You may never have heard of Ulefos Jernv忙rk. But if you have spent any time in Norway, there is a good chance you have walked over one of its products.

Look down at the street in towns and cities across the country and you will often see the name Ulefos stamped into a cast-iron manhole cover.

For generations, those covers, along with drains, grates and other components for Norway鈥檚 water and sewage infrastructure, have been produced at an iron foundry in the small Telemark community of Ulefoss.

That is now set to change. The board of CK Partners has and concentrate Norwegian production at its facility in Stange.

Production will not stop immediately. The Ulefoss operation is expected to be wound down over a period of up to three years.

Even so, the decision brings the curtain down on an extraordinary chapter of Norwegian industrial history. Ulefos Jernv忙rk was founded in聽1657. That was 157 years before Norway gained its own constitution.

Norway鈥檚 oldest factory

The story began with the discovery of iron ore at Fen, close to Ulefoss, in 1652.

Five years later, Holden Jernv忙rk was established and went on to become one of the ironworks that played an important role in Norway鈥檚 early industrial development.

Over the centuries, its products changed considerably. Iron stoves were once among its best-known products, with the first produced as early as 1690. Later, the business increasingly specialised in street infrastructure such as manhole covers, gratings and products for water and sewage systems.

That is why the Ulefos name remains such a familiar sight beneath the feet of Norwegians today.

The company has described the Ulefoss operation as one of Europe鈥檚 oldest surviving industrial businesses. It has also been owned by the Cappelen family since 1835.

For the small town of Ulefoss, however, the ironworks means much more than industrial history. It has been a cornerstone employer for generations.

114 jobs affected

The closure will affect聽114 employees聽at the Ulefoss foundry. Hundreds of local residents joined a torchlight procession ahead of the decision to protest against the closure and show support for the workforce.

For a relatively small community in Nome municipality, the loss of more than 100 industrial jobs will be significant.

Employees interviewed by Norwegian media described the announcement as deeply upsetting, with some having expected to spend many more years working at the plant.

The effects are also likely to spread beyond the factory itself. Local transport companies, suppliers and other businesses all benefit from the activity generated by the ironworks.

Why is Ulefos Jernv忙rk closing?

The decision follows the merger earlier in 2026 of Ulefos and Furnes Jernst酶peri, based at Stange in Innlandet.

Both foundries produce similar cast-iron products. The company says weak demand and increasing competition from lower-cost producers abroad have made operating two separate foundries uneconomic.

Production will therefore be concentrated at Stange. Company representatives say the move is intended to preserve foundry production in Norway rather than see more of it disappear overseas.

For Ulefoss, though, the result is the end of an industrial tradition stretching back almost four centuries.

The end of an extraordinary run

Norway has changed almost beyond recognition since the ironworks was established in 1657.

Through political upheaval, industrialisation and the transformation of Norway into a modern wealthy society, iron continued to be cast at Ulefoss. That continuity is what makes the closure notable far beyond one small Telemark town.

Production is expected to continue during the gradual wind-down over the coming years, but the decision itself has now been made.

After 369 years, one of the longest-running stories in Norwegian industry is approaching its final chapter. And long after production ends at Ulefoss, millions of pieces of its history will remain scattered across Norway. You just have to look down.

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Norway will say its final farewell to King Harald V on Wednesday, 9 September, when his funeral takes place at Oslo Cathedral.

The service begins at 1pm, but the events will extend far beyond the cathedral. A ceremonial procession will carry the King鈥檚 coffin through central Oslo before the service, while a second procession will continue to Akershus Fortress afterwards.

Large crowds are expected throughout the centre, while extensive security measures and transport restrictions will affect both residents and visitors.

For anyone planning to be in Oslo that day, the most important advice is simple:聽allow plenty of time, expect to walk, and be prepared for a very different city centre from usual.

When is King Harald鈥檚 funeral?

The funeral service begins at 1pm on Wednesday, 9 September, at Oslo Cathedral (Oslo domkirke), close to Stortorvet in the heart of the capital.

The service will be led by , presiding bishop of the Church of Norway. Oslo bishop Sunniva Gylver, cathedral organist Marcus Andr茅 Berg and Oslo Cathedral Choir will also take part. The ceremony will follow the Church of Norway鈥檚 standard funeral liturgy.

Attendance inside the cathedral is by invitation. For most people in Oslo, the opportunity to participate will instead come from standing along the procession route or watching the ceremony on television or public screens.

Oslo municipality has confirmed that several large screens will be installed along the procession route, although their exact locations had not yet been announced as of 6 September.

The funeral procession through Oslo

Before the service, King Harald鈥檚 coffin will leave the Royal Palace on a military gun carriage.

The procession will travel from the Palace along聽Karl Johans gate, before turning left into聽Kirkegata聽and continuing to Oslo Cathedral. After the funeral service, the procession will continue to Akershus Fortress, where a private ceremony will be held at Akershus Castle Church.

