What I've Learned in Oslo: My Experiences
The flight distance between Hong Kong and Oslo, between Kit Wan's homeland and the city that has long been his home, is more than 10,000 kilometers. Here, the fashion designer and artist tells us what fascinates him about the Norwegian capital
The Essence: Oslo, My Old Friend
Oslo is full of hidden gems. To really get to know the city, you have to take time for it – and it for you. At first glance, life here is more leisurely than elsewhere, but the city can also pick up speed once you get in touch with the people, especially in the summer. I've left Oslo several times and come back. The city has always been there for me. Like an old friend.
The Inspiration: Time for Creativity
What inspires me about Oslo? Quite simply: the slower pace of life. Here, I have the time and space to think and immerse myself in my ideas. Nevertheless, I don't have to give up any of the advantages of a big city, and I have everything I need close at hand.
The People: Hard to Crack, Easy to Like
A Norwegian friend once described himself as a pineapple: hard on the outside, but sweet and juicy on the inside. In other words: Oslo residents are reserved at first, but once they open up, they become the friendliest and most open people. They are quite chilled and know how to enjoy all aspects of life: work, relaxation, leisure, and culture.
The Community: In Oslo, People Support Each Other
The creative scene in Oslo is small, but a real community. People are closely connected and support each other, giving each other the space to work and collaborate. There are organizations such as Collective Oslo, which supports Norwegian artists or artists living here by organizing exhibitions and events, for example.
The Clichés: Anything But Aloof
To avoid disappointment, know that you'll hardly ever see the Northern Lights here. But that's one of the many clichés people have before they come here for the first time. For example, I imagined Oslo as a slightly chilly place by the fjord. But if you get to know the city, you'll find that it's actually a vibrant metropolis full of warmth, music, and joy.
For Friends: Beer Outdoors, Vintage Shopping, and Good Food
When friends come to visit me in summer, we go for an "utepils," which is what Norwegians call a beer that you drink outdoors. Sitting outside with the sun on your face, bottle in hand, and simply enjoying the moment – this is best done on the islands of Hovedøya or Langøyene, the beach on the Bygdøy peninsula, or in the middle of the city by the water, such as in the former harbor area and today's residential district of Sørenga or at Operastranda. However, there are a few things you need to know: alcohol is only sold until 8 p.m., until 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and not at all on Sundays.
As someone who works in the fashion industry, it would be remiss not to recommend the Vestkanttorvet flea market. When the weather is good, there's nothing better than browsing for vintage clothes and furniture.
When the days get shorter, the atmosphere gets "koselig," or cozy. That's when people meet in the Himkok bar on Storgata or Torggata Botaniske. For great food and a good glass of wine, the Betong restaurant in Bjørvika is the right choice. If you make a reservation, you can enjoy a full menu, while last-minute diners can eat à la carte in the Lillebetong wine bar right next door.
If we're in the mood for dancing and cool music, I'd take my friends to Blå. Bands and DJs play in the club, which used to be a spinning mill. There's also a beer garden and delicious street food – a great mix!
And when friends from Hong Kong visit, we prefer to eat at the Dinner Restaurant on Stortingsgata, which serves authentic Cantonese and Chinese cuisine – a taste of home.
About
Kit Wan is a fashion designer and artist from Hong Kong who studied, lived, and worked in Oslo for many years. He combines manga, sci-fi, and high-tech aesthetics to create futuristic silhouettes that exist somewhere between fashion and art. He is one of the designers featured in Fashion Asia Hong Kong's list of "10 Asian Designers To Watch 2025."
Vacations in Oslo – More Tips from the Lufthansa Editorial Tea
- One ticket, endless possibilities: if you want to explore Oslo flexibly, load the 24-hour ticket into the Ruter app. This allows you to travel around the city by metro, bus and streetcar - and across the water by ferry. You can also explore the islands in the Oslofjord.
- Let there be light: in Oslo, it's best to plan your day according to the sun - and the time of year. In summer, the sun sets late, in winter it disappears early behind the rooftops. For a long walk in the cold season, it is best to set off at midday. And light-sensitive early sleepers should remember to pack a sleep mask in summer.
- Hotel, restaurant visits, drinks in the bar – a trip to Oslo can be quite expensive. If you want to go easy on your wallet, at least when it comes to snacks and drinks on the road, stock up at supermarkets such as Kiwi, Rema 1000 or Coop. However, you will look in vain for high-proof spirits. This is only available in the state-run Vinmonopolet stores.
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