Stortorvet, Oslo
Stortorvet, or 鈥楪rand Plaza鈥�, is a major public place for socializing, trade, and traffic in Oslo. It has been the city's central square since 1736 when it replaced in this capacity Christiania Torv. Originally developed around Oslo Cathedral, which was constructed in 1697, the square became functional after its foundation was filled in with earth from the city ramparts and later, by city garbage.
Over time, it evolved into a vital marketplace, particularly known for its winter market, which dates back to Oslo's early history. Initially held in the Old Town, the market had moved between various locations before settling at Stortorvet in 1735. By the late 19th century, it was so prominent that local schools and university halted their classes and lectures, and the Supreme Court even paused its proceedings during market days.
The square is surrounded by several historical buildings such as Koppg氓rden, at Number 2, built in 1879-80 for wine merchant Hermann Alexander Kopp, and Sandakerg氓rden, at Number 5, named so for the men's outfitter that once occupied premises on the ground floor. Other notable structures include the Swan Pharmacy (Svaneapoteket), established in 1628 and operational in its current location since 1896, and a more modern Christiania Bank building, at Number 7, completed in 1971.
Stortorvet also features three significant artworks, namely: the bronze statue of King Christian IV sculpted by Carl Ludvig Jacobsen, unveiled in 1880; the "Animal Fountain" by Skule Vaksvik, featuring hens and a rooster depicted in bronze, created in 1955; and the "Water in Stone" installation of red granite, made by Anne-Marie Backer Mohr and Bjart Mohr in 1985.
Over time, it evolved into a vital marketplace, particularly known for its winter market, which dates back to Oslo's early history. Initially held in the Old Town, the market had moved between various locations before settling at Stortorvet in 1735. By the late 19th century, it was so prominent that local schools and university halted their classes and lectures, and the Supreme Court even paused its proceedings during market days.
The square is surrounded by several historical buildings such as Koppg氓rden, at Number 2, built in 1879-80 for wine merchant Hermann Alexander Kopp, and Sandakerg氓rden, at Number 5, named so for the men's outfitter that once occupied premises on the ground floor. Other notable structures include the Swan Pharmacy (Svaneapoteket), established in 1628 and operational in its current location since 1896, and a more modern Christiania Bank building, at Number 7, completed in 1971.
Stortorvet also features three significant artworks, namely: the bronze statue of King Christian IV sculpted by Carl Ludvig Jacobsen, unveiled in 1880; the "Animal Fountain" by Skule Vaksvik, featuring hens and a rooster depicted in bronze, created in 1955; and the "Water in Stone" installation of red granite, made by Anne-Marie Backer Mohr and Bjart Mohr in 1985.
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Stortorvet on Map
Sight Name: Stortorvet
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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...