The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Oslo is the official residence of the Royal Couple and one of Norway's most important national symbols. The palace sits majestically on Bellevue Hill at the end of Karl Johans gate, Oslo's main street.

King Karl Johan laid the foundation stone in 1825, but it was his son King Oscar I who inaugurated the palace in 1849 – a full 24 years later. Architect Hans Linstow designed the building in neoclassical style, inspired by European models. The simple, yellow exterior contrasts with the richly decorated interior in Empire and Pompeian style.

The palace has 173 rooms spread over three floors. Among the most famous rooms is the Bird Room, decorated by Johannes Flintoe in 1843 with 39 birds and six butterflies in National Romantic style. Here guests wait for audiences with the King. The Great Hall, spanning two floors with a ceiling height of 10.7 meters, is used for gala dinners and state visits.

The Palace Park surrounding the palace is one of Oslo's oldest and largest parks at 22 hectares. The park is open to the public year-round and is a popular recreation area for Oslo residents. In summer, guided tours of the palace are offered.