The Norwegian Armed Forces will have a highly visible role throughout the day. Around聽3,500 military personnel聽will be ceremonially involved, including approximately 1,900 soldiers lining the entire route from the Palace to the cathedral and onwards to Akershus Fortress.

A further 1,200 personnel will take part in honour guards or military bands.

Central Oslo becomes a pedestrian security zone

One of the biggest changes since the funeral was first announced concerns access to central Oslo.

Several parts of the city centre will be closed to vehicles and public transport, with preparations affecting the area from聽6pm on Tuesday, 8 September, until 9pm on Wednesday, 9 September.

From 6am on the funeral day, the central area will be closed to normal road traffic. People entering the secured area around the procession route must do so聽on foot through checkpoints staffed by police.

Police are asking people to travel light and avoid bringing large bags or unnecessary items.

No bicycles, scooters or umbrellas

Cycling will not be permitted inside the pedestrian zone, and bicycles cannot be taken through the secured checkpoints around the procession route.

Electric scooters will be geofenced across the area from聽midnight at the start of Tuesday, 8 September, until 9pm on Wednesday. In practice, rental scooters will stop working as users approach the restricted area.

Perhaps more surprisingly,聽umbrellas are also banned inside the secured area.

Police say anyone arriving with an umbrella will not be allowed through the checkpoints, and there will be no facility to store them. If rain is forecast, bring a waterproof jacket instead.

Knives and similar objects should also be left at home. Police specifically mention work knives and knives worn as part of traditional clothing such as a bunad. Such items may be temporarily confiscated.

Expect a major police presence

The funeral will be one of the largest security operations Norway has hosted in recent years.

Police resources are being brought into Oslo from around the country, while Swedish and Danish police are also assisting Norwegian authorities. Police are working alongside the Norwegian Police Security Service, the Armed Forces, the Royal Palace and other agencies.

A significant number of foreign royals, heads of state and government representatives are expected to attend.

Norway has also temporarily reintroduced controls on its internal Schengen borders from聽4 to 14 September. Police say the measure is intended to allow more targeted security checks and is expected to have little impact on ordinary travellers.

Temporary restrictions will also apply to the airspace over Oslo and surrounding areas, including drones.

Public transport will be heavily affected

Driving into central Oslo should be avoided, but public transport will not operate normally either.

Ruter recommends using the聽metro or train聽where possible, with Jernbanetorget the most useful station for anyone heading towards Oslo Cathedral. Stortinget metro station will be completely closed from 6am until 9pm.

Nationaltheatret station remains open, but the entrance from Johanne Dybwads plass will be closed. Metro trains stopping at Nationaltheatret will only operate eastwards towards Jernbanetorget; passengers travelling west should use another station.

Trams will not run through central Oslo at all. Several routes will be cut short on either side of the centre, while numerous city and regional buses will be diverted.

Several buses arriving from the west will terminate at Sk酶yen instead of Nationaltheatret, from where passengers can continue by train or alternative bus services.

Anyone travelling on 9 September should check immediately before leaving, as further changes can be introduced at short notice.

Travelling between Oslo Airport and the city

The disruption is not confined to central Oslo. Many international guests will arrive through Oslo Airport at Gardermoen, requiring police escorts between the airport and the capital.

Police have warned of temporary restrictions on the聽E6 in both directions from 8 to 10 September, including short-term closures of some entrances and exits while official motorcades pass.

Drivers are being encouraged to avoid the E6 where possible and to expect additional congestion on surrounding roads.

For visitors arriving by air around the funeral, the airport train or other rail services may therefore be a more predictable option than road transport.

Akershus Fortress will be closed

Visitors should also be aware that one of Oslo鈥檚 biggest tourist attractions will be unavailable around the funeral. The inner part of Akershus Fortress has already closed to the public.

The entire fortress will close at 9pm on Sunday, 6 September, and remain closed until 6am on Friday, 11 September.聽Akershus Castle will remain closed until 6am on 14 September.

King Harald鈥檚 coffin will be taken to the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus after the cathedral service, where he will be laid to rest in a specially designed sarcophagus.

Anyone visiting Oslo during this period should therefore remove Akershus Fortress from their sightseeing plans.

is also closed to ordinary visitors on 8, 9 and 10 September.

A minute鈥檚 silence across Norway

The funeral will also be marked throughout the country.

At 12 noon, an hour before the service begins, the Norwegian Armed Forces will fire a 21-gun mourning salute. Salutes will take place at Akershus Fortress and Norway鈥檚 other official saluting stations.

At 1pm, as the funeral begins, Norway will observe a national minute鈥檚 silence.

Public transport will take part too. Ruter says its vehicles will stop at the nearest suitable stop and remain stationary for the minute between 1pm and 1.01pm.

