The Thief has opened in Oslo, Norway and with it has come all manner of interest. Formerly an 18th-century prisoner colony, the building was renovated into an impressive collection of art galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants all as part of the lavish and uncompromisingly modern waterfront hotel, the first of its kind in Norway.

Sure we’ve heard of former jails turning into hotels (see Boston's The Liberty Hotel, Oxford's Malmaison, and Four Seasons Istanbul), but this is fresh fish on the hotel cell block (ha!)

On January 9th in downtown Olso, Norway, a former 18th-century prisoner colony became the country’s first waterfront hotel. It’s name? The Thief . Seriously, we don’t make this stuff up! The moniker goes back to the days when criminals were brought to the island just off the coast called Tjuvholmen, nicknamed "Thief Island". Today, you’ll find art galleries, bars, cafes, restaurants, and funky shops along this Scandinavian city’s mile-long waterfront. What won’t you find? Cars. So the primary way of getting around is via foot or bike--the popular local way.

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