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Join us on a walk along Karl Johans gate and get to know important historical places and statues of people who have influenced the city, the country and the cultural heritage.
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King Haakon VII was Norway's first king in 600 years, following the country's independence from Denmark in 1814 and the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905. He was born on August 3, 1872, just outside Copenhagen. His original name was Prince Carl, and he was the second eldest son of then King Frederik and Queen Louise of Denmark. In 1905, the Danish prince Carl was offered the Norwegian crown and took the name Haakon VII after a referendum. At the time, he was married to Queen Maud, the daughter of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of Great Britain. When they arrived in Oslo in 1905, they were met with jubilant crowds and the ringing of church bells throughout the city. The royal couple was officially crowned in the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim on June 22, 1906, after a longer coronation journey through Norway. King Haakon VII was a popular king in both good and bad times. During the occupation of Norway during World War II, he followed the government to England, where he, along with the Allies, made a significant contribution to the liberation of Europe. The King adopted the motto "Everything for Norway," which followed him until his last breath on September 21, 1957. (Text only: Artist: Stinius Fredriksen – 1972)
"...if there is anyone who doubts the democratic will to win, let him look to Norway." The words belonged to the then American president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, during World War II. Crown Princess Märtha's persistent efforts for a free Norway left a clear impression on the American president. The Norwegian freedom struggle also became a motivator on the other side of the Atlantic. Crown Princess Märtha was born as a Norwegian-Swedish princess in Stockholm in 1901. She was the daughter of Prince Carl of Sweden and Princess Ingeborg of Denmark. Her full name was Märtha Sofia Lovisa Dagmar Thyra. She met Crown Prince Olav during the Olympic Games in Amsterdam where Olav won his famous sailing gold. They got married that year and moved into Skaugum in Asker, where they had three children. Crown Princess Märtha had great work capacity and an open, winning nature, and she soon became a popular and respected representative of the Royal House. She had a number of representation tasks, and also gave several speeches - something that was not common among the Royal House's women at this time. However, the Crown Princess's health was not good either. It was a blow for Crown Prince Olav and his family when Crown Princess Märtha died in 1954. She never became queen, but Oslo's bishop, Johannes Smemo, summed up her position as follows: "She has long held the queen's seat in our minds and she will never lose that."
Few authors have made a mark on literature as the man in front of you has now done. Henrik Ibsen's dramatizations have been published, performed and filmed all over the world. He is considered the founder of the modern, realistic drama. Ibsen was a technical virtuoso of drama, one of the most skilled at using dramatic devices. He was born in Skien in 1828 in a wealthy home, but he quickly caught up with the realities of life when his father went bankrupt. He started working and studying at the same time in the evenings. Eventually he came to Bergen and was allowed to assist as a co-author at Det Norske Theater. Not long after, he made his debut with his first piece in 1953, and then things went from strength to strength. He continued his writing in Oslo a few years later, but had a short stay abroad of 27 years, including in Italy, before he returned to Oslo again. Well-known plays such as "A Doll's House", "An Enemy of Folk" and "Peer Gynt" are some of his world-famous works. There are over 200 known film recordings. Legendary Jane Fonda played the character Nora in the American version of "A dolls house". German, Russian, Japanese and Italian versions followed on a continuous basis. Henrik Ibsen died and was buried in Oslo in 1906.
"Yes, we love this country, as it rises forth" The verse belongs to our national anthem and was written by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. He was Norway's great national poet from the mid-19th century, and since then has held a place as one of the "big four" alongside Kielland, Ibsen, and Lie. As a brilliant public speaker and active participant in public debate both in Norway and abroad, he was highly controversial - and much loved. Bjørnson was born in Tynset in 1832, but grew up in Nesset in Møre og Romsdal. He moved to Oslo to attend university, but instead began working as a journalist. His ability to communicate in writing quickly became evident, a gift he also had orally. Multiple theater reviews contributed to close ties around theater activity. For a while, he was the artistic director at Ole Bull's theater in Bergen, before he returned to Oslo as both theater director and editor. Romantic nationalism flourished in Norway. Bjørnson was influenced by his time, but was also versatile in his writing and concerned with depicting the darker sides of Norwegian folk life. All his qualities were rewarded with the Nobel Prize in Literature. Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson died in 1910. He left behind his wife Karoline and their five children.