After the funeral, the Armed Forces will fire a double royal salute: two sequences of 21 shots separated by a one-minute pause.

The funeral day 颈蝉听苍辞迟 a public holiday. Schools and workplaces can decide individually how they mark the occasion, although Oslo schools will remain open.

Paying respects before the funeral

Anyone wanting a quieter opportunity to say farewell can do so before 9 September. King Harald is lying in state in the Palace Chapel, where members of the public can file slowly past the coffin.

Demand has been extremely high, with queues reaching as long as four hours, prompting the Royal Palace to extend the opening hours.

The Palace Chapel is open from聽10am until 11pm on Sunday 6 September and Monday 7 September, and from聽10am until 7pm on Tuesday 8 September.

The Royal Palace says queues tend to be shortest in the morning.

What about cruise passengers?

At the time of writing, the cruise call scheduled for Oslo on 9 September聽has not been cancelled. Phoenix Reisen still lists聽Amadea聽as arriving in Oslo at聽8am and departing at 6pm聽on the funeral day.

However, passengers should expect significant changes to normal sightseeing arrangements.

Passengers going ashore independently should also expect walking routes through central Oslo to be restricted and public transport to operate differently from normal.

Visiting Oslo on 9 September

For visitors who happen to be in Oslo, the funeral will be an extraordinary moment in modern Norwegian history. It will also make normal sightseeing in the city centre difficult.

Expect closures and restrictions around the Royal Palace, Karl Johans gate, Oslo Cathedral and Akershus Fortress, together with large crowds and a substantial police and military presence.

Anyone hoping to witness the procession should arrive well in advance, travel light and follow instructions from police and event staff. Remember that bicycles, electric scooters and umbrellas cannot be taken into the secured area.

Those simply trying to travel through Oslo should allow considerably more time than normal or, if possible, avoid the centre altogether.

Norway has not buried a reigning monarch since King Olav V鈥檚 funeral in 1991. On 9 September, central Oslo will once again become the setting for a national farewell.

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Norway's proposed ban on social media for younger children has cleared an important hurdle, bringing the controversial new rules a step closer to reality.

The Norwegian government wants children under the age of 15 to be prevented from using social media, with platforms ultimately responsible for checking that users are old enough.

On 13 August, the government announced that both the EU Commission and the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) had responded positively to the proposal during an EEA consultation.

The government now aims to present the legislation to the Norwegian parliament, the Storting, before the end of 2026.

However, the proposed rules are not yet law and there is currently no confirmed date for when they would take effect.

How Would Norway's Social Media Ban Work?

Despite the talk of a 15-year age restriction, the government's latest proposal is slightly more complicated than simply allowing access on someone's 15th birthday.

Under the proposed system, access would be permitted from聽1 January in the calendar year in which a young person turns 16.

That means everyone in the same school year would gain access at the same time, rather than some pupils being permitted to use social media months before classmates simply because of when their birthday falls.

The government says this change was made following feedback during a public consultation.

Technology companies would be expected to carry out genuine age verification rather than leaving children or their parents responsible for observing the rules.

Exactly how that verification will work remains one of the big questions.

Norway intends to enforce the restriction through the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA). Full enforcement will therefore depend partly on the DSA being incorporated into Norwegian law, although the government says it expects social media companies to comply from the outset.

What Counts As Social Media?

An earlier version of the proposed legislation defined social media broadly as services that allow users to create public personal profiles, connect with networks of other people, and upload and share user-generated content without editorial control.

That doesn't mean every digital service used by children would automatically be banned.

The consultation proposal included exemptions for services primarily used for buying and selling goods, property and job listings, and video games.

Private communication connected with education, leisure activities and organisations was also proposed for exemption, along with digital messaging services. The exact scope could still change before the legislation reaches parliament.

Social Media Use Is Already Widespread Among Norwegian Children

The proposal comes as new figures show just how embedded social media has become in the lives of young Norwegians.

Medietilsynet, the Norwegian Media Authority, released its latest聽 in August 2026. It found that聽57% of children aged 9鈥�10 use at least one social media service, rising to 79% among 11鈥�12-year-olds.

Those numbers have actually fallen since 2024, when the equivalent figures were 67% and 86% respectively. But social media use becomes almost universal once children reach their teenage years.

Among 13鈥�14-year-olds, 98% use social media. Snapchat is used by 47% of 11鈥�12-year-olds, while TikTok is used by 33%, despite both services having existing age requirements.

The figures underline one of the main practical challenges facing the Norwegian government: having an age requirement and actually enforcing one are two very different things.

Why Does Norway Want a Ban?

The government argues that children need greater protection from the potential harms associated with social media, including harmful content, exploitation, misuse of personal information and exposure to criminal activity.

The latest Medietilsynet research adds some weight to those concerns.

