Nordic tastemakers
My Nordics, as told by designer Ali Gallefoss
An insider’s guide to the Nordics with Ali Gallefoss
Ali Gallefoss is a dynamic figure in Norwegian design, known for blending artistic expression with functional elements. Starting out as a luxury fashion buyer in Bergen, he shifted to furniture and spatial design. His intuitive, material-focused approach draws on stone, clay and metal, experimenting with textures and forms that feel both grounded and free-flowing. Gallefoss’s work reflects Norwegian nature and mythology, using organic shapes and raw processes that lend a tactile, unfinished quality to his designs. This distinctive style has attracted collaborations with Holzweiler and Snøhetta, including an installation at Dover Street Market in Beijing.
In this article, Gallefoss shares some of his top Nordic picks – from design-forward retail spaces to hidden culinary gems – that influence his creative perspective.
Top Photography courtesy of Fred Arthun
“You get diversity – from pointy mountains in the north to long, flat fields in the east.”
In the Nordics, my favourite country is …
… Norway because it has an infinite coastline and beautiful mountains. You get diversity – from pointy mountains in the north to long, flat fields in the east.
For a dose of urban pulse, I head to …
… Copenhagen. Why? Reason one: it has the charm and quality of a small city. Reason two: the food. Reason three: the beautifully, effortlessly well-dressed people. Reason four: the quality and variety of architecture, along with the design deeply embedded in their culture.
Photography courtesy of Copenhagen Fashion Week
“To be honest, I don’t have many ‘close-to-nature experiences’ myself.”
For the perfect close-to-nature experience, I visit …
… well, I’m not sure about this one. To be honest, I don’t have many ‘close-to-nature experiences’ myself. I live through my active friends, who I see running in the forests outside Oslo and ice bathing in the fjords.
For a memorable getaway, I check myself into …
… Juvet, the landscape hotel in the Møre og Romsdal region of Norway. It’s been on my list for a long time. It’s more of a cabin experience and feels like being part of nature while you stay there.
Photography courtesy of Juvet
“ … if I’ve got some youthful energy left, I might stop by Villa Dans Club or Gehör.”
For a great meal, I go to …
… Hrimnir – a ramen restaurant that’s easily the best in Oslo. I love eating out, especially Chinese and Japanese food, and I always order the Spicy Miso. If you want a cheap and great meal in Oslo, you should visit Bente, where you can get everything from a hamburger to oysters.
For a fun night out, I head to …
… Becco, Cafe August or maybe Grotto to start. Becco is probably one of the nicest wine bars in Oslo, with an interior filled with art and antiques, where every detail has been carefully thought through by Are Mokkelbost. From there, I might move on to Rouleur or Merkur, and if I’ve got some youthful energy left, I might stop by Villa Dans Club or Gehör.
Photography courtesy of Becco
“[F5 is] always worth a visit to catch up on the latest in Norwegian fashion.”
For a dose of retail therapy, I shop at …
… Ettresex, Nitty Gritty and Paul & Friends in Stockholm, Dapper in Oslo – a menswear multibrand store that also doubles as a café and bar, offering everything from Roa hiking gear to new Norwegian brands like Sela 1313 – and the Henrik Vibskov Boutique in Copenhagen. In Oslo, Kollekted By is where I go for furniture, while Sorgenfri is both a bar and an art and design dealer. F5 is another favourite; it’s a clothing store and café focused on Norwegian brands, and always worth a visit to catch up on the latest in Norwegian fashion.
For a dose of culture, I head to …
… various museums and galleries. I’d recommend visiting the new Nasjonalmuseet in Oslo, along with the Vigeland Museum and Vigeland Park. For galleries, Tableau and Etage are must-visits when I’m in Copenhagen and I always stop by Nevven in Gothenburg. In Oslo, some favourites are Oslo Contemporary, Astrup Fearnley, Format Gallery and QB Gallery.
Photography courtesy of F5 and Nevven
“It’s not so hidden anymore, but it’s fire.”
For a hidden gem, I recommend …
… Szechuan Chengdu Restaurant. It’s not so hidden anymore, but it’s fire. I live in Gamlebyen in Oslo, and when I wake up, I can smell the roasted coffee throughout my neighbourhood, which leads me to Fuglen. It has a minimalistic interior with a mix of concrete, wood and leather.
For me, a quintessential Nordic experience is …
Photography courtesy of Fuglen
Share this
Book your stay
Stay in the know
Sign up for the latest hotspot news from the Nordics.
Bespoke partnerships
Before you book: the must-read guide to Norwegian fjord cruises
Editors’ picks
Insider guides
