5 Best Oslo Walking Tours + What to Know (2024)
With its picturesque forests, majestic fjords, and ancient Viking Heritage, Oslo is like no other city. And with the Norwegian capital being so spread out, one of the best ways to discover it is by taking one of the many Oslo walking tours — From leisurely sightseeing tours that showcase Oslo’s iconic landmarks to more immersive experiences that delve into the local cuisine or travel off the beaten path! To help you find the perfect one, below, I’ve curated a list of the 5 best Oslo walking tours!
🇳🇴 PRO TIP: I know we’re all super busy people, so if you’re short on time and would rather get a quick overview of the tours I’ll talk about, jump to the recap section. I have a table that summarizes the 5 best Oslo Walking tours
5 Best Oslo Walking Tours (2024)
1. Discover Oslo on Foot
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – only 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 hours
The Discover Oslo on Foot Tour includes:
- Discovering all the historic buildings along Oslo’s main street, Karls Johans Gate
- Touring Oslo’s City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony is held
- Walking around the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet
- Learning about Norwegian history and culture
- A private experience that you can adjust to match your interests
With only 5-star reviews and Viator’s Badge of Excellence, this is one of the highest-rated Oslo walking tours to several of Oslo’s most iconic landmarks. The tour is also private, so you’ll have more flexibility than most other walking tours. For example, you can request to visit certain attractions and monuments based on your interests.
Finally, the host is super friendly, knowledgeable, and all-around, awesome! If something unexpected happens, Marcela tries her best to work around your schedule. Plus, with its fixed price per group, you get a lot of bang for your buck, making it more affordable for those traveling with lots of friends or family! So, if you’re looking for a laid-back walking tour of Oslo, this is a fantastic option!
“Marcela is an excellent guide. She tailored the experience to suit my preferences. Consequently, we hit all the highlights of Oslo and I really enjoyed it!“
– BRIGID S. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ 🚶♂️ Check availability for this awesome private Oslo walking tour!
2. Oslo Hiking – View of the Oslofjord Walk
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 — almost all 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3.5 hours
The Oslo Hiking Tour includes:
- Meeting up outside the Oslo Visitor Center
- A scenic train ride to Frognerseteren
- 3.3-mile hike along King Olav’s Trail
- Marveling at the panoramic views of Oslo from the top of Vettakollen
- Can accommodate up to 15 guests
See the beauty of Oslofjord with this tour that’s perfect for those looking for a little break from the craziness of the capital city and who want to have a relaxing time in the great outdoors!
First, you’ll meet up with your friendly English-speaking guide at the Oslo visitor center. Then, you’ll make your way over to Frognersteren, where you’ll embark on a easy-moderate hike. From the peak of Vettakollen mountain, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Oslo and its surroundings from high above!
So, if you’re ready to travel off the beaten path but also learn all about the city, be sure to check out this Oslo hiking tour.
“Great hike!! Our guide did a wonderful time keeping everyone together and going at a pace that was comfortable for everyone. At the end of the hike he was kind enough to show those of us that wanted to go to the sculpture park how to get there and back to the Central Station afterwards. I would highly recommend!“
– Rebecca l. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ 🌲 Check availability and rates for this relaxing Oslo Hiking Tour
3. Oslo Nature Walks: Island Hopping
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 100+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours 15 mins
The Oslo Nature Walks: Island Hopping Tour includes:
- Traveling through 3 of Oslo’s fjord islands via ferry and foot
- Seeing the spectacular sea cliffs
- Visiting historic sites, such as an ancient monastery
- Exploring local villages on Lindoeya Island
- Traveling through the nature preserve on Hovedøya
- Stopping at the nature and bird sanctuary on Bleikoeya Island
- Enjoying a picnic on a hidden beach + opportunity to swim
- Public transportation ticket that can be used during the tour and afterward
This is one of the most popular and (in my opinion) worthwhile walking tours in Oslo. During this half-day tour, you’ll explore some of the most beautiful islands via ferry and learn about the local long-standing history by way of various historic sites!
Apart from that, this tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, so even if you aren’t the biggest hiker, you can still comfortably enjoy this fantastic experience. Thus, if you want a nice break from your typical city tour and to embark on some easy, family-friendly hikes amongst stunnnig natural scenery, check this tour out!
“This was a fun and gorgeous walk. Our guide Josh was excellent who brought the islands of Oslo to life. He had tons of in-depth knowledge of the area and really shared so much great history and stories about the area. This is a great way to spend half a day in Oslo. Highly recommend!”
– Lisa F. (seE MORE REVIEWS)1
✅ ⛴ Check availability for this popular Oslo Island Hopping Tour
🇳🇴 NOTE: I recommend bringing your own food for lunch. There isn’t always a huge selection of food islands at the little food shop on the island, so you may want to come prepared with some food you definitely know you’ll enjoy!
