Oslo City Hall

When we arrived at Oslo City Hall the main gate has already shut and we weren't allowed in. Yet from the outside the two massive bricks tower was very tall and magnificent. It was lovely to take the picture from the outside and checkout this magnificent building around. We have been told that this is were the annual Nobel prize event is held.

If city halls around the world want to compete with this one, they'll have to pull out all the stops! This place is a treasure trove of cultural delights, with a lively atmosphere that draws in people from far and wide. From the stunning artwork adorning the walls to the picturesque fountains and statues outside, there's no shortage of visual delights. Inside is also very informative. And let's not forget the harbor, where you can catch a ferry for a fjord ride that's simply unforgettable – especially when capped off with a spectacular sunset!

Beautiful building with an even more amazing wall art interior! The building has free entry to visit but it can get busy so it can take a little time in the queue to get in. There is a security check before you go inside. Many beautiful art walls cover both levels of the building and in such a spectacular size! The big hall was being set up for event when we visited in the late afternoon. Nice clean bathroom just in the basement area.

Oslo Radhus or Oslo City Hall in Norway, facing Oslofjord, was finally completed in 1950 (started in 1931 to be precise, but slowing down during WW II in the interim period) to celebrate the city's 900th anniversary. It houses the city's council, administration and other municipal organizations. It also hosts the Nobel peace prize ceremony on the 10th of December each year, being the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel. Our visit during July 2025 resulted in our guide letting us know the main happenings there, however, the insides of the building, was just envisaged by us. I loved the beautiful adornment of the colourful flowers, swaying in their beds, on the other side, while we circled behind them.

An impressive landmark with a unique history and one of the most recognizable buildings in Oslo. Oslo City Hall was inaugurated in 1950 after decades of planning and construction, symbolizing Norway’s modern identity and democratic values in the post-war era. Built in a functionalist style with its characteristic twin towers, the exterior is decorated with sculptures and motifs inspired by Norse mythology and the city’s maritime heritage. Inside, the halls are adorned with large mural paintings depicting Norway’s political, cultural, and social history — a true celebration of national identity. Most famously, Oslo City Hall hosts the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, making it an important site not only for the city but for the entire world. A must-see for anyone interested in architecture, history, and Norwegian culture.

Oslo City Hall, located right next to the Nobel Peace Center and the waterfront, is one of the most striking buildings in the city. From the outside, its twin brick towers rise dramatically against the skyline, framed by the patterned stone plaza that leads you up toward its grand entrance. The approach alone is impressive — the symmetry, the waterfall features, and the sense of scale make it feel like you’re entering a truly important civic space. Inside, the mood shifts from monumental to unexpectedly vibrant. The central hall is vast, bathed in light, and filled with stunning murals that depict Norwegian history, culture, and everyday life in extraordinary detail. It’s both ceremonial and warm, a place that feels alive with stories. The murals are jaw-dropping in size and color — they stretch across the walls and almost overwhelm the senses in the best way. I especially appreciated how easy it is to access the building: free entry, minimal fuss, and plenty of space to linger without feeling rushed. It’s one of those sites that blends civic pride with genuine artistic wonder. If you’re visiting Oslo, this is absolutely worth a stop — whether you’re into architecture, history, or just want a moment to take in something grand and uniquely Norwegian.

Located down by the waterfront, stand this lovely red brick, that demands attention, entry is free, which is always a bonus, the interior is huge, decorated with lovely murals. Definitely worth a visit when in the area.

Visited Oslo City Hall and was genuinely impressed. The artwork and architecture tell a lot about Norway’s history and values, and the building is easy to explore. A calm, meaningful stop in the middle of the city.

Oslo City Hall wasn't open most of this week due to local elections but we finally got inside on our last day. City Hall was an imposing building of brick. The long driveway up included covered walkways with mounted wooden carvings depicting scenes from Nordic mythology. Each scene included a bilingual explanation which was helpful to learn the context. Well worth the time to see these. Inside only the first floor was opened for visitors on the day of our visit. It was cavernous with much higher ceilings than I expected. The wall murals were spectacular. A small display on one of the offshoot halls contained some details about the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Downstairs were the WCs and cafeteria. At least free to entry versus some other Scandinavian city halls!

