Oslo Sights

  1. Akershus Castle & Fortress

    Strategically located on the eastern side of the harbour, dominating the Oslo harbour front, is the medieval Akershus Castle & Fortress ( slott and festning ; M03BF), arguably Oslo's architectural highlight.

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  2. Det Kongelige Slott

    King Harald V sleeps in Det Kongelige Slott, the royal palace, peering from a hill over the Karl Johans axis. Guided tours of 15 rooms are available in English, once daily at (late June to mid-August). Tickets are difficult to obtain - ask the tourist office for details. The rest of the grounds comprise Slottsparken, an inviting public park that's free to enter. If you happen to be around at , watch the changing of the guard.

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  3. Gamle Aker Kirke

    This medieval stone church located north of the centre on Akersbakken, dates from 1080 and is Oslo's oldest building. Lutheran services are held at and on Sunday. Take bus No 37 from Jernbanetorget to Akersbakken then walk up past the churchyard.

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  4. Oslo Cathedral

    Dating from 1697, the Oslo Cathedral is worth seeing for its elaborate stained glass by Emanuel Vigeland (brother of Gustav) and painted ceiling (completed between 1936 and 1950). The exceptional altarpiece, a 1748 model of the Last Supper and the Crucifixion by Michael Rasch, was an original feature of the church (from 1700), but it was moved all over the country before being returned from Prestnes church in Majorstue in 1950. The organ front and pulpit were both part of the original construction. Occasionally, concerts are held in the church.

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  5. Parliament Building

    Built in 1866, Norway's yellow-brick Parliament Building, right in the city centre and staring up the hill towards the royal palace, is one of Europe's more charming parliaments.

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