Oslo Cathedral
A place that tourists must visit, regardless of beliefs or religion.
I've always been curious about exploring the interiors of cathedrals and churches; I believe they showcase various artistic expressions and provide insight into the architecture of European churches. From a religious perspective, this temple serves as a space to pause, breathe, and reflect on our current life experiences.
Since moving to Oslo, I wanted to visit and learn more about the city's history, and I discovered much more than that—a place where I felt at peace and calm, a refuge from the chaos of my new life. The Oslo Cathedral, the third cathedral in the city, is a historical gem surrounded by commerce and modern buildings. Completed in 1697, it is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway and was formerly known as the Church of Our Savior.
The first time I visited, it was a complete accident. I was walking along Karl Johan street, trying to explore the city center, and just before heading to the tram stop, I saw the cathedral from a distance. Something told me it was time to check it out. As I approached, I could feel the cathedral's grandeur, and right in front of the entrance, I admired the doors—they really caught my attention. Upon closer inspection, I noticed they were carved with scenes that seemed religious; it was then that I decided to enter and learn more about the history of this place.
When I entered, there was a book telling the history of the cathedral. It was in Norwegian, so my trusty friend "Google Translate" helped me translate each page. It was a rather strange moment for the people passing by, as I spent several minutes taking photos of the book to decipher what was depicted on the doors.
Eventually, I discovered a section stating that the doors illustrate the Beatitudes from the Bible. To my amazement, the figures depicted were not performing heroic or majestic acts; rather, they reflected everyday life. This was a way to make the community feel more familiar and receptive to the church's call.
All this happened before I even entered the main part of the cathedral, as there was another door made of glass and wood—a design more familiar to me. Once inside, I immediately sensed a strong smell of wood; it felt as if this place was part of the living history of the city. I say this because it is a characteristic feature of the old houses and places I've visited here. The energy I felt changed my attitude completely. It was intimidating because one must maintain silence, yet also pleasant due to the serenity surrounding me.
Once I entered, I noticed a shelf filled with many books, specifically the New Testament, which in Norwegian is called “Norsk salmebok.” The red ones had standard text, while the blue ones featured larger print. There were also cushions—something I had never seen in a church before. I suppose they are for comfort, but I opted to keep walking and sat down in a chair instead.
What truly amazed me was the artwork on the ceiling. I found it fascinating to see that the paintings depicted various religious scenes, and the illustrations were quite different from those in traditional Catholic churches. In the center, there was a bright sun with the inscription “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” meaning “Glory to God in the Highest.” According to the description, the sun symbolizes a direct relationship between the Creator and everything in the Universe. This concept captivated me. Another surprising detail was that this grand work of art was created by a Norwegian artist named Hugo Lous Mohr, completed less than 100 years ago in 1950.
There, I stood contemplating the painting, absorbing every detail. After a while, I began walking towards the right side and discovered a door marked "Authorized Personnel Only." According to the book I had read earlier, this door led to the basement, which houses a crypt. This site, more than just a cathedral, is filled with history and incredible things I never expected to encounter. The crypt was designed for 42 individual graves and 4 double graves, but these numbers eventually doubled due to high demand. It is said that in the Nordic countries, people believed hell was to the north, which is why the best graves were located to the south and commanded a higher price. The first person buried in the crypt was Governor Just Hoeg in 1694, who was a significant advocate for the cathedral's construction; in gratitude, he was given the best burial spot on the south side.
I walked around the interior, taking photos of the ceiling, the organ, the pulpit, the altar, and everything surrounding them. As I read more about its history, I learned that when the construction was completed in 1697, the citizens were dissatisfied with its design, claiming the tower was too low and not worthy of a cathedral. Interestingly, even today, the cathedral’s tower is the tallest structure in that area. I decided to take a closer look from outside, walking around and crossing the street for a better angle. You can clearly see a section added to the clock tower, evident from the difference in brick color, a modification made 150 years later.
How to Get There
From the city center: Walk along Karl Johan street, and diagonally across from H&M is the cathedral.
From the central station: You can see the cathedral from there. Cross the tram tracks, and it’s a 5-minute walk.
