Baroque Altarpiece

Oslo Cathedral's baroque altarpiece is amongst the most authentic and noteworthy features inside the church, valued as a significant heritage piece alongside the pulpit and baptismal font. The original wooden carvings constitute direct evidence of 17th-century Norwegian baroque artistry and craftsmanship. What to see here represents some of the finest religious sculpture from this period in Scandinavia.

Eastern Chapel

The Eastern Chapel is a 1950s addition to Oslo Cathedral, immediately recognisable as a later construction with its own distinct design programme. The chapel houses French-made stained glass windows, notably one dedicated to Crown Princess Märtha of Norway, who died in 1954. Visit to see this mid-century addition and its carefully curated decorative scheme.

Sacristy

The sacristy at Oslo Cathedral is regarded as the most authentic part of the cathedral complex, alongside the baroque altarpiece, pulpit and baptismal font. Originally designed as a chapter house before being repurposed for its present function, it represents a significant element of the building's historical fabric and architectural heritage.

Main Organ (Jan Ryde, 1997)

Oslo Cathedral's main organ was built by Jan Ryde in 1997 to mark the 300th anniversary of the cathedral's consecration. Though the internal mechanism is new, the instrument retains the historic Baroque façade of its predecessor, crafted by Danish builder Daniel Lambert Karsten. What to see here is a striking blend of contemporary engineering and centuries-old craftsmanship, housed within the cathedral's impressive interior.

48-Bell Carillon

Choir Stained Glass (Emanuel Vigeland)

The choir stained glass windows rank among the cathedral's finest artworks, created by Emanuel Vigeland. Installed between 1910 and 1916, they bring a distinctive chromatic quality to the liturgical space. These windows represent a significant contribution to the interior's visual character and are well worth seeing when you visit Oslo Cathedral.

Bronze Doors of the Western Portal (Dagfin Werenskiold)

The bronze doors at Oslo Cathedral's western entrance are the work of Norwegian artist Dagfin Werenskiold, cast in 1938 as a gift from Oslo Sparebank. The reliefs depict the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:3-11, featuring figures of Werenskiold's contemporaries rendered in a distinctly Nordic aesthetic. This striking blend of biblical subject matter and modern portraiture makes the doors a notable example of 1930s Scandinavian craftsmanship.

Ceiling Decorations (Hugo Louis Mohr)

The ceiling paintings in Oslo Cathedral form a unified scheme across the vaults of all four naves, centred on a large sun in the transept inscribed with 'Gloria in excelsis Deo'. Painted by Hugo Lous Mohr, the iconographic programme follows the three articles of Christian faith systematically, distributing biblical and theological imagery across the building's cruciform plan. What to see here showcases the cathedral's theological architecture through visual narrative.

Crypt/Exhibition Hall

The crypt beneath Oslo Cathedral no longer serves its original burial purpose. Today it functions as a multipurpose space hosting conferences, concerts and exhibitions, with a café area. It's a striking venue that combines the cathedral's medieval heritage with contemporary cultural programming and refreshments.