Christian Holler was born and raised in the Norwegian capital. He works for the agency-giant Blender who handle sales in Scandinavia for (amongst others) Common Projects, A.P.C. and Arc’teryx Veilance. Christian’s main focus however, is on Italian shoemakers Diemme. He handles the international sales of this brand but is also responsible for product development and brand building. Outside of work, Christian is a smiling and generous family man who likes peace and quiet in his Oslo home. We asked him a few questions about the city he lives in and where he thinks one should go when visiting Oslo.
"I've travelled all over the world due to different jobs, so even though Oslo isn't the coolest or most excting place on earth (yet), it's a nice contrast to my otherwise hectic life."
Tell us a bit about how long you’ve lived in Oslo, how come you picked the city and where in the city do you live?
I was born in Oslo, thirty years ago. At the moment I live ten minutes outside the city centre in an area called Bestum, with my girlfriend and our two daughters. We have the pleasures of having a small garden in a great family friendly neighbourhood and nice trails and water close by, but also the city and its metropolitan vibe is close as well. For the past ten years, I've travelled all over the world due to different jobs, so even though Oslo isn't the coolest or most excting place on earth (yet), it's a nice contrast to my otherwise hectic life. I've lived several places within the city, but never moved to other parts of Norway. I love to travel around the majestic Norwegian landscape, but could never see myself living anywhere else here, or in Scandinavia for that matter. If I'm taking the family and moving we're going to sunny California or something like that.
Give us your three favourite places. Could be anything - whatever you think we should know about!
Oslo has several amazing coffee shops, that all do their own roasting - but at the moment my go-to for that silky smooth espresso or a refill of Ethiopian beans for my AeroPress, has to be Supreme Roastworks
Since I travel so much and get to enjoy amazing dinners with friends in the business, I rarely find the time to go out when I'm back home in Oslo, as, when there, I want to spend the most of my time with my kids & wife. Luckily, I have good friends that are more updated than me on the local scene. There has been a rapid growth of great bars in Oslo in the last couple of years. Being the beer-lover that I am, I tend to end up somewhere I can get a good "snitt" (2dl small glass - keeps it cold and fresh since you drink it faster!) , and Oslo Velo is a great place to visit if that is your thing.
I'm a real sucker for authentic Italian pizza - which works quite well with my occupation. So, when I'm not in Asolo I get my fix at Lofthus Samvirkerlag, at their Tranen location. Try the reindeer carpaccio pizza!
We’ll be sure to follow Christian’s advice next time we’re in Oslo. It suddenly makes so much sense to have reindeer as a pizza topping when in Oslo!