Historical Tours in Scandinavia: 15 That Earn the Trip North

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.Ghost Walk and Historical Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,206 reviews · from $31

Walk through Gamla Stan with a Swedish or English-speaking guide as dark tales of executions, disease, murder, and ghosts bring medieval Stockholm to life. Guides such as Callum, Chris, Cody, Reece, and Louis are praised for strong storytelling and humor. Expect cobbled lanes, old walls, hidden courtyards, and a crypt finale.

“This was an awesome 1&1/1 hours spent! I would’ve never known or learnt about Stockholm’s history so intricately had it not been for this tour. It was fun and super informative. I don’t think I would’ve come across all the things and places that I did without this tour in Gamla Stan. The Guide was super funny and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Wasn’t a dull moment during the entire tour and I would HIGHLY recommend it! Trust me you’ll never find these places and know these stories on your own!!! MUST DO!!! And don’t ask “WHYyyyyyy…..” (That’s an inside joke, you’ll understand once you’ve taken the tour yourself) 😂 Super…”

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3.The Original Stockholm Ghost Walk and Historical Tour – Gamla Stan

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,165 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $38

Walk Stockholm’s medieval Gamla Stan with an English-speaking guide such as Chris, Callum, Cody, Reece, or Christopher. Expect 90 minutes of dark history, murders, executions, disease, myths, humor, and a possible visit beneath the German church. Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes.

“Reese was an amazing storyteller and played his part well. We really enjoyed the stories and his sense of humor. We are not kidding when we tell you to wear your running shoes. We power walked between locations. All in all it was great fun. And the one course meal was very good. We really enjoyed the Swedish meatballs and mashed potatoes in the dungeon restaurant.”

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4.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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5.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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6.Old Town Historical Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 344 reviews · from $52

Join Kiki, a Certified Stockholm Guide and native English speaker, for a relaxed two-hour walk through Gamla Stan. You’ll see Mynttorget, the German church, a rune stone, the Royal Palace, St. George and the Dragon, and Stockholm’s Cathedral while hearing the city’s funny, strange, and sometimes grim stories.

“Kiki was informative and answered questions seamlessly. She was warm and easy to talk with and we really enjoyed her company.”

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7.Viking History, Runes & Countryside 9h Tour to Sigtuna & Uppsala

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 283 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $298

Travel from Stockholm into the countryside with a local Viking history guide such as Olof, Calle, or Gabriel. Walk beside rune stones, burial mounds, a Viking assembly site, Sigtuna’s wooden streets, and Uppsala Cathedral. Hotel and cruise-port pickup is available, with groups capped at 19 people.

“It was very nice tour with very knowledgeable and friendly guide Karl! A lot of new information, beautiful nature, houses…”

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8.Stockholm Viking History Full Day Tour to Sigtuna + Uppsala

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 218 reviews · from $266

Travel from Stockholm with an English-speaking guide such as Calle, Olof, Åsa, or Gabriel to six important Viking-era sites. Walk Sigtuna’s old lanes, see rune stones and burial mounds, cross a rebuilt Viking bridge, and visit Uppsala Cathedral. Hotel pickup, transport, and drop-off are included, while lunch and entry fees are extra.

“Carl was a great guide and it was a really interesting trip! I would definitely recommend. Many thanks, Connor”

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9.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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10.Viking History and Swedish Countryside Tour to Sigtuna & Uppsala

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 162 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $274

Spend nine hours exploring Sweden’s Viking and medieval past from Stockholm. With pickup, a small minibus, and guides such as Urban, Angus, or Carl, you’ll see runestones, burial mounds, an ancient assembly site, Sigtuna, Old Uppsala, and Uppsala Cathedral. Lunch is not included, and much of the day is outdoors.

“Well organized tour that gives a memorable exposure to the Viking and the Christian eras. The coffee break was a very nice touch. But the best element was our guide, Arvin or Erwin (I am spelling it wrong). He is very knowledgeable, considerate and spirited and made this tour extra enjoyable.”

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11.Viking History Small Group Tour from Stockholm: Half Day Including Sigtuna

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 111 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $193

Travel from Stockholm by car or minivan to Broby Bro’s Viking graves, Jarlabanke’s rune stones, Arkils tingstad, and Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest city. Guides such as Calle, Carl, Gabriel, Emma, and Erik lead the tour in English. Expect a small group, easy walking, lunch at your own cost, and about five to six hours on the road.

“It wasn’t quite what I expected but really enjoyed the interesting history the guide provided. I enjoyed Sigtuna & would have liked to spend more time there. After touring the old churches & having a quick lunch we didn’t have time to see anymore of the town.”

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12.Danish War Museum Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 106 reviews · 1 day · from $20Best value

Spend a full day at Copenhagen’s Danish War Museum in the 1604 Tøjhus Arsenal. See armor, weapons, ship models, war vehicles, Civil War uniforms, and exhibitions on Denmark from the 1500s to today. The 163-meter first-floor hall is the star, but note that it has no elevator.

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13.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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14.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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15.1 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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