oslo guided tours

THE 10 BEST Oslo Tours & Excursions

• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
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• Likely to Sell Out
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Guided Oslo Fjord Cruise by Silent Electric Catamaran

2. Oslo Highlights Bike Tour

3. Oslo Combo Tour: Grand City Tour and Oslo Fjord Cruise

4. Oslo Alternative Culture and Street Food Tour

5. Oslo Discovery Tour

6. Oslofjord Sightseeing

7. Oslo City Highlights with Fjord Cruise

8. Oslo Nature Walks: Island hopping

9. Free City Walking Tour in Oslo

10. Oslo: Best of Oslo Walking Tour

11. Oslo To Sognefjord Private Full Day Roundtrip Including Flam Railway

12. Oslo Fjord 3 Course Dinner Sightseeing Cruise

13. Oslo Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

14. 2hr Retro Motorcycle Sidecar Oslo Highlights Tour

15. Oslo Highlights. Best Private Walking Tour of Oslo with a Local Guide.

16. Oslo Panorama Tour with Holmenkollen Ski Jump and Vigeland Park

17. Self-Guided 22-Hour Round Trip From Oslo To Sognefjord With Flåm Railway

18. 2 Hour Sea Kayak Tour on Oslofjord from Central Oslo

19. Oslo Fjord Brunch & Bubbles Cruise

20. Electric Mountain Bike Tour in the forest of Oslo

21. Oslo To Bergen Self-Guided Full Day Trip with Flåm Railway And Fjord Cruise

22. Oslo City Private Walking Tour

23. Discover Oslo on foot

24. A Well Balanced History and Food Tour with Focus on the Scandinavian Kitchen

25. The Fram Museum Admission Ticket

26. Oslo Hiking - View of the Oslofjord walk

27. Self-service Floating Sauna Experience - Public Session “Bragi”

28. Myths and Legends: An Oslo Walking Discovery

29. Private Oslo Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, 100% Personalised

30. 2-Hour Essential Oslo in the City Center Guided Walking Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Guided Oslo Fjord Cruise by Silent Electric Catamaran
• Oslo Highlights Bike Tour
• Oslo Combo Tour: Grand City Tour and Oslo Fjord Cruise
• Oslofjord Sightseeing
• Oslo Like a Local: Customized Private Tour
• When in Norway - go Oslo Hiking 🌲
• Free Tour Oslo
• OURWAY Tours in Oslo
• Oslo Photo Tour
• Oslo Fjord Boat Fishing
• Batservice Sightseeing
• Oslo Guidebureau
• AlternativOslo
• Oslo Sommerpark
• Noruega Tours
• Norrona Hvitserk
• Holmenkollen Zip Line

The Best Guided Tours in Oslo, Norway

Find the Guided Tour of Oslo That Suits You Best.

So what are the best-guided tours in Oslo, Norway? My favorite tours are shown in this travel article. So, relax and take a look at these great Oslo tours, get tour information and departure times, and then reserve yourself a seat on the guided tour that fits you best...

Full Day Grand Tour of Oslo

This is the grandfather of all guided tours in Oslo, Norway - an interesting 7.5 hour tour by boat and bus that took us all around Oslo . Tour times are 10:30 am - 6:00 pm. For lunch, there is a seafood buffet included, which we really liked. Bring your camera to take pictures of the tour stops Polarship Farm, Holmenkollen Ski Jump, Vigeland Park , the Viking ships, and the Norwegian Folk Museum. This guided tour operates May- September and is great if you have a day to spare for Oslo's big sights.

The Oslo Experience Cruise & Bus Tour

Part bus, part boat tour of Oslo. This guided Oslo tour consists of an interesting bus tour in and around the center of Oslo, and visitors will see the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, the Viking ships, and Kon-Tiki Raft. You will also be able to visit the Norwegian Folk Museum and Vigeland Park as part of the tour. And then, there's a sightseeing cruise - a very nice boat tour around Oslo. This seasonal guided tour departs daily May-August. Approx. 5 hours.

Guided Tour "Selected Oslo City Sightseeing"

This guided tour of Oslo shows visitors every major attraction and makes for comfortable sightseeing in one afternoon. The tour takes visitors to the center of Oslo, the Vigeland Sculpture Park, and the Holmenkollen Ski Jump, as well as the ski museum and the Viking ships! Departs twice daily May through September, about 3.5 hours in length.

Oslo City "Hop On Hop Off" Tour

This guided tour is as unique as Oslo is. Actually, it's more like a 24-hour ticket for an open-top double-decker bus for Oslo visitors. The double-decker bus stops at all the main sights of Oslo, Norway, and you can get on and off when and where you like. Listen to interesting commentary and enjoy the view from the top of the bus. Departs every 30 minutes from each stop and operates May- September. The tickets are valid for at least 24 hours.

The Oslo Evening Cruise (Fjord Tour)

A guided tour by boat? Here it is. Feel like a real Viking on the tour operator's wooden sailing ship and, once on board, enjoy a fresh dinner buffet of Norwegian prawns and local breads while seeing Oslo and its green islands. This 3-hour tour is seasonal and operates daily from May to September. Discounts offered for children up to 16 years. I highly recommended this experience.

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Oslonature is a local travel company based in Oslo.

We offer guided hikes, hidden gems city walks, campervan rental and yoga. Choose between group tours and private tours. We have a strong focus on sustainability, Norwegian traditions, and local food.

Our passion is to provide travellers with unique and authentic experiences.

ROOFTOP YOGA

HIDDEN GEMS CITY WALK

YOGA EVENTS

What are customers saying about Oslonature? 4.98 stars based on over 100 reviews

I had the opportunity to join Ingunn for a hike in Oslo's beautiful outdoors. The location was easily accessible, and it was truly refreshing to be surrounded by nature just minutes away from the city center. Ingunn herself was a lovely and kind-hearted host, sharing a bit of her personal life and journey with me. Her dedication in her career speaks volumes about her character, and it's evident that this hike is her own way of connecting with nature and sharing it with others. The traditional Norwegian snacks were a pleasant addition to the experience. Overall, for those looking for a casual and easy hike near Oslo, this could be an option. It's a chance to support a genuinely kind-hearted individual in her journey, while also taking in some of Norway's natural beauty.

- John, NYC

We customize your tour

Certified Oslo Guide

Oslo Guided Tours

We customize sustainable tours in Oslo: for 3, 4, or 5 hours with your own personal local guide. The tours can be just walking tours or can be combined with travelling by public transport or maybe a taxi for certain distances. Here are some examples, but the choice is yours.

Let Us Show You Our City

Short or long walks around Oslo to visit  the must-see landmarks: Royal Palace, National Theatre, Vigeland Park, etc.

Museum visits

Guided visits to the Viking Museum, The Fram, Folk Museum, Kon-Tiki, Maritime Museum, etc.