Among Norwegian teenagers aged 13鈥�18, 72% said they had encountered harmful content online. Half had seen content about becoming extremely thin, 36% had encountered frightening or violent material, and 30% had seen content related to the sale of drugs.

At the same time, social media is an important part of young people's social lives and an increasingly important source of information. That is one reason the proposal has prompted such intense debate.

More than聽8,000 responses聽were submitted during the in 2025, making it one of the five most responded-to Norwegian government consultations available digitally.

Even Medietilsynet, which supports raising the age threshold to 15 as a way of reducing risk, has warned against viewing an age restriction as a solution on its own.

The authority has argued that regulation should pay more attention to the specific features of social media that pose risks to children, while also protecting children's rights to information, freedom of expression, privacy and participation in organisations.

An Important European Test

Norway's membership of the European Economic Area means it cannot simply introduce rules affecting digital services without considering European legislation.

That explains the significance of . ESA responded to the Norwegian proposal on 5 August, followed by the European Commission on 10 August.

According to the Norwegian government, neither believes that the EU's e-commerce rules or Digital Services Act prevent Norway from establishing a national minimum age, provided the legislation is structured appropriately. Both suggested some smaller changes that could help ensure the law complies with EEA rules.

No EU member state currently has a statutory social media age restriction of this kind, although several European countries are considering similar measures. That makes Norway something of a test case.

There are still significant questions over exactly how age verification will work, which platforms will ultimately be covered and when the restrictions could begin.

But following the positive response from European authorities, the Norwegian government believes it can now move forward.

The next major step will be presenting the final proposal to the Norwegian parliament before the end of the year.

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Lake Gjende is famous for its striking turquoise colour and its location beneath Besseggen, one of Norway鈥檚 most popular mountain hikes.

Yet researchers have discovered that the apparently pristine lake contains more pollution than expected. Norway's glaciers may be partly responsible.

Tests on trout from Gjende found unusually high concentrations of environmental contaminants compared with fish from other Norwegian mountain lakes. These included mercury and PCB compounds, which break down extremely slowly and can accumulate in animals and people.

Jan Ludvig Lyche, a researcher at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), that the concentrations were higher than researchers would normally expect in a remote mountain environment.

The findings were included in the latest annual study of pollutants in Norwegian lakes, published by the Norwegian Environment Agency in December 2025.

Pollution in Remote Mountain Lakes

Lakes close to towns and industrial areas generally contain more pollutants than lakes in remote parts of Norway.

Some pollution still reaches isolated areas through the atmosphere. However, the findings from Gjende and several other high-altitude lakes were considered surprising because they are far from major settlements and known sources of pollution.

Higher levels were also recorded in Storevatnet in Lom, Bygdin and Hornsvatnet.

All of these lakes receive meltwater from glaciers. Researchers believe this could offer a possible explanation. Pollutants transported through the air in previous decades may have been deposited on snow and glaciers, where they remained trapped in the ice.

As Norway鈥檚 glaciers shrink, those historical pollutants could be released into rivers and lakes.

Lyche stressed that the Environment Agency study did not directly investigate the connection between glacier melt and the results. However, international studies have previously found pollutants in water flowing from glaciers.

Old Chemicals Remain in the Environment

One of the substances detected in unexpectedly high concentrations was PCB7, a group of PCB compounds.

PCBs were once widely used in products including paints and electrical equipment. Their use was banned in Norway in the late 1970s, but the chemicals remain present throughout the environment.

They degrade very slowly and can build up in living organisms over time.

Researchers also found more mercury in the Gjende trout than expected. Mercury does not break down naturally and can become concentrated in fish.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority generally advises people not to eat freshwater trout weighing more than one kilogram. Its main recommendation is to eat a varied diet so that one type of food does not become the source of excessive exposure to pollutants.

No Immediate Health Warning

The results do not mean that eating fish from Gjende presents an immediate health risk.

According to Lyche, the measured levels were not high enough to suggest major health effects or a serious food safety problem, especially as most people eat relatively little locally caught trout.

Nevertheless, researchers view the findings as an important warning. If glacier melting continues to accelerate, more of the pollutants stored in the ice could be released. That could lead to increasing contamination in some of Norway鈥檚 mountain lakes in the years ahead.

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Arne Sekkelsten, mayor of Fredrikstad, and Magnus Arnesen, mayor of neighbouring Sarpsborg, say their municipalities are under growing pressure because many refugees first settled elsewhere in Norway later move to their towns.

The two Conservative Party mayors are not calling for a general ban on refugees moving around Norway. Instead, they want stricter conditions before refugees who are not self-sufficient can relocate to municipalities already facing major integration challenges.

Their proposals have been sent to Norway鈥檚 Ministry of Labour and Inclusion, and the government says several of the ideas are under consideration.

