Akershus Fortress is a medieval stronghold overlooking the Oslofjord, built in the late 13th century to protect the city and royal residence. Over the centuries, it evolved from a defensive castle into a Renaissance palace and later a military base, witnessing key moments in Norway’s history. Its stone walls, towers, and sweeping harbor views create a dramatic setting, while the grounds remain open to the public, offering a peaceful escape from the city streets. Today, Akershus stands as a symbol of national resilience and heritage, inviting visitors to explore its ramparts, courtyards, and seaside paths, and admire one of Oslo’s most historic sites from the outside.
Oslo has a lot to offer visitors, from its friendly, welcoming locals to its gorgeous natural landscapes, almost 1000 years of history, a deep appreciation for the arts, and eye-catching modern architecture. Our private, half-day highlights tour helps you peel back the layers of the Norwegian capital, learning about Oslo’s past and present from a passionate local guide, and taking in the best views of the city and its eponymous fjord.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Immerse yourself in the story of Norway’s capital on this in-depth walking tour through the heart of Oslo. With a private local guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the layers of history and culture that have shaped the city, from its medieval beginnings to its sleek, contemporary skyline.
Your journey begins at the entrance to the Royal Palace, where you’ll admire the grand architecture of Norway’s royal residence and hear about the modern monarchy that still plays a central role in national life. From the tranquillity of the palace grounds, you’ll make your way down to the lively Aker Brygge waterfront, where elegant modern buildings frame glittering views of the Oslofjord. It’s the perfect place to experience how Oslo seamlessly blends innovation with natural beauty, the fruit of a major urban transformation following the closure of the city’s shipyards in the 1980s.
Continuing through the city, you’ll pause by Oslo City Hall, home of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, and the nearby Nobel Peace Centre, reflecting Norway’s long-standing commitment to peace and diplomacy. Then, the scene shifts to the ramparts of Akershus Fortress, where your guide will bring to life tales of medieval kings, sieges, and the everyday lives of those who once lived behind its sturdy walls. As the tour continues, you’ll guide will lead you past the grand Parliament building, stroll down Karl Johans Gate, the city’s classy main avenue, and step inside Oslo Cathedral for a brief visit. Within its peaceful interior, you’ll discover a place where the city’s most important ceremonies and celebrations still take place.
Your exploration concludes at the dazzling Oslo Opera House, a modern masterpiece rising from the water. Here, you’ll have time to climb its famous sloping roof for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and fjord, a fitting finale to your discovery of Oslo’s past and present. Your guide will bid you farewell here, but before you part ways, they’ll be happy to share personal recommendations for restaurants, museums, and hidden gems to enjoy during the rest of your stay.
Perfect for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction, this extended walking tour offers an unforgettable insight into the spirit of Oslo: majestic, modern, and full of life.
Located at the head of the Oslofjord in southeastern Norway, Oslo is a beautiful and modern capital city surrounded by forested hills and mountains. The city was founded in 1040, so it boasts a long history, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a wealth of impressive architecture, from the medieval Akershus Fortress to the futuristic Oslo Opera House. Our private introductory tour is the perfect way to experience what makes Oslo special as you stroll past its most iconic landmarks with a local guide,
On this private 2-hour highlights tour, you will:
Begin your exploration of Norway’s inviting and elegant capital with a private two-hour walking tour designed to help you get your bearings and fall in love with Oslo’s unique blend of old and new. Starting near the striking Opera House, a gleaming symbol of modern Scandinavian design rising from the water, you’ll set out with your local guide on an engaging journey through the heart of the city.
As you make your way through the city together, your local guide will bring Oslo’s story to life, tracing its evolution from a humble 11th-century trading post to a dynamic European capital. You’ll pass Oslo Cathedral, the site of royal and national ceremonies, and stroll along bustling Karl Johans Gate, the city’s main boulevard lined with shops, cafés, and landmarks.
Along the way, you can pause to admire the stately façade of the Stortinget (Norwegian Parliament building) and the graceful Royal Palace, and take in the prestigious National Theatre, one of Norway’s most celebrated cultural venues.
Your walk continues to Oslo City Hall, the imposing brick landmark where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each year, before heading toward the waterfront. As you pass the medieval ramparts of Akershus Fortress, your guide will share tales of kings, sieges, and the city’s enduring spirit. The tour concludes at lively Aker Brygge, where sleek modern architecture meets the serene beauty of Oslofjord. Here, with views of the water and the distant islands, you’ll end your walk with a perfect snapshot of Oslo: historic yet innovative, elegant yet welcoming, and ready to explore further.
Norway’s distinguished capital, Oslo, is strategically placed at the head of the Oslofjord, a 100-kilometre-long inlet that stretches southward into the Skagerrak strait. This stunning coastal location has shaped Oslo’s distinct personality and offers visitors a captivating blend of urban life and easy access to the sea, fjords, and islands. On our full-day private tour, you have the chance to experience the best the city has to offer on land and on the water, with a comprehensive walking tour with a local guide, followed by a scenic jaunt to one of the city’s best viewpoints, and a relaxing fjord cruise.
On your full-day private tour, you will:
Experience the very best of Norway’s capital on this full-day private tour that combines Oslo’s cultural treasures, architectural highlights, and natural beauty. Thanks to your expert local guide, a passionate local well-versed in Oslo’s history, you’ll uncover the city’s fascinating layers, on foot, by tram, and by boat, for a complete introduction to this spectacular Scandinavian gem.
Your journey begins at the Royal Palace, where you’ll admire the grandeur of the Norwegian monarchy and explore the serene park surrounding the residence. From here, a short tram ride takes you to the renowned Vigeland Sculpture Park, a breathtaking open-air gallery and one of Oslo’s most interesting attractions. As you wander among more than 200 expressive sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, your guide will share insights into the artist’s vision and the symbolism behind his work, providing a vivid encounter with Norwegian creativity.
Returning to the city centre, you’ll pass the elegant National Theatre and continue to Oslo City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each year. Nearby, the Nobel Peace Centre offers a deeper look into Norway’s role as a champion of peace and humanitarianism. From there, your guide will lead you to Aker Brygge, a lively waterfront district where stylish restaurants and modern architecture now stand on what was once a bustling shipyard. Then it's time to get a taste of Oslo's food scene with a break for lunch (at your own expense), when your guide will be happy to recommend authentic local favourites according to your taste, from top-notch seafood restaurants to cosy Nordic bistros.
In the afternoon, the adventure continues. You’ll stroll down Karl Johans Gate, Oslo’s vibrant main boulevard lined with shops, cafés, and historic landmarks. You’ll stop by the impressive Norwegian Parliament building and step inside the beautiful baroque Oslo Cathedral, where royal and national ceremonies are still held. The tour then continues to the Oslo Opera House, a dazzling symbol of modern design that seems to rise straight from the fjord, where you'll have the chance to walk up its sloping roof for sweeping views of the harbour and city skyline.
To conclude your day, your guide will escort you to a nearby pier where your pre-arranged Oslofjord cruise awaits. Settle in and enjoy a picturesque journey along the fjord, taking in panoramic views of the city, wooded islands, and the surrounding countryside. With an audioguide to enrich your experience, you’ll see Oslo from a whole new perspective, the perfect finale to an unforgettable day exploring Norway’s capital. This experience is ideal for first-time visitors eager to immerse themselves in the spirit of Oslo through its history, art, architecture, and deep connection with nature.
Please note: This private guided tour lasts 5 hours. After the guided portion concludes, you will board the audio-guided Oslofjord cruise independently, with a duration of approximately 1.5 hours.
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