What was the old name of Oslo, the capital of Norway?

Oslo, the capital of Norway, was previously known as Christiania. The city was renamed in 1624 by King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway after a major fire destroyed large parts of the original city. To honor himself, the king rebuilt the city and gave it the name Christiania. Over time, the spelling changed slightly to Kristiania, which was also commonly used until the early 20th century.

In 1925, the city officially returned to its original name, Oslo. This change was made to reflect the city long historical roots and to move away from the colonial legacy of Danish rule. Today, Oslo is a modern, vibrant capital, known for its quality of life, natural beauty, and strong economy. The historical names Christiania and Kristiania are still found in some older buildings, documents, and cultural references in Norway.

Key Points:

• Old Name: Christiania (also spelled Kristiania)


• Named After: King Christian IV of Denmark-Norway


• Renamed Year: 1624 (after a major fire)


• Current Name Restored: 1925


• Significance: Reflects Norwegian heritage and independence