Atop Bellevue Hill, at the western end of Karl Johans Gate, Oslo's Royal Palace is the official residence of the Norwegian monarch. Built in the 19th century and surrounded by a public park open year-round, it hosts state ceremonies and some royal audiences. The building can only be visited during summer, on guided tours.

Why visit Oslo's Royal Palace

The Palace holds three points of interest for visitors: a mid-19th-century neoclassical building still in permanent use, a romantic park freely accessible in the heart of the capital, and a royal changing of the guard ceremony that takes place daily in front of the main entrance. Unlike other European royal residences, the site is not enclosed: you walk through the gardens as you would through any Oslo park, making it a natural waypoint from the city center.

History of the Royal Palace

The project for a royal residence in Oslo (then Christiania) was proposed in 1821 and approved in 1822. Construction began in 1825 under the direction of architect Hans Linstow and, after several interruptions due to financial difficulties, the Palace was completed in 1849.

Until 1905, the building was used only occasionally by the kings of Sweden-Norway during their stays in the Norwegian part of the union. The dissolution of this union in 1905 changed everything: the Palace became the permanent residence of the new Norwegian monarchy, from the reign of Haakon VII onward.

A study conducted in 1991 revealed the extent of necessary renovations: outdated installations, modernizations needed, and royal apartments requiring restoration. A plan was launched in 1993, complete restoration took place in 1999, and the project was officially completed in 2001. In 2011-2012, the Roof over Roof project renovated the main wing's roof to ensure the building's longevity.

What to see at the Palace and its gardens

The Palace park

Designed as a romantic park inspired by 19th-century German gardens, the space is open to the public year-round, with no admission fee or set hours. Winding paths, ponds, water features, and large trees frame the building and offer several viewing angles of the façade.

Rooms accessible on guided tours

The summer tour covers about a dozen rooms, including:

• The vestibule, the first state room, representative of classical Norwegian architecture.
• The Bird Room, inspired by national romanticism, with décor evoking Norwegian fauna and landscapes.
• The Grand Hall (ballroom), used for royal events.
• The Palace Chapel, built on the building's foundation stone.
• The Council Room, where State Council meetings presided over by the king take place.
• The family dining room, more understated, for private use.
• The banquet hall, reserved for state dinners.

When to visit

Two visiting approaches coexist:

• For the interior: only from late June to mid-August, as part of hour-long guided tours (in English and Norwegian). Outside this window, the Palace remains closed to the public.
• For the exterior: year-round. The park is particularly pleasant in spring and summer, and photogenic under snow in winter.

The changing of the royal guard (Hans Majestet Kongens Garde) takes place daily around midday in front of the main entrance. It is one of the rare moments when visible protocol activity is observed by the general public, outside the summer tours.

Practical information

The Palace is not enclosed: you circulate freely in the gardens and around the building, although security is maintained by the royal guard. The interior, however, can only be visited with a guide.

• Guided tours: approximately 1 hour duration, in English or Norwegian, only during the summer season.
• Tickets: purchase available at the entrance subject to availability, but advance reservation is recommended via official channels (check the Royal Court website for the current provider).
• Price: moderate, equivalent to that of a Norwegian state museum.
• Accessibility: inquire in advance; the historic building has stairs.

How to get there

• On foot: from the central station or city center, allow 15 to 20 minutes walking up Karl Johans Gate, the avenue that leads directly to the Palace.
• Metro: Nationaltheatret station, a few minutes' walk away.
• Tram and bus: several lines serve the city center, with stops in the immediate vicinity.
• Taxi: short journey from any point in the center.

Nearby attractions

The Palace is part of an urban walk through Oslo. Walking back down Karl Johans Gate toward the station, you pass the Parliament Square and the National Theater. To extend your journey beyond the capital, western fjords such as the Geirangerfjord or the Nærøyfjord are among the country's major sites.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip to Norway

The Royal Palace fits naturally into a stay in Oslo, the first stop on many itineraries combining the capital, fjords, and coastal cities. To build your tailor-made trip, consult our Norway travel page.