The 7 Best Historical Tours in Oslo

1.Historic Myths & Legends Evening Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 408 reviews · 2 hours · from $42Our pick

Meet your English-speaking guide by Oslo City Hall and follow a relaxed two-hour route through Christiania Torv, Akershus Fortress, Oslo Cathedral, and Bankplassen. Expect Norse myths, trolls, nisse, huldra, Viking beliefs, old crimes, and plenty of practical city tips from guides such as Maria and Anastasia.

“Very informative guide. Was nice to learn about Oslo, and see things we wouldn’t normally have seen”

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2.History, Art and Secrets Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 62 reviews · from $41

Walk downhill through Oslo with a local guide, from the Royal Palace and Aker Brygge to Akershus Fortress, the Opera House, and Munch Museum. Guides such as Anders, Michael, Radu, Magnus, and Luis bring history, architecture, city secrets, restaurant tips, and time for questions.

“Best way to experience the city is by foot with knowledgable guide like Anders. I now know more about the Oslo city, it’s history and many anecdotes 🙂”

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3.Oslo City Walks – Historic River Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $53Top rated

Join an English-speaking guide at Oslo Visitor Center for a two-hour walk along the Akerselva River. Learn how Oslo’s industrial heart became a green riverside corridor, stop at Mathallen for food and a toilet break, and finish at Beierbrua waterfall.

“A short and very nice walk along the river while learning about Oslos industrial past and how the buildings have been transformed for today’s modern life.”

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4.A Well Balanced History and Food Tour with Focus on the Scandinavian Kitchen

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Walk central Oslo with guide Tanya-Lisa, linking Norwegian history to salmon, fish soup, meats, local beer, and traditional cafes. See the Opera, Aker Brygge, City Hall, and Akershus Fortress. Tastings cost extra, and Sunday options are limited.

“The food is good. Guide was not. She started by sending me 8 messages changing time & meeting place twice. She talked non stop repeating herself often and giving us much wrong information. We walked at least 4 miles. At the end sh”

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5.Jewish Heritage Tour in Oslo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Walk central Oslo with Rami or Janine on a private, English-language tour of Jewish life in Norway. See former Jewish shops, Parliament, Royal Palace sites, and Oslo’s first synagogue. The synagogue visit is moving but not always available.

“On a recent trip to Oslo, I was supremely fortunate to have a private tour with Rami Kafarov. He brought the Jewish history of Norway to vivid life in an understated, superbly prepared and organized way. He is a polymath, multilingual, multitalented, and deeply conversant with the country's Jewish history. Do not miss this tour. It will move you deeply. Also, he is shy about the brief but phenomenal photo-book he created--ask him about it and buy one for all your friends! He has juxtaposed current Oslo and historic pictures of Jewish life in an uncanny and powerful way.”

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6.Downtown Oslo: Self-Guided Highlights and History Audio Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 10 reviews · 40 minutes (approx.) · from $9Best value

Follow an English VoiceMap audio tour through central Oslo, from Aker Brygge and the Nobel Peace Center to the Royal Palace, Karl Johan, and Østbanehallen. You walk at your own pace with offline audio, maps, and location data. Bring your own smartphone.

“The best part was turning of your completely out of date information and just walking and reading the signs. Waste of time and money.”

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7.Oslo City Walks: Historic River Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours · from $52

Join an authorized Oslo guide at Oslo S for a two-hour walk along Akerselva. See Beier Bridge waterfall, Fairytale Bridge, restored riverbanks, and Mathallen food hall while tracing Oslo’s shift from industry to city life. English and Norwegian tours begin at 14:00.

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