Country-wide tours

Travel around Norway to see the beautiful country and learn about the people, history and culture.

Oslo Highlights

If you have limited time in Oslo, this tour is the perfect way to explore "the must-see" of the city and learn about Norwegian history from the time the city was founded in the year 1000 to our present day. It can also be a nice introduction to continue exploring the city afterwards on your own. We start with the impressive and monumental buildings in Karl Johan street: the neoclassical Royal...

Oslo Highlights + Vigeland Park

This tour is the perfect way to see the main highlights of Oslo and visit one of its top 10 attractions, the Vigeland Park. You will also learn about Norwegian history from the time the city was founded in the year 1000 to our present day. We start with the impressive and monumental buildings in Karl Johan street: the neoclassical Royal Palace and the University, the Baroque National Theatre and...

Oslo Highlights + City Hall and Vigeland Park

Experience Oslo and some of its many tourist attractions with your own tour guide. Start with the impressive and monumental buildings in Karl Johan street: the neoclassical University and the Royal Palace, the Baroque National Theatre and the Roman style Parliament House. Visit the venue of the Nobel Peace Prize, the Oslo City Hall, with interwar period architecture and lavish decorations of...

Day Excursion to the Museum Peninsula Bygdøy

Bygdøy is a peninsula located on the west side of Oslo center known for the six most popular and most visited museums in the country. Bygdøy is a nice residential area for the well-off and it is also a popular recreational resort offering beaches, a beach volley ball court, several jogging and biking trails and restaurants. Museums we will visit: The Viking ship museum which exhibits the three...

Oslo by Car + Holmenkollen and Vigeland Park

After sightseeing the impressive and monumental buildings in Karl Johan street: the neoclassical Royal Palace and the University, the Baroque National Theatre, and the Roman style Parliament House, we drive by the City Hall, the venue of the Nobel Peace Prize, and the renaissance quarter of Kristiania from 1600's. Our car/coach continues to the Renaissance Fortress Akershus facing the trendy...

Ekeberg Sculpture Park and Forest

Enjoy a 3-hour walking tour in the woodland of Ekeberg hill and the Ekeberg Sculpture Park. This park, a tribute to women, was already at its inauguration in 2013 ranked in the Wall Street Journal as the fifth best park in the world. All 42 sculptures and installations scattered around this historical site are made by internationally known female artists such as Sarah Lucas, Louise Bourgeois,...

Drøbak is an idyllic fishing village 23 miles, 40 minutes bus ride south of Oslo. Drøbak is a favourite place for artists and for people who like to live life at a slow pace. As my husband is an artist, we live in Drøbak, and I know every corner of this place, so I can customize the tour for you. Strolling around this charming place with its very-well maintained 1700 wooden houses with colorful...

Edvard Munch in Oslo

Edvard Munch, the painter of "The Scream", has placed Norway – and not least the capital Oslo – on the world art map. A symbolist during the 1890s, Munch became a forerunner of 20th century Expressionism. This 2.5-hour walking tour with me as your private guide will take you to all Munch's haunts in Oslo – from childhood to his death; where he lived, places he frequented, where he found the...

In Edvard Munch’s Footprints in Hvitsten

Combine art and nature, escape from the hustling and bustling of Oslo Book a full day excursion to the idyllic village of Hvitsten where Edvard Munch, the painter of "Scream", lived and worked a great part of his life. Here he found peace and inspiration for the wall paintings that decorate the main hall of the Oslo University still today. Walk on woodland paths and village roads without cars...

Oslo Sightseeing by H.M.K.

Experience the best of oslo from our modern and comfortable coaches and learn about the city's history, nature and culture from our enthusiast and knowledgeable guides..

• Guided tours in English by authorized Oslo guides
• Modern, air-conditioned coaches - Never wet, never cold!
• Museums included!

Oslo Panorama Tour

The perfect introduction to Oslo! Get to know the unique city in 3 - 3,5 hours!

Oslo Discovery Tour

A 5,5-hour guided tour of Oslo's "must see" attractions!

Oslo Grand Tour & Fjord Cruise

Oslo Grand Tour has it all! Enjoy the best of Oslo on this full day city tour!

Oslo Highlights & fjord cruise

Discover Oslo's highlights & enjoy a relaxing cruise on Oslofjord.

MEETING / STARTING POINT

Haakon viis gate (street) 1, next to the toy store "sprell"..

Call now +47 95094363

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Welcome to Norditours

Custom adventures in Norway, tailored for you. Experience beautiful nature, see the art of the streets and get a taste of nordic food and drinks with Norditours custom-made activities.

If you are unable to visit us in person, we will design a virtual tour specially for you. Get in touch at [email protected] for more details.

🌎 Committed to creating a more sustainable future 

Popular tours, see the main sights of oslo centre, see the main attractions in oslo, norwegian explorers vikings and more, walk in the forest in oslo, discover viking time in oslo, norwegian nature and food experience, testimonials.

We took this trip in the Autumn, the leaves were changing and the overall experience was unforgettable. Our guide was flexible and told us many interesting facts about Norway. We stopped at a lovely cabin where we had traditional pastries. We will definitely recommend anyone doing this tour.

To understand the soul of a city, there is no better than a guide from that city, who loves his city, & give you the best perception of it. that is what Norditours is granting us. I loved oslo through the eyes of my guide.

Thank you for your planning such an incredible journey to Norway. It is a challenge to make a trip like this work for three generations, but you did so in a spectacular way.

Thank you for all your efforts in rebooking our staff and making sure they were taken care of. Your patience and experience are greatly appreciated.

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Guided tours in Oslo

The Viking age may be over, but raiding the streets and city of its mysteries and secrets is welcomed – and with OURWAY Tours, on our guided tours in Oslo, we’re here to help you pillage and probe the cultural bounty this Fjord Capital holds.

Why choose a guided tour in Oslo?

Whether you’re alone or with loved ones, arriving in Oslo, you’ll notice the inland ocean surrounded by forested hills. In the centre of civilian life, you’ll find that every corner offers curiosity for your explorative appetite. With so much to consider, we’re here to tell you the tales of triumph, turbulence and the trek toward independence in the capital that has shaped this geographic and emotional landscape of this city founded by the last Viking King. On our guided tours in Oslo, spending time with us – your trusty escorts, navigators and storytellers through the Fjord City – you’ll not only find your feet, but you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the shoes of those who shaped Norway.

What guided tours do you offer?

The tales of Oslo are a rich array of puzzle pieces that will help you to see the big picture before you leave. Our guides are excited to put those story segments together for you – but it’s your time to play, and we’ve got plenty of ways for the fun to unfold.

Turn that first page of your adventure with us on our Oslo City Walk where we guide you through the momentous landmarks with stories of the significant shifts in Norway’s history. The Royal Palace, Parliament and the city’s protective Akershus Fortress are just a few of the fine features of Oslo.

