Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shopping Tour
Norway has a centuries-old tradition of crafts, which undoubtedly devel-
oped to help people pass the time during the cold, dark winters when farm
families were more or less housebound for months. Some of the major
crafts were woodcarving, weaving, and embroidery, and these skills live on
today at many local artist and crafts centers. Some of the best areas include
Hardanger (around the Hardangerfjord, near Bergen); Song (just north of
the Sognefjord, also near Bergen); and Telemark (the district around Skien,
within a day's drive from Oslo). For a true, behind-the scenes look at Nor-
way, Five Stars of Scandinavia, 13104 Thomas Rd., KPN, Gig Harbor, WA
98329 ( & 800/722-4126; 5stars-of-scandinavia.com), will set up a self-
guided tour for you, factoring in everything they know about local artisans.
Finds
GLASSWARE & CERAMICS
Prydkunst-Hjertholm One of the leading outlets for glassware and
ceramics purchases much of its merchandise directly from the artisans' studios.
The quality goods include glass, ceramics, pewter, wood, and textiles. Gift arti-
cles and souvenirs are also available. Olav Kyrres Gate 7. & 55-31-70-27.
Tibords Interiør Bergen Storsenter This outlet has Bergen's best and most
extensive collection of glassware, porcelain, and pottery. All the big names are
here, including Arabia from Finland or Kosta Boda from Sweden, and even
Wedgwood from England. Still, this is a true showcase of Scandinavian design.
Much of the merchandise is made by local artisans, and the glass, ceramics, and
pottery are of the highest quality. You'll want to pull up a big truck to the store.
The price tags will restrain you, however. Torgallmenningen 8. & 55-55-33-41.
HANDCRAFTS
In and around Bryggen Brukskunst , the restored Old Town near the
wharf, many craftspeople have taken over old houses and ply ancient Norwegian
trades. Crafts boutiques often display Bergen souvenirs, many based on designs
300 to 1,500 years old. For example, we purchased a reproduction of a
Romanesque-style cruciform pilgrim's badge. Other attractive items are likely to
include sheepskin-lined booties and exquisitely styled hand-woven wool dresses.
Husfliden Since 1895 Husfliden has been the premier name in Norwe-
gian handcrafts. Top-quality merchandise is sold here, especially hand-woven
textiles. The Norwegian sweaters are the best in town, and there is even a depart-
ment for national costumes as well. Many items such as iron bowls and candle-
sticks are for table settings. Handmade pewter, wooden bowls, hand-woven
rugs, and fireplace bellows are other useful items. Well-made, quality wooden
toys are also sold here. Vagsallmenningen 3. & 55-54-47-40.
JEWELRY
Juhls' Silver Gallery Next to the SAS Royal Hotel, along the har-
borfront, Juhls' displays the town's most unusual selection of quality jewelry. The
designers take for their inspiration the constantly changing weather of the far
north, and, in their words, provide “a cultural oasis in a desert of snow.” Bryggen.
& 55-32-47-40.
Finds
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