Summary
- Oslo Walking and Fjord Boat Tour with Norwegian Buffet
- Oslo Fjords Tour
- Oslo Selected Highlights Half-Day Bus Tour
- 3-Hour Beer Tour
- 3-Hour Kayaking Trip on the Oslofjord
- Riverwalk and Norwegian Food Tasting
- E-Scooter City Tour
- 3-Hour Jazz and Buffet Cruise
- Hop-On Hop-Off Mini Cruise
- Myths and Legends Walking Tour
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Christmas Spirit Private Walking Tour
- 2.5-Hour Private Walking Tour of Bohemian Oslo
- Taste of Oslo Food Tour
With origins tracing back to the Viking era nearly a millennium ago, Oslo was initially founded as a modest coastal fishing and trading settlement.
Today, it serves as Norway’s capital and its most populous city. Recently, Oslo has emerged as a regional leader in technology, the arts, and culinary innovation.
Despite the extremely cold weather prevalent for a significant part of the year, a variety of tours and activities are readily accessible throughout the year. A considerable number of visitors opt to experience the city during the festive season when Oslo is illuminated with Christmas lights, decorations, and joyful crowds.
Outlined below are 15 of the most noteworthy tours available in Oslo.
1. Oslo Walking and Fjord Boat Tour with Norwegian Buffet
Combination tours provide excellent value for discerning travelers eager to maximize their experience.
During this seven-hour guided exploration of Oslo, participants will delve into various facets of the capital, encompassing its history, culture, and gastronomy.
The first segment of the tour includes stops at local eateries and food stalls where guests can sample pizza, beer, dried fish, and traditional Norwegian desserts.
Additonally, the excursion features a fjord boat ride with numerous sightseeing opportunities, during which your guide elucidates the significance of the landmarks visible.
The tour concludes with a Norwegian-style buffet featuring an all-you-can-eat shrimp option along with other regional specialties.
2. Oslo Fjords Tour
Island-hopping is not exclusively a tropical endeavor; it is equally vibrant in the northern reaches such as Oslo.
Upon boarding the vessel, participants will embark on an exploration of the stunning landscapes.
3. Oslo Selected Highlights Half-Day Bus Tour
While numerous tour alternatives exist for those who prefer to walk, cycle, and paddle, many travelers find that viewing Oslo’s landmarks from the comfort of a climate-controlled coach is preferable.
For those in this category, the four-hour Oslo highlights discovery tour represents an excellent option.
In the company of a knowledgeable local guide, participants will encounter many of the city’s most significant attractions, including the Holmenkollen ski jump, the Vigeland sculpture park, and the Kon-Tiki Museum, which chronicles the remarkable nautical expeditions of Thor Heyerdahl.
Tours last approximately four hours, commence in the mid-morning, and include a brief boat excursion between mid-March and mid-October.
4. 3-Hour Beer Tour
Much like cities across the globe, Oslo has undergone a microbrew renaissance in the past decade; numerous local brews rival those from countries more renowned for their beer, such as Germany and Belgium.
During this two-hour tasting experience, guests will venture off the beaten path alongside their guide, exploring neighborhoods and small breweries that receive less traffic compared to other attractions.
Participants will engage with locals, learn about the brewing process, and taste a variety of beers showcasing diverse colors, flavors, and alcohol levels.
Tours commence at a central location and include refreshments at each stop.
5. 3-hour Kayaking Trip on the Oslofjord
For those who appreciate nature and prefer exhilarating experiences over passive ones, this kayaking adventure on the Oslofjord is a splendid way to invest three hours.
Tours proceed in all weather conditions and require a significant level of physical fitness, making them most suitable for those in good health.
Each group is provided with all necessary equipment and an introduction to kayaking, ensuring that participants enjoy a safe and memorable outing.
Highlights encompass multiple islands, beaches, and bays, as well as some of the most unique and stunning views of the city that are typically inaccessible to those on land.
6. Riverwalk and Norwegian Food Tasting
The Aker River traverses the center of Oslo, effectively bisecting the city into eastern and western segments.
After meeting their guide outside their hotel, participants will take a brief metro ride to Nydalin Riverwalk, where the journey will commence.
While visitors anticipate historical landmarks, impressive bridges, and the unique skyline, they often find themselves pleasantly surprised by encountering waterfalls and untouched natural areas that harbor a diverse array of local wildlife.
Tours last roughly five hours and conclude with a guided culinary experience at a charming restaurant in Oslo’s upscale Grünerløkka district.
