The Thief Hotel is perched on the edge of the Tjuvholmen peninsula, whose name means “Thief” in Norwegian.
This area, once a refuge for smugglers and thieves, has transformed into one of Oslo’s most modern districts, celebrated for its architectural variety and numerous art installations. These are interspersed among the buildings and are accessible by a bridge linking to Aker Brygge.
Opened in January 2013 and designed by Mellbye Architects, the hotel stands as the sole Design Hotel in Norway and is a member of the Nordic Hotels & Resorts chain, owned by Forbes billionaire Petter Stordalen. It is located adjacent to the Astrup Fearnley Museum, which has collaborated with the hotel on their extensive art collection. Numerous galleries and shops are also located at the very tip of the island, nestled between the sculpture park and a quaint beach.
At The Thief, art and design take the spotlight, with Curator Sune Nordgren managing a remarkable collection that includes pieces by celebrated artists such as Antony Gormley, Damien Hirst, and Richard Prince. Upon entering the lobby, one is immediately drawn to an arresting work from Prince’s cowboy series. The area is bathed in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a tranquil haven for guests to relax and enjoy the artwork.
The 119 bedrooms allow you to wake up breath-taking views of the fjord and surrounding landscape. With muted colours of grey and brown and flashes of metallics complimented y the use of texture such as plush throws and fluffy rugs. There is also a desk, armchairs, coffee machine and kettle. Bathrobes and felt slippers designed by Scandinavian designer Maggie Wonka and Grown Alchemist toiletries. Apparatjik have curated vinyl music for in-room entertainment.
Breakfast is buffet style, and the restaurant offers dishes made with local produce including smoked fish by local artisan whose distinctive blue hut is the other side of the fjord and ingredients sourced from around Norway, including plenty of seafood.
The Thief Bar has a relaxed atmosphere with low-slung seating backed by a mirrored bar. It offers refreshing cocktails and from April to late autumn, a rooftop bar is open to guests, serving up grilled dishes and light summer meals and panoramic views of Oslofjord and the city skyline.
Other amenities include a spa, sauna and steam rooms, 40ft swimming pool and access to a bathing jetty and beach on the fjord. There are 12 adapted rooms with wheelchair access and sit-down showers and vibrating alarms under pillows for hearing impaired guests for fire alarms.
There are 12 adapted rooms with wheelchair access and sit-down showers, interconnecting rooms for families and groups and they even have vibrating alarms under the pillows to notify hearing-impaired guests of fire alarms.
The Thief Hotel promises an unforgettable stay on the shores of the Oslofjord. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, or a traveller seeking a unique escape, this boutique gem awaits you.