In the 8th century a settlement was built right at the top of the Oslo Fjord. This little Norwegian village grew rapidly during Viking times. Agriculture, trade and ship building were important commercial activities, and Oslo has truly earned its title of "Viking Capital".

Oslo was founded long after the town had been developed by the Vikings. According to the saga the city of Oslo was founded by king Harald HardrŒde approximately year 1050. More recent archaeological finds, however, state that the city was founded already in year 1000. The founding of the city took place in the turbulent period between the Viking Age and Norway's Catholic Middle Ages. Many remnants and ruins can be found from Ancient Oslo in the Memorial Park. The city has a fascinating, interesting and dramatic history. Oslo's population was substantially reduced during the time of the Black Death in 1348 which claimed over 50% of the inhabitants. This epidemic also had political consequences for Norway, which became reduced to a province of Denmark. During this period Copenhagen was the actual capital of Norway. Oslo was also greatly affected by the Lutheran-Protestant Reformation of 1537, with religious conflicts, political separation from the Catholic Church and the foundation of a Protestant National Church. Many ruins of churches and monasteries (for example Cistersienserklosteret - the Cistercian Abbey - on Hovedøya) bear witness to this process.

Oslo was completely destroyed by fire in 1624, which was purported to have been started deliberately by four witches. The Renaissance King, Christian IV of Denmark and Norway, decided to move Oslo from what we today call the Old Town, and rebuild it under the protective shadow of Akershus Festning (Akershus Fortress). Following intense renewal and advanced town planning in the spirit of the Renaissance, a completely new city was created and named Christiania in 1624. After 1814 Norway was united with Sweden, and Christiania experienced very strong economic and political growth with substantial expansion right up until the dissolution of the union with Sweden and independence in 1905. After the celebration of the 300th anniversary of Christiania in 1924, it was decided that the original name of Oslo was to be re-instated as of 1 January 1925.

Oslo - 1000 Years, Year 2000
In the year 2000, Oslo celebrated its 1000 years anniversary. Not only were the city's own inhabitants celebrating, but visitors from near and far were welcome to join in. All parts of the city were engaged in a continuous year long celebration, from one New Year's Eve to the other. Oslo is a city of great variety, and is offering lots of possibilities. Oslo is the Capital of Norway, it is the hometown of the Royal Family, the Government, and the Parliament, a city open and friendly to every one. The inhabitants of Oslo reflect 435 communities and 120 different nations. Hilly farm land and large forests are surrounding the city where the salt water of the Oslo fjord washes the coast line. The anniversary celebration featured the history of the city, its hidden treasures, and its special qualities.

Akershus Fortress Through 700 Years
May 8th -September 19th 1999
Akershus Fortress reflects Norwegian history through 700 years. King Haakon initiated the construction of Akershus Castle when he became King of Norway in 1299 after his elder brother, Erik, who died sonless. In the same year Haakon married Eufemia, the daughter of a German count.

Akershus Fortress is considered a national treasure, owing not only to its central position in Norway in the Middle Ages as defence position, national entrenchment, royal residence and centre of national administration, but also to its role as a symbol of independence in Norway.

In the course of its 700 years, Akershus Fortress has seen several periods of prosperity and decay. In the late 14th Century, King Haakon VI completed the construction of the fortress. The buildings have been converted and expanded many times since, and most notably in the early sixteen-hundreds, when king Christian IV turned the fortress into a renaissance palace. The 700-year anniversary was planned as a national event. With entertainment and public information the guiding principles, ceremonies and a wide range of cultural events managed to present the fortress in all its historic splendour in the summer of 1999.