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The Royal Palace, Oslo

Enjoy the park while the guards do their play - Oslo
Enjoy the park while the guards do their play
by nvm25
The Royal Palace tips and photos posted by real travelers and Oslo locals.
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• 70 Reviews

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The Royal Palace: Watch flag on Royal Palace!
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  • jumpingnorman
  • By jumpingnorman on October 28, 2008
  • Oslo Page by jumpingnorman
  • The Royal Palace, Oslo, Norway (Flag is UP!) - Oslo
    The Royal Palace, Oslo, Norway
    (Flag is UP!)
    by jumpingnorman
    If the flag is on top of the palace, the king is in the country!

    This palace at the northwest end of Karl Johansgate, and it had an expensive renovation before 2001 when King Harald V and Queen Soja moved back into the palace. Seven years later and I am walking outside the palace, it does look nice and grand, and the park around it looks well-maintained.

    On May 17th Independence Day, the royal family would look at the marching bands from the palace balcony. They do have a lot to celebrate because Norway maintains its economic strength among the Scandinavain nations, being rich in fish, timber and oil. The country did not even see the need to join the EU (reportedly so that it does not have to share fishing rights with EU nations?).

    The King is just a figurehead, and Norway is run by a unicameral Parliament and a Prime Minister.

    There is a pricey one hour tour , 95Kr daily (June-Aug 1400 and 1420 M-Th, Sat 1200 tickets in advance at 81 53 31 33)

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    The Royal Palace: THE ROYAL PALACE
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  • Maria_75
  • By Maria_75 on September 24, 2004
  • Oslo Page by Maria_75
  • The royal castle on the nationalday, 17th of May - Oslo
    The royal castle on the
    nationalday, 17th of May
    by Maria_75
    The palace is situated on the top of Karl Johansgate, with a great view of the street. It was made by the architect Hans Ditlev Linstow from 1824-1848. Orginally designed to be much bigger, but because of lack of funding some parts where cut in the buildingprocess.

    Around the castle is a beautiful park that is open to everyone. There are many small lakes where you can feed the birds, and it is a great place to take a relaxing walk.

    Everyday at 13.30 is the changing of guards in front of the castle, a traditional event that you should see if you have the chance.

    In the summer you can take a guided tour of the castle. The tour lasts about an hour, and there are tours in english too. You have to buy the ticket in a postoffice before you come to the castle, and it costs 95,- NOK for adults and 85,- NOK for children/students.

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  • Address: Drammensveien 1
  • Phone: 22 04 87 00
  • Website: www.kongehuset.no
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    The Royal Palace: Slottet
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  • diocletianvs
  • Updated By diocletianvs on April 26, 2005
  • Oslo Page by diocletianvs
  • Karl Johans gata - Oslo
    Karl Johans gata
    by diocletianvs
    The position of the Royal Palace in Oslo has a lots of similarities to the position of the Royal family in Norway's everyday life. Everything is as it should be: the Palace is placed on a dominant position on a hill making an end to Oslo's central street - Karl Johans gata. A great setting for parades and showing off.

    Yet, as you approach the Royal palace you become aware that it is indeed very approachable (much easier than the nearby fenced US embassy, for instance). A 55-hectares park surrounding the palace is a popular area for walks of the locals and it wouldn't come as much of a surprise if you would see the Crown prince and princess catching some sun here - a modern approach to 21st century Monarchy.

    The Palace itself was built between 1824 and 1848, it was designed by and architect Hans Ditlev Frants Linstow and has approximately 150 rooms. Visits are possible but tickets must be ordered in advance - details on their website.

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  • Address: Drammensveien 1
  • Website: www.kongehuset.no
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    The Royal Palace: The Royal Palace
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  • HORSCHECK
  • By HORSCHECK on July 17, 2004
  • Oslo Page by HORSCHECK
  • The Royal Palace - Oslo
    The Royal Palace
    by HORSCHECK
    The Royal Palace (Det Kongelige Slott) was build in classicsm style and completed in 1848. The Palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens. A statue of King Karl Johan sitting on a horse is placed on the grounds.

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  • Directions: The Royal Palace is located at the western end of Karl Johans Gate, which is the main shopping street of Oslo. Metro:Nationaltheatret
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    The Royal Palace: The Royal Palace - home of the Norwegian King
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  • Bernd_L
  • Updated By Bernd_L on May 30, 2006
  • Oslo Page by Bernd_L
  • The Royal Palace - Oslo
    The Royal Palace
    by Bernd_L
    Built 1824 - 48 during the Christiania period this palace is home of the Norwegian king and his family. It is located on a hill at the western end of downtown and overlooks Oslo's main street, the Karl Johans Gata. It is surrounded by a nice park. During the summer the palace is open to visitors and can be seen during a guided tour.

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  • Address: Drammensveien 1, N-0010 Oslo
  • Directions: Tram #13, 15 and 19 station "Slottsparken" bus 30, 31, 32, 45 and 81station "Nationaltheatret"
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    The Royal Palace: Det Kongelige Slott ( Royal Palace)
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  • Jim_Eliason
  • Updated By Jim_Eliason on October 4, 2006
  • Oslo Page by Jim_Eliason
  • Det Kongelige Slott - Oslo
    Det Kongelige Slott
    by Jim_Eliason, 4 more photos
    Built in 1848, this palace is the working residence of the Norwegian King ( He lives elsewhere). This building is more accessible than any other Palace I have seen. You can literally walk right up within a few feet of it. As far as I know there are no tours inside though

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  • Address: End of Karl Johans gate
  • Website: http://www.reisenett.no/facts/government/slott.html
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    The Royal Palace: Slottet - The Royal Palace
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  • suvanki
  • Updated By suvanki on August 5, 2007
  • Oslo Page by suvanki
  • Slottet, The Royal Palace, Oslo - Oslo
    Slottet, The Royal Palace,
    Oslo
    by suvanki, 2 more photos
    Sitting proudly at the top of Karl Johans Gate, The Royal Palace is surrounded by parkland (Slottsparken).
    Although it is the official residence of the present monarchy, the Royal Family live in other Royal residences.

