The 15 Historical Tours in Norway That Sell Out Earliest

1.Reindeer Camp and Sami Cultural Tour with Lunch

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

Travel about 35 to 40 minutes from Tromsø to a Sami reindeer camp, where you feed a herd of roughly 250 to 300 animals. Warm up with hot drinks, cookies, and reindeer or vegetarian stew, then hear Sami stories and a traditional joik song from guides such as Johannes, Inga, or Daniel.

“The activity was not rushed at all. The location was superb and we got ample time to feed the reindeers. We were served hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and then reindeer stew as lunch. The food was very tasty. Then the Sami storytelling and song session went on. Got to learn many things. The trip is 100% recommended.”

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2.Historic Myths & Legends Evening Walking Tour

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

Walk central Oslo for two hours with an English-speaking guide such as Maria or Anastasia. Begin near City Hall, then hear Norse myths at Christiania Torv, explore Akershus Fortress, and finish with tales of crime, punishment, trolls, and old Oslo. Expect an easy but uneven city walk, not a ghost hunt.

“Awesome tour, we heard so many interesting stories, i will recommend this tour to everybody ;)”

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3.Fjord History Cruise with Snack and Drinks

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

Spend 2.5 hours aboard Hermes II, a beautifully restored 1917 boat, cruising Tromsø Sound and nearby fjords. Norwegian and English-speaking hosts share coastal stories, point out eagles, seals, reindeer, and birds, and welcome you into the captain’s cabin. A warm fish cake, hot drinks, blankets, and thermal suits are included.

“Embarking on the Hermes II for a historical boat trip from Tromso is nothing short of enchanting, especially with guides like Natalie and Maren at the helm. Their passion for the vessel's history and the surrounding Arctic waters is infectious, turning what could be a simple sightseeing tour into an immersive experience. The Hermes II itself is a character, a beautifully maintained piece of maritime history that offers a tangible connection to the past.Natalie and Maren don't just recite facts; they weave tales that bring the stories of the Arctic to life. Sharing legends of the sea or detailing the ship's own storied past, their narratives are captivating. The views…”

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4.Sightseeing Cruise of Bergen’s Historic Landmarks

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

Spend one hour aboard m/s Eric the Red, or Eric Bloodaxe in the departure details, cruising Bergen’s harbor with English commentary. You’ll see Bryggen, Bergenhus Fortress, Skuteviken, Sandviken, Verftet, U-Boot Bunker Bruno, and Nordnes Sjøbad from the water. The boat has indoor seating, outdoor decks, a bar, and wheelchair access on the main deck.

“Very nice one hour trip, with a audio guide explaining what we are seeing and the history. The boat had a canteen/bar where I could get drinks or snacks, its great when you are going with the family having kids :-)”

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5.Unknown war. Oslo and Norway during 1940-45

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) Top rated

Walk central Oslo with Rami, a private guide who uses period photographs to connect today’s streets with Norway’s 1940 to 1945 occupation. The route passes the Royal Palace, Parliament, University Square, Nationaltheatret, and Akershus Fortress. It costs $307.50 for up to five people, making it best for families or small groups with a strong interest in wartime history.

“Our tour guide was beyond flexible and we ultimately had to cancel because we were just too tired after a day of travel. He offered to move the time multiple times and then to meet us with his tour material on the war. Amazing customer service for a cancellation after the deadline that was 100% our fault.”

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6.History, Art and Secrets Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 62 reviews · from $41

Walk downhill from Oslo’s Royal Palace through Aker Brygge, City Hall, Karl Johans Street, Akershus Fortress, the Opera House, and the Munch Museum. A guide such as Anders, Radu, Magnus, Luis, or Michael adds local stories, practical restaurant tips, and a few lesser-known corners. Expect 3 to 4 hours of walking in a group of up to 10.

“What an amazing experience! it was one of the best tours I’ve ever done. The best way to get to know the hidden gems of Oslo ❤️ strongly recommend. 5 stars ⭐️”

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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 thermal suits. You’ll see Tromsø from the water, look toward Fjellheisen and Polaria, pass beneath Tromsø Bridge, and hear the boat’s story. The captain may even let children try the wheel.

