The Royal Palace, Oslo, Norway

The Royal Palace, Oslo
I visited the Royal Palace on day 2 of my Norway trip. I didn't know what to expect, and perhaps it was due to my expectations based on the Buckingham Palace in London, I was expecting a larger compound. Turned out that the Royal Palace was a smaller building with an adjacent park. Notwithstanding, the palace holds 127 rooms. Not too small at all! 

The Royal Palace was constuctued and completed in 1825, on direction from King Charles John. Public tours only started in 2002, and the grounds are open to the public. 

Quick tips about the Royal Palace of Norway (Oslo)

• ​The Royal Palace is open to visitors during summer.
• Elevator is available for elderly or wheelchair-bound tourists.
• The public entrance is located on the west side of the Royal Palace (facing Parkveien)
• Photography is not permitted inside the palace, but a photo opportunity has been set up in the Vestibule if you want to take some nice pictures.

MrWildy posing with the Royal Guard

You can also take photos with the guards! You just need to ask politely. Regarding the flags flown over the palace, there are four different flags, namely: 

• The Royal Standard
• The Standard of the Crown Prince
• The State Flag
• The National Flag

The Royal Standard is flown whenever the King is in Norway or Norwegian terrorities. When the King travels abroad, His Royal Highness The Crown Prince is Regent. Then the Standard of the Crown Prince is flown over the palace. 

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The Changing of the Royal Guard

The changing of the guard at the Royal Palace is a free event that takes place at 1330hrs. This even draws crowds of tourists and locals to witness the military ritual. Regardless of weather, this event takes place. During summer, mounted police officers (on horses) and a Norwegian military band will lead the guards through the streets of Oslo, starting at the Akershus Fortress at 1310hrs. 

I made a mistake by waiting at the front entrance to catch the event. It would have been better to wait around the guard post towards the right of the palace, where most of the action takes place.