Norwegian Royal Palace Covers Windows for Summer Tours

The Royal Palace in Oslo is open to the public for guided summer tours, but every exterior window is covered. Visitors can purchase tickets through 16 August and see highlights such as Crown Prince Haakon’s gala uniform, while the palace’s interior remains protected.

Former palace employee and royal expert Tove Taalesen explains that the coverings are a long‑standing measure to shield the building’s valuable art, tapestries, textiles and antiques from intense summer heat. The thick palace walls can become as hot as a bakery oven, so the curtains protect the collections. The practice is normal for the season, and the palace, which also serves as a workplace for about 150 staff and the residence of King Harald V and Queen Sonja when they are present, remains open to visitors despite the sealed façade.