The man towering on the pedestal above you is King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway, and the longest reigning king in Norway. He was only 11 years old when he ascended the throne and held it for a full 60 years. Christian IV was born a prince at Frederiksborg Castle in 1577. The King received a thorough education. He mastered several languages and had knowledge in mathematics, history, and music. A separate guardian government ruled the countries until Christian IV was crowned on his 18th birthday. After the city fire in 1624, in what was old Oslo, he founded a new city in the shelter of Akershus Fortress. This city was named Christiania after him from August 1624, a name the city retained until 1925. Both Kongsberg and Kristiansand were named after him. The King traveled a lot in Norway and accomplished much, like establishing a customs system, a Norwegian army, and Kongsberg silver mines, to name a few. Christian IV was married to Queen Anna Catherine of Brandenburg in Germany, and they had three children together. He had more children through relationships outside of marriage. All of these children were given the surname Gyldenløve. Christian IV died in 1648.
Right here, Queen Maud would stroll around alone or with her family. I wonder what she thought as she walked around these beautiful gardens and surroundings? Queen Maud was born in London in 1869. She was an English princess, daughter of the later King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of Great Britain. Her full name was Maud Charlotte Mary Victoria. She married the then Prince Carl of Denmark at Buckingham Palace itself in 1897, and was offered the Norwegian throne in 1905 after the dissolution of the union from Sweden. Prince Carl then took the name Haakon VII, and the following year was signed as king in Nidaros Cathedral together with Queen Maud. The queen was seen as a somewhat quiet and reserved person in public contexts, but in private she was known as a caring, smiling and warm person. She enjoyed the outdoors, often on horseback or walking with her dogs. Queen Maud was famous for her excellent taste in clothes and beautiful dresses. She retained her close ties to Great Britain, and this became of great importance to the Norwegian government and royal family during the Second World War. Queen Maud died on 20 November 1938 during a stay in London. She is buried in the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Castle.
You are now standing in front of the sculpture of King Olav V, who was the King of Norway from 1957 to 1991. He was a very popular king and always had an amusing story to share. The King always stood by the people, and when the oil crisis paralyzed Norway, he left his limousine in the garage and took the tram like any ordinary person. He was the son of King Haakon VII and Queen Maud and was baptized Alexander Edward Christian Frederik and was the Prince of Denmark. When his father was crowned king after the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905, the Prince was only two years old and took the name Crown Prince Olav. The Crown Prince was then the first Norwegian heir to the throne to grow up in Norway since the Middle Ages. He developed an early interest in sports and was an active sailor for over 70 years. The highlight of his sports career was when he won an Olympic gold in Amsterdam in 1928. The year after, Crown Prince Olav married Princess Märtha of Sweden and they had three children together. Monarchy has always been strong in Norway. The motto for the Norwegian kings has been "Alt for Norge" (Everything for Norway). Approachability, warmth, and empathy in good times, and decisive action in bad times, are descriptions that contribute to the Norwegian people not only standing behind our own king but also looking up to and admiring him.
Peter Wessel Tordenskiold was an admiral in the Danish-Norwegian fleet and born in Trondheim in 1690. His father was a loyal man and was both a merchant, councilor and ship owner. He had a total of 18 children. Peter hired his father's boat at an early age and as a 15-year-old he served on several slave ships before starting the sea cadet school in Copenhagen. Peter Wessel Tordenskiold was an admiral in the Danish-Norwegian fleet and was born in Trondheim in 1690. His father was a wealthy man who was a merchant, councilman, and shipowner. He had a total of 18 children. Peter started working on his father's boat at a young age and at the age of 15, he served on several slave ships before he started at the naval cadet school in Copenhagen. His path to the navy was short from there and he quickly rose in rank, eventually becoming an admiral. Peter was known as an excellent sailor and is often described as courageous, quick-thinking, and cunning. As the commander-in-chief, he led the fleet to several victories in battles against the Swedes and is credited with sinking the entire Swedish fleet in Gothenburg. This was also a significant factor in the Swedish King Karl XII giving up his attempts to conquer Norway. Perhaps he was sometimes a little too overconfident. He died in Germany in 1720, at just 30 years old, where he lost a duel with a sword.
