Oslo and Akershus

Oslo is Norway's capital and largest city, with a population of 521, 886. It is situated at the head of the Oslo fjord and is the home of the royal palace. Oslo has outstanding museums and galleries, including the renowed Norwegian Folk Museum. The city is over one thousand years old but was rebuilt after a fire in 1624, after which it was renamed Christiania in honor of the Danish king. The spelling was later changed to Kristiania but in 1925 got the old name back.

Akershus county has a population of 488,618 and is the second most populous county in Norway. Akershus county circles around Oslo, which has a slightly larger population. Almost one fourth of all Norwegians live in these two counties.

The capital of Akershus county is Lørenskog. The name comes from Akershus castle and fortress, which is now a part of the city of Oslo.