Universitetshagen

Universitetshagen is a fenced public park in the heart of Oslo, tucked behind the historic buildings of the University of Oslo. It covers roughly one hectare (10 decares) and is one of the quieter green corners near Karl Johans gate.

Where is Universitetshagen?

The park lies behind Domus Media, Domus Academica (also known as Urbygningen) and Domus Bibliotheca. It is bounded by Universitetsgata, Kristian IVs gate and Frederiks gate. Its coordinates are about 59.9157° N, 10.7355° E, in the central city, a few minutes' walk from the capital's main avenue.

How did the park come about?

The park already appears in Christian Heinrich Grosch's 1841 drawings, when construction of the university complex began. The complex was finished in 1852. It is not known exactly in which year the park was laid out. The university owns the grounds.

What is the history of the place?

• The Oseberg ship. From 1904 to 1926 a temporary shed in the park housed the famous Viking ship from Oseberg, before it moved to the Viking Ship Museum on Bygdøy.
• The fence. The fence originally surrounded a block of Empire-style buildings. When that block was demolished in 1954, the fence was moved to its present position.
• Restoration. The park was rehabilitated in 1996–2002. In 2015 it was returned to its 1955 appearance, including paving with stone slabs.
• Protection. In 2001 the university complex and the park were protected by Riksantikvaren, Norway's Directorate for Cultural Heritage.
• Sculpture. A portrait bust of Fridtjof Nansen by Kai Nielsen, dated 1920, stands in the park.

Is it free to enter?

Yes. The park is fenced but open to the public. It is a good spot for a short break while exploring the centre, especially for visitors interested in Oslo's history and nineteenth-century architecture.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a ticket for Universitetshagen? No, the park is open to everyone.

Who owns the park? The University of Oslo.

Was a Viking ship once kept here? Yes. From 1904 to 1926 the Oseberg ship stood in a temporary shed in the park before moving to Bygdøy.

How big is the park? About one hectare.

Is the park protected? The university complex and the park were protected in 2001.

Who designed the complex the park belongs to? Christian Heinrich Grosch, whose 1841 drawings included the garden.

Universitetshagen is a small but rewarding stop for anyone who likes to combine a stroll with layers of city history: from nineteenth-century neoclassicism, through the era of Viking archaeology, to the park's modern renewal. When you visit, take a look at the stone-slab paving and at how the fence separates the calm interior from the traffic of the surrounding streets.