15 Historical Tours in Norway to Build a Day Around

1.Reindeer Camp and Sami Cultural Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,326 reviews · 4 hours · from $141Our pick

Travel by warm coach from Tromsø to a Sami reindeer camp, where you feed a herd of about 300 reindeer, enjoy stew or vegetarian soup, and hear stories and joik songs in a lavvu. Guides such as Johannes, Inga, and Daniel bring Sami traditions and reindeer herding to life in English.

“The Tromsø Reindeer Camp and Sami Cultural Tour with Lunch was an absolutely beautiful and unforgettable experience. Being so close to the reindeer was magical—they are gentle, fascinating animals, and learning about their role in Sami life made the experience even more special. The landscape was breathtaking: snowy plains, mountains, and a peaceful Arctic atmosphere that felt straight out of a postcard. Meeting the Sami people and learning about their culture, traditions, and history was incredibly interesting and authentic. Their stories and connection to nature made the tour feel meaningful, not just touristic. The lunch was delicious and warm, perfect after spending time outdoors in the ...”

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2.Historic Myths & Legends Evening Walking Tour

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

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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3.Fjord History Cruise with Snack and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 364 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $156

Sail Tromsø Sound and nearby fjords aboard Hermes II, a beautifully restored 1917 boat. Norwegian and English speaking hosts share coastal tales, point out eagles, seals, birds, and reindeer, and serve a warm fish cake with coffee, tea, or toddy.

“The boat ride was super relaxing and the crew were so kind and friendly. We could ask questions any time during the trip which made it feel really welcoming. They also shared the story of the boat and after hearing it the whole experience felt even more special. Big thanks to the staff for making it such a nice experience! 🫶”

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4.Sightseeing Cruise of Bergen’s Historic Landmarks

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 194 reviews · from $28

Spend one hour aboard the sightseeing boat listed as Eric Bloodaxe, with the vessel description naming m/s Eric the Red. Hear English commentary as you pass Bryggen, Bergenhus Fortress, Skuteviken, Sandviken, U-Boot Bunker Bruno, and Nordnes Sjøbad. Outdoor and panoramic decks offer fine city views.

“We decided to do a last minute cruise to end our visit in Bergen and were pleased to see the architecture and history which would have not been possible on foot.”

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5.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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6.Fjord & History Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $149Top rated

Spend 2.5 hours aboard the 108-year-old wooden Hermes II, sailing from central Tromsø past nearby islands, the Arctic Cathedral, and Tromsø Bridge. An English-speaking crew shares boat and local history while you enjoy photo stops, hot drinks, snacks, and thermal suits when the air turns cold.

“Personal muy amable, hay bebidas calientes, hace mucho frío a bordo pero te dan ropa especial! Fue bonito, recomendado!”

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7.1 Hour Photo & History Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 57 reviews · 1 hour · from $93

Spend one hour aboard Hermes II, a restored 1917 wooden cargo boat, with English or Norwegian hosts, warm drinks, blankets, and views of Tromsø, Fjellheisen, Polaria, and Tromsø Bridge. You may also hear the boat’s working history and, with the crew’s permission, try the wheel.

“Beautiful old boat. Well equipped and very stable. The crew were knowledgeable and friendly. Great views of the area around Tromso. A real treat to end our stay. Hot drinks and warm suits available if needed as well as blankets. Highly recommend.”

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8.Oslo City Walks – Historic River Walk

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

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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9.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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10.The Tromsø Food Walk, Taste your way through local history

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $166

Start at Tromsø’s Arctic Hunter monument and walk through the city with an English-speaking guide. Sample seafood at Dragøy, enjoy a Norwegian snack at Snorre Art, learn about Tromsø Cathedral, then share a full lunch in a private dining room. David and Daniel are among the guides.

“This is one of the best food tours I have ever taken! It was a wonderful experience to sample so many foods from the region. Daniel does an outstanding job engaging the foodies. I loved it!”

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11.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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12.Svolvær and Henningsvær Sightseeing and History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 15 reviews · from $121

Join guide Dave or another English-speaking photographer guide for a five-hour small-group drive from Svolvær through Svinøya, Kabelvåg, Henningsvær, and Gimsøy. Expect fishing traditions, Viking and WWII stories, Arctic scenery, photo stops, and free time for lunch or coffee.

“It was a very good experience to learn some history of the lofoten fishermen life. All stop points got beautiful scenary, views from bunker, beach, n viewpoints top looking at the ocean and town. We saw big stockfish hung for drying. Our guide is mr Dave and he showed us the lovely scenary. we highly recommended this tour. thank you, Dave.”

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13.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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14.Trondheim’s Regalia Self-Guided Tour of Norway’s Historic Centre

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $9

Start near Clarion Hotel Trondheim and follow a GPS audio tour through Trondheim’s historic centre. Hear stories at Rockheim, Nidaros Cathedral, the Nidelva River, Bakklandet, and Kristiansten Fortress. The tour runs about an hour, works offline, and lets you pause, detour, or replay sections.

“I had a free morning in Trondheim and decided to use this guide. Really useful, really well laid out and takes you around all of the main locations at your own pace, adding lots of detail to the city as you're walking around it. Didn't take much longer than an hour but I didn't go in to the Cathedral or anything which I'm sure would extend the time!”

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15.History Fjordcruise Around The Isle Of Tromso – Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $140

Set out from central Tromsø at 2 pm aboard a luxury catamaran for a two-hour trip around the island. Captain Håken combines coastal views, local history, sailing stories, hot drinks, snacks, indoor comfort, and outdoor viewing for up to 12 people.

“A thoroughly enjoyable experience. The boat was well equipped and comfortable. We were provided with hot drinks and snacks. There was a heated indoor seating area with a toilet. There was plenty of opportunity to go outside on the boat to soak up the sea breeze and get a better view of the interesting scenery. We were even able to sit in the helm to enjoy the outside views when it rained. The boat was equipped with plenty of safety features, and we were given a thorough safety briefing before setting off. Our guide was very knowledgeable about Tromsø, local history, sailing and travel as a whole. He was incredibly…”

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