P.S. If you do this tour, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit & a towel!
4. Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 – 85+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2 – 3 hours
The Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour includes:
- Meeting up in the afternoon (3:00 PM) so you can sleep in 😉
- Visiting Oslo’s oldest sausage stand & trying a traditional Norwegian hot dog
- Tasting delicious waffles and learning about the beloved waffle culture
- Sampling several cured meats and tasty hot cocoa!
- Learning about the city’s cultural background
- Walking on foot through Oslo’s alternative neighborhoods
- Strolling along Akerselva River, where you’ll see beautiful bridges and waterfalls
Are you a fellow foodie like me? If so, this is the perfect walking tour that provides you with a quick but comprehensive introduction to Oslo’s local food scene! Over 2-3 hours, you’ll taste everything from authentic Norwegian sausages and cured meats to fresh waffles and hot cocoa!
Plus, as you indulge in the local flavors, you’ll wander through lesser-known areas and discover the hidden cultural scene! Seriously, getting lost with a local is much better than actually lost 🙃 So, if you’re like me and love sampling the local foods of somewhere new, consider doing this fun Oslo Food Tour!
“My friend and I had a great time on this tour. Our guide was lovely, had so many interesting facts to share and took us off the beaten path to explore parts of Oslo we would have never found on our own. We definitely tried true local treats that we might not have tried otherwise. I would definitely recommend this tour!“
– nATASHA B. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ 🍴 Check availability for this popular Oslo Street Food Tour!
5. Oslo and Norway During 1940-45
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 — only 5-star reviews!| ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2.5 hours
The Oslo and Norway During 1940-45 Tour includes:
- A written guide called “Unretouched History,” which includes a map
- Learning about the history of Oslo’s time under Nazi occupation (1940 – 1945)
- Discovering remnants of World War II around the city
- Walking through Oslo’s historical center
- Private tour that can be customized!
This tour is ideal for any history buff or anyone interested in learning more about Oslo and the German occupation during World War II! You’ll pass by several of the main tourist attractions, learn about their hidden past, and see what the city used to look like.
Furthermore, the guide is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable, so you will be sure to leave with a deeper understanding of Oslo’s history. Therefore, if you’re looking for a unique and educational tour, this history-focused walking tour is worth checking out!
“My guide was genuinely outstanding and passionate about his collection of photographs from 1940 to 1945. He was very knowledgeable about Norway during the Nazi occupation and his human interest stories were also very interesting. I would highly recommend this tour.“
– Maureen p. (seE MORE REVIEWS)
✅ 🇳🇴 Check availability for this highly-rated history-focused Oslo walking tour!
Oslo Walking Tours Comparison
By now, there’s a decent chance you’ve forgotten some differences between the 5 tours I mentioned. I know I struggle to remember what I ate 2 hours ago, so it’s understandable. 😂 To help you jog your memory and give a nice overview, I’ve made a table below summarizing the key information and highlights!
🇳🇴 PRO-TIP: If you’re viewing this on your mobile, try turning your phone so you’re reading the information on the long side! This should help improve readability 🙂
| Tour Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Discover Oslo On Foot | 3 hours | > Hotel pick up/ flexibility in meeting point > Touring inside of City Hall > Private & personalized walking tour |
| Oslo Hiking Tour | 3.5 hours | > Scenic train ride to gorgeous Frognerseteren > 3.3-mile hike King Olav’s Trail > Witness Oslo and its surroundings from above |
| Oslo Island Hopping Tour | 4.25 hours | > Visit 3 of Oslo’s fjord islands > Enjoy a picnic on a hidden beach > Admire the local villages, forests, and sea cliffs! |
| Oslo Street Food Tour | 2 – 3 hours | > Eating at Oslo’s oldest sausage stand > Trying traditional waffles, cured meats & hot cocoa > Traveling through lesser-known neighborhoods |
| Oslo War History Tour | 2.5 hours | > Learn about Oslo under German occupation > Visit several attractions in Oslo’s historic district > Private Tour that’s customizable! |
Other Tours in Oslo
Alrighty, now that you have a pretty good idea of what Oslo walking tours are available, let’s talk about other ways to explore Oslo… because I know sometimes we think we’re ready to get all 20,000 steps in for the day when we are in fact, not lol.
⛵️ Oslo Boat Tours
- Grand City Tour & Oslo Fjord Cruise — ⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5 | ⏳ Time: 7.5 Hours
🛶 Oslo Kayak Tours
- Kayak Tour on the Oslofjord — ⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5 | ⏳ Time: 3 Hours
🛴 Oslo E-Scooter Tour
- E-Scooter Oslo City Tour — ⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5 | ⏳ Time: 2 Hours
🚴♂️ Oslo Bike Tours
- Oslo Highlights Bike Tour — ⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5 | ⏳ Time: 3 Hours
🚴♀️ PRO-TIP: If you’re traveling in a larger group and want to save money, opt for this bike tour. They charge per group instead of per person!
