Oslo Cathedral, Oslo

Oslo Cathedral (Oslo Domkirke), previously known as Our Savior's Church (Vår Frelsers Kirke), is the main temple of the Church of Norway. Located at Stortorvet square, near Karl Johans gate, the current cathedral – Oslo's third cathedral in total – was constructed between 1694 and 1697. The first one, Hallvards Cathedral, was established in the 12th century by King Sigurd I but fell into disrepair after the city was moved closer to Akershus Fortress following a fire in 1624. The second cathedral, Holy Trinity, lasted only 50 years before burning down, prompting the need to build a new one.

This elegant, if somewhat unassuming, neo-Gothic edifice has served as a religious center but also as a venue for significant national events such as royal weddings and public ceremonies. In 2001, it hosted Norway’s latest royal wedding – of Crown Prince Haakon and Mette Tjessem Hoiby. Following a major renovation in 2010, the cathedral reopened with a high mass attended by the members of the Norwegian royal family led by King Harald V.

The architecture features a blend of red brick construction with green copper accents, notably on the adjoining Bazaar and the Fire Watch buildings. Internally, the cathedral houses several art pieces including stained-glass windows by Emanuel Vigeland, silver sculpture by Arrigo Minerbi, bronze doors by Dagfin Werenskiold, and elaborate ceiling decoration by Norwegian painter Hugo Mohr.

The cathedral's main organ was installed in 1997 to mark its 300th anniversary. Since December 2016, the cathedral's carillon has been in regular use for hour- and quarter-strokes, as well as ritornelles, playing 18 different melodies between 7:00 am and midnight, changing according to the calendar. The church holds Mass every Sunday and is free to visit throughout the week. Guided group tours can also be arranged on weekdays.