Norway · WALKING TOURS IN OSLO
Central Oslo is compact enough to cover in two hours and layered enough to need somebody explaining it. The 12 below are priced by length, with the food routes separated from the history ones.
Spend 4 hours ferrying and walking across Oslo’s islands with an English-speaking guide such as Shaf, Patrick, or Giovanni. Visit Hovedøya’s medieval abbey ruins, Gressholmen’s nature and military sites, and Lindøya’s colorful summer cabins. Expect about 7 km of walking on uneven paths, with hot drinks supplied in winter.
“The activity was amazing, even in the rain, all down to our amazing guide Laura”
Spend 3.5 hours ferry-hopping from Oslo’s waterfront to Hovedøya and a cabin island, usually Lindøya. You’ll walk forest paths, see monastery ruins, enjoy fjord views, and hear local stories from English-speaking guides such as Giovanni, Patrick, Christian, and Kat. Bring lunch from April through September.
“This was a great excursion. We met by the ferry boat and went to the first island and explored the monastery ruins and walked more. Then took the ferry to another island which had cute little houses. Ate lunch (which we brought) by a lovely fjord and explored more. Patrick the guide was great! Lovely views of Oslo from the islands. Perfect day!”
This two-hour Oslo walk links Karl Johan Street, Parliament, the Cathedral, Christiania Torv, Akershus Fortress, City Hall, Aker Brygge, and Tjuvholmen. English and German guides, including Minji, Olaf, Amelia, and Anastasia, have led highly praised tours. You also receive an app for exploring beyond the guided route.
“The guide was extremely knowledgable and excellent. Although she was I think Hungarian? She really knew her facts and could answer all our questions. She also gave us an earpiece which was very helpful as we were a large group of 13. Thank you”
Spend two hours walking central Oslo with a live English- or Spanish-speaking guide from Nordic Freedom Tours. Meet by the Tiger sculpture, then see the Opera House, Christiania Torv, Aker Brygge, City Hall, Karl Johans Gate, and Parliament. Guides such as Daniel, Hannah, Marta, and Alexia add history, humor, and useful city tips.
“Alexia was a wonderful guide and the tour was really informative. Great value for little money.”
Walk from Oslo City Hall to Christiania Torv, Akershus Fortress, and Bankplassen with an English-speaking guide. Expect Norse myths, trolls, nisse, huldra, Viking beliefs, prison stories, medieval justice, and famous thefts. Guides such as Maria and Anastasia bring the city’s lesser-known past to life.
“Very informative guide. Was nice to learn about Oslo, and see things we wouldn’t normally have seen”
Spend 2 to 3 hours walking from central Oslo to Mathallen with a local guide such as Alex, Lisa, or Casper. Taste Norwegian meals, seafood, farmers’ food, beer, cured meats, cheese, and a waffle with brown cheese or jam. Expect about 3 kilometers of walking, several food stops, and history along the way.
“This was a very fun day filled with some history and traditional foods of Norway. Seafood, Vaffles, hot dogs, meats and cheeses, all with interesting stories. Charles was our tour guide. He is a transplant from Argentina so we had lively conversations about his decision to move to Norway. He did a wonderful job of giving us all the details of our tour. We walked for a few hours, enjoying the scenery of Oslo. I never thought I would eat reindeer, moose and whale salami! We also met very nice new friends. This is a definite DO when traveling to other countries.”
This two-hour English walking tour links Oslo’s key central sights, including the Tiger sculpture, Opera House, Akershus Fortress, City Hall, Aker Brygge, Parliament, and the Royal Palace. Guides such as Suzanne, Alexia, Marta, and Daniel mix history, humor, and practical orientation. Expect a moderate amount of walking and no interior visits.
“This is a great introduction to Oslo by very knowledgeable guides. It covered most of the walkable points of interest. We enjoyed the experience.”
Meet your English-speaking guide near Oslo Central Station, then ride the metro to Frognerseteren, 500 meters above the fjord. After city views, hot drinks, waffles, and marshmallows by a campfire, you’ll take a roughly 45-minute torchlit walk through the snowy forest. Guides such as Miles, Lynn, Mustafa, and Suzi are known for friendly, careful hosting.
“it was beautiful loved each part about the trip well done”
Start near the Nobel Peace Center and walk through Akershus Fortress, Christiania Torv, Kvadraturen, Karl Johan Street, the Cathedral, Parliament, and the Opera House. A German-speaking guide such as Emily, Anna Marie, Maria, or Olav may lead the way. Expect history, culture, city views, and a moderate amount of walking.
“Maria did an excellent job. She knew her history of the city and has a good sense of honor mixed in with her information.”
Spend four hours with guides such as Emran, Evan, Em, or Ola exploring three Oslofjord islands by public ferry. Walk through Hovedøya’s medieval abbey ruins, Gressholmen’s quiet nature, and Lindøya’s wooden summer cabins. Bring lunch, water, sturdy shoes, and swimwear if you want a fjord dip.
“These guys were genuinely brilliant. absolutely knew their stuff, made an effort to get to know you, made sure everyone was okay and answered any questions. More importantly, they seemed to enjoy it and that came across well when talking to us throughout the tour. Thanks guys!”
Spend 2.5 hours walking about 2 km from Mathallen through Grünerløkka and along the Akerselva. You’ll taste reindeer, moose, venison, minke whale, brunost, waffles, cinnamon buns and more. English-speaking guides such as Christian, Shaf, Katerina and Astrid add food and local history. Vegetarian and alcohol-free options need advance notice.
“The food was a bit underwhelming. Good tour overall. Great guide.”
Start at University Square and follow an English-speaking guide through central Oslo, from the Royal Palace and Parliament to the Opera House, Akershus Fortress and the waterfront. Guides such as Tetiana, Anastasia, Emily, Judit and Ihor have earned praise for lively storytelling. The tour also includes a self-guided audio app for more exploring later.
“This is my second time taking the same tour, and fortunately with the same tour guide! The first time was just by myself; the second time was with my family. Maria, the tour guide, is full of energy. We enjoyed listening to her narration about the history of Oslo and Norway. She also gave tips on where to go during our stay on Oslo.”
Pick a fjord, a sled team or a night under the aurora.