Authentic Oslo Bike Tour — ⭐️ Rating: 5 / 5 | ⏳ Length of Time: 3 Hours
What to Bring for Tours in Oslo
This bit will depend on what tour you book, but here are some general things I recommend bringing on most of the Oslo sightseeing tours to ensure you’re prepared!
- 👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes: Given that this post is all about different walking tours, you’ll definitely want to wear comfy shoes. In fact, I recommend closed-toed shoes just to protect your feet from the elements.
- 🥶 Jacket: Oslo isn’t cold only during the winter… it’s relatively chilly most of the year, at least compared to places like Nice, France, or Barcelona at least… Thus, bring a light jacket at a minimum!
- ☔️ Umbrella: Oslo is also known to experience a fair amount of rain every month of the year. So if you want to avoid having your walking tour parade rained on, think about bringing an umbrella.
- 💧 Water: No one likes being dehydrated…so make sure to bring your favorite reusable water bottle!
- 🍎 Snacks: Lastly, don’t forget the snacks! I always carry snacks with me because you never know when hunger will strike and no one wants to be hangry…😅 Oh! and beware: Food is quite expensive in Oslo. Save by shopping at a local grocery store before the start of your tour!
Where to Stay in Oslo
In case you haven’t locked down your housing in Oslo yet, here are my top recommendations! These are based on my extensive research and reading a crap ton of reviews because I know not everyone likes going down the hotel reviews rabbit hole as I do…😅
NOTE: They are also all located near the city center and within a 15-min walking distance from the Oslo Central Station (OCS).
Low-Cost Stay
- Comfort Hotel Karl Johan — 3-star hotel, 4-mins from OCS | ⭐️ 8.2 / 10
- Thon Hotel Terminus — 3-star hotel, 4-mins from OCS | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Mid-Range Stay
- Amerikalinjen — 4-star hotel, 2-mins from OCS | ⭐️ 9.1 / 10
- Hotel Bristol — 4-star hotel, 10-mins from OCS | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
Fancy Stay
- Grand Hotel Oslo — 5-star hotel, 10-mins from OCS | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Hotel Continental Oslo — 5-star hotel, 14-mins from OCS | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
Feel free to use these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and find housing.
Alternatively, feel free to use the interactive map below to scroll around and see housing options across various booking platforms. You can even input your exact travel dates to see current prices!
Tours in Oslo: FAQ
Oslo is famous for its natural beauty, from its stunning fjords to the vast forests and mountains. In addition, it is known for being one of the most progressive cities in Europe (think TONS of electric vehicles everywhere!) and for its wealth of cultural attractions. From concerts and museums to street art and markets, there’s something here for everyone!
In my biased opinion, I do think Oslo is worth visiting for a few days. When I first arrived, I remember thinking how clean the city was, unlike Paris… and how efficient their transportation network is.
Plus, the mix of gorgeous natural scenery and the big city atmosphere made me such a happy camper.
The one downside that I will mention again is that it’s quite expensive. If you’re a broke person like I am most of the time, you may want to hold off on visiting. For reference, Oslo is on par with Stockholm, Geneva, Paris, and Milan in terms of expensiveness, so beware…
Personally, I spent 3 days in the city. But looking back, I wish I spent 4 or 5. There are lots of cool museums to check out, like the Kon Tiki Museum and Fram Museum, and I wish I had allotted more time since I felt pretty rushed to try and see everything that I wanted to 😬
This depends on your interests, but I believe the best ones are the Discover Oslo on Foot and Nature Walks: Islands Hopping Tour.
Yes, there are a few different tours from Oslo to Bergen if you want to check them out.
Wrap-Up: 5 Best Oslo Walking Tours (2024)
Oslo is a city that is full of opportunity and adventure. Whether you are looking to explore the city’s natural beauty, sample local delicacies, or even dive into its hidden historical side, there is something to discover around every corner.
And, one of the best ways to maximize your time is to take one of the many tours in Oslo available! Not only will you get to delve deeper into the city’s culture but also you’ll get to connect with locals, which I believe is always one of the best parts of taking a tour. Hello insider info on the true hidden gems. 🤩 So, if you’re ready to plan your vacation to Norway, don’t forget to book an unforgettable experience or two!
Discover the Nordic Region
🇸🇪 Sweden: Spending a few days in Stockholm and want to hit up some of the biggest attractions? Learn about the iconic Vasa Museum, the sprawling Skansen open-air museum, and some tasty food tours to check out!
🇫🇮 Finland: Are you a foodie at heart? Here are the most worthwhile foodie experiences in Finland’s capital! Oh, and if you have some spare time, one thing I highly recommend adding to your Finland itinerary is a little day trip over to the enchanting medieval city, Tallinn in Estonia.