“Wonderful little cruise! The crew was very nice, joyful and told a lot of interesting stories about the ship and Tromso. They served coffee and patiently took pictures of us. We were able to enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding snowy mountains. 1 hours was just the perfect amount of time. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip, highly recommended!”

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8.Oslo City Walks – Historic River Walk

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

Start at Oslo Visitor Center and follow a guide along the Akerselva River, Oslo’s green corridor and former industrial engine. Hear how old factories found new life, pause at Mathallen food hall, then finish at the waterfall near Beierbrua. The two-hour walk is in English, capped at 20 people, and runs in all weather.

“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.)

Spend about three hours walking central Oslo with a local guide, often Tanya-Lisa, while learning about Norwegian history and tasting traditional foods. The route includes the Opera, Aker Brygge, City Hall, and Akershus Fortress, with stops that may feature salmon, fish soup, meat, beer, chocolate, and local specialties. Food costs extra.

“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.Myths and Legends: An Oslo Walking Discovery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $42

Follow an English-speaking guide through central Oslo from City Hall to Oslo Cathedral. Hear Viking beliefs, ghost stories from Christiania Torv and Akershus Fortress, and curious details about Kvadraturen. Guides including Marija, Maria, and Ihor bring humor and warmth. The two-hour walk suits visitors who want history with a little folklore.

“I LOVED THIS TOUR! Do not underestimate this tour I learned a lot of history about Oslo and even learned more about the different structures and their significance. The tour guide, Marija was very engaging and had us all at the edge of our seats. She made the tour relatable and funny plus she was very warm and approachable. The information from this tour stuck more than others I've taken. Plus it was nice to visit the castle and learn more about what happened in the past. The tour is one to remember with a guide that left an impression.”

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11.Myth and Legends Oslo Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 20 reviews · 2 hours

Meet your English-speaking guide at Oslo City Hall and walk from the Swan fountain to Akershus Fortress, Kvadraturen, and Karl Johan. You’ll hear Norse myths, ghost stories, battle tales, and architectural links to the gods. Guides Maria and Marija have led engaging versions of this private, wheelchair-accessible tour.

“Foi um passeio incrível pelas ruas de Oslo, onde aprendemos muitas histórias da cidade! A guia Maria é maravilhosa e a forma como ela narra os acontecimentos é super cativante! Achei imperdível esse City Tour!”

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12.A time travelling adventure to “The Viking Farm”, Avaldsnes+TVP.

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 18 reviews · from $140

Meet near Haugesund’s cruise port for a guided boat ride through Karmsundet to Bukkøy’s Viking Farm, then visit The Viking Planet. Expect local history, reconstructed longhouses, a boat house, forest paths, and a digital museum. The three-hour outing suits families and Viking fans, though part of the farm visit may involve a stationary talk.

“It was a nice opportunity to see a Viking village. We were very disappointed to stand in one spot in the village for about 45 min for a lecture rather than being toured around. We gathered this was due to it being used by a school group. We felt the tour should be greatly reduced or cancelled in this case. The tour guides were good. No complaints in that regard.”

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13.Walking tour: Medieval Spirit of Bergen + sweet Arctic gifts

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $57

Walk Bergen’s old center with an English-speaking guide such as Renato, Olaf, or Fabiola. In about two hours, you’ll visit the Fish Market, UNESCO-listed Bryggen, St. Mary’s Church, Bergenhus Fortress, Rosenkrantz Tower, Haakon’s Hall, and Torgallmenningen. The tour stays outside the paid museums and church interiors.

“This is a great walking tour with a concise overview of the city-center. You get to see the major landmarks and learn some history too. Olaf was an awesome tour guide!”

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14.Jewish Heritage Tour in Oslo

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

Walk central Oslo with guide Rami Kafarov, tracing Jewish life from the first family settlement to the occupation of 1940 to 1945. You’ll visit key streets, landmarks, and the Oslo Synagogue when access allows. The private English tour suits up to five people and can be shaped around your interests.

“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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15.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 tour from Svolvær to Henningsvær and Gimsøy. Visit Svinøya’s fishing cabins, Lofoten Cathedral, Viking and WWII sites in Kabelvåg, and the 12th-century Gimsøy Church. Transport is included, but lunch and coffee are not.

“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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