Concerns In Fredrikstad And Sarpsborg

Fredrikstad and Sarpsborg are neighbouring municipalities in 脴stfold, close to the Swedish border and within commuting distance of the wider Oslo region.

, the mayors argue that many refugees and immigrants have moved to the area from other parts of Norway over several years. They say this has placed pressure on housing, schools, welfare services, and local integration work.

Sarpsborg has been the focus of particular concern. A local review previously reported by NRK found that four out of every five kroner paid out in financial social assistance by Sarpsborg municipality in 2024 went to refugees.

The mayors also warn about the risk of 鈥減arallel societies鈥� developing if too many people with major welfare and integration needs become concentrated in the same places.

What Are The Mayors Proposing?

The mayors have put forward four main proposals.

The first is stricter self-sufficiency requirements before refugees can move freely to another municipality. This could include requirements relating to work, housing, and Norwegian language skills.

The second is a possible limit on which municipalities non-self-sufficient refugees can move to. In practice, this could mean that municipalities with a high proportion of refugees or major living-condition challenges would not have to accept further relocation unless the person moving can support themselves.

The third proposal is a 鈥渢raffic light鈥� model for refugee settlement. Under such a system, municipalities would be assessed according to factors such as employment outcomes and how many refugees later move away. Those struggling with integration could be asked to take fewer refugees, or none at all.

The fourth proposal is financial. The mayors argue that if a refugee moves before becoming self-sufficient, the original settlement municipality should remain responsible for social assistance costs for a period after the move.

Their argument is that some municipalities receive state funding when refugees are first settled, but the longer-term costs can later fall on other municipalities if people move.

How Refugee Settlement Works In Norway

Refugees who receive permission to stay in Norway are normally settled in a municipality through a national system involving the Directorate of Integration and Diversity, .

Municipalities that agree to settle refugees receive state grants to help cover the costs of housing, services, language training, and integration support.

Refugees settled through this system are usually offered an introduction programme. This includes Norwegian language training, social studies, and measures intended to help people enter work or education.

However, people in Norway generally have freedom to move between municipalities. The political dispute is about what happens when refugees move from the municipality where they were first settled to another municipality, especially before they are financially independent.

This is known as secondary relocation, or secondary settlement.

Government Considering The Proposals

Labour and Inclusion Minister Kjersti Stenseng told NRK that the government is looking at several of the proposals from the mayors.

She said she would not close the door on any of the ideas at this stage, but added that any measures must be proportionate, targeted, and not unnecessarily bureaucratic.

The issue is politically sensitive. Supporters of tougher rules argue that some municipalities are carrying an unfair share of long-term integration costs. Critics are likely to raise concerns about freedom of movement, equal treatment, and the risk of cancreating a two-tier system for people who have legal residence in Norway.

The debate also comes at a time when many Norwegian municipalities are under pressure from high refugee settlement numbers in recent years, especially following Russia鈥檚 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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The find, made near Rena in 脴sterdalen, is already being described as the largest Viking coin hoard ever discovered in Norway.

So far, archaeologists have , and the search is still ongoing. Experts believe even more could be hidden beneath the soil.

The discovery has drawn attention both nationally and internationally. Director General of Cultural Heritage Hanna Geiran called it 鈥渁 national and international event,鈥� highlighting the enduring fascination with the Viking Age.

From 19 Coins to Thousands

The , when two metal detectorists,聽Rune S忙tre聽and聽Vegard S酶rlie, uncovered 19 silver coins in a field.

Suspecting they had found something significant, they stopped digging immediately and alerted archaeologists from Innlandet County Municipality.

That decision proved crucial. Once professionals joined the search, the scale of the find quickly became clear.

What started as a handful of coins soon turned into dozens, then hundreds. Within days, the number had climbed into the thousands.

Coins From Across Europe

The hoard dates from the late Viking Age, roughly between the 980s and 1040s. Many of the coins were minted outside Norway, including in England and Germany, reflecting the extensive trade networks of the Viking world.

Archaeologist Svein Harald Gullbekk explained that foreign coins dominated circulation in Norway at the time.

That began to change during the reign of Harald Hardrada, who established a national coinage system. Some of the newly discovered coins appear to date from this transitional period, making the find particularly significant for understanding Norway鈥檚 economic history.

Why Was the Treasure Buried?

The reason the coins were buried remains a mystery. Archaeologists believe they were originally stored in a pouch or container that has since decayed. Over time, ploughing scattered the coins across the field.

Such deposits were not unusual during the Viking Age. Wealth was often buried for safekeeping, hidden from thieves or during times of conflict. In some cases, valuables may also have been buried as offerings.

Experts suggest the hoard could represent the savings of an individual or family, possibly the equivalent of a substantial fortune. Based on later historical comparisons, it may even have been enough to purchase a farm.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Find

For those involved, the discovery is being described as extraordinary.

