Karl Johan's Gate
In the centre of Oslo stretches the main street Karl Johans Gate. The main and boulevard is one of the attractions of the city. Here stroll and stroll locals as well as tourists. Along the street are numerous shops, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants and cafes in historic buildings, so that there is always a lot of activity.
Development of Karl Johans Gate
Today, the Karl Johans Gate is Oslo's strolling mile no. 1. Named after the Swedish-Norwegian King Karl III Johan, the gorgeous street extends from Oslo's main station up to the royal castle. If you walk along the street, you are basically walking straight towards the castle, as the street was once designed to focus on the castle.
The long boulevard is divided into two sections. While the part from the station square up to the Egertorg was once inside the city walls, in the 1830ies, due to the royal castle, a paradise street was arranged by the architect H.D. Linstow. This was given the name Slotsvej (Castle Road), while the older part of today's Karl Johans Gate was named Østre Gade. In 1852 the street was renamed to honour the late monarch Karl Johans. In the 1860s, the Parliament building was built and the two sections of the street were connected.
Still today, it is clearly recognizable by the building substance which part of Karl Johans Gate is older. The younger part of the street was specially marked by some beautiful buildings of the time of the 19th century that give the street an urban flair until today. In 2005, the street was redesigned with attention to detail. Among other things, street lamps were installed in the style of the 1920s. Today, part of Karl Johans Gate is purely a pedestrian zone; the tram line that ran there for over 100 years was discontinued in the 1980s.
Stroll, shop, party and enjoy
Between the train station and Egertorget, Karl Johans Gate is a pure pedestrian zone. It is busy day and night. Street musicians, artists and performers, who like to use the promenade as a stage, provide a good atmosphere. There is never a crowd here, but rather a really comfortable stroll and it is also possible to linger in order to have a closer look at one of the houses with its architectural features or to admire the displays of the shops.
During the stroll through the street, especially the restaurants and cafés attract. In the evening hours, however, bars and discos invite you to party. Once a year on the national holiday, the 17th of May, the street is decorated and the Norwegians celebrate together with the royal family. But also apart from this special day, the special street shines with its unique flair. In addition to the castle, the university building, the parliament, the national theatre and the venerable Grand Hotel can also be found in the street. Thus, the Karl Johans Gate is not only a must for shopping enthusiasts and night owls, but also for those who are interested in architecture and history. While Karl Johans Gate is part of any Oslo city tour, visitors should take the time to explore the bustling street more extensively.
