Cappelens Forslag bookshop

Owner was really friendly, and let me stay in the store to read. The shop itself was small but jam-packed with books, with both old and new books alike. There was a big cushy sofa with a small coffee table, as well as a chair and desk for visitors to read in. While I was there, the owner put on music on the vinyl player, creating a warm and comfortable reading atmosphere, and it was such a huge and welcome difference from the more commercial, almost sterile environments that modern bookstores have. Highly recommended if you're someone who likes to read or explore hidden gems. (PS. don't lick the books unless you're planning on buying them!)

We had read about this one of a kind bookstore in a travel guide and, loving books, we went by. Walk to walk books, mostly in English. Large selection of first edition and rare books. The best part? Talk to the owners. One was up all night working in translating a book into English and sought advice. Unique shop for book lovers. Get coffee. Sit on the sofa. Chat. Take in the local vibe.

I rarely leave negative reviews, but after visiting Cappelens Forslag I felt compelled to share my experience. I contacted them via SMS about some donated academic books and asked about the price. When I questioned whether 250–500 NOK wasn’t close to new price for used books, I was met in the store by a visibly irritated and almost aggressive Pil Cappelen Smith. He accused me of being rude and had a confrontational tone. I tried to explain it was a misunderstanding – I thought they were regular used books, not collectibles. I’m not a collector, just someone doing research. He made bitter gestures, asked if I even knew what kind of place this was, and explained the books were donated to support the store financially – something I wasn’t aware of. It ended with him telling me I didn’t need to buy anything, as in telling me to leave. I walked out shaky, quite shocked by the hostility over a simple misunderstanding.

Old-time feel, fantastic bookstore with the true soul - hidden gem worth visit and support; long live independent bookstores!

Cozy and intimate bookstore with personality. The owner was lovely and took the time to answer our questions and added interesting explanations about the book, the author and even the old Norwegian language the book was written in. If you love books that place is definitely worth visiting.

Undoubtedly my favourite bookshop in Oslo, it's an excellent place to hang out, browse, read, write and buy books. As well as a bookshop, they often host events and music here. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and interested. Can't recommend highly enough!

Beautiful small book shop, Very good choice, good hints by the owner and a good cup of coffee are included. Must see in Oslo.

Truly in the world of paperbacks and less and less people are smoking or reading books or thinking about what's best for us all collectively, this sweet and charming chamber of a book store has more or less everything the big book selling franchises doesnt have, if you ask for Blake, they got Blake, ask for Peter Singer, Gerad Gysin, Gregory Corso, Arabian Nights, or just about anything not on the current top reads list, they got more than what it looks like a store this small can posibly have, french translation of Maya Angelou. It's all here. The staff also has a personal connection to books and a brilliant memory as so many titles it doesn't take long to find it in the shelves that reach the ceiling. A well worth trip if you're visiting one book store in the entire country of Norway. Prices are also better than you'd think in the central of this expensive city.