childhood friend's Nona used to make and some herby focaccia. Villa Paradiso Tivoli also prides itself on using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, which made the meal even more enjoyable.
We began the next day still in Grünerløkka, which, by the light of day, we could now recognise as Oslo's creative hub. This trendy district has transformed from an industrial area to a hotspot for culture, art, and hip cafés. For breakfast, we headed to Babbo, a cosy café known for its sustainable ethos and fresh, organic ingredients. The minimalist Scandinavian design of the café reflects the city’s clean, modern aesthetic.
Choosing from a small but imaginative morning menu, we ordered their avocado toast, topped with a perfectly poached egg and a generous sprinkle of dukkah, as well as their house made yogurt with seeds stewed plums, and ended the meal with a gorgeous dessert-for-breakfast pancake topped with berries.
Babbo prides itself on supporting local farms, and you can taste the freshness in every bite. The café’s commitment to sustainability is apparent not just in their menu but also in their zero-waste philosophy, which aligns perfectly with Oslo's push to be one of the greenest cities in the world. The cafe also becomes a lively trattoria by night, supported by some well curated wines on tap.
After breakfast, we wandered along the Akerselva River, a beautiful green corridor that slices through the heart of Oslo. This walk is one of the city’s gems, offering a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. The river is flanked by parks, waterfalls, and historic industrial buildings that have been converted into galleries, cafés and co-working spaces. Along the way, we passed locals out for their morning run or walk, showing just how pedestrian-friendly Oslo is. It’s definitely a city built for walking, with every corner offering something new to discover.
Grünerløkka is also home to some of Oslo’s best contemporary art galleries. Many focus on modern and experimental works, showcasing both local and international artists. Art is deeply integrated into the fabric of Oslo, with galleries and street art providing a constant flow of inspiration.
We also hit Street Art Oslo, a gallery that features an impressive collection of murals and graffiti. Here, you can find large-scale pieces that reflect social and political themes, adding another layer of cultural depth to the city.
After walking an appetite back up, we walked towards Sagene, a laid-back neighbourhood just north of Grünerløkka. Known for its blend of old and new, Sagene is quieter but no less charming. For a late lunch, we visited HRIMNIR RAMEN, where Scandinavian flavours meet Japanese techniques. This unique ramen bar uses ingredients sourced from local farms and organic producers, giving a Nordic twist to the beloved Japanese dish.
To begin, we shared two starters, the pickled shiitake and cauliflower with chilli and sesame and the salmon tartar. For mains, I opted for the chicken shoyu while my veggie friend opted for the spicy hazelnut tan tan. The shoyu broth was rich and umami-packed, with a depth of flavour that reflected the restaurant’s focus on quality. And the hazelnut tan tan, well, if it’s not your pick, then make sure you peer-pressure someone at your table to order this dish so you can have your shoyu and eat five huge bites of their dish too!
HRIMNIR RAMEN is also committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and minimising food waste.
No trip to Oslo is complete without indulging in the city’s vibrant bakery scene. After lunch, we journeyed back towards Grünerløkka to visit Mjøl, a charming artisanal bakery that specialises in sourdough bread and traditional Norwegian pastries. The bakery’s commitment to using organic, locally milled flour is evident in the quality of their baked goods.
We treated ourselves to a slice of rye bread with a slice of Norway’s signature brown cheese and compote, a kanelsnegle, fresh out of the oven, with a sweet, spiced aroma that filled the air, and a oat cookie for later to keep up our strength). A quick pop into this popular spot was the perfect afternoon pick-me-up to keep exploring as long as the light would let us.
Known for its expertly crafted drinks, intimate, dimly-lit atmosphere and vintage decor, Mysterud Bar perfect for a relaxed evening. On a Monday night, it was cheerfully full of locals hanging out, reading a book and playing board games.
The bar features a carefully curated selection of craft beers, highlighting local Norwegian breweries alongside international favorites. With a rotating tap list and a variety of styles, from crisp lagers to bold IPAs, there’s something for every palate. Don't miss their signature beer, named for the street the bar sits on.
Oslo is a city that seamlessly blends nature, culture, and sustainability. From the artistic streets of Grünerløkka to the peaceful river walks in Sagene, this is a city has a ton to offer and is best explored on foot. Each neighborhood offers its own unique charm, with art galleries, street murals, and eco-conscious eateries around every corner.
And Oslo's focus on sustainability isn’t just a trend — it’s woven into the very fabric of the city. After just 24 hours here, we left feeling inspired, well-fed, and actually pretty eager to return to discover more of its green, creative spirit.
Vinterbro - Sjøskogenveien 2 1407 Vinterbro
Hallingby - Moseveien 5 3525 Hallingby
Munkedal - Tradenvägen 6 455 91 Munkedal
Kløfta - Kongsvingervegen 27 2040 Kløfta
