The Royal Palace. Photo: Lise Åserud / NTB scanpix

The Royal Palace

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.

Visit the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is open to visitors during the summer. The 2024 season lasted from 22 June until 18 August. Tickets for the 2025 season will be available through Ticketmaster from early in March.

History of the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace was built as a residence for King Carl Johan, but was not completed until after his death. It was inaugurated 26 July 1849.

Architecture of the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is built in Neo-Classical style with a facade of stuccoed brick. The building has two wings and is three storeys high.

The reception rooms

The reception rooms at the Royal Palace reflect the various interior styles that were fashionable during the 25 years it took to build the Palace.

The Palace Park

The park was designed as a Romantic landscape and was probably inspired by German Romantic gardens of the 1840s.

Flags at the Royal Palace

Most days of the year the flag of His Majesty The King, the Royal Standard of Norway, flies over the Royal Palace.