You are now looking up at King Carl III Johan, who was the shared king of Norway and Sweden. When Norway became an independent country in 1814, this was met with considerable dissatisfaction by the Swedes. They occupied parts of Norway, and the Danish-Norwegian king, Christian Frederik, eventually had to abdicate. Norway entered a union with Sweden, and as part of the agreement, Norway was allowed to retain large parts of its constitution and self-rule. The king would be the same as in Sweden, and thus Karl II became the second Norwegian king in 1814. King Karl II died in 1818, and he was succeeded by Carl III Johan, who was crowned in the Nidaros Cathedral the same year. His real name was Jean Baptiste Bernadotte and he was a French private soldier who quickly rose through the ranks. After several years of opposition to Napoleon Bonaparte, they reconciled in 1804 and Bernadotte was appointed to France's highest officer title. His career did not go unnoticed. In Sweden, the aging king had no heir. The former French private soldier was offered the title of Crown Prince in Sweden and accepted it in 1810. The monument shows the saluting king on horseback in his officer's uniform and has adorned the Palace Square since 1875. King Carl III was married to Queen Desideria and he lived to be 81 years old. He was buried in Sweden in 1844.
Do you see the flag waving so beautifully over the castle? If it's red with the Norwegian lion emblem in the middle, it means that His Majesty The King is at home or somewhere in Norway. If the King is abroad, the flag of His Majesty The Crown Prince, who then acts as regent, is flown. The Palace was inaugurated in 1849 after a construction period of over 20 years. There is plenty of space to roam. A total of 173 rooms are used for the royal residence, state rooms, and working rooms for staff at the Royal Court. Every Friday, the Council of State is held at the Royal Palace. During the meeting, the Prime Minister sits on the King's right side. The remaining ministers are placed by rank around the King's table. If you are seeking an audience with His Majesty, you must wait in the Bird Room, a beautifully decorated room with 43 Norwegian birds on display. The Palace has several magnificent halls and rooms for large events. A number of traditions are tied to the dinners in the Great Dining Hall. When the royal procession with guests enters the hall, it is always to the tune of the Old Hunter's March. Speeches are announced using a large brass bell and a four-course menu based on Norwegian ingredients is usually served. Where does His Majesty The King have his bedroom? We don't know that.
"Yes, when one is about to die, it is a debut, as it will also be the first time for that!" These words belong to Wenche Foss, who was the grand diva of Norwegian theater and film in the post-war era. She was born in Oslo in 1917 and made her debut on the theater stage at just 18 years old. The reviews were stellar, and she went on to perform on stages throughout Oslo. In 1952, she played for the first time at the National Theater, before moving on to the Oslo New Theater. On the theater stage, she played everything from Mother Aase in "Peer Gynt" to Marilyn Monroe in "After the Fall". She handled everything from operettas, melodramatic theater, and comedies. She also had success on the big screen in several films. Theater and film no doubt shaped her life, but Wenche Foss is also remembered for her passionate commitment to the disadvantaged, as well as her effervescent humor. In 2011, she said goodbye to this world, and who knows, perhaps she is playing major roles where she is now. Wenche Foss was appointed Commander of the Order of St. Olav with a star, in 1988. She has the Red Cross's badge of honor and is a knight of the Order of the Dannebrog.
