Oslo, Norway

The Thief

The Nordics • Stay • The Thief in Oslo, Norway

What’s the hotel in a nutshell?

Oslo’s waterfront district Tjuvholmen, also known as Thief Islet, has since 2013 been the home of one the city’s hippest hotels, The Thief. The nine-storey hotel created by philanthropy-minded hotelier Petter A Stordalen, and built by Mellbye Architects, is surrounded by art galleries, swanky eateries and cool cocktail bars in an area of the Norwegian capital historically frequented by bandits and outlaws.

What are the rooms like?

Interior designer Anemone Wille Våge was inspired by Riva yachts and French designer Jean-Michel Frank in the juxtaposing of shadows and light in each of The Thief’s 119 rooms and suites. All rooms, including standard rooms, feature floor to ceiling windows and private balconies with views of the Oslo bay. The hotel’s most impressive accommodation is the 94 square metre Oslo penthouse suite, with its own rooftop terrace and original artwork by British pop artist Peter Blake.

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What else?

The hotel’s art curator Sune Nordgren has instigated a collaboration with neighbouring Astrup Fearnley Museum of Contemporary Art, allowing the concept of the art hotel to reach a whole new level by including original pieces by Andy Warhol, Fiona Banner and Richard Prince in the hotel’s public spaces. Take the elevator down to Thief Spa, an intimate sanctuary inspired by Norwegian nature – slate, the sea and Nordic light. At the restaurant, executive head chef Tim Wanless prepares local produce using traditional French techniques. There is also a rooftop grill for alfresco dining, a rooftop bar, a cocktail bar and a Riva boat for private cruises on the Oslo fjord.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

The seafront districts of Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen are located side by side and connected by a bridge. Known for their diverse contemporary architecture and art installations, the neighbourhoods come alive in the evenings as the boardwalks fill up with people enjoying a night out at one of the many bars or restaurants. There are also numerous art galleries on Tjuvholmen, as well as the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art by architect Renzo Piano, which is situated at the outermost tip of the island, between a sculpture park and a small beach.

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