From 17 November to 30 December, this tour is replaced by our Christmas Walk.
Come explore the major attractions of the vibrant Norwegian capital city on our bestselling tour. Meet our guide in the heat of the city near the University of Oslo, and embark on a thrilling urban adventure! First, you will visit the modern Oslo Opera House, which quickly became the city’s icon after its construction in 2008. Our guide will tell you about both the opera house and the radical transformation of the neighborhood around it.
Next, you will stroll down Karl Johans gate. The city’s emblematic two-lane central street is lined with Oslo’s stunning 19th-century architecture. We will make the first stop on this street near Domkirke, a beautiful cathedral locals affectionately call the “Dom.” You will learn about its late 17th century construction and its substantial reconstruction during the 19th century.
Follow our guide’s lead and see the other prominent buildings on Oslo’s main street. You will see Stortinget, the Parliament building, which was erected during the second part of the 19th century when Norway was in a forced union with Sweden. You will also notice the Grand Hotel nearby—renowned playwright Henrik Ibsen used to frequent its café. A statue dedicated to Ibsen stands in front of the neighboring National Theater, not far from the statue that depicts Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson.
The majestic Royal Palace of Oslo stands on a hill at the end of the street. Even though it was built for the very person this street is named after, Karl Johan never had a chance to reside in this magnificent palace. Our tour guide will delve deeper into the story of the French general-turned-Swedish king and how he became the ruler of Norway.
Before the tour concludes, you will visit one more iconic building—the red-brick Oslo City Hall. Its construction took decades to finish, but today, this place embodies the spirit of Oslo —the walls of this building are painted with enormous frescoes depicting the history of Norway.
Join our walking tour today to explore Oslo in a fun and exciting way!
