Slottsparken (the Palace Park) is the public park surrounding the Royal Palace at Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, at the western end of Karl Johans gate in the Sentrum district. Laid out in the 1840s in the English landscape style, the park was designed by the Swedish-born garden architect Hans Jørgen Gløersen and Danish-Norwegian architect Hans Ditlev Franciscus Linstow, who also designed the palace itself. Open around the clock and free to enter, it is where Oslo residents walk, jog and picnic, and where visitors come for palace views, ponds, statues and some of the city’s best-loved green space.
What to Expect at Slottsparken
The palace sits on a rise at the park’s eastern edge, and the main approach runs up from Karl Johans gate past the equestrian statue of King Karl III Johan, which gazes down the boulevard toward Oslo Central Station. From the palace forecourt, a pale yellow neoclassical facade fronts broad lawns that slope gently away on every side. Unlike many royal grounds, the park has no gates, so the paths are public rights of way and locals treat it as a shortcut between Majorstuen, Frogner and the city centre.
Winding gravel and asphalt paths lead through mature stands of linden, elm, oak and horse chestnut, past duck ponds fringed with reeds and across open meadows where families spread blankets from the first warm days of May. Look for the bronze statues of Queen Maud and Queen Sonja-era commemorations and other sculptures dotted along the walkways, and for the small gardener’s lodge and pavilions that give the grounds their landscaped feel. The park is also a favourite winter sledding slope and a shaded retreat on summer afternoons.
- Royal Palace facade: The yellow-plastered neoclassical palace, completed in 1849, makes a postcard-ready backdrop, especially in late afternoon light.
- Karl Johan statue: The bronze equestrian monument at the top of Karl Johans gate marks the grand axis connecting palace, boulevard and city.
- Park ponds: Two tranquil ponds attract ducks and geese and offer reflective views of the surrounding trees and the palace.
- Sculptures and monuments: Statues and memorials along the paths reward slow strolling and give the park its quiet, ceremonial character.
- Changing of the Guard: The Royal Guard performs a ceremonial changing of the guard on the palace square daily at 1:30 pm, a short walk from the park’s main entrance.
Slottsparken at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, Norway |
| Neighborhood / Area | Sentrum, at the western end of Karl Johans gate near Frogner and Majorstuen |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours, seven days a week |
| Admission / Price Range | Free ($ tier overall; no ticket required to enter the park) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 minutes to 1.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Tram stop Slottsparken (lines 11, 12, 13); Nationaltheatret station (metro, rail) about a 10-minute walk; limited street parking nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | Royal House of Norway, +47 22 04 87 00 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
The easiest way to arrive is on foot along Karl Johans gate from Oslo Central Station, a roughly 20-minute walk that builds toward the palace. Trams 11, 12 and 13 stop at Slottsparken on the park’s edge, and Nationaltheatret, served by regional trains, the Flytoget airport express and metro lines, is about 10 minutes away on foot. Parking in the area is limited, so public transit is the practical choice. Early mornings and evenings are quietest, while weekends in summer fill with picnickers.
Paths are largely paved or compacted gravel, and the main routes are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though some inclines near the palace are moderately steep and surfaces can be icy in winter. There are no on-site cafes inside the park, so bring water or pick up food on Karl Johans gate. Within 5 to 15 minutes on foot you can reach the National Theatre, the Nobel Peace Center on the harbour, Aker Brygge’s waterfront restaurants, and the Vigeland Park gateway via the leafy Frogner district for a longer green-space loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit Slottsparken?
Slottsparken is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For the best atmosphere, visit on a clear morning or at golden hour in late afternoon, and time your arrival for 1:30 pm if you want to catch the Changing of the Guard at the palace.
Is there an admission fee or do I need a reservation?
Entry is free and no reservation is required. The park has no gates or ticket booths. Palace interior tours are separate, seasonal and ticketed, and are arranged through the Royal House of Norway website.
How much time should I budget?
Plan 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for a leisurely walk around the ponds and statues with palace photo stops. Add another 30 minutes if you want to watch the guard change or picnic on the lawns.
Is Slottsparken accessible and family friendly?
Yes. Main paths are wide and mostly step-free, making the park suitable for strollers and most wheelchairs, though a few gradients near the palace are steeper. Children enjoy the open lawns, ponds and winter sledding slopes, and there is no dress code.
When planning your Oslo travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Oslo, pair this stop with standout local spots including Naturhistorisk museum, Hotel Bristol, San Francisco Bread Bowl, and Slottsplassen (0.1 km away).
