If there is one place that perfectly shows what Oslo’s sustainable development looks like, it is the Vulkan area. What was once a giant of heavy industry on the Akerselva river is now an innovative, almost energy self-sufficient centre of local youth culture, green projects, and a midpoint of Oslo’s vivid underground scene.
Why is Vulkan called Oslo’s sustainable laboratory?
Like a phoenix from the ashes. Thanks to innovative, eco-friendly architectural revitalisation, Vulkan became a full-scale example of Oslo’s sustainable urban development. The massive revitalisation that took place from 2004 to 2014 was meant to be the pioneer project of Oslo’s sustainable development testing. The area is home to Norway’s first energy A-class hotel, Scandic Vulkan, and an office building whose facade is entirely made of a solar heating system. The whole area has its own local energy centre with geothermal wells 300 metres deep, and it is now almost self-sufficient when it comes to heating and cooling.
Mathallen
Mathallen, a project inspired by European food halls, is Oslo’s first joint venue for speciality shops, cafés and quality restaurants, as well as festivals and events. It is a great place to relax and satisfy your inner culinary child with all kinds of delicacies made from ingredients from the best Norwegian suppliers and distributors, plus some high-quality imported goods.
Maybe you would like to experience something special? Join our Grünerløkka Food Tour through this neighbourhood, or contact us to arrange special culinary cooking lessons where you learn to prepare the most exclusive Norwegian food with local professional chefs.
The Vulkan beehive
When you turn your eyes from Mathallen towards the roof of Dansens Hus, you will spot two wooden, honeycomb-shaped sculptures, one of Vulkan’s most impressive symbols. The installation was made in 2014 by Snøhetta architects, and the purpose of these two massive, honey-coloured wonders is to teach visitors about how to contribute to the environment and about the importance of bees. The Vulkan beehive is part of Oslo’s bee highway initiative, a project created to bring more bees into the city. And the green, flowery area around Vulkan is a paradise for these little buzz-balls!
Smeltverket
If you enjoy exploring nightlife, you definitely cannot miss Smeltverket, Scandinavia’s longest bar, placed on the edge of Mathallen right alongside the Akerselva river. In fact, its ground level is almost at the same level as the river, so you can feel a true connection with the wild water. No wonder locals love to hang out here!
And Smeltverket knows how to treat its customers. Besides great food and a large selection of local beers on tap, the place hosts poetry events, singing sessions, concerts and quizzes.
Everybody is welcome in Vulkan
Do you want to see this place live? Then take the chance and join one of our tours together with other curious visitors, or contact us for a custom-made plan built especially for you. Explore Oslo as locals do, and we guarantee you will wish to come back to this place, just like we do.