7. E-Scooter City Tour
E-scooters provide a fun, safe, and environmentally friendly means of transportation for touring, gaining popularity in recent times.
Despite the vibrant urban atmosphere, Oslo is notably scooter-friendly. Previous guests commonly agree that this method of exploration is superb.
Oslo is particularly recognized for its captivating history, distinct culture, and abundant green areas. This tour grants participants the opportunity to engage with all three closely.
Key highlights of the tour encompass the Norwegian Opera and Ballet, the Bjørvika District, Akershus Fortress, and the Royal Palace, among other attractions.
Each tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and runs twice daily.
8. 3-Hour Jazz and Buffet Cruise
Oslo Fjord is distinguished by its vast stretches of open water, islands rich with greenery during the spring and summer, and historical sites such as ancient fortresses that once safeguarded critical maritime routes from invaders.
Once aboard, guests have the choice to enjoy the views from the cabin or the deck, depending on weather conditions.
Spectacular sights include secluded inlets and vibrant summer residences. During mealtime, diners can savor live jazz music alongside a Norwegian-style buffet featuring an array of local dishes and fresh shrimp.
The tours initiate in the evening and last about three hours.
9. Hop-On Hop-Off Mini Cruise
The rich history and picturesque landscapes of Oslo are often best appreciated from a cruise vessel on the Oslofjord.
During this narrated sightseeing excursion, participants will take in stunning mountains, numerous islands, breathtaking fjord panoramas, and myriad of key city landmarks, including the newly constructed Opera House, the Maritime Museum, and the renowned Kon-Tiki Museum.
At each docking point, guests can opt to disembark and explore, or simply relax on the boat until something draws their interest.
Note that admission tickets to each individual attraction are not included, thereby allowing guests to pay solely for the experiences they desire while skipping those that do not appeal.
10 Myths and Legends Walking Tour
With a history spanning over one thousand years, Oslo’s past is reportedly filled with captivating and suspenseful narratives.
During this two-hour myths and legends walking tour, participants will explore some of Oslo’s foremost attractions on foot, such as the Royal Palace, City Hall, National Theater, and Akershus Fortress.
Along their journey, they will gain insights from their guide regarding key events that have shaped the city’s and country’s history, while visiting sites with intriguing histories that diverge from the typical tourist routes.
Tours last approximately 2.5 hours, commencing mid-morning from a central meeting point.
11. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
In contrast to conventional tours that often have rigid schedules, hop-on hop-off bus tours provide greater flexibility. They are generally affordable and enable guests to focus on attractions that captivate their interest while bypassing those that do not appeal.
Offering access to premier Oslo sites like the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Frogner Park, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Oslo Opera House, this tour has elements to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds.
Conducted on an open-air multi-level bus, the tours feature audio guides in multiple languages, with tickets valid for an entire day from the time of issuance.
12. Christmas Spirit Private Walking Tour
What could be more festive than spending the holiday season in a lively Scandinavian capital close to the North Pole?
On this Christmas-themed tour of Oslo, visitors will uncover Norwegian traditions, explore vibrant Christmas markets, and enjoy views of beautifully decorated neighborhoods and the Royal Palace.
The experience encompasses a local guide along with servings of mulled wine and other warm beverages throughout the journey, enhancing the holiday spirit and keeping participants warm.
Considering the potential for frigid, windy, and icy conditions, layering clothing and wearing sturdy, warm footwear is advisable.
13. 2.5-Hour Private Walking Tour of Bohemian Oslo
Although numerous northern European cities are often perceived as rather reserved, Oslo boasts a surprisingly Bohemian atmosphere.
This two and a half-hour walking tour provides guests with an opportunity to experience the city at ground level as they follow their guide through vibrant urban parks, street art, historic sites, and cafés favored by the alternative scene.
The tour emphasizes areas of the city that typically escape the notice of traditional tourists, adding to its appeal for those seeking cultural experiences and unique immersion rather than conventional sights.
A popular highlight of the tour includes learning about former resident Edvard Munch, renowned for his painting, The Scream.
14. Taste of Oslo Food Tour
Characterized by diverse geography and a blend of traditional and contemporary influences, Norway’s culinary offerings are accessible through engaging tours in Oslo.
In this four-hour walking experience, your guide will introduce participants to the distinct ingredients, dishes, flavors, and aromas that define the country’s gastronomy.
Beginning at the harbor, guests will visit various establishments featuring unique cuisines, ambiances, and clientele.
The tours include tastings of items such as handmade chocolates, cheeses, cured fish, and even craft beers from some of the city’s renowned small breweries.