If you’ve just stepped off the ship or are understandably fascinated by the fjord, you might be interested in discovering who else sailed in Norwegian waters – or indeed who sailed from this land to discover new ones. If so, the Viking Ship Museum – home to the best-preserved Viking ship in the world! – makes up part of our Oslo Highlights Private Walking Tour (it also includes the City Walk and a trip to Gustav Vigeland’s iconic sculpture park).

You’ll find everything from Oslo walking tours to food tours and activities. Are tours on a nature theme or astonishing art you’re thing? Or perhaps exciting bike tours or museum tours is the way you want to spend your time in Oslo? Join fellow culture-seeking comrades on our public tours or take a private tour more tailored to you and your group so we can guide you in the way that’s great for you!

Guided tours in Oslo can be just part of the pleasing picture of Scandinavia with excursions available in Stockholm and Copenhagen, with scores of tours available across the full landscape of our Scandinavian capitals.

• Private tours
• Public tours
• Accessible tours
• Driving tours
• Walking tours
• Christmas tours
• Food & drinks
• Most popular tours
• Must see locations
• Shore excursions
• Sightseeing
• Sustainable tours
• Solo traveller

Oslo On Wheels

Beep, beep! Your private vehicle is here to show you the Norwegian capital on our Oslo on Wheels Private Driving Tour. Oslo city centre, astonishing parks, unique museums and photo stops are waiting… are you ready? We sure are!

From eur 180 per person

Oslo’s “Ut på tur, aldri sur”

Time to get your inner Norwegian on! Put on your happiest mood and comfiest walking shoes to discover our Oslo’s “Ut på tur, aldri sur” Private Walking Tour. From the Opera House to the Royal Palace and everything in between.

From eur 132 per person

Oslo Craft Beer Tour

Can you guess the national beverage of Norway? Aqvavit? Beer? Discover the Norwegian favourite on our Oslo Craft Beer Tour as we stroll through cosy Grünerløkka tasting beers!

From eur 212 per person

Oslo’s modern city centre was designed to be discovered on foot. Join us for an Oslo City Private Walking Tour and see for yourself! We’ll check out the best of the city centre, digging into Norwegian culture along the way.

From eur 107 per person

Oslo & Vigeland Park

Do you want the best of Oslo in just the right amount of time? Let us introduce you to our Oslo & Vigeland Park Private Walking Tour. We promise landmarks, sculptures, culture, customs, history and more!

From eur 131 per person

Oslo’s Urban Treasures

Local hangouts, trendy neighbourhoods, hidden treasures – discover a different side of Oslo on our Oslo’s Urban Treasures Private Bike Tour. With architectural gems, medieval ruins, and waterside rides, the photo ops are plenty!

From eur 137 per person

Maritime Oslo

As a coastline capital, Oslo and maritime go hand in hand. From polar adventurers to Pacific Ocean explorers, we’ll discover Oslo city and the Kontiki and Fram Museum on our Maritime Oslo Private Walking Tour. Let our Oslo expedition begin!

From eur 231 per person

Oslo & Fram Museum

Did you know Oslo is the 3rd most northern capital in the world? Is this perhaps where the fascination with the polar regions comes from? Join us on our Oslo & Fram Museum Private Walking Tour to discover Oslo and its polar history.

From eur 186 per person

Oslo From Coastline to City

This adventure walks us through Oslo city centre and aboard a sightseeing boat for a cruise of the Oslo fjord. Enjoy the stunning view of the Norwegian capital and its shore on our Oslo from Coastline to City Private Walking Tour.

From eur 281 per person

Oslo & City Hall

Small group tour & private tour options available

City sightseeing and a hidden gem, what more do you need? On our Oslo & City Hall Private Walking Tour, we’ll experience just that. Entertaining stories, photo stops, the gem herself, the Oslo City Hall, it’s all here!

From eur 100 per person

Oslo & Norsk Folkmuseum

Journey from modern city to old town to countryside, all in one day. How? With our Oslo & Norsk Folkemuseum Private Walking Tour, of course! Immerse yourself in Norway’s history, culture, and customs and channel your inner Norwegian.

From eur 198 per person

Oslo’s Amazing Architecture

Oslo’s architectural scene is nothing short of amazing! On our private walking tour of Oslo’s Amazing Architecture, we’ll dive into its rich history and discover works that seamlessly intertwine old and new styles.

Oslo Highlights

Oslo Opera, Royal Palace, Fram Museum, and Vigeland Park – what are Oslo’s Highlights, you ask? According to us, all of these! And it just so happens that our Oslo Highlights Private Walking Tour covers them all and more, from A to Z.

From eur 196 per person

Ekeberg Park & Grünerløkka

Join us on a quest to experience public art by some of the world’s most famous artists, discover Oslo’s bohemian district and marvel at a great view of Oslo. We do all this and more on our Ekeberg Park & Grünerløkka Private Walking Tour.

From eur 176 per person

Oslo Inner-City & Pier Transfer

A Private Oslo Inner-City Transfer could be a transfer between museums, conference facility, and restaurant, or cruise ship and hotel. Wherever you want to go, that’s where we will take you.

From eur 254 per person

Sustainable Oslo

Are you one to think and act green? Perhaps you’re wondering how it’s done in Oslo? We still your curiosity on our Sustainable Oslo Private Walking Tour and throw in a few reasons Oslo is a receiver of the Green Capital Award.

Indulge yourself in a day of regal bliss at Oslo’s many royal sites! Don your nicest frock and walk in the footsteps of Norwegian royalty at Akershus Fortress, Oslo Cathedral and the Royal Palace. You’re in for a treat!

Oslo Airport Transfer to City

Did someone ask for a Private Oslo Airport Transfer? We are happy to help! We offer you a worry free pick up service from the Oslo’s airport or city center, smooth ride and a delightful greeting or send off.

From eur 371 per person

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Privacy Overview

• Free Tour Oslo English 10.00
• Free Tour Oslo English 11.00
• Free Tour Oslo English 13.00
• Free Tour Oslo Espanol 10:00
• Free Tour Oslo Espanol 13:00
• Private Walking Tour
• Calendar Tours

FREE TOUR OSLO

Nordic freedom tours.

We are Nordic Freedom Tours, established in 2015 as a local Scandinavian brand, renowned for offering complimentary, well-organized, and punctual walking tours in various Scandinavian cities. Our aim is to provide quality sightseeing experiences accessible to every traveler.

Our tours are conducted by local guides, encompassing both complimentary and privately-booked walking options. For those seeking private tours, we offer competitive rates. If you wish to arrange a private tour, please contact us directly.

We prioritize small group sizes to ensure a more personalized experience and operate strictly on a booking basis. However, making reservations for our tours is completely free of charge.

We warmly invite you and your friends to join our  free walking tour in Oslo . To reserve your spot, simply click on ‘Book Tickets’.