Archaeologist May-Tove Smiseth said witnessing the coins being uncovered has been 鈥渁bsolutely incredible,鈥� adding that finds of this scale are something most archaeologists will never experience.

The condition of the coins has also surprised experts. The soil in the area contains little stone, helping preserve the silver pieces so well that some appear almost newly minted.

More to Be Found

The site, now referred to as the M酶rstad Hoard, is still under investigation. Archaeologists expect the search to continue for several seasons, with the possibility that more coins or related discoveries could emerge.

Authorities have also issued a clear warning: the exact location should not be visited. Finds of this kind are automatically protected under Norwegian heritage laws, and disturbing the site could damage valuable historical evidence.

A Window Into the Viking World

Beyond its size, what makes this discovery so important is what it reveals about the Viking Age.

The mix of foreign and early Norwegian coins offers a snapshot of a society in transition, shaped by trade, travel and political change.

It is also a reminder that, more than a thousand years later, Norway鈥檚 fields may still hold secrets waiting to be uncovered.

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In April 2026, Norway鈥檚 government began moving back into Oslo鈥檚 Government Quarter, marking a significant moment for the country.

The area, known as聽Regjeringskvartalet, was the site of the 2011 attacks that killed eight people (in Oslo) and caused widespread damage to government buildings. For years, much of the district remained closed, fenced off, or in transition.

Now, after a long and often debated rebuilding process, the government is returning. The reopening is gradual rather than a single event, but the shift is clear. What was once a scar in the centre of Oslo is becoming part of the city again.

For visitors, this raises an obvious question. What exactly is this place, and is it worth your time?

What Is Oslo鈥檚 Government Quarter?

The Government Quarter sits just north of Oslo鈥檚 main shopping street, Karl Johans gate, within easy walking distance of the central station.

It's a housing ministries and administrative offices. Before 2011, it was a largely functional area, known mainly for its modernist architecture and a handful of public artworks, including pieces by聽Pablo Picasso.

The 22 July attack changed how the area was viewed. It became a place of national memory as well as government. The rebuilding process has tried to balance those two roles.

A Long And Contested Rebuild

Reconstructing the Government Quarter was never going to be straightforward. There were debates about whether to preserve damaged buildings or start again. Questions over cost, security, and symbolism ran for years.

Some elements of the original complex have been retained, including artworks that survived the bombing. Others have been replaced with new structures designed to meet modern security requirements while still allowing public access.

The result is not a single building, but an evolving district that will continue to develop over time.

Designed For Openness, But With Limits

One of the most striking aspects of the new Government Quarter is its design philosophy.

Rather than turning the area into a closed-off, high-security zone, planners have deliberately aimed for something more open. Wide pedestrian routes, public spaces, and sightlines are all part of the concept.

At the same time, security has not disappeared. It鈥檚 simply less visible. Buildings are set back. Landscaping plays a role in protection. Access is controlled in subtle ways that most visitors will barely notice.

It鈥檚 a careful balancing act, and one that reflects a broader idea: that democratic institutions should remain connected to everyday life, even after a traumatic event.

Public Art And Memory

Art plays an important role in how the space is experienced. Some works from the original Government Quarter have been preserved and integrated into the new design, including large-scale murals associated with Pablo Picasso.

These pieces have become symbolic, representing both continuity and resilience.

Alongside them, a new programme of public art has been developed under the direction of , the state body responsible for art in public spaces. Their involvement ensures that art is not treated as an afterthought, but as a core part of how the district is understood and used.

The newer works, like the overall design of the area, tend to be understated. There are no grand monuments competing for attention. Instead, art and memorial elements are woven into everyday surroundings, inviting reflection without demanding it.

This is not a dramatic memorial site in the way some visitors might expect. For those aware of the history, that subtle approach can feel more powerful than a single focal point.

What Visitors Will Actually Experience

If you walk through the Government Quarter today, you might not immediately realise its significance. There are no queues. No obvious 鈥渕ust-see鈥� landmark.

Instead, you鈥檒l find a mix of modern architecture, open spaces, and people going about their daily work. Office workers, civil servants, and passers-by all share the same space.

One of the most recognisable elements of the area is , a public artwork by Do Ho Suh. First installed after the 2011 attacks, it has been relocated as part of the redevelopment and now sits prominently at Einar Gerhardsens plass.

Made up of thousands of small human figures, the work reflects ideas of collective strength and shared responsibility.

Its new placement, at the centre of the rebuilt district, reinforces the wider ambition of the project: to reconnect government with everyday life.

For visitors, it works best as something to encounter rather than something to plan your day around. You might pass through on your way between the station and Gr眉nerl酶kka, or while exploring central Oslo on foot.

A Place That Means More Than It Shows

There鈥檚 a tendency when travelling to focus on the most visually striking places.

