Bookshops: culture meets nature and local cuisine

Another must-see experience is at Deichman Bjørvika, the largest and most important public library in Norway, built in a very special architectural structure opposite the Opera House. On the top floor is the Silent Room of Future Library, a project conceived by Scottish artist Katie Paterson that combines culture and sustainability and comes to life with the planting (in 2014) of 1,000 Norwegian spruce trees in the Nordmanka town green area. Its peculiarity is that it houses books by authors from different countries that for 100 years will be produced (one per year until 2114) only with paper derived from the same trees. Inside the "room", made entirely of wood, one breathes in the essence and depth of this project, outside one experiences the spaces of a library with thousands and thousands of volumes that is transformed into a meeting place for young people, families and tourists of all ages. With free access, the National Library is also a must-see: located in one of the most important and historic buildings (it dates back to 1914) in the Norwegian capital, the library holds the largest collection of maps in Northern Europe, including the first map of the world in which Norway appears drawn, dated 1492, and hosts permanent exhibitions and temporary shows. Inside, in addition to a wine cellar offering dishes and fresh baked goods inspired by the local cuisine, is the Credo restaurant, run by Michelin-starred chef Heidi Bjerkan: at the tables or directly at the counter overlooking the kitchen, one can enjoy a tasting session of traditional Norwegian delicacies (raw fish in particular) accompanied by French champagne and wines from all over Europe.