Karl Johans gate

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Karl Johans Gate 2007
Karl Johans Gate 2007
Karl Johans gate, about 1890
Karl Johans gate, about 1890

Karl Johans gate (Karl Johan Street), named after King Karl Johan, is the main street of the city of Oslo. In its current route, it connects the main railroad station in Oslo and the Royal Palace in a nearly straight line.

Today's Karl Johans gate is a composite of several older streets that used to be separate thoroughfares. The eastern section was part of Christian IV's original city near the ramparts surrounding the city. When the ramparts were removed to make way for Oslo Cathedral, three separate sections became Østre Gade. The western section was not built until the Palace was to be connected with the rest of the city.

When the Norwegian parliament building was built, the two streets were joined and named Karl Johans gate in honor of the recently deceased king.

The street includes many of Oslo's tourist attractions.

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