Beautiful city hall situated very central)y in Oslo. I think if you're into hitting the sites, this is definitely something you should consider, as it's both free and close to other sites. The main hall is large and impressive, and it's also where they host the Nobel Prize ceremony every year! There are also a series of gifts and memorandum from past conferences held in the building. There isn't much more to see beyond that, but it was definitely a cool experience!

It doesn't take much walking to eventually notices the very distinct Oslo City Hall. Gayle and I first walked around it and then enjoyed seeing it again as part of the Nobel Peace Center tour. Oslo City Hall is housed in a mid-20th century red-brick building with two towers over 60 meters high each. This building houses the mayor and the city council and is where the city's political and administrative decisions are made. The building was built entirely with Norwegian materials and all the artwork on display was made by Norwegian artists. Hundreds of events are are held there each year, including the celebrated Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. The Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony takes place annually on December 10 (anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death) at Oslo City Hall, more specifically in the main hall of the building. Nobel Peace Prize winners receive a gold medal (see pictures of a facsimile ,a certificate and a cash award. he Norwegian royal family and the Prime Minister of Norway take part in the award ceremony.

Spectacular art work and def worth the visit. Do one of the guided tours and enjoy the amazing Fresca.

'Ello chaps! Oslo City Hall is a mix of administration and history in the heart of Norway's capital city. The building houses Oslo's city council, city administration, and other offices. Constructed between 1931 and 1950, the building also has event space and royal roots to history. Walk inside (FREE!!) to tour the art and decor inside. The ballroom and space. It's FREE and worth a visit. Plan about 30 - 45 minutes depending on one's own pace. Overall I give Oslo City Hall 5 stars out of 5. NOTE: Located on the harbor near the Nobel Peace Center, you'll want to enter on the opposite side of the water, where there is a courtyard with shops. There are also restrooms located on the lower level (coat room) level of the building.

We weren't originally going to come in, but I'm so glad we did! It's beautiful, and a perfect (free) activity for a winter day.

Not a impressive looking structure from the outside. If our local friends had not mentioned it, I would not have thought it to be City Hall. Just appeared as an ordinary brick building. Was expecting Oslo, Norway to have an older grander City Hall. They did mention that it is nicer inside, but we were unable to visit because of time constraints. Did like the large clock outside the building. Time was accurate. On a more serious note, my wife and I enjoyed our day in lovely Oslo, Norway! Beautiful city with a lot to offer!! Would happily return to this city if given the chance.

Oslo City Hall houses the city council, city administration, and art studios and galleries. Alot of locals do not think this is a pretty building. But I did not have any problem taking pictures and was facinated with the detail of the building. The Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony was also held here. I think all tourists should visit the city hall if you are in Oslo.

It's amazing to see this kind of outdated architecture in form of a city hall. Wonder when it's going to be redone? Although it looks boxy, outdated, a bit on the brutal side for my personal taste in buildings, it does have very contrasting interior spaces with beautiful paintings and murals. Somehow, it's a tourist attraction by being a city hall. It's a royal seat for the King of Norway and deserves a tremendous respect. May be that's a clue architect ms took for The Nordic Museum in Ballard area of Seattle. Imposing, overpowering unfriendly to its neighbors.

Great to see where the Nobel prizes are held every year. Staff are super friendly as everyone here is :)

I first visited the city hall way back in 1981 when I was in the army and based in Oslo. I fell in love with the place back then and it was great to visit again yesterday. I was really happy that work took me to Oslo again and that I could once again visit this amazing building. What I love the most about it is all the murals all over the place. Beautiful artwork. I cannot explain it so just have a look at all the photos that I posted. You can spend a good hour in there, both inside, and outside where there is a nice clock and a bit of Norwegian folklore. Don't read about the place, just go and visit it. It's free! Oh, was shocked to see a post with 1 star that says its not really a sight to see! I find the outside of the building interesting but the brilliance is on the inside. Perhaps she didn't bother going inside.

