Gamle Raadhus, Oslo

Gamle Raadhus, Oslo

Gamle Rådhus (The Old Town Hall) in Oslo, boasts a rich and extensive history. As one of the most ancient structures in Norway's capital, it was initially erected in 1641 as Christiania's inaugural town hall during the period when the city was referred to as Christiania. King Christian IV provided financial backing for the town hall's construction.

For nearly a century, from 1641 to 1733, the building functioned as the municipal center of Christiania. Its prominent position next to Akershus Fortress contributed to its significance. Subsequently, the building underwent a series of transformations. It served as a fire station, a temporary church, a private residence, Norway's Supreme Court, the city's main assembly hall, a correctional facility, the gathering place for Freemasons, a museum, and presently, a restaurant.

In 1925, the restaurant was relocated to the primary level of the main edifice, preserving much of its original furnishings. However, a fire ravaged the building in 1996. Yet, the City of Oslo, the owner, took swift action to restore and recreate the structure.

Today, the Old Town Hall continues its role as a restaurant, offering a splendid setting for various occasions such as receptions, concerts, performances, and conferences on the ground floor. The original basement, once a holding area, has been preserved and repurposed as a wine cellar and event space capable of accommodating up to 20 guests. Additionally, a beer garden and outdoor dining area grace the backyard from May through September.

The restaurant's lavish menu is centered around traditional Norwegian cuisine, highlighting local ingredients. Delicacies such as lutefisk, diverse seafood, and succulent reindeer meat feature prominently, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Norway.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oslo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Gamle Raadhus on Map

Sight Name: Gamle Raadhus
Sight Location: Oslo, Norway (See walking tours in Oslo)
Sight Type: Food/Drink

Walking Tours in Oslo, Norway

Create Your Own Walk in Oslo

Create Your Own Walk in Oslo

Creating your own self-guided walk in Oslo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Walking Tour

Historical Churches Walking Tour

Oslo's religious landscape, particularly within the Christian tradition, is a captivating tapestry interwoven with history, faith, and architectural elegance. The city boasts a collection of historical churches reflecting the evolution of local Christian communities. Diverse in their designs, these sacred sites offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted religious traditions that have shaped Oslo...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Oslo Introduction Walking Tour

Oslo Introduction Walking Tour

Oslo is the capital of Norway. The name "Oslo" means the field below the hill or the field of the Gods. The city's ancient roots can be traced as far back as the year 1000. Back then, the area was known as Viken. By 1300, it had a population of about 3,000 residents. Around that time, King Haakon V ordered the construction of the Akershus Fortress which today is a major city...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour

Museum District (Bygdoy) Walking Tour

Oslo's Museum District, located on the Bygdoy Peninsula, is home to some of the most visited museums in the city. Repositories of precious artifacts from Norway’s history, these remarkable institutions collectively represent a treasure trove for those keen on exploring this northerly nation's past.

One of the standout attractions here is the Fram Museum, showcasing the incredible...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Old Oslo Walking Tour

Old Oslo Walking Tour

The historic Old Town of Oslo is the oldest part of the city which dates back to the days of medieval Norway. This urban area emerged around the year 1000 and became the capital of Norway's dominion (within the Dano-Norwegian Realm) around 1300. The Old Town district continued to be known as Oslo, while the whole city was called Christiania, until 1925.

One of its prominent landmarks is...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Grunerlokka Walking Tour

Grunerlokka Walking Tour

Formerly a working-class area of Oslo, Grunerlokka is one of the capital’s hippest neighborhoods. This district is named after Friedrich Gruner, the former chief administrator of the city in the late 1600s. Today's Grunerlokka is a fusion of Norwegian and foreign cultures, owing it largely to the late 20th-century gentrification process.

Apart from the street art, stylish bars, happening...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


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