We conduct tours in both English and Spanish.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you are unable to attend a tour you have booked, please inform us at your earliest convenience. This enables us to allocate your spot to another individual on our waiting list. Many thanks!

OUR TOURS SCHEDULE

• 25 Apr 2024 Thursday, 13:00 Free Tour in English Oslo City at 13.00
• 25 Apr 2024 Thursday, 10:00 Free Tour in English Oslo City at 10.00
• 26 Apr 2024 Friday, 11:00 Free Tour in English Oslo City at 11.00
• 26 Apr 2024 Friday, 13:00 Free Tour Oslo Espanol 13:00
• 26 Apr 2024 Friday, 13:00 Free Tour in English Oslo City at 13.00
• 26 Apr 2024 Friday, 10:00 Free Tour Oslo Espanol 10:00

OUR MEETING POINT

Meet us outside the jernbanetorget metro station, right in front of oslo central station, where the iconic tiger statue stands., click on the map for details..

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Oslo Guidebureau: Guided walks in Oslo

Kongens gate 15, Oslo, Oslo

[email protected]

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Guided trips

Season : All Year

Guided walking tours on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays starting from Oslo Visitor Centre

Walking tours in Oslo with autorised tour guides who are specialists on everything from architecture to industrial history. Combined they speak more than 25 languages and offer private guided tours and open tours at set times.

Guided walking tours on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays starting from Oslo Visitor Centre with duration approx. two hours.

Sundays at 2 pm: Historic River Walk

Mondays at 5 pm: From Grønland to Bjørvika​​​​​​

Wednesdays at 5 pm: Guided tour of the Vigeland Park   N.B. This walk begins at the Vigeland Park.

Examples of popular walks that can be booked for a suitable time

1. The river Akerselva

2. A stroll through the heart of Oslo

3. Munch and Ibsen

4. Harbour promenade

5. Vigeland and his work

6. Kvadraturen

7. Women on pedestals

8. From pub to pub

9. Akershus Fortress

10. Ekeberg Scuplpture Park

11. City of Contrasts

Oslo Guidebureau can also offer tailor-made tours that include guiding at your selected attractions and options including transportation, museum entry and food.

Last updated: 04/15/2024

Source: VisitOSLO as

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Guided tours of Oslo City Hall

A guided tour provides an insight into the history of Norway and the City Hall, conveyed through art and architecture. See prices, times, booking form and which guided tours you may choose from.

The City Hall building

Oslo City Hall welcomes groups to tour the building by appointment. Explore the great history, architecture and art through our tours led by our passionate and knowledgeable guides. Guided tours offer an extraordinary opportunity for your group to make the most out of your visit.

The City Hall is a busy working building that hosts a range of activities.

If a particular focus is preferred, please let us know in the comment section in the booking form and we will do our best to compliment your preference.

About the private guided tours

Some galleries are not be available during the tour, and changes may occur on short notice.

Tours last approximately 45 minutes and covers multiple galleries.

All visitors must pass through our security check to enter the City Hall. Queues may occur and some waiting time should be calculated.

Guided tours are available in Norwegian, English, German, Spanish and French.

Guided visits are limited to 30 people. Groups larger than 30 will be divided into smaller groups and will be booked with additional guides.

The Carillon tours are limited to 12 people. Groups of more than 12 must be booked into different time slots.

Prices listed are per tour group of 30 people, or 12 people (Carillon tour).

• Monday to Friday: 10:00–16:00: NOK 2 380, 16:00–19:00: NOK 2 965
• Saturday to Sunday: 09:00–16:00: NOK 2 965

Carillon tour

• Monday to Friday: 10:00–16:00: NOK 3 927, 16:00–19:00: NOK 5 116
• Saturday to Sunday: 09:00-16:00: NOK 5 712

Book a private guided tour

Please send your booking request using the following link:

Book guided tour

Cancellation and payment/refund policy

Oslo City Hall is an active political building with many activities. The City Hall reserves the right to cancel, change or alter any booked guided tour. We will make every effort to communicate changes to all parties, and we will make every reasonable attempt to reschedule your visit.

Cancellations or changes to a reservation by a participant will be accepted via e-mail: [email protected] , and must be received by the stated cancellation deadline. It is the registrant’s responsibility to ensure the cancellation or change is received and approved within the deadline.

Changes to your reservation must be made three (3) business days prior to the scheduled visit to receive a refund. If a cancellation is made less than three (3) business days before the scheduled visit, the full tour fee will be charged. If Oslo City Hall cancelled your registered tour and the program cannot be rescheduled, the tour fee will not be issued.

Our private guided tours

Oslo city hall – highlights.

Explore some of the City Hall’s most famous objects on this guided highlights tour. Learn more about the building’s great history, architecture, and art.

An architectural treasure inside and out, Oslo City Hall is one of the country's most iconic buildings. The architects Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson had a clear idea of what they wanted the building to represent, and artists such as Henrik Sørensen, Alf Rolfsen, Else Poulsson and Per Krogh were amongst the many artists who helped to substantiate the architects' vision. The diverse artistic expressions provide interesting insights into the country’s history, values and traditions.

Please note that the tour will visit several galleries on different floors and involves a considerable amount of walking.

The tour visits the City Hall’s eastern tower with the Nordic region’s largest carillon. Right in the mix of Oslo’s sounds, one can hear the tones from the City Hall bells travelling through the city. Every hour, every day, all year round, we can enjoy a diversity of melodies – ranging from classical pieces to pop music.

Learn more about the historical, symbolic and architectural significance of this building element and instrument. When touring the carillon, visitors will also have the unique opportunity to meet the great musician, carillonneur and composer, Laura Marie Rueslåtten.

More information on the carillon

School visits

We are pleased to welcome school groups of all ages to our guided tours of Oslo City Hall. During the visit, the students will learn about the City Hall's history, architecture and art, as well as its daily operation as a political office building. Our guides offer wonderful opportunities for your students to make the most of their encounters with great history, architecture and works of art. Our trained educators engage students in lively, inquiry-based conversations that strengthen curriculum connections and encourage critical thinking and interpretation skills.

Is your class working on a particular subject? Please contact us and we will customize a tour complimenting your preferences.

If you have any questions regarding our tour services or your visit, please contact us.

• E-mail: [email protected]
• Telephone: (00 47) 23 46 18 06

Tours of the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Oslo is usually open to the public every year from late June until the middle of August.  The guided tour takes visitors through some of the most important and lovely rooms in the Palace. They visit the  Council Chamber where His Majesty presides over the Council of State on Fridays, and the Banqueting Hall where more than 200 people can dine during a gala dinner. The tour also includes  the most  beautiful guest room in the Palace - the King Haakon VII Suite.  Every year a new exhibition is mounted as part of the tour.

Most tours are in Norwegian, but several tours in English are also given every day. We recommend bying tickets online beforehand, as only a few tickets are available at the door.  

