The collar is awarded as a separate distinction of the Grand Cross to those recipients deemed exceptionally worthy.

The collar of the Order is in gold, with five enamelled and crowned monograms "O", five enamelled and crowned coat-of-arms of Norway, and 10 gold crosses bottony each flanked by two battle axes with silver blades and golden shafts (The latter element is also featured in the coat of arms of the Church of Norway).

The central disc is red with the golden Norwegian lion rampart bearing a battle axe, surrounded by a white-blue-white ring.

[5][6] The insignia are expected to be returned either upon the receiver's advancement to a higher level of the order or upon his or her death.

Princes and Princesses with succession rights to the throne are appointed to the highest degree upon reaching their age of majority.

Bearers of the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav are ranked 16th.