Located in central Oslo, Slottsparken (or the Royal Palace Park) is the city central park that surrounds the Royal Palace. Construction began in the 1820s by Hans Linstow, the same architect who built the palace, although because of financial restrictions it took more than 30 years to put together. Altogether more than 2,000 trees were planted, most of which are still standing.
The main feature of the park is The Royal Palace, which is the main residence of Norwegian royalty, currently Herald V. If you happen to be in Oslo during the summer months, the palace opens for guided tours, including some of the most beautiful state rooms, upper vestibule, dining room, bird room, mirror hall, and Palace Chapel.
In 1911, the trend of adding monuments and statues to the park began, amongst the first were Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, and author Camilla Collett. Years later, statues of Queen Maud, mathematician Nils Henrik Abel, and Kronprinssesse Martha were added.
Situated in the Nobel district of Oslo, the park itself is 54 acres (22 hectares), although including the palace and Castle Park covers 225 acres (91 hectares) in total.
As the park is located directly in the city center, it is easily accessible by public transportation, including metro, at stop Nationaltheatret, taking you to the southeastern entrance at Karl Johans Gate, and nearby tram 11, 17 and 18 stopping at Holsbergs plass, a 2 minute walk to the northern entrance.
