In a bold and unconventional move, Oslo, the capital of Norway, has captured global attention with a tourism campaign that seems to defy logic. Instead of showcasing its breathtaking fjords, rich Viking history, or vibrant cultural scene, Oslo’s latest ad bluntly declares, “I wouldn’t come here.”
This unexpected approach has sparked a wave of curiosity and amusement across social media, quickly turning the campaign into a viral sensation. The ad features quirky scenes from everyday Oslo life, narrated with deadpan humour by local resident “Halfdan” (portrayed by actor Bendik Aunan).
Yes, Oslo is Norway’s capital, but for Halfdan, it feels more like a small town: “You can just walk from one side of town to the other in like 30 minutes—try that in New York or Paris.”
During a museum visit, Halfdan wryly observes, “If you don’t have to stand in line for a couple of hours, is it even worth seeing?” Standing in front of Edvard Munch’s famous painting, The Scream, he remarks that it’s “not exactly the Mona Lisa.”
He even pokes fun at Oslo’s dining scene, complaining, “Sometimes I just walk right in off the street and get a table, and I’m not even famous. I mean what does that tell you?”
It’s a refreshing contrast to the usual glossy, picture-perfect tourism ads. In the end, Oslo’s odd tourism ad has done exactly what it set out to do: it got people talking. And for a city that prides itself on being a bit different, that’s a win. So, while the ad may say, “I wouldn’t come here,” it seems that many people now can’t wait to do just that.