There ain't a whole lot of traditional "tourist" sites with wow factor in Oslo so for me this was one of the "stand out" sites on the Oslo free waking tour that we went on. It was not amazing to be honest, but it was ok. Now if you travel a bit and go to the big sites in other cities your going to be a bit underwhelmed like I was I would imagine, but perhaps knowing that before you go will help actually improve this place when you see it. Outside is a big like a prison in terms of the brickwork, but there is a couple of cool statues that are worth a picture or two. The inside is peaceful and there is a big hall with some huge artwork, interesting statues and pictures on the wall. Not a huge amount else to say. Probably best to let the pictures do the talking. A city hall with a scraping of wow factor.

We took a tour here and it was so enjoyable! We learned so much and what a beautiful building. The art was unbelievable ( especially the portraits of the current king and Queen). The tour is free! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. It's a great area of town too, plenty to do around!

Was pleasantly surprised by the cityhall. The outside is ok, but what makes it good place to visit is the large murals. A brochure at the entrance explained the stories about the murals. Warmly advised to pick up before you start your tour. Overall would not take more than an hour to visit the radhuset.

I loved taking my visitors here, since it's free to walk in to and is open everyday until 4pm I believe. You get to walk around, look at some cool rooms and have a quick bathroom break before you venture out to look at the rest of the city!

Well done Mr. Mayor, the city of Oslo was a pleasant surprise for myself, a first time visitor. I love the push for a car-less space, more green, more bike lanes and they way the development of the harbor areas is heading. Oslo, friendly, warm, and diverse, is now among my favorite cities. My only one suggestion, if you envision a push towards the future, would be to ban smoking in restaurants. The right of one person to ruin their own health, should not trump a non-smoker's right to clean air. Peace!

The Oslo City Hall was probably the most interesting attraction we visited in Oslo, other than the shopping district near Stortinget. The city hall houses the city council, city administration, and art galleries. There is no admittance fee, so it's a nice stop if you're traveling on a budget; otherwise, I'd skip it.

Some say a nice looking building, some say eyesore. My opinion on the matter is it is an eyesore with nice artwork. The building is built in the Decorated Functional style and the artwork on the inside it is very 1950s. There is many tapestries and other forms for art which is one reason this place is so well loved by many people. The reliefs on the walls leading up to the front doors from the plaza are from the poem Edda (if I remember correctly) and there are statues and a large fountain. The townhall (Rådhuset) has free entry and it has guided tours which makes this a high point for many people visiting Oslo.

Why no other reviews in English? On first glance this building is not impressive, but the gems are inside. The building was started in 1905 and not completed until over 40 years later. It is entirely built from local materials and contains a lot of art which depicts the social and cultural history of Norway. . The paintings above the entrance is a large 12x24m and entitled "Folket i arbeid og solid". Opposite on the South side is a similarly large painting titled "Arbeid, Administrasjon, Festival" Well worth a visit Admission is also free.

Spacious and spectacular! It's a must place to visit in Oslo. A good location that is near to the Royal Palace and the Nobel Peace center.

Not really a sight to see at all. Due to the location you will probably walk past it anyway, but it is not an impressive or beautiful building in any way. If it is not pointed out to you, you probably won't notice it at all.

This place surprised the hell out of me. Very unassuming on the outside, except for how large it is. Then you walk in, and there is gorgeous art on the huge walls, and lots of great decor everywhere. The place is huge, with several rooms that seemed to have lots of tourists like myself checking them out. Unfortunately we arrived with only about 30min till closing, but I believe I saw everything, just didn't have much time to appreciate. This is one of the more memorable places I visited in Oslo, and I don't believe we had to pay anything to get inside and walk around, which was pretty nice, as Norway was by far the most expensive country I've ever visited. If you visit Norway, and I recommend it, this place should be on your list.