    Designed by the Danish born architect Hans D F Linstow (1787 -1881) after the Norwegian Parliament recognised the need for a Norwegian Royal Palace in 1821. Norway, having been ceded to Sweden after the Napoleonic Wars, was leaning more to independence, King Karl Johan (Formerly one of Napoleons French marshalls, then the adopted heir to the Swedish throne) was enthusiastic about creating the Palace in Christiana (becoming Oslo in 1924) The foundation stone was laid in 1825, with work completed in 1825.
    The building work suffered many delays and alterations due to 'going over budget' Expansion work was carried out when King Oscar (KJ's son) and his family moved in.
    Over the years the palace has undergone periods of negligence, often due to the monarchy preferring to live elsewhere. In 1905, after the dissolution of the union with Sweden, King Haaken and Queen Maud were faced with a property with no water closets, and generally an unsafe building-as well as the lack of water for hygiene, fire risk was of consideration.
    King Olav attempted modest updating, with only work of priority being considered.

    in 1991 the present King Harold was faced with the dilemma of updating the derelict palace. A lengthy programme of renovation, with experts being employed for each project, has received much criticism for the amount of money spent, but since the rooms have been open to the public since 2002, some have agreed the restoration was worth it.

    Palace Rooms Open Summer only.

    Changing of the Guard - daily @ 13.30 hours. (See My tip below for more information)

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  • Address: Drammensueiein 1, N-0010- Oslo
  • Phone: +472204 8700
  • Directions: From Karl Johans Gate, head UP the hill, the Palace is right in front of you.
  • Website: www.kongehuset.no
  • Other Contact: Tone.Lind. Jorgensen @slottet.no
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    The Royal Palace: Changing of The Guard -Royal Palace.
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  • suvanki
  • Updated By suvanki on August 5, 2007
  • Oslo Page by suvanki
  • His Majesty The Kings Guard, Royal Palace, Oslo - Oslo
    His Majesty The Kings
    Guard, Royal Palace, Oslo
    by suvanki,
    1 more photos
    The changing of the Guard takes place each day between 13.30 and 1400hrs, both at the Royal Palace, and at Akershus Fortress.

    In the Summer, there is a parade with bandsmen between the Fort, via Karl Johans Gate to the Palace.

    The Guards work a 2 hour shift.

    Their distinctive uniform has hardly changed for over 140 years. Blue Jacket, Black Trousers, and plumed bowler hat. Apparently Princess Louise of Sweden liked the hats worn by the bersaglieri alpine soldiers of Italy, and insisted on the Norwegian Army changing to these in 1860 (An early version of Trinny and Susannah by the sounds of it!)

    I had read that the guards will pose for photos, or answer questions, but these 2 didn't look too friendly- mind you it was less than -2, so I bet they were just praying for their shift to end, so they could get back into the warm!

    The guards are part of His Majesty the Kings Guards or Hans Majestet Kongen Garde (HMKG) and are one of the Norwegian Armys most trained units.
    Formed in 1856 by King Oscar of Sweden and Norway, they have a joint role of being lifeguards for The King and his family (Their motto is 'Alt for Kongen' - Everything for the King) , and responsibility for the defence of Oslo.

    Guards who've completed their basic compulsory Military service (Females can volunteer for the guards) then undergo an intensive 5 week drill and combat training course, before they can take up their Royal Guard duties.

    The HMKG is a batallion, with 6 companies, each having about 200 guards.

    Each company specialises.

    1. Rifle Guard
    2. Escort Guards
    3. Music and Drill (This company don't perform guard duties, but perform worldwide, and attend State occassions etc)
    4.M.O.U.T. Military Operations on Urban Terrain (Training in combat in closed spaces and houses)
    5.Staff and Support Company (responsible for activities such as transport and medical services within the camp)
    6. Guards Recruit (Training School)

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  • Address: Drammensueiein 1, N-0010- Oslo
  • Phone: +472204 8700
  • Website: www.kongehuset.no
  • Other Contact: Tone.Lind. Jorgensen @slottet.no
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    The Royal Palace: Kongehuset
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  • polardabar
  • By polardabar on September 12, 2004
  • Oslo Page by polardabar
  • Norway is a constitutional monarchy with King Harald as the head of state. The Palace is located at the upper end of the Karl Johan Street, with a statue of Karl Johan (king of Sweden and Norway 1818 - 1844) in front of the Palace. The Palace was completed in 1848 & has been renovated recently. The guard changes every day at 13.30. Every year on 17th May (Constitution Day) marching bands, dancing children and at least half the population of Oslo watch the children parade past its balcony, waving to the Royal Family.

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  • Address: Drammensveien 1
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    The Royal Palace: The Royal Palace
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  • littlesam1
  • Updated By littlesam1 on April 18, 2005
  • Oslo Page by littlesam1
  • The Royal Palace - Oslo
    The Royal Palace
    by littlesam1
    At the very end of Karl Johans Gate you will find The Royal Palace. Construction on the palace was begun in 1824. It was completed in 1848. The palace has over 150 rooms and sits on 55 acres of land. There are not large gates around the palace and it appears very open when you view it from Karl Johans Gate. Its a great way to end your first afternoons walk through Oslo.

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