Oscarshall Castle, Oslo

Oscarshall Castle, Oslo

Oscarshall Palace finds its location nestled within the serene embrace of the Frognerkilen fjord on Bygdøy in Oslo. This elegant palace was meticulously crafted between 1847 and 1852, under the skilled guidance of Danish architect Johan Henrik Nebelong. Its creation was commissioned by King Oscar I and Queen Joséphine of Norway and Sweden. The year 1881 marked the moment when King Oscar II graciously unveiled the palace to the public as a museum.

Oscarshall Palace in Norway is a prime example of neo-Gothic architecture. It reflects the National Romantic style of its time, showcasing its captivating beauty. The palace, park, and ancillary buildings were all crafted by Norwegian artists and craftsmen. Inside, the dining hall features works by artists like Joachim Frich, Adolph Tidemand, and Hans Gude. The drawing room captures the ambiance of old Norwegian guildhalls.

In 1863, King Carl IV gave up Oscarshall to Norway. In 1929, plans arose to make it Crown Prince Olav and Princess Märtha's home, but obstacles like money and politics stopped this. Fritz Wedel Jarlsberg solved this by offering his estate, Skaugum. Now, the palace is state-owned and used by the current monarch.

Throughout the summer season, the palace doors swing open to welcome guided tours. The year 2013 witnessed the inauguration of the Queen Joséphine Gallery on the palace grounds, an initiative spearheaded by Queen Sonja. This gallery serves as a platform for exhibiting graphic prints, showcasing noteworthy works including those crafted by Her Majesty herself during its inaugural season.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oslo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Oscarshall Castle on Map

Sight Name: Oscarshall Castle
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Oslo, Norway

Create Your Own Walk in Oslo

Create Your Own Walk in Oslo

Creating your own self-guided walk in Oslo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Grunerlokka Walking Tour

Grunerlokka Walking Tour

Formerly a working-class area of Oslo, Grunerlokka is one of the capital’s hippest neighborhoods. This district is named after Friedrich Gruner, the former chief administrator of the city in the late 1600s. Today's Grunerlokka is a fusion of Norwegian and foreign cultures, owing it largely to the late 20th-century gentrification process.

Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour

Historical Churches Walking Tour

Oslo's religious landscape, particularly within the Christian tradition, is a captivating tapestry interwoven with history, faith, and architectural elegance. The city boasts a collection of historical churches reflecting the evolution of local Christian communities. Diverse in their designs, these sacred sites offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted religious traditions that have shaped Oslo...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Oslo Introduction Walking Tour

Oslo Introduction Walking Tour

Originally a Viking village, Norway's capital city has a long and multifaceted history that begins long before its establishment as a trading hub of Ánslo in 1040 AD. Archaeological findings suggest the presence of a Christian settlement in the area predating the year 1000.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Oslo's significance varied under the rule of Danish and Norwegian kings. Around...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Old Oslo Walking Tour

Old Oslo Walking Tour

The historic Old Town of Oslo is the oldest part of the city which dates back to the days of medieval Norway. This urban area emerged around the year 1000 and became the capital of Norway's dominion (within the Dano-Norwegian Realm) around 1300. The Old Town district continued to be known as Oslo, while the whole city was called Christiania, until 1925.

One of its prominent landmarks is...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour

Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour

Oslo's Museum District, located on the Bygdoy Peninsula, is home to some of the most visited museums in the city. Repositories of precious artifacts from Norway’s history, these remarkable institutions collectively represent a treasure trove for those keen on exploring this northerly nation's past.

One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Traveler's Choice: 15 Norwegian Gifts from Oslo

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