Oslo is the capital and largest city of Norway, situated at the head of the Oslofjord. A dynamic Scandinavian capital blending Viking heritage with state-of-the-art architecture, Oslo offers world-class museums, a vibrant waterfront, lush forests, and some of Europe's finest dining.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Oslo.
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1
Viking Age (793-1066 AD)
The Oslofjord region was a major centre of Viking activity. Many of the extraordinary Viking ship burials found at Gokstad, Tune, and Oseberg (now on display at the Museum of the Viking Age) date from this era. The earliest settlement at Oslo was founded around 1000 AD.
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2
Founding of Oslo (c. 1000-1300)
Oslo was founded around 1000 AD, traditionally attributed to Harald Hardrada. In 1048, King Harald Hardrada officially established the city. Oslo became a bishopric in 1070 and grew as an ecclesiastical and trading centre.
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3
Akershus Fortress and Medieval Oslo (1299-1624)
In 1299, King Haakon V moved the Norwegian capital from Bergen to Oslo. He began construction of Akershus Fortress around 1300 to defend the city. Oslo grew as a trading town under Hanseatic influence.
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4
The Great Fire and Christiania (1624)
In 1624, Oslo burned to the ground for the third time. King Christian IV of Denmark (Norway was then under Danish rule) decided to rebuild the city to the west of the original site, under the protection of Akershus Fortress, and renamed it Christiania after himself.
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5
Danish Rule and Enlightenment (1624-1814)
Christiania grew under Danish rule as Norway's administrative capital. The University of Oslo was founded in 1811. Norwegian culture, literature, and national identity began to flourish despite foreign rule.
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6
Norwegian Independence and Karl Johans Gate (1814-1905)
Norway broke from Denmark in 1814 and entered a union with Sweden. The Norwegian Constitution was signed at Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814 - Norway's National Day. Karl Johans Gate was developed as the new city's grand boulevard. The city was renamed Kristiania (and briefly back to Christiania) before finally returning to Oslo in 1925.
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7
Dissolution of Union and Early 20th Century (1905-1940)
Norway dissolved its union with Sweden in 1905 and became a fully independent nation. The city was officially renamed Oslo in 1925, reclaiming its medieval Norse name. Oslo City Hall construction began in 1931.
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8
World War II and German Occupation (1940-1945)
Nazi Germany invaded Norway on April 9, 1940. Oslo was occupied for five years. The Norwegian Resistance Museum at Akershus Fortress documents this period. The Nobel Peace Prize was not awarded during the occupation years.
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9
Post-War Reconstruction and the Oil Era (1945-present)
Norway emerged from WWII and rebuilt rapidly. The discovery of North Sea oil in 1969 transformed Norway into one of the world's wealthiest nations. Oslo became a major diplomatic and cultural capital, home to the Nobel Peace Prize and host of the 1952 Winter Olympics.
Historical sites
Places where Oslo's past comes alive.
Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning)
Medieval fortress and castle built c.1300 by King Haakon V. Served as the seat of Norwegian government, a prison, and a military base. Now a museum complex and cultural venue with stunning fjord views.
Where: Oslo
Admission: 100 NOK adult, grounds free
Norwegian Resistance Museum (Norges Hjemmefrontmuseum)
A powerful museum documenting the Norwegian civilian and military resistance during the Nazi occupation of 1940-1945, located within the walls of Akershus Fortress.
Where: Oslo
Admission: 70 NOK adult
Museum of the Viking Age (Vikingskipshuset)
Houses the world's best-preserved Viking ships - the Oseberg Ship (c.820 AD), the Gokstad Ship (c.890 AD), and the Tune Ship - along with extraordinary grave goods including sledges, textiles, and carved wooden artefacts.
Where: Oslo
Admission: 130 NOK adult
Gamle Aker Church
Oslo's oldest building and the oldest church in Scandinavia still in regular use (c.1080). A remarkably intact Romanesque church in the Akersbakken neighbourhood.
Where: Oslo
Admission: Free
Oslo Cathedral (Oslo Domkirke)
Oslo's main cathedral, originally built in 1697 and extensively renovated. The baroque interior features altarpiece paintings and magnificent stained glass by Emanuel Vigeland.
Where: Oslo
Admission: Free
The Royal Palace (Det Kongelige Slott)
Built between 1825-1849 as the official Oslo residence of the Norwegian royal family. Set at the end of Karl Johans Gate in Slottsparken. Summer guided tours available.
Where: Oslo
Admission: 175 NOK guided tour (summer only); park free
Stortinget (Norwegian Parliament)
The Norwegian Parliament building, completed in 1866 by Swedish architect Emil Victor Langlet in a neo-Renaissance style on Karl Johans Gate.
Where: Oslo
Admission: Free guided tours
Museums
Curated collections that tell Oslo's story.