The Government Quarter doesn鈥檛 immediately compete with Oslo鈥檚 waterfront, the Opera House, or Vigeland Park in that sense. But it offers something different.

It鈥檚 a place that reflects how Norway has responded to one of the most difficult moments in its recent history. Not through grand gestures, but through design, accessibility, and a decision to move forward without closing itself off.

For many visitors, that meaning may not be obvious at first glance. But for those who take the time to understand it, the Government Quarter adds an important layer to any visit to Oslo.

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The Norwegian government has submitted a new bill to parliament aimed at cracking down on the exploitation of foreign workers, particularly those in vulnerable situations due to temporary or uncertain residency status.

If passed, the legislation would introduce a new criminal provision into the聽Immigration Act (Utlendingsloven), expanding who can be held accountable for abuse and increasing potential prison sentences.

Closing a Legal Loophole

Under current Norwegian law, only intermediaries such as recruitment agents or housing brokers can be prosecuted for exploiting foreign workers.

This has long been criticised as a gap in the system, as employers and landlords themselves cannot typically be held criminally liable under the same provision. The would change that.

Employers and landlords who exploit foreign workers could face prison sentences of up to three years, or up to six years in particularly serious cases. This represents a significant increase from the current maximum of two years, which applies only to intermediaries.

Targeting Exploitation Beyond Human Trafficking

Norway already has strict laws against human trafficking for forced labour. However, the government says many cases of exploitation fall short of that legal threshold, while still causing serious harm.

Examples highlighted in the proposal include:

• Underpaying workers
• Charging excessive rent
• Using a worker鈥檚 immigration status to pressure them into accepting poor conditions

Justice Minister Astri Aas-Hansen said the aim is to address these 鈥済rey area鈥� cases more effectively.

鈥淓xploitation of foreign workers is a threat to the labour market and a violation of the security and rights of individuals in vulnerable situations,鈥� she said in a government statement.

Focus on Vulnerable Foreign Nationals

The proposal is particularly focused on foreign nationals without permanent residency in Norway, who are seen as being at greater risk of exploitation.

This includes people who rely on employment or housing to maintain their legal stay in the country, making them less likely to report abuse or challenge unfair treatment.

The government argues that stronger legal protections are needed to safeguard this group and ensure fair conditions across the labour market.

A Broader Crackdown on Workplace Crime

The bill forms part of the government鈥檚 wider efforts to combat workplace crime and so-called 鈥渟ocial dumping,鈥� where foreign workers are offered significantly worse pay or conditions than Norwegian standards.

It also aligns with broader policy goals outlined in national strategies on labour market security and anti-trafficking efforts.

The proposal was submitted to the聽Storting聽on 27 March, 2026, and will now be debated before any final decision is made.

What Happens Next?

If approved, the new law would mark a notable shift in how Norway tackles labour exploitation, extending responsibility directly to those who benefit from it.

For foreign workers in Norway, particularly those in more precarious situations, the changes could offer significantly stronger legal protection.

However, as with many legislative proposals, the final outcome will depend on parliamentary debate and potential amendments in the months ahead.

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The updated long-term plan, presented by Prime Minister聽Jonas Gahr St酶re聽and Defence Minister聽Tore O. Sandvik, will see Norway move towards spending 3.5% of its GDP on defence by 2035, in line with evolving NATO expectations.

The government says the decision reflects a deteriorating global security situation, particularly following Russia鈥檚 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

A Response To A Changing Security Landscape

Norway, which shares a land and maritime border with Russia in the Arctic, has increasingly focused on strengthening its northern defences and readiness.

鈥淭his is a significant priority to strengthen Norway鈥檚 defence capabilities in the face of a security situation that has become more serious and unpredictable,鈥� said prime minister Jonas Gahr St酶re when unveiling the plan.

The increase builds on an already substantial defence commitment. Norway had spending of more than 1.6 trillion kroner ($165 billion) between 2025 and 2036, meaning the total investment will now rise even further.

New Submarines, Frigates & Faster Deployment

A large share of the funding will go towards modernising Norway鈥檚 naval and military capabilities.

Plans include the acquisition of six new submarines, with the first expected to be delivered in 2029, alongside at least five new frigates due to enter service in the early 2030s. These investments reflect growing strategic interest in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.

The also accelerates the development of the Finnmark Brigade in northern Norway, which is now expected to become fully operational earlier than previously planned.

The move underlines the importance of Norway鈥檚 High North, where military activity has increased in recent years.

Focus On Drones, Air Defence & Electronic Warfare

Lessons learned from the war in Ukraine are shaping Norway鈥檚 priorities.

The government plans to strengthen short-range air defence, drone defence and electronic warfare capabilities, recognising the growing role of unmanned systems and hybrid threats in modern conflict.

