Rising up above the western end of central Oslo is the sloping parkland of Slottsparken. Filled with stately royal trees and a duck pond or three, it's a lovely place for a quiet walk. The Norwegian royal family liked the park so much they moved in – the Royal Palace sits grandly at the top of the park.
Construction of the 173-room palace originally began in 1825 under the reign of Charles III but wasn't completed until 1849, five years after the death of Charles. His son, Oscar I, and daughter-in-law, Josephine, became the first royals to move in. The palace had some structural faults at construction but, for budget reasons, these were only rectified, and the palace given a general renovation, under the current monarch, King Harald V.
What's remarkable about this palace, and the royal family in general, is how approachable it is: children play and tourists pose for photos just metres from the main entrance door – quite a contrast to some other European royal palaces.
In summer one-hour guided tours of the interior of the palace are available. Tickets can be bought either at the gate (which is at the rear of the palace), by phone, at 7-Eleven stores or from www.billetservice.no. Tours visit a dozen rooms including the Cabinet Cloakroom, Mirror Room, Banqueting Hall and the Palace Chapel.
