How long does it take to walk the Harry Hole route?

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes depending on your pace. This allows for about 10-15 minutes at each of the 6 major stops, plus transit time between Grønland and Bislett.

Is Restaurant Schrøder a real place you can visit?

Yes, Restaurant Schrøder is a real, functioning pub and restaurant located at Waldemar Thranes gate 8. It has been open since 1956 and is famous for serving traditional Norwegian food and being the primary haunt of fictional detective Harry Hole.

Can I see Harry Hole's apartment on this walk?

While not a formal stop on this specific route, Harry's fictional apartment at Sofies gate 5 is only a 2-minute walk from Restaurant Schrøder. Many visitors add it as a quick detour to see the doorbell labeled 'Hole'.

Is this walking tour Oslo experience suitable for families?

The walk is physically easy and safe, but the themes are based on adult crime fiction. Families may enjoy the architecture and Bislett Stadium, but the narrative focus is on the 'Nordic Noir' genre.

What is the best time of day to do this Harry Hole walk?

Late afternoon is ideal, as it allows you to see the landmarks in daylight and finish at Restaurant Schrøder just as the evening atmosphere begins to pick up, mirroring the mood of the books.

Do I need tickets for any of the stops?

No tickets are required for the exterior of the stops. Access to the indoor track at Bislett Stadium is usually free during public hours, and Restaurant Schrøder is a public establishment where you can simply walk in.

How difficult is the walk from Grønland to Bislett?

The difficulty is moderate. There is a gradual uphill climb as you move from the lower Grønland area toward the higher St. Hanshaugen and Bislett neighborhoods, but the streets are well-paved.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the shadowy, atmospheric world of Jo Nesbø’s legendary detective on this self-guided walk through the heart of Oslo. The 'Nordic Noir' phenomenon has transformed the city into a playground for fans of Harry Hole, the flawed, brilliant, and deeply human protagonist of one of crime fiction's most successful series. This walking route takes you beyond the usual tourist traps and into the gritty yet captivating neighborhoods where Harry lives, works, and drinks. From the stark corridors of the police headquarters to the wood-paneled nostalgia of his favorite pub, you will explore the physical spaces that define the character's psyche. Begin your self-guided adventure in the Grønland district, where the imposing police station serves as the center of Harry’s professional universe. As you move toward the Bislett neighborhood, the vibe shifts from urban grit to a more established, residential feel—though the shadows of Nesbø’s imagination are never far away. You will see the sites of pivotal scenes from novels like 'The Snowman' and 'The Redbreast,' including the iconic Restaurant Schrøder, which remains virtually unchanged since the mid-20th century. This neighborhood stroll is not just for book lovers; it is an excellent way to see the authentic, everyday side of the Norwegian capital. Discover at your own pace how the architecture of Oslo—from the Neo-Gothic spires of St. Olav's to the brutalist lines of Bislett Stadium—reflects the tensions of the stories. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the books or simply interested in a unique walking tour Oslo experience, this route offers a fascinating perspective on the city's literary heritage. Explore independently and find out why this corner of the world has become the capital of modern suspense.

Highlights

The Grønland Police Station, Harry's professional home

St. Olav's Catholic Cathedral's stunning architecture

Restaurant Schrøder, the legendary pub where Harry always has a table

The iconic Bislett Stadium and its unique indoor training track

A deep dive into the 'Nordic Noir' atmosphere of the Bislett neighborhood

Tour Stops (6)

Grønland Police Station

Start exploring with Zigway at the Grønland Police Station, or Politihuset. In Jo Nesbø’s novels, this is where Harry Hole spends his long nights obsessing over cold cases. The building itself is a prime example of Norwegian functionalism, completed in 1978. While the interior is off-limits to the public, the exterior sets the tone for the entire series: stern, efficient, and slightly intimidating. It is here that Harry clashes with his superiors and works alongside colleagues like Beate Lønn and Katrine Bratt. The surrounding Grønland area is one of Oslo’s most diverse neighborhoods, providing the multi-cultural, high-energy backdrop that Nesbø often uses to ground his stories in a modern, complex reality.

St. Olav's Catholic Cathedral

As you move toward the city center, you arrive at St. Olav's Catholic Cathedral. This Neo-Gothic church, consecrated in 1856, stands as a quiet sentinel in a predominantly Lutheran country. In the world of Harry Hole, religious imagery and the concept of sin are recurring themes. Harry himself is often portrayed as a man seeking some form of redemption, even if he doesn't find it in a pew. The cathedral's red-brick facade and pointed arches offer a sharp architectural contrast to the modern police station you just left. It’s a place of silence and reflection, mirroring the internal moments of pause Harry experiences between the chaos of his investigations.

St. Bar

Before heading deep into Harry’s home turf of Bislett, we pass St. Bar. While Restaurant Schrøder is his primary 'living room,' St. Bar represents the local, low-key drinking culture of Oslo. In the books, Harry is known for his battles with the bottle, and places like this serve as the setting for his more solitary, introspective moments. The bar has a relaxed, unpretentious vibe that is characteristic of the St. Hanshaugen and Bislett area. It’s the kind of place where a detective could easily blend into the background, nursing a Jim Beam while watching the world go by through the window, unnoticed by the locals.

Restaurant Schrøder

Welcome to the holy grail for any Harry Hole fan. Restaurant Schrøder has been a fixture of the Bislett neighborhood since 1956, and remarkably little has changed. With its dark wood paneling, white tablecloths, and murals of old Oslo, it feels like stepping back in time. In the novels, Harry has a permanent reserved table in the corner where he eats his 'brown food'—traditional Norwegian dishes—and drinks his beer. Jo Nesbø himself is a frequent guest here, often seen writing at one of the tables. If you need a break, this is the perfect spot to stop for a coffee or a meal and soak in the authentic Nordic Noir atmosphere.

Bislett Stadion

Just a short walk from Schrøder is Bislett Stadium, a temple of Norwegian athletics. While Harry isn't exactly a star athlete, the stadium is a landmark he passes daily. This venue is world-famous for the 'Bislett Games' and has seen more world records broken than almost any other track in the world. The current structure, completed in 2005, replaced the historic 1922 stadium but kept its iconic rounded shape. For Harry, the stadium represents the physical heart of his neighborhood—a place of public triumph that stands in contrast to the private tragedies he investigates. The roar of the crowd during events can be heard from Harry’s apartment nearby on Sofies gate.

Indoor track at Bislett Stadium

Beneath the main stands of Bislett Stadium lies a hidden gem: an 546-meter indoor running track. This underground loop is where locals come to train during the long, dark Norwegian winters. In the context of a Harry Hole walking route, the indoor track symbolizes the hidden, subterranean world that exists beneath the surface of the city—a recurring motif in crime fiction. The track is open to the public and offers a unique perspective on how Oslo residents stay active year-round. It is a fitting end to our walk, representing the stamina and grit required of both the detective and the city he protects.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Harry Hole walking route through Grønland and Bislett is widely considered the best for crime fiction fans. It covers approximately 3 kilometers of locations mentioned in Jo Nesbø's famous series, including the detective's favorite pub, Restaurant Schrøder.