Historical Tours in Oslo: 11 That Earn the Trip North

1.Historic Myths & Legends Evening Walking Tour

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

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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2.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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3.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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4.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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5.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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6.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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7.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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8.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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9.Downtown Oslo: Self-Guided Highlights and History Audio Tour

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

Walk through central Oslo at your own pace with a VoiceMap audio tour in English. Hear stories at Aker Brygge, the Nobel Peace Center, the Royal Palace park, Karl Johan Avenue, and Østbanehallen. Your $9.99 purchase includes lifetime access and offline maps, but museum entry, food, transport, and a smartphone are not included.

“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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10.Myths and Legends of Oslo

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 9 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Start at Oslo City Hall at 10:00 for a private walk through Norse mythology, Oslo symbols, Christiania, Kvadraturen, and Akershus Fortress. Guides such as Anastasiia, Irina, and Alla bring history, politics, culture, true crime, and local advice into the story. The pace is thoughtful, with plenty to discuss.

“Our tour guide Anastasiia was excellent!! She was very knowledgeable about history and also life in Oslo! My husband and I took a tour with her early in our trip and she was able to answer all our questions, give activity recommendations and told many interesting stories. I liked that the tour had a little bit of an edge to it. She showed us the town execution square and told us about the black metal church burnings. We learned a lot about how Norse myth influences Norwegian culture today as well. If you like true crime or Norse mythology, I recommend this tour.”

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11.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, the river that helped power Norway’s industrial growth. See Beier Bridge waterfall, cross Fairytale Bridge, explore green river paths, and stop at Mathallen for Norwegian and international food. Food and transport cost extra.

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