3 Best Sights in Oslo, Norway

Dating from 1299, this stone medieval castle and royal residence was developed into a fortress armed with cannons by 1592. After that time, it withstood a number of sieges and then fell into decay. It was finally restored in 1899. Summer tours take you through its magnificent halls, the castle church, the royal mausoleum, reception rooms, and banquet halls. Explore Akershus Fortress and its resplendent green gardens on your own with the Fortress Trail Map, which you can pick up at the visitor center or download from the website.  The castle (or at least selected sections) may be closed to the public on short notice due to functions. Dates are always listed on the website.

This small country palace was built in eccentric English Gothic style for King Oscar I in the middle of the 19th century. There’s a park, pavilion, fountain, and stage on the grounds. The original interior has works by Norwegian artists Adolph Tidemand and Hans Gude. Check website to fluctuating opening times in summer.

At one end of Karl Johans Gate, the vanilla-and-cream-color Neoclassical palace was completed in 1848. The equestrian statue out in front is of Karl Johan, king of Sweden and Norway from 1818 to 1844. The palace is open to the public only in summer, when there are highly sought after guided tours in English that should be booked in advance. Don't miss the 11 am Sunday service in the Palace Chapel.

Kids of all ages will love the Royal Palace's 40-minute changing of the guard ceremony, accompanied by the Norwegian Military Band, that takes place daily, rain or shine, at 1:30 for free.