For detailed information on opening hours, tickets and other practical questions please follow the links below.

Visit the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is open to visitors during the summer. In 2023 the season lasted until 17 August. We look forward to welcoming everybody back in June 2024. Tickets for the 2024 season will be available through Ticketmaster from early in March.

Practical information: the Palace

The following provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about the guided tours at the Royal Palace.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace was completed in 1849, and King Oscar I was the first king to reside there. It also houses the offices of the Royal Family and most of the Royal Court.

History of the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace was built as a residence for King Carl Johan, but was not completed until after his death. It was inaugurated 26 July 1849.

Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration

Oslo On Foot: A Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Oslo

The capital of Norway is a great city to explore on foot, but you don’t have to pay for a walking tour – follow my self-guided walking tour of Oslo instead!

This walking tour covers the main landmarks and sights in central Oslo, and not only is it free, but you can also follow it at your own pace. Because you’ll be walking on your own, rather than with a tour group, you can skip past any places which don’t take your fancy and dwell longer at those you are interested in.

If that sounds good, then keep reading for the walking route, information on the places you’ll see along the way, plus some recommendations for food and other tips for visiting Oslo.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

Table of Contents

About This Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Oslo

What is a self-guided tour.

Basically, I’m going to give you a walking route and directions for how you can explore Oslo on foot. And I’ll give you information about the landmarks and sights along the way – but you’ll walk the route on your own, without a guide.

There are other ways to explore Oslo, such as a guided walking tour , the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus and also a guided bike tour . But I chose to explore it on foot, without a guide – and I loved the experience, so I’m happy to share my route with you.

Is Oslo A Walkable City?

Oslo is pretty walkable – I managed to see a lot of the central sights by walking the route that I’m sharing with you here.

However, some Oslo attractions are a little way out of the city centre, so you might need transport for those. These include the many museums on the Bygdøy peninsula, Vigeland Park, the cool Grunerløkka area and the Mathallen food hall. However, you can read more about these places (and others) and how to get to them in my post on the best things to do in Oslo .

What Is Covered In This Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Oslo?

This walking route through Oslo will take you to the best things to see in central Oslo, including:

• Karl Johans gate , including University Place , the National Theatre and the Norwegian Parliament
• The Royal Palace and Palace Park
• Sentrum area, including City Hall , City Hall Plaza and the National Museum
• Oslo’s famous Aker Brygge , including the waterfront promenade
• Astrup Fearnley Museum and the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park and Badeplass

Akershus Fortress

• The oldest restaurant in Oslo, Engebret Café
• Oslo Opera House and the Munch Museum

Tips For This Oslo Walking Tour

• Check the weather forecast before you set off! I did this walking route in the summer. As you will be able to tell from my photographs, the weather I had was amazing! But it can be very changeable in Norway, even in summer, so check the forecast ahead of time to avoid walking in the rain. If you do this walk in the colder seasons, check the temperatures, so you know how wrapped up to be
• Wear comfortable shoes – there’s a fair amount of walking involved, so you will want to be wearing trainers (sneakers) or shoes with cushioned soles to avoid blisters or tired feet
• Wear easy layer s: as I said, the Norwegian weather can be changeable, so you might need an extra layer or even a waterproof one minute and then it could be sunny the next
• Carry water : even though it’s not a hot country, and even if you do this in colder weather, you’ll still need to stay hydrated
• If you do this walk in summer, consider bringing a swimming costume ! The route will take you to a spot where locals swim in the fjord and sunbathe, so you have the option to join them.

How Long Is This Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Oslo

The walking route I suggest is 7 km (4.4 miles) long and would take approximately 1.5 hours if you walked continuously.  But, of course, you’ll be stopping often. I did this in half a day, but some of the museums I was interested in were closed, so it would have taken longer if I’d been able to go inside those.

I’ve designed the route to end at a good place for sunset, and I’ve included suggestions for where you could eat both lunch at dinner, so it could be a good idea to start before lunch and finish around sunset.

NB. The time of sunset will vary depending on what time of year you’re doing this walk, so best to check that in advance.

Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Oslo – Step By Step  

OK, so here’s my Oslo self-guided walking tour for you to follow at your own pace.

Oslo Cathedral

We’ll start this walking tour at Oslo Cathedral (Oslo Domkirke), which is just a short walk from Oslo Central Train Station (Oslo S).

Having built in the 17th century, it’s not the oldest cathedral in Oslo (that was Hallvards Cathedral , which is now in ruins). But it is the main church in the diocese of Oslo and the church used by the Norwegian Royal Family and the government for ceremonies.

As European capital city cathedrals go, this is less ostentatious and showy than most. It’s quite modest, really – but I think that’s true of much of Norwegian architecture (although there are some exceptions, which we’ll discover on this walking tour).

If you want to fuel up before your Oslo walking tour, there’s a café slightly downhill from the church, with a nice outdoor terrace: Café Cathedral .

Karl Johans Gate

From the cathedral, head west on Karl Johans gate , which is one of the main streets in Oslo, named for King Charles III John, who was also King of Sweden.

It’s an attractive street: cobbled and partially pedestrianised, lined with some handsome buildings.  From the junction with Øvre Slottsgate, you get a great view westward along Karl Johans Gate towards The Royal Palace .

Halfway along, you’ll find the Parliament of Norway Building which has been home to Stortinget, the Norwegian Parliament, since 1866.  

As you stroll towards the palace, you could enjoy Eidsvolls plass park and Studenterlunden Park on the left-hand side (nice places to sit, especially in summer) and the handsome buildings on the right-hand side, including University Place .

The Paradox Museum , full of optical illusions, is also just off Karl Johans gate

Royal Palace

At the end of Karl Johans gate, walk up the gently sloped road to the Royal Palace of Oslo , which is the official residence of King Harald V of Norway.

The palace was built in the first half of the 19 th century for French-born King Charles III John (the same king for whom Karl Johans Gate is named). However, he died before he was able to live in it, so his son Oscar I and his queen Josephine were the first occupants.

It is possible to tour some parts of the interior. If that isn’t your thing, you might catch the changing of the guard, or you could simply enjoy the view of the palace from the surrounding gardens, Palace Park, which is a public park of 54 acres.

If you’re into theatre, you might want to visit the Ibsen Museum & Theatre , which is just across the road from Palace Park, on Henrik Ibsen’s gate. Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright and theatre director known for A Doll’s House and Hedda Gabler and his works are the second most performed in the world, after William Shakespeare.

From Palace Park, head towards the National Theatre , and down Olav Vs gate towards Sentrum , the most central area of Oslo.

This harbourside area contains a number of landmarks including Rådhuset , Oslo’s red brick mid-century City Hall, which is home to the city council. This is also where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place every December.  Between Rådhuset and Oslofjord is Rådhusplassen , a wide open plaza.

