Mathallen Oslo

The vendor mix is deliberately broad and changes seasonally. On a typical visit you will find: a fishmonger with whole fish and fillets from Norwegian waters; a cheese specialist with Norwegian and European varieties including excellent brunost (brown cheese); a butcher working with Norwegian heritage breeds; a bakery producing sourdough and traditional Norwegian pastries; a wild mushroom and berry stall in autumn; and a selection of ready-to-eat vendors covering everything from Thai street food to traditional Norwegian kjøttkaker (meat cakes).

The hot food vendors are the main draw for many visitors. Several have genuine restaurant quality — the Vietnamese bánh mì, the traditional Norwegian smørbrød, and the fresh pasta stall are consistently excellent. There are communal tables inside and in the courtyard where you can eat what you have just bought, making Mathallen the best lunch option in this part of the city.

The weekend market in the courtyard extends the offer to outdoor vendors, flea market stalls, and seasonal produce from small Norwegian farms. In December, the Christmas market here is atmospheric and less commercial than the main city centre markets.

The Vulkan district surrounding Mathallen has developed into Oslo's most interesting contemporary neighbourhood. The music venue Vulkan Arena and the Dansens Hus (dance theatre) are immediately adjacent; the Akerselva river walk passes directly outside; Grünerløkka begins a five-minute walk north.

Reach Mathallen by tram to Schous plass (routes 11, 12, 13) or by walking 20 minutes from the city centre along the river. Free to enter; budget 200–400 NOK for a proper lunch with drinks. Open Tuesday through Sunday.