Oslo is not Berlin or London, but the dark scene here is small, warm and very much alive. Here are the places I recommend when someone asks me where to go in black, whether you live here or are just visiting.
Revolver: goth nights and concerts
Revolver at Møllergata 32 in the city centre is a small bar and concert venue that has become a home for the darker side of Oslo. Batplanet arranges goth, darkwave and post-punk concerts and DJ nights there, with both Norwegian and international bands. It is intimate, sweaty in the best way, and full of people who dress up. Check Revolver’s and Batplanet’s event listings for upcoming nights. Remember ID, as there is an age limit.
What to wear: a corset belt over a black dress is never wrong. The Rosarium Corset Belt or anything from Harnesses & Belts works well under the low, dark lights.
Søndagsmarkedet by Blå
Every Sunday from 12 to 17, the market at Brenneriveien 9, by Blå and along the Akerselva river at Grünerløkka, fills up with artists, designers, craftspeople and vintage sellers. It has been running since 2001 and is now called Søndagsmarkedet i Ingensgate, though most of us still call it the Blå market. It is small and cosy: jewellery, ceramics, art, vintage clothes, and waffles. Perfect for a slow Sunday and a good place to find one-of-a-kind pieces.
Inferno Metal Festival: black Easter
Since 2001, Inferno Metal Festival has made Easter in Oslo a little darker. Four days of extreme metal, with the main stages at Rockefeller and John Dee in Torggata 16, plus club concerts, a music conference, a metal market and more. In 2027 the festival runs from 25 to 28 March. The age limit is 18. See infernofestival.no for lineup and tickets.
Inferno is a great excuse to go all in. A chainmaille headpiece like The Widow’s Veil or chainmaille earrings will get you noticed in any crowd.
Tons of Rock: summer at Ekebergsletta
Tons of Rock is Norway’s biggest rock and metal festival, held on Ekebergsletta high above the city. In 2027 it runs from 23 to 26 June. It is outdoors, it is summer, and it can rain, so plan for both sun and showers. A good bag for the essentials makes the day much easier.
Festival tip: leave your hands free with a backpack like the Obsidian Moth Backpack, or go for the Dark Altar Shoulder Bag with its detachable strap.
Where to find Kult Archive
Kult Archive is an online shop, but I love meeting you in person. Kult Archive pops up at markets around Oslo, where you can try on belts and see the chainmaille up close.
The easiest way to know where I will be next is to follow @kult_archive on Instagram. I post market dates, new arrivals and styling there. You can also reach me at hello@kultarchive.no.
Can't make it to a market? Shipping in Norway is 79 kr, free from 1,599 kr, and you have 14 days' right of withdrawal. And if you're buying for someone else, there is always the gift card.
See you out there in the dark.
Andrea, Kult Archive
Cover photo: "Hold back the night" by Bernt Sønvisen, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
