The tiger statue in front of Oslo Central Station is one of the city’s most iconic sights and a popular subject for photographers. This 4.5-meter-long bronze sculpture, crafted by Elena Engelsen, was presented to Oslo on the occasion of its 1000th anniversary in 2000 (VisitNorway). It stands as a testament to Oslo’s nickname “Tigerstaden” or “The Tiger City,” a name that most Norwegians are familiar with. This nickname was likely first used by the Norwegian poet Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson in his 1870 poem “Sidste Sang,” which depicts a fight between a horse (symbolizing the safe countryside) and a tiger (representing the dangerous city) (VisitNorway).

The tiger statue has become a well-known landmark and a popular meeting spot in Oslo. It is prominently displayed in the square in front of Oslo Railway Station, and its lifelike appearance makes it stand out (Tripadvisor). The presence of the tiger statue in such a central location captures the essence of Oslo as a city that combines both the vibrancy and perceived dangers of urban life, as symbolized by the tiger, with the tranquility and safety of the natural landscapes surrounding it.