In 1894, Oslo was the first city in the Nordic region to have an electric tram line. The route ran from Jernbanetorget across Briskeby to Majorstuen, and was soon extended with a branch line to Skarpsno. Previously, Oslo had trams pulled by horses.

The first electric trams were called trams - or blue trams, because of their colour. Kristiania Elektriske Sporvei started in 1894 with 7 trams and 5 trailers supplied by AEG in Berlin. You can see one of the first trams on the "square" in the museum's communications hall.

The trams had 16 seats and 12 standing places. The average speed was around 15 km/h. It is said that a tram driver on the Briskeby line who drove over the speed limit of 18 km/h received the country's first speeding fine.

In the exhibition, you can also hear the animated characters Bædi & Børdi tell about the tram in an entertaining and exciting way.

"Tram ride in Kristiania" by Hans Berge, 1916 (2 min)

Hans Berge's film of a tram ride from Solli plass to the Stortinget in 1916 is a real gem. The film gives a vivid impression of the tram's long history as part of the cityscape of Oslo – or Kristiania, as the city was previously called. Watch it here!

Berge (1877-1934) was Norway's first cinematographer. He made documentary recordings in Oslo and many other places in Norway - including in Bergen and at Kongsberg and Notodden. Several hundred rolls of film have been preserved after him.

The film was shot from the back of a tram. The route passes the National Library at Solli plass, Slottsparken, the National Theater and the Theater Cafe, before the film ends at the Storting.

In 1916, the First World War was underway, and petrol was rationed. Several of the cars in the film therefore have gas balloons on the roof.

Hans Berge Film.
The film is also shown on the "square" in the museum's communications hall, with support from the Public Transport Historical Council of Oslo and Akershus / Ruter.