In 1856, it was decided by 59 votes to 47 that the parliament building should be erected according to the drawings of the Swedish architect Emil Victor Langlet. The new parliament building was opened in the spring of 1866 and was to be a symbol of independence and freedom. In Norway's art history from 1981, we can read among other things that: "Langlet merged a multitude of different elements into an untraditional, new piece of architecture, where functional considerations played a decisive role... The Lombardic-Romanesque style that Langlet used was new and revolutionary. This was also because the building as a whole had no known model. The Parliament was to be the central building of the new Norwegian state, and be a symbol of independence and freedom from the past and traditions." If you would like to feel close to the power, there is usually a free summer tour of the parliament building, from mid-June to the end of August. If you are a little more than averagely interested, you might want to visit the parliament's own website www.stortinget.no. Photo: Digitalt Museum and Bernth-Erik Øien Fossli
The tall tower that looms before you was formerly a fire station in Oslo. It was built at the same time as the expansion of the adjoining building, the Bazaars, in the late 1850s. The station went by the catchy name, Fire Watch, and initially, the fire brigade counted over 35 men. The tower you see was not, as many believe, used to keep a lookout for fires. It was actually used to dry the water hoses. The much taller tower of the Cathedral, looming behind the station, was used for fire watch instead. The Fire Watch was the city's main fire station until 1939. The fire brigade never made it to the dramatic city fire in 1858 when the station was still under construction. As a result, 41 townhouses were swallowed by the flames. The fire probably hastened the process so that the station could become operational before it was planned to be finished. There was never a shortage of work at this fire station, and if there were no fires raging, there was perhaps always some cat that had strayed up a tree.
This building has always been bustling with activity, and it exudes old history, quite literally. The distinctive name, the Bazaars, comes from the building's original use as butcher's stalls. It still has a certain aroma today, but not exactly of fresh meat - rather, the delightful odors of food and drink from around the world. The building was erected between the years 1840 and 1859, with over 50 butcher's stalls. Oslo was experiencing rapid growth with a massive influx of people, and in the years from 1850 to 1900, the city grew from 30 thousand to 230 thousand people. A bazaar is a market, often with an overbuilding. The name originates from Persia about 5 thousand years ago. The rapid population growth not only led to the expansion of this building, but more bazaars were also established in other parts of the city, including at Youngstorget. A beloved child has many names. The Bazaars were also known as Kirkeristen, named after an old bridge from the 1700s that was laid from here to the Oslo Cathedral cemetery. The bridge had open wooden bars to prevent animals from crossing over to the cemetery.
The painter and author Christian Krohg sits overlooking Pipervika, which is the outlet to the Oslo fjord behind the City Hall. For half a century, he was one of the central figures in Norwegian art life. His art was influenced by where he was, be it Oslo, Skagen, Germany, or Paris. Krohg was born in Oslo in 1852 and eventually studied law with drawing on the side. Both interest and talent led the young man out into Europe where he continued to study art. Several of his paintings became widely known and hang today in galleries in several countries. As a painter, he excellently expressed naturalism, portraying people in their usual environment in a fantastic way. As an author, Krohg is especially known for his novel "Albertine" from 1886, a realistic portrayal of prostitution in Kristiania (now Oslo) in the 1880s. At that time, this was quite bold and the book was confiscated and Krohg was fined. Christian Krohg was engaged in artistic communities and was the first professor and director at the National Art Academy. He left this earth at 73 years old and is buried at Vår Frelsers Gravlund.
The seemingly ordinary man on the bike is none other than one of Norway's greatest heroes. Gunnar Sønsteby was a resistance man during World War II, also known as "Kjakan". Sønsteby was born in Rjukan in 1918 and in his youth, he was a very active outdoorsman. When the war broke out in 1940, he was working as an audit assistant, but immediately joined the volunteer forces and the emerging resistance. Based in Sweden, he carried out several missions in Norway, before being stationed in Oslo as a British intelligence agent, codenamed "No 24". Between 1944 and 1945, Gunnar Sønsteby led Kompani Linge's action group in Oslo, the Oslo Gang, which carried out many daring and successful operations. Among his code names were "Kjakan" and "No. 24". He led some of the most spectacular sabotage actions during World War II, targeting NS authorities and war-important targets such as railways, industry, and fuel storage. After the war, Gunnar Sønsteby ran his own consultancy, in addition to being a loyal defense friend and champion for war veterans' issues. When he was buried at 94 years old in 2012, Gunnar Sønsteby was Norway's highest decorated citizen, and the first and only recipient of the War Cross with three swords.
