The Royal Palace in Oslo has an unexpectedly humble beginning: it was built for a king who never lived in it. Construction began in 1824 under architect Hans Ditlev Franciscus von Linstow, but King Karl Johan died in 1844, five years before the doors opened. His successor, King Oscar I, became the first resident on July 26, 1849.

Today the palace is where Norway's King and Queen live, though it doubles as the setting for one of the country's most loved traditions. Every May 17th, Constitution Day, tens of thousands of children parade up Karl Johan Avenue and the royals stand on the balcony for four to five hours, waving to every school group that passes.

VoiceMap's self-guided audio tours of Oslo trace the avenue from the central station to the palace square, connecting the palace's royal ceremonial role to the city's broader history, its parks and its political life.