Basarhallene, Oslo

Basarhallene, Oslo

Renowned for showcasing Norwegian handicrafts, including the celebrated Nordic sweaters, glassware, ceramics, jewelry, silverware, and art, Basarhallene (the bazaar halls) is particularly noteworthy. During the summer months, Basarhallene plays host to a highly popular outdoor arts and crafts fair. The locale is further adorned with charming cafes, where, on warm days, diners can enjoy meals at tables set beneath the shade of trees surrounding a fountain. Notably, Baltazar, with a focus on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, stands as one of the most favored restaurants in the vicinity.

Architecturally, the bazaar buildings form a continuous enclave that embraces three sides of the quarter encompassing Oslo Cathedral. The structures feature untreated red brick facades and were conceived in the style of Romanesque Revival architecture by Christian Heinrich Grosch, who served as the city's principal architect, planning engineer, and building inspector. Originally constructed to house butcher stalls catering to the adjacent market at Stortorvet, the buildings' design was extended in a semicircular pattern to the east of the church due to increased demand, resulting in a total of over 50 stalls.

Over the years, there were several instances when the structures were considered for demolition in the pursuit of enhancing the aesthetics of Oslo Cathedral. In 1927, however, the Oslo City Council voted against their demolition, influenced by the viewpoints of architect Harald Hals, who held the position of chief city planner. Presently, the bazaar halls enjoy the status of a protected site, safeguarding their historical and architectural significance.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oslo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Basarhallene on Map

Sight Name: Basarhallene
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Shopping

Walking Tours in Oslo, Norway

Create Your Own Walk in Oslo

Create Your Own Walk in Oslo

Creating your own self-guided walk in Oslo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Grunerlokka Walking Tour

Grunerlokka Walking Tour

Formerly a working-class area of Oslo, Grunerlokka is one of the capital’s hippest neighborhoods. This district is named after Friedrich Gruner, the former chief administrator of the city in the late 1600s. Today's Grunerlokka is a fusion of Norwegian and foreign cultures, owing it largely to the late 20th-century gentrification process.

Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Oslo Introduction Walking Tour

Oslo Introduction Walking Tour

Oslo is the capital of Norway. The name "Oslo" means the field below the hill or the field of the Gods. The city's ancient roots can be traced as far back as the year 1000. Back then, the area was known as Viken. By 1300, it had a population of about 3,000 residents. Around that time, King Haakon V ordered the construction of the Akershus Fortress which today is a major city...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Old Oslo Walking Tour

Old Oslo Walking Tour

The historic Old Town of Oslo is the oldest part of the city which dates back to the days of medieval Norway. This urban area emerged around the year 1000 and became the capital of Norway's dominion (within the Dano-Norwegian Realm) around 1300. The Old Town district continued to be known as Oslo, while the whole city was called Christiania, until 1925.

One of its prominent landmarks is...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour

Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour

Oslo's Museum District, located on the Bygdoy Peninsula, is home to some of the most visited museums in the city. Repositories of precious artifacts from Norway’s history, these remarkable institutions collectively represent a treasure trove for those keen on exploring this northerly nation's past.

One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour

Historical Churches Walking Tour

Oslo's religious landscape, particularly within the Christian tradition, is a captivating tapestry interwoven with history, faith, and architectural elegance. The city boasts a collection of historical churches reflecting the evolution of local Christian communities. Diverse in their designs, these sacred sites offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted religious traditions that have shaped Oslo...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Traveler's Choice: 15 Norwegian Gifts from Oslo

Traveler's Choice: 15 Norwegian Gifts from Oslo

The Norwegians are strict about gift making and believe that each gift must be equaled with a return one. For this reason, public holidays and birthdays are a very serious business in Norway, with everyone making and receiving gifts. In the spirit of this tradition, you might want to treat your dear...