The Royal Palace (Det kongelige slott) is the official residence of the King of Norway, a white neoclassical palace standing on a low hill at the top of Karl Johans gate in central Oslo. Designed by the Danish-born architect Hans Linstow and built between 1824 and 1849 for King Charles III John (Karl Johan), it is today the home of King Harald V, who has reigned since 1991 and, at 89 in 2026, is Europe's oldest reigning monarch. The ornate state rooms open to the public only via guided tours during the summer season, while the daily Changing of the Guard on the Palace Square and the surrounding Palace Park are free to enjoy year-round.
The daily Changing of the Guard at 13:30 on the Palace Square (free); in summer a full parade with a military band marches from Akershus Fortress up Karl Johans gate.
The summer-only guided interior tour of the state rooms — the Council Chamber where the King meets the Government, the Ballroom, the Great Hall and the newly opened Smoking Room.
The Palace Square with the equestrian statue of King Karl Johan and the sweeping view straight down Karl Johans gate toward the city.
The 22-hectare Palace Park (Slottsparken) — ponds, statues and lawns, free and open all year, lovely for a long summer-evening stroll.
The Queen Sonja Art Stable, included in the palace ticket, showing art in the former royal stables.
Good to know
SeasonThe interior is open only for guided tours in summer (in 2026, 20 June–16 August). Outside that window you can see only the park and the guard ceremony, so check the dates before you plan a visit.
SeasonOslo has very long daylight in July (around 18 hours), but it lies south of the Arctic Circle, so there is no true midnight sun and no aurora in summer — for the northern lights you must travel far north (e.g. Tromsø) in winter. Weather is changeable even in July, so bring a light layer and a rain jacket.
RulesPopular tours sell out quickly at the door, so book ahead through the official Ticketmaster. The interior tour has photography restrictions and security screening, and large bags are not allowed; never cross the barriers or disturb the guards.
SafetyOslo is generally safe, but pickpocketing happens on crowded Karl Johans gate, near the Central Station and in the guard-ceremony crowd — keep your bag in front of you.
MannersNorway is expensive and almost entirely cashless (cards and contactless everywhere), and tipping is not expected as service is included; behave quietly and respectfully near the palace and never touch or provoke the guards.
CautionThird-party resellers sometimes sell tickets well above face value — buy through the official Ticketmaster or royalcourt.no, and verify any tour operator before booking.
Practical info
The palace sits at the top of Karl Johans gate; the nearest station is Nationaltheatret (metro, tram and train), about a 15-minute walk from Oslo Central Station. The park is free and open all year, while interior guided tours run only in summer (in 2026, 20 June–16 August, daily 10:00–17:00) via Ticketmaster. Hours, prices and season dates can change, so confirm the latest details on royalcourt.no before you go.
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