To the right of Rådhusplassen, as you took towards it, is a complex of buildings including a modern box-like structure. This is the National Museum of Norway , which houses Norway’s largest collection of art, architecture and design. Within that collection is one of the most famous paintings in the world: the first version of Edvard Munch’s The Scream.

This expressionist painting, depicting someone screaming in anguish or despair, has entered our cultural lexicon. It was the inspiration for the white mask used in the Scream movies, and is now an emoji, symbolising fear.

The museum was previously located in a number of different buildings and moved to this new building in 2022.

Aker Brygge

After the National Museum, the next stop is Aker Brygge , an old area of Oslo famous for its harbourside promenade. It was once a busy shipyard and is now better known for its waterside apartments and dining.

Stroll along the waterfront road (Stranden), taking in the sight of the many boats in the harbour, and the massive ships sailing past on Oslofjord. Along the way, stop and have a look at the various sculptures along the promenade, as well as the clock tower.

If the weather is good, there are plenty of outdoor terraces on which you could grab a drink or a bite to eat. There’s a branch of the popular chain Olivia here if you like Italian food.

Strandhagen is a lovely green spot to sit and enjoy the sea views.

Astrup Fearnley Museum

If you follow Aker Brygge’s promenade all the way, eventually it will turn into a pathway through a large angular building with a glass roof. This is Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art , which is an art gallery centred around contemporary art.

Even if you don’t fancy a visit inside the gallery, take a moment to admire the bold architecture.

On the fjord side of the museum, there’s a small grassy area called Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park , which has a sheltered beach, which will have swimmers and sunbathers on warm days.

And a bit further along Studholme alle, there is a concrete terrace and another sheltered swimming area called Tjuvholmen Badeplass . When I visited on a sunny June Sunday, this area was packed with sunbathers!

Next, the walking tour takes you back to where you just walked along Aker Brygge in the other direction and back to the main harbour, from where many sightseeing boats depart to explore Oslofjord.

If you want, you could detour from the walking tour here to do a boat tour yourself. Popular tours include a sightseeing cruise by sailing ship , a cruise on a silent electric catamaran and an evening cruise with a shrimp buffet .

If you’re carrying on with the tour, you’ll see your next stop from the harbour: it’s the elevated fortress overlooking the harbour: Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning).

This is a 13th-century fortified castle that was built to protect the city and provide a royal residence. Over the years, the castle has also been a military base, a prison and the office of the Prime Minister of Norway.

The fortress has been attacked many times over the centuries but was never successfully besieged until it was surrendered to Nazi Germany in 1940 when the Norwegian government evacuated the capital.

To get to Akershus Fortress, you need to head up the pedestrian pathway up the hill. The fortress is a complex of buildings on a raised promontory the views of the harbour from the walls are great.  It’s free to explore the grounds and I really enjoyed wandering around the cobbled streets and old archways. There are some nice viewpoints, too.

Engebret Café

If it is approaching dinner time by this point of your self-guided walking tour of Oslo, I have just the place for you.

A short walk from Akershus Fortress is Engebret Café, the oldest restaurant in continuous operation in Oslo. It opened in 1857, has a very traditional ambience, and retains much of its original appearance.

The restaurant is known for the famous artists who have frequented the restaurant, including Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Munch.

I can recommend the roast reindeer, which was served with root vegetables – it was so good!

Oslo Opera House

After dinner, head east to the last stop and probably Oslo’s most famous building…

Oslo Opera House has won several architectural awards including the culture award at the World Architecture Festival in 2008 and the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2009. It is home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, and the National Opera Theatre in Norway.  However, this iconic harbourside building is designed to be walked all over, literally.

The roof is formed of sloping marble and granite walkways, so you can wander onto the ground-level terrace and then walk up the sides onto several viewing platforms. From here you can look out over the harbour and the city.  

Look out for the floating sculpture in the middle of the harbour: She Lies is a sculpture of steel and glass on a floating concrete platform. It is reminiscent of a ship’s sails, or a modern glass building and moves around with the tide.

You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the roof of the Opera House – it’s open to the public and free.

It’s a must-do in Oslo – especially when the sun goes down (although that might be quite late during the summer season when Oslo enjoys long light days).

If you skipped the National Museum earlier, but would still like to see Munch’s The Scream, there’s another version of it (he made four of them!) at the Munch Museum , which is close to the Opera House.

Map: Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Oslo

Here’s a map of this self-guided walking tour of Oslo, including all the major sights, places to eat and the route itself.

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

Other Things To Do In Oslo / What To See In Oslo In 3 Days

This walking tour doesn’t cover everything in Oslo, so if you’re looking for more ideas on how to spend your time there, check out my post on the best things to do in Oslo .

How To Get To Oslo

Oslo’s international airport is Gardermoen Airport, approx 35km northeast of the city. It is connected to the city by a fast train line.

I used Skyscanner  to find flight deals for Oslo. I also found the Citymapper app a useful tool in helping me get from the airport to Oslo.

Best Time To Visit Oslo

I think Norway, like the rest of Scandinavia, is not only lovely in summer, but it’s one of the best destinations in Europe to spend summer.  For me, central and southern Europe gets a bit too hot in summer, while northern Europe can give you sunshine and warmth without being oppressively hot.

Norway’s (and Oslo’s) peak season runs from June to August – this is your best chance for good weather in Oslo.

I visited in early June, and the city looked glorious in the sunshine! The grassy areas were a vibrant green and the flowers along Karl Johans gate were blooming.

Where To Stay In Oslo

I’m happy to recommend both of the hotels that I stayed at in Oslo (I stayed at one at the start and the other at the end of my 7 days in Norway ).

The first was a nice 4-star hotel called the Hotel Bristol .  It is located in the centre of the city,  making it easy to walk to the main attractions. It also has very smart, high-spec rooms and a good breakfast buffet. There was a coffee machine and free water in the room, which I appreciated.

The second hotel I stayed in was a slightly lower-cost 3-star hotel. The Thon Astoria was also very centrally located. It’s not far from Oslo S train station, which is useful if you’re heading elsewhere in Norway by train (I took a train to both Bergen and Flam , which was my favourite place in Norway). I had a single room which was compact but had everything I needed. The breakfast buffet was also extensive.

Is Oslo Safe To Travel Alone?

I travelled solo to Norway and while I (of course) can’t guarantee that Oslo is entirely safe, it felt very safe to me. There were no occasions where I felt wary of people or that I might be at risk of crime.

It is possible that it felt safe in Oslo in part because it is not generally as crowded as other cities in Europe, and it doesn’t seem to (as far as I could tell), attract the scammers you get in some more popular destinations, like Paris or Rome .

That said, I didn’t explore every neighbourhood, so there could be areas that are not as safe as the central ones I explored.

