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Nordic tastemakers

My Nordics, as told by artist Ingrid Bredholt

An insider’s guide to the Nordics with Ingrid Bredholt

Ingrid Bredholt, together with Vaar Bothner, has reshaped the Nordic retail scene with Sorgenfri in Oslo. This innovative concept store combines retail, gallery and café, featuring a carefully curated selection of vintage and archived fashion, unique interior pieces and creations by Norwegian designers. Born in Oslo, Bredholt’s diverse background – spanning studies in Milan and artistic ventures in London, Barcelona and Antwerp – brings a rich, cosmopolitan influence to Sorgenfri. Bredholt’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout Sorgenfri, where each item reflects mindful production and artistic quality. Her multidisciplinary approach includes sculpture, installations and photography, blending art and design in compelling ways.

Here, she shares her favourite spots across the Nordic region, highlighting the places and experiences that inspire her creative journey.

Allas Sea Pool Helsinki Uusimaa Finland public sauna

“It’s a youthful and weird place with some dark undertones.

In the Nordics, my favourite country is …

Norway! It’s a youthful and weird place with some dark undertones. Yet, it remains a very happy, refreshing and optimistic nation. I believe the Norwegian art and design scene is entering an exciting new decade.

For a dose of urban pulse, I head to …

Copenhagen in Denmark, but since that’s a popular choice, I’ll pick Helsinki in the summer. I’ve only been to Finland’s capital once, but it really captured my attention. It’s a fascinating city with many niche stores, local bars, mini concerts and events.

Norway travel guide

“I love Scandinavian cottages … ”

For the perfect close-to-nature experience, I visit …

… one of the many natural areas within any city in the North. There are numerous opportunities to connect with nature in the Nordic countries. In Oslo, for instance, you can start walking from the city centre and reach the forest within 35 minutes. Alternatively, you can enjoy a sauna followed by a cold dip at the harbour.

For a memorable getaway, I check myself into …

… a private cottage. I love Scandinavian cottages, whether they’re by the sea, in the mountains or in the calm countryside. If you don’t know anyone who owns a cottage, you can find one to rent. Spending a weekend in a cottage in one of the Scandinavian countries is both calming and energising.

Stallen Oslo Norway restaurant
Stallen Oslo Norway restaurant

“Just start chatting with some locals at one of the bars in the area and follow their suggestions … ”

For a great meal, I go to …

… the restaurant Stallen in Oslo. It is a fantastic place for fine dining, with all food being seasonal and local. The restaurant is situated inside an old stable block where you can watch the chefs cook for you. If you have the opportunity to visit, you should try the full menu.

For a fun night out, I head to …

… St Hanshaugen in Oslo. Just start chatting with some locals at one of the bars in the area and follow their suggestions, such as walking towards Fredensborgveien, Møllergata and the Tullinløkka area.

Sorgenfri Oslo Norway concept store

“The goal is an atmosphere that is both inspiring and new, yet approachable.”

For a dose of retail therapy, I shop at …

… Sorgenfri. We work hard to create something unique at Sorgenfri and the Sorgenfri Apartment, something genuine and different. The goal is an atmosphere that is both inspiring and new, yet approachable. The collection consists of vintage and archived fashion and interior pieces combined with Sorgenfri’s own objects and work by Norwegian and Norway-based designers and artists. All items are unique or of very limited production, with a plant-based, sustainable focus.

For a dose of culture, I head to …

… Munch and Nasjonalmuseet, both in Oslo. I strongly recommend visiting both places. Even though they are immense buildings oozing culture and history, they feel welcoming and easy to visit.

Havens Kolonial Oslo Norway store review

“Tap water. Nothing tastes better.”

For a hidden gem, I recommend …

… Haven’s Kolonial. It’s a curated food store featuring small local and organic producers. Situated in a super cosy green square in one of Oslo’s most beautiful residential areas, it even has its own coffee shop serving coffee by Oslo’s roasters.

For me, a quintessential Nordic experience is …

… tap water. Nothing tastes better.

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