Exploring A Norwegian Brooklyn In Oslo (PHOTOS)

When you think of Olso, you probably don't envision a swarm of hipsters shopping at a vintage market in search of their next eclectic item.

Beyond the snow and ice that makes Oslo the "Winter Capital of the World", there is a bohemian neighborhood called Grünerløkka that brings together the city's most fashionable residents.

Grünerløkka is located on the east side of the river Akerselva, which runs from north to south through the city. Here you will find an endless stream of independent shops, trendy boutiques, restaurants, bars and quirky coffee shops.

While the clothing stores close on Sundays, the weekly Birkelunden Park flea market keeps Grünerløkka alive and thriving. I strolled between the booths like an anthropologist eager to observe the youth culture up close and personal, I took my camera and snapped photos of Oslo's hipsters at play.

The overall fashion trend among the young and stylish is definitely vintage-inspired ensembles that combine traditional knitwear with functional winter fabrics like wool, fur and leathers.

Swapping New York Fashion Week for Oslo has never felt so rewarding.

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Follow Megan Eileen McDonough on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BohemianTrails

Comments

[Dogma]

01:46 AM on 02/24/2012

Oslo, Copenhagen, Malmo, Stockholm... I'd move to any of these cities in a SECOND if I thought I could handle the lack of sunlight in the winter...

[KOslo]

11:41 AM on 02/24/2012

I don't notice the lack of sunlight more than I did when I lived in Seattle. Mid-Oct through Jan is usually short days with cold weather when you wake up in darkness, go home in darkness, see the sun through the window during the workdays. The advantage over Seattle is the bright white snow, very accessible skiing, etc which I try to do as often as possible. If I really need a break from winter, I take a quick holiday to the southern europe which is just a hop skip and jump away (just popped down to Rome for a few days).

And about now the days are noticeably longer and brighter all the way to June when it's light until 11pm and the beautiful people are out in summer clothes - party time in the spring and summer warmth. It's light when it counts.

The real obstacle to moving to Scandinavia is the high cost of living and high taxes for non-natives - a tremendous lifestyle shock most Americans wouldn't be able to adapt to.

[Dogma]

02:20 PM on 02/24/2012

Seattle is the other place I'd move if it had more light!

I live in Lille, in the north of France, and the winters here are too grey... the lack of sunlight turns me into Jack in The Shining.

But you're right, as long as the sun is out, it doesn't matter how cold it is. Which makes me think I could handle some place like Maine or Vermont or Scandinavia better that Seattle.

I just don't think I'm ready yet to give up the great way of Socialism to move back to the States. My wife is French and our three girls that are in excellent public grade schools and preschools. If we moved back to the US we'd pay through the nose for the way of life we have now.

[lee4713]

02:42 PM on 02/24/2012

Yes, Seattle is more of a coastal climate - more gray days, although they don't have quite the extremes that Oslo does (I was there once over Midsummer and it was amazing). Here in Mpls the snow - when we have it! - does help brighten things up starting in January.

[aphextwin07]

10:12 AM on 02/23/2012

"When you think of Olso, you probably don't envision a swarm of hipsters shopping at a vintage market in search of their next eclectic item."

yes, you do actually. unless you've never left the country or know nothing about Europe.