Overview
Karl Johans Gate is a bustling pedestrian street in Oslo, Norway, named after King Charles John. It stretches from the Oslo Central Station to the Royal Palace, offering a mix of historic and modern attractions, shops, and restaurants.
It's one of the main thoroughfares in Oslo, symbolizing the connection between the people and the monarchy.
Location
Address
Karl Johans gate, Oslo
Neighborhood: Sentrum
Coordinates
59.913900, 10.750300
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
May-September
Best Time of Day
Late afternoon
less crowded and pleasant weather
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
mild
- • flowers
- • outdoor cafes reopening
summer
mild to warm
- • outdoor performances
- • long daylight hours
autumn
cool and crisp
- • fall colors
- • cozy cafes
winter
cold and dark
- • holiday lights
- • Christmas markets
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Comfortable shoes recommended
- Check shop hours
- Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: low
- • none
Medical facilities: available nearby
Payment Information
Accepted
credit cards, debit cards, cash
Currency
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Typical Costs
Dress Code
casual, comfortable and weather-appropriate, comfortable shoes for walking, none
Booking Tips
- • not required
- • none
- • not applicable
- • not applicable
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Visit Oslo
Size: 30 MB
Features: Map, Event calendar, Restaurant guides
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Cafes and restaurants
Charging Stations: Cafes and restaurants
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Oslo Airport (OSL)
Distance: 37 km
Travel Time: 45 minutes
From City Center
Distance: varies
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: It's a central hub for shopping, dining, and historic sites
Historical Significance: The street was built to connect the Oslo Central Station to the Royal Palace, symbolizing the connection between the people and the monarchy
Insider Tips
- Visit the street in December for the magical Christmas market
- Check out the local designer shops for unique Norwegian souvenirs
Local Recommendations
- • Try Norwegian waffles at one of the street's cafes
- • Visit the Oslo City Hall for a glimpse of Norwegian art and history
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: Norwegian, English, German
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Royal Palace
Best Time: Late afternoon
Tips: Wide angle for the full view
Result: Stunning palace photo
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Royal Palace
Distance: 1km
Walking: 12 min
Type: Historic Site
Oslo City Hall
Distance: 500m
Walking: 7 min
Type: Government Building
Oslo Opera House
Distance: 1km
Walking: 12 min
Type: Cultural Attraction
Aker Brygge
Distance: 1.5km
Walking: 20 min
Type: Waterfront Area
Reviews
Based on 5,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Visit in the late afternoon"
- "Try Norwegian waffles"
- "Explore side streets"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (3)
Quick Info
Available Tours
42
Rating
4.3 / 5.0
Reviews
5,000
Adult Entry
free (shopping and dining at individual businesses' discretion)