The Royal Palace: Norway's Royal Residence
The Royal Palace (Det Kongelige Slott) is the official residence of the Norwegian monarch, currently King Harald V and Queen Sonja. Located at the end of Oslo's main street (Karl Johans gate), this neoclassical palace was built in the first half of the 19th century and remains the ceremonial and official residence of the Norwegian Royal Family.
The palace is surrounded by the beautiful Palace Park (Slottsparken), a 22-hectare public park open year-round. While the palace interior is only open for guided tours during summer, visitors can enjoy the park, witness the daily changing of the guard ceremony, and admire the exterior architecture throughout the year.
Changing of the Guard
Daily Guard Ceremony - Free Event
The changing of the guard ceremony takes place daily at 13:30 (1:30 PM) at the palace square. This popular free attraction features the King's Guard (Hans Majestet Kongens Garde) performing a traditional military ceremony with precision drills and music.
Details
- Time: Daily at 13:30 (1:30 PM)
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Cost: Free
- Best viewing: Arrive 15-20 minutes early
- Location: Palace square
Tips
- • Arrive early for good position
- • Stand on elevated areas for better views
- • Photography allowed
- • Ceremony occurs rain or shine
- • Guards are on duty 24/7
Palace Tours (Summer Only)
During summer (late June to mid-August), the palace opens for guided tours of the State Rooms. This is the only time visitors can see inside the palace, as it's a working royal residence the rest of the year.
State Rooms Tour
The 1-hour guided tour takes you through the palace's magnificent State Rooms, including:
- • The Bird Room - Grand entrance hall with silk wallcovering
- • The Great Hall - Used for state banquets and official receptions
- • The Ballroom - Spectacular room for royal balls and ceremonies
- • The Mirror Hall - Elegant room with mirrors and chandeliers
- • Royal Family Apartments - Historic living quarters
Booking Information
- • When: Late June to mid-August only
- • Price: 145 NOK adults, 125 NOK seniors/students
- • Duration: 1 hour
- • Languages: Norwegian, English, and other languages
- • Booking: Reserve online well in advance - tours sell out quickly
- • Security: Photo ID required, bags inspected
⚠️ Important Tour Information
- • Tours only available during summer (check exact dates annually)
- • Book early - tours sell out weeks in advance
- • No photography inside the palace
- • Wheelchair accessible
- • Not included with Oslo Pass
Palace Park (Slottsparken)
The Palace Park is a 22-hectare public park surrounding the Royal Palace, open to everyone free of charge year-round. Designed in the 1840s as an English landscape garden, it's one of Oslo's most beloved green spaces.
Park Highlights
- • Beautiful tree-lined paths perfect for walking
- • Ponds with ducks and waterfowl
- • Queen Maud's statue
- • Benches and green lawns for picnics
- • Popular jogging route for locals
- • Free WiFi in parts of the park
Best Times to Visit
- • Spring: Cherry blossoms and flowers blooming
- • Summer: Lush greenery, perfect for picnics
- • Autumn: Stunning fall foliage
- • Winter: Snow-covered paths, peaceful atmosphere
History of the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace was commissioned by King Charles III (who later became King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway) and designed by Danish-Norwegian architect Hans Ditlev Franciscus Linstow. Construction began in 1825 but wasn't completed until 1849 due to funding issues.
The palace was originally built for King Charles III, but he never lived there. King Oscar I was the first monarch to reside in the palace in 1849. Since then, it has been the official residence of Norwegian royalty and a symbol of Norwegian independence (achieved in 1905).
Today, the palace serves as the King's official workplace and hosts state banquets, official dinners, and receptions. The Royal Family doesn't live there full-time but uses it for official functions.
Visitor Practical Information
Getting There
The palace is located at the western end of Karl Johans gate, Oslo's main street. From Oslo Central Station, it's a pleasant 15-minute walk uphill along Karl Johans gate, passing shops, the Norwegian Parliament, and the National Theatre.
- • Metro: Nationaltheatret station, 5-minute walk
- • Tram: Lines 11, 12, 13, 19 to Nationaltheatret
- • Bus: Multiple lines to Nationaltheatret or Slottet
- • Walk: 15 minutes from Central Station via Karl Johans gate
Best Times to Visit
- • Changing of Guard: Arrive by 13:15 for good spot
- • Park Stroll: Early morning or evening for peaceful atmosphere
- • Photography: Golden hour for best exterior photos
- • Interior Tours: Book summer tours months in advance
What's Free vs Paid
- ✓ Palace Park (year-round)
- ✓ Changing of the guard
- ✓ Exterior viewing & photos
- ✓ Walking through grounds
- • State Rooms tour (145 NOK)
- • Summer only
- • Advanced booking required
Nearby Attractions
Karl Johans Gate →
Oslo's main street connects the palace to the Central Station. Shopping, dining, and people-watching.
Direct walk from palace
National Theatre →
Norway's largest theatre, offering plays, musicals, and performances. Beautiful historic building.
5-minute walk
Norwegian Parliament →
Stortinget - Norway's parliament building. Free guided tours available (book in advance).
10-minute walk
National Museum →
Norway's largest museum featuring Norwegian and international art including Munch's works.
5-minute walk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go inside the Royal Palace?
Only during summer (late June to mid-August) on guided tours. Book online months in advance as tours sell out quickly. The rest of the year, the palace is closed as it's a working royal residence.
Is the changing of the guard worth seeing?
Yes! It's a popular free attraction showcasing Norwegian military tradition. The ceremony lasts about 40 minutes and features precision drills and music. Arrive 15-20 minutes early for a good viewing spot.
Can I walk through the Palace Park?
Yes, the Palace Park is free and open to the public year-round. It's a popular spot for walking, jogging, picnicking, and enjoying nature in the heart of Oslo. Open from early morning until late evening.
Does the King live in the palace?
The King uses the palace as his official workplace and for state functions, but the Royal Family's private residence is at Skaugum estate outside Oslo. The palace is primarily used for official duties and ceremonies.