This open square a few blocks behind Karl Johans gate is the political heart of Norway. Named after financier Jørgen Young, who owned most of the surrounding land, it was laid out in 1846 as a market square for agricultural products, though in practice it mostly hosted cattle markets. The annual Kristiania market was held here from 1857 to 1899.
Everything changed in 1890 when workers chose Youngstorget as the gathering point for Norway's first May Day celebrations, and it has been the centre of the labour movement ever since. Every 1 May, tens of thousands fill the square for speeches, marches, and political rallies. The headquarters of the Norwegian Labour Party, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), and several other political organisations line the surrounding streets, making this the country's undisputed power centre outside Stortinget.
On ordinary days, the square is a mix of outdoor cafes, a weekend flower market, and in winter a small ice rink. At night, the surrounding blocks transform into one of Oslo's busiest nightlife areas, with clubs and bars packed into the side streets. The contrast between daytime political rallies and weekend party crowds is pure Oslo.
Everything changed in 1890 when workers chose Youngstorget as the gathering point for Norway's first May Day celebrations, and it has been the centre of the labour movement ever since. Every 1 May, tens of thousands fill the square for speeches, marches, and political rallies. The headquarters of the Norwegian Labour Party, the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), and several other political organisations line the surrounding streets, making this the country's undisputed power centre outside Stortinget.
On ordinary days, the square is a mix of outdoor cafes, a weekend flower market, and in winter a small ice rink. At night, the surrounding blocks transform into one of Oslo's busiest nightlife areas, with clubs and bars packed into the side streets. The contrast between daytime political rallies and weekend party crowds is pure Oslo.