In general, even in a ‘safe’ destination, I recommend solo travellers always try to stay alert to their surroundings (paying attention to what other people are doing around them; avoiding too much alcohol etc); keep their belongings close and listen to their gut: avoid anything which gives you that internal feeling of ‘this might not be wise’. I have more tips in this post on solo travel .

The Final Word

I hope you enjoy exploring Oslo on foot as much as I did!

If you need more Norway inspo, check out my itinerary for a week in Norway . I’ve also written about things to do in Bergen and things to do in Flam , a beautiful fjord town, reachable by the scenic Flam Railway.

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

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17 easy day trips from Oslo

You don’t need to travel far from Oslo to be immersed in unspoilt nature. And Norway’s good public transport system means that it’s easy to get out of the city on a day trip.

So whether you fancy wild-swimming in a waterfall, island-hopping in the Oslofjord or exploring a historic fortress, we’ve picked some of our favourite easy day-trips from Oslo.

5 super-easy day trips

• Spend the day exploring the historic Akershus Fortress, which is free to enter with the Oslo Pass .
• Swim, hike, cycle or kayak at Sognsvann Lake, just 20 minutes from the city centre.
• Visit the fascinating open-air Norwegian Folk Museum with its ancient stave church for Norwegian folk dancing and music. 
• Keep the kids entertained on the rides at Norway’s largest theme park, the Tusenfryd Amusement Park .
• Visit Kongsberg to take a tour of an old silver mine in summer – or hit the slopes in winter.

1. Sensational swimming spots

For a swim in some of the cleanest waters in Oslo, head to the waterside neighbourhood of Tjuvholmen, where you can also have a warming sauna before your dip.

This floating sauna is self-service – you just type in a code – and sit back and enjoy the views from the large picture window.  

• 4km from Oslo Central Station
• 15 minutes by direct bus #12

2. Go island hopping in the Oslofjord

Hovedøya is the nearest island to Oslo city centre and one of the prettiest, with sandy beaches and wooded hills.

For such a tiny place – you can walk across it in around ten minutes – it’s got a rich history and you can still see today the ruins of a Cistercian monastery and the remains of a Napoleonic fortress.

This island-hopping tour includes tickets for the local ferries to Hovedøya and Lindøya, plus guided walks on each. For more on exploring the Oslofjord , see our guide. 

• The ferry leaves from Rådhusbrygge, 10 minutes on bus #12 from Oslo Central station
• 10 minutes by direct public ferry to Hovedøya; 20 minutes by direct public ferry to Lindøya 

Is the Oslo Pass worth buying?

Read this guide to see how much you could save during your trip!

3. Hike up Vettakollen mountain

You don’t have to go far from Oslo to get out into the countryside and do some hiking.

This hike up to the top of the Vettakollen mountain takes you along winding forest paths, past small lakes and up to the summit for stupendous views over the city and the islands and shoreline of the Oslofjord.

And what’s more, a scenic metro journey takes you straight to Frognerseteren station, at the beginning of the hike.

For more on local walk, see our guide to the best hikes near Oslo .

• 13km from central Oslo
• 40 minutes by metro from Jernbanetorget to Frognerseteren station

4. Take a day-trip to Drøbak

The pretty town of Drøbak sits on the eastern shore of the Oslofjord with winding 18th-century streets, and a cluster of painted clapboard houses round the harbour. 

It’s biggest attraction is the Julehuset , a cornucopia of all things Christmassy that stays open from March through to December. 

It’s just a short 10-minute ferry ride from Drøbak to Oscarsborg island (the ferry from Oslo stops off here in summer), home to the historic Oscarsborg Fortress. You can explore the fortress grounds and learn all about its military history in the fortress museums.

• 35km from central Oslo
• One hour by direct bus from the Oslo Buss Terminal, or 90 minutes by ferry.

5. Explore the Bygdøy Peninsula

Home to seven museums, the Bygdøy Peninsula would probably fill a couple of day trips if you want to see everything.

The best known of the museums is the Viking Ship Museum, which is currently closed for refurbishment and will re-open in 2027 as the Museum of the Viking Age.

In the meantime, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Fram Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum are all worth a good hour or two.

And once you’ve had your fill of museums, there are beaches, hiking trails and bike paths round the leafy peninsula. 

Entrance to all the peninsula’s museums is included on the Oslo Pass – click here to see if buying the pass can save you money. And this guided bus tour and fjord cruise includes entrance to the Fram Museum and the Folk Museum.

• 6km from central Olso
• 25 minutes by direct bus from Jernbanetorget, or 15–20 minutes by ferry from City Hall Pier 3 (free with the Oslo Pass)

6. Tønsberg 

Sitting at the mouth of the Oslofjord, Tønsberg is Norway’s oldest settlement and gateway to the Færder National Park , a marine archipelago.

Although little remains from its medieval heyday, Tønsberg has a lively waterfront promenade lined with renovated warehouses and one of Norway’s top contemporary art galleries, the Haugar Art Museum.

• 100km from central Oslo
• 80 minutes by car or by direct train from Oslo Central Station.

7. See Oslo from the water 

You can see the sights of Oslo and the Oslofjord on this eco-friendly electric boat trip that sails silently past Oslo’s main waterfront sights, including the Akershus Fortress, the Oslo Opera House and the Bygdøy Peninsula. 

• The boat leaves from Rådhusbrygge, 10 minutes by direct bus #12 from Oslo Central station.

8. Experience the Holmenkollbacken ski jump

You can’t actually ski down this iconic, modernist ski jump , but you can take a lift up to the top of the jump tower for great views over Oslo.

And you can abseil or zipwire down, or find out what’s it’s like to ski down in a virtual simulator. 

If you’d rather keep you feet on the ground, there’s an interesting museum at the bottom of the tower that details the history of skiing in Norway. This panoramic bus tour of Oslo takes in Holmenkollen as well as the major sights of Oslo.

• 15km from central Oslo
• 30 minutes by metro on Line 1 to Holmenkollen station, or 25 minutes by car

9. Go wild-swimming at Solbergfossen waterfall

This beautiful waterfall runs down a small wooded gorge and is a lovely place to escape the bustle of the city. There are good views over the valley from the falls and some great wild swimming spots just downstream. 

It’s a steep 1km walk from the car park at Kanada, but there are plenty of longer walks in the woods around.

• 50km from central Oslo
• 30 minutes by car from central Olso

10. Pay your respects at Utøya

While trips to Utøya island in Lake Tyrifjorden are not encouraged, you can visit the memorial to the 77 people who were murdered by right-wing terrorist Anders Breivik on the island in July 2011.

The memorial is on the quay where the boat to Utøya leaves from, and features a bronze column for each of the victims of Norway’s worst ever terror attack.

• 40km from central Oslo
• 40 minutes by car from central Olso

11. Go hiking in Nordmarka 

Look out for moose in the Ringkollen forest in Norway’s Nordmarka region. The woods, hills and lakes of the Nordmarka are great for hiking, cycling and kayaking, plus spotting wildlife and birds.

