Christian Frederiks plass

Christian Frederiks plass is a square in the heart of Oslo, right beside the Central Station (Oslo S) and a short walk from the Opera House. Today it works as a green pocket and a transport hub, but its story goes back to the garden of one of the city's notable mansions.

Where does the square come from?

The site was once the garden of the Paléet mansion. Known as Paléhaven, the garden belonged to Christian Ancher, who opened it to the public in the 1760s. That is why it is regarded as one of the first publicly accessible parks in the city, then called Christiania. Very little remains of it now: an alley of linden trees running across the square is the surviving trace.

The Paléet mansion itself served as a royal residence in the nineteenth century. It was demolished in 1942, and the area came to be known as Christian Frederiks plass.

Who is the square named after?

The name honors Christian Frederik, the Norwegian king of 1814, who later became Christian VIII of Denmark. His brief reign in Norway is tied to the adoption of the constitution at Eidsvoll, which gives him a special place in Norwegian history.

What to see

• The linden alley – the last remnant of Paléhaven and welcome shade on warm days.
• The fountain with the "Sun and Earth" sculpture – a work by Ørnulf Bast crowning the fountain on the square, a natural spot for a short rest.
• Lawns and benches – a good place to sit between connections or after walking around the area.

A square shaped by transport

In the early twentieth century the site took on a transport role. A tram turning loop was built here, which required demolishing the Meyergården building. The Havnebanen railway line dates from 1907, so the neighborhood developed alongside the city's growing rail infrastructure. Trams and buses still stop by the square today, and the station is only a few steps away.

How to visit

Its position next to Oslo S makes this one of the easiest places in Oslo to see. You can arrive by train, airport express, tram or bus. A visit usually takes a quarter of an hour or so, so it combines well with further sightseeing: the Opera House, the Bjørvika waterfront and the city center are all within walking distance.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No, it is a public city square.

Where is Christian Frederiks plass? In central Oslo, next to the Central Station and near the Opera House.

What is left of the old Paléhaven garden? The alley of linden trees on the square.

Why is the square named this way? It commemorates Christian Frederik, king of Norway in 1814 and later Christian VIII of Denmark.

Is it worth a special trip? It is more a stop along the way than a destination in itself, but the fountain, the lindens and the story of Paléhaven give useful context for what you see around the station.