Oscarshall

Isn't this a beautiful area? You’re not alone in thinking so. During a sailing trip in 1847, the sons of King Oscar I and Queen Josephine were captivated by the untouched, idyllic landscape here on Bygdøy. The King and Queen decided to build a palace, which they named Oscarshall. Completed in 1852, Oscarshall holds a history deeply connected to both Norway and Italy. In fact, the palace almost received the name Josephine’s Castle. Queen Josephine, born in Milan, contributed her own funds to its construction and drew inspiration from Italian architecture. When you look at Oscarshall’s flat roof and loggias, you can see clear references to Italian villas. The building was designed by the Danish architect Johan Henrik Nebelong in a national romantic and neo-Gothic style, filled with references to Norwegian medieval traditions such as knightly castles and heraldry. At the time, Norway and Sweden were in a union, and the royal couple wanted to provide Norway with a monument that promoted Norwegian art and craftsmanship. Oscarshall became both a summer residence and later a museum showcasing Norwegian values and traditions. The pleasure palace still stands today as a symbol of the national romantic area and is open to the public during the summer season.