Oslo Landmarks and Monuments

(Oslo, Ostlandet, Norway)



Close-up photo of the Radhus (Town Hall)A historic city filled with landmarks from yesteryear, Oslo Cathedral (Domkirke) is amongst the most impressive of these medieval monuments and is the third cathedral that has stood within the city boundaries, being consecrated in 1697. Both the cathedrals of Hallvards and Hellig Trefoldighet are sadly no longer in existence. A number of impressive castles and fortresses also stand proudly over Oslo and its harbour, such as the landmarks of Akershus Slott and Festning.

Oslo Town Hall (Radhus) is currently home to the city's very own political administration and this significant landmark is perhaps best known for being the location where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place each year, on the 10th December. Also look out for the Parliament Building (Stortinget), Royal Palace (Slottet), and Trefoldighetskirken church - and don't forget to bring your camera.


Picture of the Radhus (Town Hall) and waterfront

Radhus (Town Hall)

Address: Fridtjof Nansens Plass, Oslo, NO-0037, Norway, NO
Tel: +47 02 3 46 1600
Oslo Radhus is a twin-towered red brick building built in 1950 to officially commemorate and celebrate the city's 900th anniversary. No expense was spared when the interior was decorated and so the insightful guided tours come strongly recommended, offering the perfect way to learn more about the history of this important building.
Open hours: June to September, daily - 09:00 to 17:00; reduced hours from October to April
Admission: charge, free between September to May

Image of the Akershus Slott (Akershus Castle)

Akershus Slott and Festning (Akershus Castle and Fortress)

Address: 15 Oslo Mil, Oslo, Norway, NO-0015, NO
Tel: +47 02 309 3553
Enjoying a strategic setting on the easterly side of Oslo Harbour, the Akershus Castle and Fortress presides over the waterfront and has long been amongst the city's most imposing landmarks. In 1299, King Hakon V Magnusson ordered the construction of the Akershus so that Oslo could be better protected from all potential threats. Due to the need to expand the city, the outer rampart was sadly demolished in the early 19th century and the following century saw much restoration work. The Akershus grounds are regularly used to host concerts and state functions.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - afternoons only from mid-September to October
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Oslo Domkirke (Cathedral) picture

Oslo Domkirke (Cathedral)

Address: Stortorget 1, Oslo, NO-0155, Norway, NO
Completed towards the very end of the 17th century, the Domkirke of today is not an especially grand landmark, with a fairly simple square tower and green copper spire, but important nevertheless. The cathedral stands next to the Stortorget and has been used for a number of royal Norwegian weddings over the years.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 12:30 to 16:00
Admission: free

View of the Det Konggelige Slott (Royal Palace)

Det Konggelige Slott / Slottet (Royal Palace)

Address: Drammensveien 1, Oslo, NO-0010, Norway, NO
Tel: +47 02 204 8700
The Royal Palace lies within Oslo's central public park of Slottsparken and stands atop the Slottsbakken Hill, which boasts exceptional panoramas across Karl Johans Gate and beyond. Still used today by the current King of Norway, the Royal Palace was built between 1825 and 1849. Guided tours of the palace are available during the summer months, also tickets are often very hard to come by. Alternatively you can always watch the changing of the guards at 13:30 each day.
Open hours: mid-June to mid-August, daily
Admission: charge

Photo of the Stortinget (Parliament Building)

Stortinget (Parliament Building)

Address: Karl Johans Gate 22, Oslo, NO-0026, Norway, NO
Tel: +47 02 331 3596
The Oslo Parliament Building is known locally in Norwegian as the Stortinget. Built in the middle of the 19th century, the parliament doors first opened for business in 1866 and today, multi-language guided tours are available, allowing you to appreciate some of the lavish interior décor.
Open hours: guided tours are available in July and August, Monday to Friday - 10:00, 11:30 and 13:00
Admission: free

Trefoldighetskirken

Address: Akersgaten 60, Oslo, NO-0177, Norway, NO
The most historic of all Oslo's churches and located within the Karl Johans Gate area of the city, the Trefoldighetskirken was completed in 1858 and is instantly recognisable by its twin towers and huge dome, which is topped with a short spire. Designed as a cruciform structure, the Trefoldighetskirken boasts some excellent stained-glass windows which are best appreciated from inside.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, donations suggested