At the same time, some major projects have been delayed. Decisions on long-range air defence systems and certain maritime surveillance drones have been postponed, partly due to high costs and rapidly evolving technology.

Chief of Defence Eirik Kristoffersen said it was important to adapt procurement plans as new technologies emerge, rather than committing too early to systems that could soon become outdated.

Political Support, But Some Criticism

There has been broad political backing for increasing defence spending, reflecting a rare consensus in Norwegian politics on national security.

However, the updated plan has also drawn criticism from opposition politicians, particularly over delays to long-range air defence systems and concerns about army capabilities.

Some argue that protecting major population centres, including the Oslo region, should be a higher priority, especially given Norway鈥檚 own success in exporting air defence systems such as NASAMS.

A Long-Term Shift In Priorities

The updated defence plan highlights a broader shift in Norway鈥檚 strategic thinking.

With a more unstable security environment, increased military activity in the Arctic, and continued uncertainty surrounding global alliances, Norway is positioning itself for a period of sustained defence investment.

As St酶re noted, the plan is not just about immediate needs, but about ensuring Norway鈥檚 long-term security in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Unlike many NATO countries, Norway is in a strong financial position to fund its defence expansion.

Thanks to the country鈥檚 sovereign wealth fund, the world鈥檚 largest, Norway does not need to borrow to finance increased military spending. This allows the government to scale up investment while maintaining fiscal stability.

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The Norwegian Crown Princess has publicly addressed her past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for the first time, describing the relationship as a serious error in judgement and expressing anger over the lack of justice for victims.

In an , recorded at Skaugum and published this week, the Crown Princess said she takes responsibility for not investigating Epstein more thoroughly.

鈥淚t is incredibly important for me to take responsibility for not checking his background more thoroughly, and for the fact that I was manipulated and deceived,鈥� she said.

Breaks Silence After Weeks Of Pressure

The interview follows weeks of scrutiny after newly released documents revealed extensive contact between Norway鈥檚 Crown Princess and Epstein between 2011 and 2014.

Mette-Marit said the delay in responding was due to a difficult period for her family and her ongoing health challenges. Her son from a previous marriage, Marius Borg H酶iby, is involved in a highly-publixized court case.

鈥淲e are a family that has been in a very demanding situation in recent weeks,鈥� she said.

Describes Friendship And Ending Contact

The Crown Princess explained she was introduced to Epstein through mutual contacts connected to international work on global health, at a time when she was engaged in such work herself.

She described the relationship as a friendship and rejected suggestions it had any other character.

Over time, however, she said she began to question his behaviour and character. She ultimately ended contact in 2014.

The interview also touched on previously reported email exchanges between the Crown Princess and Epstein that have attracted attention, including a light-hearted exchange about relationships in which she wrote that 鈥淪candinavians are better 鈥榳ife material鈥�.鈥�

Mette-Marit described the tone of such messages as informal and 鈥渂anter鈥� between friends, acknowledging that some of the wording now appears 鈥渃lumsy.鈥�

鈥淔elt Unsafe鈥� During U.S. Visit

Addressing a 2013 stay at Epstein鈥檚 property in Palm Beach, Mette-Marit said she experienced an incident that left her feeling unsafe.

鈥淗e put me in a situation that made me feel unsafe,鈥� she said, adding that she called Crown Prince Haakon at the time. She said she never witnessed illegal activity during her interactions with Epstein.

Regret And Responsibility

The Crown Princess repeatedly emphasised that she does not see herself as a victim in the situation, instead pointing to those harmed by Epstein.

鈥淭here is nothing to feel sorry for me in this situation. It is all the victims who have been subjected to these serious abuses who deserve justice,鈥� she said.

She also said she regrets not warning more people after she formed a negative view of him.

Political And Public Reaction

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr St酶re it was important that the Crown Princess had now responded publicly following weeks of scrutiny.

鈥淚t is important that the Crown Princess answers questions about her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein,鈥� he said, adding that openness is necessary to maintain trust in public institutions.

Norwegian commentators have suggested that some of the most difficult questions remain unanswered, particularly around what the Crown Princess may have known at the time.

At the same time, several political figures have emphasised that Mette-Marit appeared to take responsibility for her actions.

Venstre (Norway鈥檚 Liberal party) leader Guri Melby said it would ultimately be up to the public to judge whether the answers given were sufficient, while stressing the importance of continued openness from the Royal House.

A Difficult Moment For The Monarchy

The interview comes during a challenging period for Norway鈥檚 Royal Family, following declining public support in recent months.

Mette-Marit said she hopes the situation will not weaken trust in the monarchy over time and reaffirmed her belief in its role in Norwegian society.

She also pointed to her ongoing illness as a key factor affecting her ability to fulfil her duties.

Reflecting on the relationship, the Crown Princess was clear. 鈥淚 should of course wish that I had never met him,鈥� she said.

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