Scandic Vulkan

Pros  

• Enjoy a prime location in the Brooklynesque neighborhood of Oslo, steps from Michelin-starred restaurants and an indoor food hall.
• Rooms have contemporary decor and big windows, while superior rooms have more space and amenities.
• A comfortable lobby area is a chill spot for sipping drinks, while the onsite restaurant is a local favorite for pizzas.
• Guests have access to a small fitness center and riverside jogging paths.

Cons

• The lobby decor and furnishings show some wear and tear and could use a refresh.
• Couples might find the standard rooms a bit snug in size and may want to consider upgrading to a superior room.

Additional Notes From Lilly

The Scandic Vulkan looked like any corporate hotel from afar, but when I got a little closer, I noticed members of what appeared to be an alternative rock band waiting at the turnaround entrance to get a taxi to the airport. This band likely had a gig the night before at the next-door venue, giving me an instant taste of the area’s hipster vibe, and reminding me of Brooklyn. The vibe continues in the lobby, which has cushy, if not well-worn, furniture and candles flickering where you can sip coffee or—later in the day—a beer. It’s not all about leisure guests here: The modern meeting spaces on the lower level bring a business crowd during the week, while the Italian restaurant draws locals for dinner. 

Authenticity

Though the hotel is a corporate brand, the Scandic Vulkan has a distinct vibe thanks to its local surroundings and approachable common spaces that tend to draw a younger crowd (whether they are staying there or not). Modern rooms are clean and simple with comfortable beds and work desks, though guests will likely want to get out and explore—or at the very least head to the onsite trendy restaurant and check out the scene. 

Location

As its name suggests, the hotel is located in the heart of Oslo’s hip Vulkan area, just a short walk from the artsy Grünerløkka neighborhood and Akerselva river walk. Right next door is Mathallen, a spacious indoor food mecca with various eateries and vendors selling local Norwegian products—great for souvenirs. There’s also an intimate concert venue next door called Vulkan Arena pulling in significant acts, and several more independent eateries, shops, and restaurants—some that are Michelin-starred—in the vicinity. If that’s not enough, it’s only a 20- to 30-minute walk to get to Oslo Central station and the heart of the city center. If you have a car, you can park for a fee in the underground garage across from the hotel or hunt for street parking. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

With 180 rooms on nine floors accessed via two elevators, the hotel is bigger than it may look at the onset. All room categories have wood-style floors and blackout curtains (important during white nights), along with contemporary furnishings. Bathrooms have walk-in showers with a few Scandinavian bath products in eco-friendly pumps (though no conditioner). Superior rooms are located on the upper floors for better views and have a bit more space and additional bath products like body lotion and conditioner. Families can opt for the spacious studio suites on the top floor that can sleep three or four guests.

Other Highlights

A large breakfast buffet is served daily for guests, free of charge. The onsite restaurant serves quality Italian fare in a large space decorated in chic industrial decor with an open layout to see the kitchen action. During warmer months, guests can opt for outdoor seating facing the food hall. There’s a small fitness center or the front desk staff can point you to various running paths along the Akerselva river. 

Sustainability

The hotel has a Nordic Swan Ecolabel and works to reduce its environmental impact. Along with eco-friendly bath products, guests are encouraged to reuse their linens and drink tap water.