You are now well positioned in the middle of Egertorget and in the middle of Karl Johans gate between Oslo S and the Royal Palace. The square was named after the Eger family who owned one of the buildings here, including where you see W.B. Samson's pastry shop. The old venerable pastry shop was established in 1894 and still has an outlet here. It was never initially planned for a square right here, but the open area reflects the remains after the parade street Karl Johan was extended downwards. If you look towards the fjord, you see Oslo's first high-rise building, Horngården with 8 floors. It was built in 1930 and is now protected. If you look up now, you see the gigantic neon advertisement for Freia. The chocolate factory, which inspired Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", was the first to put up neon signs in Oslo. And you've probably seen them! Egertorget is a popular place for street musicians and jesters. If you have a song in store, then just throw out your hat.
The man in front of you was one of the most important politicians in Norwegian history. Carl Joachim Hambro served in the Parliament of Norway from 1919 to 1957 and was the President of the Parliament for much of his political career. Internationally, he served as a delegate in the United Nations General Assembly for 11 years following the establishment of the organization. Hambro played a pivotal role in the April days of 1940 following the German invasion, with his organization of the evacuation of the Norwegian Parliament and government from the capital. He was also the person behind the Elverum Authorization, which gave the government the right to make decisions without processing them in the Parliament, as long as the war lasted. Hambro was born in Bergen in 1885 and eventually studied language and literature in Oslo. His studies led him into the newspaper business, and Hambro was known for his written and verbal expressions. He received a number of top honors and was an honorary doctor at 11 foreign universities. Carl Joachim Hambro lived to be 79 years old and is buried in the Cemetery of Honour at Our Saviour's Cemetery in Oslo.
The statue towering over you now is none other than Henrik Wergeland himself, on a pedestal. He is considered by many as Norway's foremost poet. His close ties to the constitution and love for the nation inspired his poetry. Wergeland was born in Kristiansand in 1808, but at the age of nine he followed his father to Eidsvoll, who was one of the Eidsvoll Men who drafted the Norwegian Constitution. He made his debut as an article writer in Norwegian newspapers at just 13 years old, and the spark was born. He later moved to Oslo where his publications were continuous. As a writer, Wergeland was known for his romantic approach and commitment to public education. With his burning national heart, he became an advocate for the children's parades at the constitution celebration. "We are a Nation, we too, we Small, a cubit long:" This verse belongs to the poem of the same name, to which music has been added. Today it is sung by hundreds of thousands of children during the constitution celebration. Wergeland was only 37 years old when he died and is buried at Vår Frelsers Cemetery.
You are now looking at the statue of King Christian Frederick. "This monument is a lasting expression of our gratitude to the young Crown Prince who became our King, the first King in an independent Norway in over 400 years, and the first democratically elected King in Europe," said Prime Minister Erna Solberg when she unveiled the statue in 2014. It was on the day 200 years after Norway got its own constitution on May 17, 1814 at Eidsvoll. Christian Frederick abdicated the same year he became king. Sweden did not accept Norway becoming an independent state and occupied parts of Norway. It ended with Norway entering a union with Sweden where the constitution largely remained, but they shared the same king. Christian Frederick moved back to Denmark and became Danish king a few years later. The close ties between Denmark and Norway are thus historically rooted in several hundred years, which this statue also symbolizes.
