Oslo Walking Tour: A Waterfront Stroll from East to West

Although it’s one of Europe’s smallest capitals, Oslo is filled with big stories. On this walking tour you’ll discover the Fjord city’s waterfront charm and get a glimpse into Oslo’s 1,000 year history.

The tour starts in the Sørenga neighborhood. You’ll stroll through the Sentrum area into the Aker Brygge neighbourhood, and learn about the life and art of Edvard Munch as you pass the oddly shaped Munch Museum.

Along the way, I’ll show you some of Aker Brygge’s impressive sites, including the clock tower and the pier where Christian Radich, Norway’s largest full-rigged sailing ship, is docked. You’ll pass by the Nobel Peace Center which tells Alfred Nobel’s story, and see the National Museum of Norway that’s referred to by locals as the National Prison. You’ll then promenade through the tranquil waterfront area of Tjuvholmen where you’ll see many examples of new and modern architecture, including the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art.

The tour ends at Albert Nordengen Plass (or square), built in honour of the former mayor, known worldwide as “The Smile of Oslo.”

On this hour-long tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• Admire the angular architecture of the Norwegian Opera and Ballet
• Hear the Oslo City Hall’s 49 bells, which chime every hour
• Pass Akershus Castle and Fortress, which has been standing strong since the 1300s, and now houses the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum
• Find out about the city’s industrial past, including where its former port was located, and how Akers Mechanical Industry’s plans to build a large dry dock where shelved
• See Oslo’s green side and hear about its eco-friendly spaces and practices

There is not much that can compare with a slow walk along Oslo’s waterfront while enjoying an ice cream, the views of the Oslo fjord, and the sound of the city. This tour gives you all that and more – although you’ll need to purchase your own ice cream!