Lisa Fors Källström and James Fancourt round up some the best Nordic-themed shops and cafes in Berlin…
Berlin, as we know, is a multi-kulti city. Each district, or even Kiez, showcases a plethora of international cultures, whether its restaurants selling Thai, Spanish or Mexican food or independent shops specialising in French books, African antiques or Czech toys.
Amidst this cosmopolitan Smörgåsbord can be found a subtle but consistent spread of Nordic-themed outlets, ranging from cafes selling tasty fika (Swedish for when you drink something, usually coffee, and eat something sweet), galleries exhibiting works from Scandinavian artists, and homeware boutiques offering the best in Nordic interior design.
Below are some of our favourite spots around the city to get a “Nordic” fix…
Scandinavian Objects
This shop (and nearby showroom) located in Prenzlauer Berg is as beautifully designed as the objects it contains – which comes as no surprise once you have met Sten, a man who once studied furniture and design and clearly knows his stuff. Located on the handsome, cobbled Rykestrasse, the shop – as the name suggests – sells various things sourced from Scandinavian countries, ranging from Fjällräven backpacks to handmade wooden toys.
As well as the main shop, there is a newer showroom located nearby on Marienburgerstr, which is purely for displaying Scandinavian furniture. Not only is the furniture itself beautiful but Sten speaks of it all with such an intoxicating passion that you can’t help but gain a strong sense of appreciation for the work that goes into creating each piece.
Rykestr. 31, 10405 Berlin
Oslo Kaffebar
Oslo Kaffebar is a Norwegian-style coffee shop located in Mitte, owned and run by Kristian Moldskred from Norway and Steve Morris from Scotland. Oslo Kaffebar (situated near Nordbahnhof) offers great specialty coffee and home made cookies and cakes in a beautiful setting, with an interior blending a clean, modern style with lots of natural wood to give that Scandinavian feel. It also has the bonus of a small vinyl shop in the back of the café.
Oslo Kaffebar, Eichendorffstraße 13, 10115 Berlin