Do you have something on your heart that you wish to share with others? Then you have come to the right place! In front of the Parliament and the Lion Hill lies Eidsvolls Square. The square is one of the country's most important arenas for people's freedom of speech and engagement, and over 300 political demonstrations are held here annually. It got its current name in 1864 due to its proximity to the Parliament building, which was then under construction. In this way, the connection between the National Assembly at Eidsvoll and the new Parliament was made clear. Today, the square reminds us of Eidsvoll when Norway's constitution was written and adopted. On the square, you will find busts and statues related to political, constitutional, and artistic significance for Norway. The strategic politician C.J. Hambro, the poet Henrik Wergeland, and King Christian Frederick have all been unveiled at Eidsvolls Square. Democracy and freedom of speech are strong in Norway, and elected politicians traditionally have close connections to the grassroots. Therefore, it is fully possible to invite politicians from the Parliament to political demonstrations at Eidsvolls Square.
You are now in Spikersuppa, right in the heart of Oslo, and in the city's most visited area throughout the year. There's always something going on here! In the summer, you can enjoy the recessed pools and beautiful fountains with surrounding sculptures. In the winter, the pools are transformed into Norway's most popular ice rink and a traditional Christmas market is held every year. Spikersuppa has its history back to 1956, when Christiania Spikerverk gifted Oslo Municipality a makeover for the entire area. Part of the gift was a pond, which quickly got the name "Spikersuppa" in the local vernacular. The real name is Hjortedammen, after Arne Vigeland's sculpture of two deer in the middle of "Hjortøya". In Norway, we say that "we can't boil soup on a nail", a metaphor that means to make a fuss out of almost nothing, such as food. So Spikersuppa has nothing to do with this expression. By the way, you don't need money here, as this Spikersuppa can be experienced for free all year round.
Indeed, that's one of the most memorable moments in Norwegian history. King Olav V’s decision to take the tram was a powerful gesture that spoke volumes about his sense of duty and solidarity with his people during a difficult time. It resonated with Norwegians then and continues to do so now. The king was known for his approachability and for being very close to the Norwegian people, often referred to as the "People's King". This event solidified that image, showing that he was not above facing the same hardships as his subjects. The moment was captured in a photograph, which shows King Olav standing in the tram, ticket in hand. That image has since become a symbol of the king's humility and the democratic nature of Norwegian society. So yes, even in times of crisis, there can be moments of unity and common understanding that bring us closer together, and this was certainly one of them.
You are now standing outside the apartment of Henrik and Suzannah Ibsen, which has been converted into a museum today. The world-renowned playwright lived here for the last 11 years of his life until his death in 1906. Alongside William Shakespeare, Ibsen is the most performed playwright in the world. The apartment has been restored to the time of Ibsen, with the poet's own furniture and inventory. The museum also shows exhibitions about the internationally known playwright's life and poetry. Every single day, Ibsen put on his hat and walked to the Grand Café, past the Parliament. With his characteristic white beard, he was a well-visible and popular man in the city streets, and he had his own regular table at the venerable café. Here he combed through newspapers in conversation with the city's elite and often enjoyed a beer and a dram. In the sidewalks along the route, there are now laid 69 quotes from his plays, speeches, or letters. Feel free to visit his apartment and familiarize yourself with the history of the playwright with a subsequent walk along all the quotes.
You may have already noticed it, words and letters embedded in street level everywhere. So, you are standing on one of the quotes from one of the world's most famous authors, Henrik Ibsen. His plays and dramas are read, performed, and filmed all over the world. You can find them embedded in the sidewalks from the Ibsen Museum on Henrik Ibsen's Street and past the Parliament on Karl Johans Street, the same route he walked daily from his apartment to the Grand Café. If you look around, you'll find a total of 69 quotes consisting of 4,011 sandblasted steel letters. The Ibsen Quote, also called Quote Street, consists of texts from Henrik Ibsen's poems, dramas, letters, and speeches. Famous plays such as "A Doll's House", "An Enemy of the People" and "Peer Gynt" are some of his world-renowned works. You can learn more about Henrik Ibsen by his statue outside the National Theater, not far from here. If you follow the quotes, you'll also come to the Ibsen Museum, where his home has been restored to the way it was when he and his wife Suzannah lived there, complete with the poet's own furniture, original colors, and décor.