The design of the Norwegian flag with the Scandinavian cross in the center is similar to the other Nordic flags. In case of Norway, the cross is blue with white framing, placed on a red background. The cross is not isosceles, it reaches the edges of the flag and the shorter arm is located closer to the left side of the flag. The flag is very similar to the Danish Danneborg, which reflects four centuries under the Danish rule. On the other hand, the blue cross points to the long-term ties to Sweden. The flag was designed in 1821 by Frederick Meltzer, but it was not adopted as a state flag until 1898. The colors of the flag that coincide with the French tricolor could be interpreted as an expression of the desire for independence that Norway did not reach until the beginning of the 20th century.

Oslo started using a new city flag in 2002. The flag shows the city's arms, featuring the Holy Hallvard, against a blue background. The decision to change the flag from the simple blue and white striped flag, used since 1924 (see below), was taken by the municipal council in January 2000. It was then suggested that Oslo would try to have the flag officially approved by Royal resolution, a rather optimistic idea as the flag contravenes every heraldic principle enforced by the National Archives for about 70 years. And indeed, it seems the city authorities never even bothered to apply for approval, preferring instead to go ahead using the flag, and this is what has now happened. Against a threat of fines or prison terms up to three months, a law from 1933 prohibits Norwegian municipalities from flying any other flags than the national flag or those civic flags approved by Royal resolution. This seems to concern no one, least of all the country's capital. 

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