The only place to buy alcohol - literally

Word to the wise: The staff at Vinmonopolet have a genuine interest in wine, so feel free to ask for recommendations.

Word to the wise: In an effort to limit Norwegians' alcohol intake even further, the stores close inconveniently early – normally 6pm on weekdays and 3pm on Saturdays.

If you want to buy wines, strong beers and spirits to drink at home, this is the only one place you can legally do so. The state-owned Vinmonopolet chain, as its name suggests, has had the exclusive right to sell strong alcoholic drinks in Norway since 1922.


It has a number of branches in Oslo, the biggest of which is in the House of Oslo shopping centre. All its stores have a vast selection of bottles from across the globe, from Norwegian craft beer to bank-breaking vintage Bordeaux.