Oslo Cathedral, Oslo
Oslo Cathedral (Oslo Domkirke), previously known as Our Savior's Church (V氓r Frelsers Kirke), is the main temple of the Church of Norway. Located at Stortorvet square, near Karl Johans gate, the current cathedral 鈥� Oslo's third cathedral in total 鈥� was constructed between 1694 and 1697. The first one, Hallvards Cathedral, was established in the 12th century by King Sigurd I but fell into disrepair after the city was moved closer to Akershus Fortress following a fire in 1624. The second cathedral, Holy Trinity, lasted only 50 years before burning down, prompting the need to build a new one.
This elegant, if somewhat unassuming, neo-Gothic edifice has served as a religious center but also as a venue for significant national events such as royal weddings and public ceremonies. In 2001, it hosted Norway鈥檚 latest royal wedding 鈥� of Crown Prince Haakon and Mette Tjessem Hoiby. Following a major renovation in 2010, the cathedral reopened with a high mass attended by the members of the Norwegian royal family led by King Harald V.
The architecture features a blend of red brick construction with green copper accents, notably on the adjoining Bazaar and the Fire Watch buildings. Internally, the cathedral houses several art pieces including stained-glass windows by Emanuel Vigeland, silver sculpture by Arrigo Minerbi, bronze doors by Dagfin Werenskiold, and elaborate ceiling decoration by Norwegian painter Hugo Mohr.
The cathedral's main organ was installed in 1997 to mark its 300th anniversary. Since December 2016, the cathedral's carillon has been in regular use for hour- and quarter-strokes, as well as ritornelles, playing 18 different melodies between 7:00 am and midnight, changing according to the calendar. The church holds Mass every Sunday and is free to visit throughout the week. Guided group tours can also be arranged on weekdays.
This elegant, if somewhat unassuming, neo-Gothic edifice has served as a religious center but also as a venue for significant national events such as royal weddings and public ceremonies. In 2001, it hosted Norway鈥檚 latest royal wedding 鈥� of Crown Prince Haakon and Mette Tjessem Hoiby. Following a major renovation in 2010, the cathedral reopened with a high mass attended by the members of the Norwegian royal family led by King Harald V.
The architecture features a blend of red brick construction with green copper accents, notably on the adjoining Bazaar and the Fire Watch buildings. Internally, the cathedral houses several art pieces including stained-glass windows by Emanuel Vigeland, silver sculpture by Arrigo Minerbi, bronze doors by Dagfin Werenskiold, and elaborate ceiling decoration by Norwegian painter Hugo Mohr.
The cathedral's main organ was installed in 1997 to mark its 300th anniversary. Since December 2016, the cathedral's carillon has been in regular use for hour- and quarter-strokes, as well as ritornelles, playing 18 different melodies between 7:00 am and midnight, changing according to the calendar. The church holds Mass every Sunday and is free to visit throughout the week. Guided group tours can also be arranged on weekdays.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oslo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: 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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Oslo Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: Oslo Cathedral
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Oslo, Norway
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
Formerly a working-class area of Oslo, Grunerlokka is one of the capital鈥檚 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
Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
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鈥檚 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
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
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
One of its prominent landmarks is... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
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
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
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 脕nslo 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
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
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Traveler's Choice: 15 Norwegian Gifts from Oslo
The Norwegians are strict about gift making and believe that each gift must be equaled with a return one. For this reason, public holidays and birthdays are a very serious business in Norway, with everyone making and receiving gifts. In the spirit of this tradition, you might want to treat your dear...