Information for visitors to the Oslo Courthouse

Security screening

There is a security screening at the Oslo Courthouse. All visitors must pass through the security checkpoint, and all bags will be scanned.

Please allow extra time, especially between 08:30 and 09:00.

The following items are not permitted:

• sharp or pointed objects (confiscated objects will not be returned)
• flags, banners, and electric scooters

Water bottles and coffee cups are allowed, but may be inspected.

Tips for a faster screening

Place the following items in the plastic trays at the machine:

• keys, coins, and mobile phones
• laptops, cameras, and tablets
• outerwear and shoes with metal
• belts with metal buckles

Accessibility

We have a dedicated entrance for wheelchair users and visitors with strollers.

Parking and bicycles

Delivery of goods

You can deliver goods to the Oslo District Court at the goods reception in the basement between 09:15 and 15:00. Deliveries outside these hours are normally rejected.

Please label all items with:

• sender’s name and phone number
• recipient’s name and phone number

How to deliver

• The goods reception is accessed via the driveway to the car park beneath the courthouse (entrance from Munchs gate). Maximum vehicle height is 2.1 meters.
• Press the call button. There may be a waiting time.

Bicycle couriers

• Park your bicycle outside the courthouse.
• Deliver the items through the main entrance.
• Scan the items at the security checkpoint.

If you encounter problems

Call the reception at 22 03 52 03.

Café

The visitors’ café on the 2nd floor is open:

• Monday–Thursday: 08:00–14:15
• Friday: 08:00–13:15

Wireless network

Network: Domstol gjestenett

Open your browser and follow the instructions.
You may connect up to three devices for 12 hours.

Frequent visitor?

Register your name, phone number, and email at the reception on the 1st floor to activate an account. The account is valid for one year.

Courtrooms and equipment

The Oslo Courthouse has around 60 courtrooms of varying sizes. Technical equipment differs from room to room.

Art and architecture

The Oslo Courthouse was completed in 1994 and occupies an entire city block in central Oslo. The main entrance faces Hambros plass.

The building was designed by Østgaard Arkitekter, who aimed to create a structure that is modern and functional, yet monumental—reflecting the importance of the courts in society.

Facade and marble blocks

• The facade facing Hambros plass spans eight floors and is clad in light natural stone.
• A curved roof is located above the main entrance.
• On the wall, you will find 24 small marble blocks marking the floors, plus eight additional blocks at ground level.

About the motifs:

• Sculptor Øivind Åstein carved various motifs into the blocks.
• Some blocks contain riddles that can be read diagonally, horizontally, or vertically.
• Motifs depict events inside the courthouse as well as cultural and historical symbols—such as a chess piece, a Greek athlete, an Egyptian female face, a lion, and a ram’s head.

The artwork Lex Portalis 

Just inside the main entrance stand two dark walls, each 32 metres high and 4 metres wide, covered with more than 2 000 porcelain tiles.

• The artwork is called Lex Portalis, meaning “The Portal of Law.”
• The tiles display text from important Norwegian laws—such as the Constitution, the Criminal Procedure Act, and Magnus Lagabøte’s Law from the 1200s.
• The text is mirrored, symbolising that the law can be difficult to interpret.
• The artist, Ole Lislerud, used his own handwriting on the tiles.

Colours and script

• At the bottom, the walls are dark with light script.
• Higher up, the colours become lighter and the writing more varied—at times almost resembling graffiti.
• This represents the passage of time, moving from history toward the present.

Sculptures in niches

In the top four floors, you will find small niches containing ceramic sculptures by Ole Lislerud.

Examples include:

• the paragraph rider
• law
• justice and mercy
• the lance bearer
• judge in an armchair