And for a real adventure, this overnight camping trip involves sleeping in a tree tent and cooking dinner on a campfire in the wild. 

• 65km from central Oslo
• 70 minutes by car from central Olso

12. Explore Akershus Fortress

On a rocky knoll overlooking the harbour, the Akershus castle complex isn’t far from the city centre but has a very separate feel.

The sprawling fortress grounds contain a medieval castle, a Museum of Resistance, a visitor centre and an Armed Forces Museum, as well as walkways, tunnels and fortified gateways. Entrance to the Akershus Fortress is included with the Oslo Pass .

• 1.5km from central Oslo
• 15 minutes by direct bus from Jernbanetorget station

13. Spend the day at Kistefos Museum

An art gallery-cum-industrial museum with an outdoor sculpture garden, waterpark and play areas for the kids, the Kistefos Museum is well worth a day-trip from the city.

On an old industrial site alongside the river Randselva, this former wood pulp mill has been beautifully converted into a living museum and gallery that hosts exhibitions by the likes of Louise Bourgeois and Marina Abramović. 

The award-winning Twist building doubles as a bridge over the river and gallery space, with superb views over the site.

• 65km from Oslo
• One hour and twenty minutes by seasonal express bus from Oslo Bus Terminal, or one hour by car.

14. Visit Frederikstad’s fortress 

With a picturesque old town to browse round and an impressive fortress to explore, Frederikstad makes a great destination for a day-trip from Oslo.

The cobbled streets and brick and wooden houses of the well-preserved old town, or Gamlebyen, are enclosed within a star-shaped moat and 17th-century fortifications. 

The Old Town has been preserved on one side of the river, while the new town has grown up on the other, and we like the fact that a free ferry runs between the two.

• 90km from central Oslo
• One hour by direct train from Oslo Central Station

15. Go skiing in Lillehammer

Home to the 1994 winter Olympics, Lillehammer is a popular ski resort in winter and activity centre in summer where you can go kayaking, hiking and mountain-biking. 

It’s also a Unesco City of Literature and home to the beautiful 13th-century Garmo stave church, now part of the Maihaugen open-air Folk Museum. Hourly trains from Oslo make it perfectly possible to spend the day on the slopes and be back in the capital at night.

• 170km from central Oslo
• Two hours by direct train from Oslo Central Station

16. Norway in a nutshell

Ok, so it’s a pretty busy day-trip, but if you’re on a tight schedule and want to see something of the fjords on a whistle-stop tour, it is possible to do this trip in under 24 hours.

The Norway in a Nutshell train tour leaves Oslo first thing in the morning, with a train to Myrdal.

Here you’ll change onto the dramatic Flamsbana mountain railway to Flåm for a boat trip on the beautiful Aurlandsfjord.

Then you’ll get a bus from Gudvangen to Voss, and a train to Bergen where you can spend the evening before picking up the overnight train to arrive back in Oslo at 6.30 the following morning.

For more on the tour, see our guide to how to do Norway in a nutshell DIY-style .

• Around 1000km round-trip
• 23 hours by train, bus and boat

17. Have fun in the fjords

For a more relaxed day-trip to the fjords, this private tour in an air-conditioned car with your own guide includes a cruise on the Unesco-Heritage Nærøyfjord, plus a trip on the awesome Flåm mountain railway . 

The scenery en-route is stunning and and you’ll arrive back in Oslo late in the evening.

• 17 hours by car

See also : Where to go skiing in Oslo (and nearby) Five cool Oslo neighbourhoods you have to check out Getting around Oslo

16 of the best places to stay in Scandinavia

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Kygo announces 2024 UK, European and North American arena tour

The Norwegian DJ will play 26 dates from September to December

Kygo has announced details of a huge world tour, taking in North America, Europe and the UK later this year – see the full list below, as well as ticket information.

The Norwegian house DJ and producer will play a total of 26 dates, his first such extensive tour since 2018.

The tour kicks off at Denver’s Dicks Sporting Goods Park on September 7, and takes in Columbia, New York, Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Chicago, Austin, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver, before wrapping the North American leg in Los Angeles on October 17.

Time to bring the music to you!!! Part One of my World Tour starts this fall with my friends and special guests @zaralarsson , @sofitukker , @gryffinofficial , @SamFeldtMusic , @haylasings , @Vandeluxmusic , Victoria Nadine and @Klangkarussell 💥 Check out https://t.co/iehRQLIBKb and… pic.twitter.com/VCIxi3nXZV — Kygo (@KygoMusic) April 22, 2024

Kygo then heads across the Atlantic the following month, starting in Copenhagen on November 6, and running around Europe for 12 dates. He will then round out the year with a headline show at London’s The O2 on December 11 and Dublin’s 3Arena on December 13.

Support at the shows will come from Sofi Tukker , Gryffin, Sam Feldt, Zara Larsson , Klangkarussell, Hayla, Victoria Nadine and Vandelux.

Tickets for all shows go on general sale at 10am local time on Friday (April 26). US tickets can be found here , with UK tickets available here .

Kygo Autumn 2024 tour dates are:

Recommended.

SEPTEMBER 7 – Denver, CO, Dicks Sporting Goods Park 12 – Columbia, MD, Merriweather Post Pavilion 13 – Brooklyn, NY, Barclays Center 17 – Boston, MA, TD Garden 20 – Montreal, Que, Bell Centre 21 – Toronto, Ont, Woodbine Park 26 – Chicago, IL, Huntington Bank Pavilion 28 – Austin, TX, Germania Insurance

OCTOBER 4 – San Francisco, CA, Chase Center 9 – Seattle, WA, Climate Pledge Arena 10 – Vancouver, BC, Rogers Arena 17 – Los Angeles, CA, Hollywood Bowl

NOVEMBER 6 – Copenhagen, Royal Arena 8 – Oslo, Telenor Arena 13 – Stockholm, Tele2 Arena 15 – Berlin, Uber Arena 17 – Budapest, MVM Dome 21 – Cologne, Lanxess Arena 23 – Vienna, Stadthalle 26 – Amsterdam, Ziggo Dome 29 – Milan, Forum

DECEMBER 3 – Madrid, Wizink Center 6 – Brussels, ING Arena 7 – Paris, Accor Arena 11 – London, The O2 13 – Dublin, 3Arena

Last year, Kygo shared a reimagined remix of Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson’s 1983 single ‘Say Say Say’ .

“I’m absolutely honoured to work on a song that was made by two of the greatest musical legends of all time,” said Kygo. “Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson have meant so much to me as an artist and I’ve been listening to their music since I was a kid.”

His latest album is 2022’s ‘Thrill Of The Chase’, his fourth in total, which featured collaborations with  X Ambassadors ,  DNCE ,  Lukas Graham ,  Sam Feldt ,  Dean Lewis , and more.

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