The Royal Palace — Attraction in Oslo

The Royal Palace of Oslo – A Majestic Landmark of Norwegian Heritage The Royal Palace of Oslo (Kongeslottet) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Norway, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and royal traditions of the country. Situated at the end of Karl Johans Gate, Oslo's main thoroughfare, this stunning palace is not only the residence of the Norwegian royal family but also a symbol of the nation's cultural and political heritage.

Built in the early 19th century, the palace is a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture. Its grand facade, lush gardens, and well-maintained grounds make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace to explore its opulent interiors, which are adorned with beautiful artwork, antique furniture, and regal decorations that reflect the history of the Norwegian monarchy.

A key highlight of the Royal Palace is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily in front of the palace and draws crowds of visitors. The surrounding Palace Park is also a peaceful and scenic spot for a walk or to relax, with well-maintained lawns and beautiful tree-lined paths.

For anyone interested in Norwegian history, royal life, or simply enjoying a beautiful historical site, the Royal Palace of Oslo is a must-visit. Whether you're exploring the grounds, enjoying the views of the city, or discovering the royal collections, this landmark offers an enriching experience that connects visitors with Norway's...

The Royal Palace is situated on a rise, the Bellevue, at one end of Oslo’s main thoroughfare, Karl Johans gate. The Royal Palace is one of the country’s most important buildings, and a concrete symbol of the course of Norwegian history since 1814. Building activities commenced in 1824, and the foundation stone was laid by King Carl Johan on 1 October 1825. The Palace was officially taken into use on 26 July 1849 by King Oscar I. The Royal Palace is owned by the state and placed at the disposal of the head of state. It is where the daily work of the monarchy is conducted and where the King and Queen live. It is where the King presides over the Council of State, grants audiences and holds official dinners. Foreign heads of state who visit Oslo stay at the Palace. Most of the members of the Royal Court have their workplace here. The Royal Palace is open to the public during the summer season. We must follow a guided tour. During the season, tours are given every twenty minutes. The guided tour takes us through some of the most important and lovely rooms, like the Cabinet Parlour, the Council Chamber and the most beautiful guest room in the Palace - the King Haakon VII Suite. We can visit the Bird Room where all those seeking an audience with His Majesty The King wait to be announced, as well as the Ballroom and the...

We visited on a Monday. The garden/park area is open to the public for free, and a nice walk. To enter the palace, you go to the back and line up. They sell a very limited amount of tickets at the booth right before you enter (most tickets are sold online), and if you buy on site, they will not let you purchase for any time slots ahead of time. At the booth, they only sell tickets for the tour that's immediately about to take place, and they can run out of spots quickly so you can end up standing in line for 20 min or more, and still have to wait for the next tour. The tours start 20 minutes apart, some in Norwegian and some in English. You aren't allowed to take photos inside. You can't bring in water either. Tickets for the palace are not included in the Oslo Pass. If you really want to go inside, I'd recommend buying tickets online as you can pick your time slot and buy for later times if you want.

The changing of the guard takes place in the front of the palace at 13:30 (1:30pm) daily. It's fairly small, and probably not something I'd go out of my way to see. A lot of people ended up leaving a few minutes in because after a short march, the soldiers do stand for a very long time not moving at all (I don't know the exact protocols/traditions, so I'm not sure what it all...