City Tours in Oslo

While Norway may be best known for its breathtaking natural beauty, no trip to Norway is complete without spending some time sightseeing in the country’s vibrant capital. From fascinating museums to extravagant royal palaces, there is something for everyone!

City tours in Oslo provide the perfect way to familiarize yourself with this incredible European city and its many world-famous attractions.

Here's all you need to know about city tours, one of the most captivating opportunities for sightseeing in Oslo.

What are the best city tours in Oslo?

Oslo E-scooter City Tour

Explore the beautiful city of Oslo by e-scooter, an eco-friendly form of transport that is becoming increasingly popular in Europe and around the world. Your adventure begins by meeting your guide in the city center and learning how to use your scooter before you set off.

Some of the top attractions you’ll see on this excursion include the Royal Palace, the Oslo Opera House, the Oslofjord promenade and many other points of interest. Your guide will tell you all there is to know about these well-known sites and answer any questions you may have.

This tour serves as the perfect introduction to the city, and by the end of it, you should have a better understanding of the city’s layouts and which attractions you may want to go back to and visit again!

Grand City Tour with Fjord Cruise in Oslo

Make the most of your time in the Norwegian capital by visiting all the best-known attractions when you join this action-packed city tour, that includes a sightseeing bus tour, a walking tour in Oslo and a fjord cruise.

You’ll begin the excursion by boarding a comfortable sightseeing bus and making your way to iconic places, such as the Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Next, you’ll enjoy a walking tour through the city center, where you’ll get the opportunity to learn more about Norway’s fascinating history.

After your busy day of sightseeing, the tour ends with a peaceful boat cruise in Oslo's fjords, allowing you to relax and admire the charming islands. This combo tour allows you to gain deeper insight into Oslo and all it has to offer as you see the city from multiple perspectives.

Private City Tour in Oslo

Treat yourself to a special experience during your time in Oslo with a private city tour and be driven between the various locations in a luxury vehicle. These excursions are fully customizable to your specific preferences.

Some of the places you could choose to visit on this tour include the Royal Palace, Vigeland Park, Oslo City Hall, the National Theater, the Nobel Peace Center, Frogner Park and the Oslo Opera House among others.

As you and your travel companions will be the only tour participants, you can tweak the itinerary to include the attractions that interest you most. You’ll also enjoy convenient hotel transfers and control over the pickup and drop-off times.

Which places are visited?

Oslo Opera House

Home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, the Oslo Opera House is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city for the first time. In addition to its incredible shows, the opera house’s impressive architecture is what has helped it gain international fame.

The Royal Palace

Built in the early 19th century, the Royal Palace in Oslo is a magnificent structure that is still home to royalty to this day. While the palace is only open to the public during the summer months, just admiring the palace from the outside is enough to make you marvel.

Frogner Park

Frogner Park, which is situated alongside Frogner Manor, is Oslo’s largest park and is open to the public at all times. This is the perfect place to relax, stretch your legs and enjoy a slice of nature amidst Oslo’s busy city life.

Fram Museum

Recognized as the best museum in Norway, the Fram Museum highlights polar expeditions carried out by explorers in the 1800s. This was when reaching the North and South Poles was of great significance, and the museum is home to two ships that were used during this time.

Vigeland Sculpture Park

The Vigeland Sculpture Park is home to several hundred sculptures that depict the cycle of life. These works were created by Gustav Vigeland and the park is said to be one of the largest sculpture parks in the world!

Oslofjord

Even if your excursion isn’t inclusive of a cruise along the fjord, most tour guides will take you to see the Oslofjord promenade, where you can admire the incredible views on offer and explore some of the Bjørvika district.

How much do city tours in Oslo cost?

E-scooter city tours in Oslo cost about US$45 per person, making them one of the most affordable options to explore the Norwegian capital.

More comprehensive Oslo city tours with a fjord cruise cost around US$120 per person, which includes boat fare and entry for multiple attractions in the city.

When it comes to full-day private tours, you can expect to pay around US$1,000 for a tour that can accommodate up to 5 or 6 people.

What is included?

Oslo city tours typically include the services of a local guide, to show you around, while e-scooter city tours also provide you with all the necessary equipment, such as a helmet and an electric scooter. Comprehensive city tours will also include entrance tickets and a sightseeing cruise. In most cases, these tours do not cover food and drinks.

Where does it start?

When you join a group excursion in Oslo, you’ll usually be asked to meet your guide and other tour participants at an easy-to-find landmark in the city, such as the Seafront Port Service warehouse or Haakon VII's gate.

Private tours typically include hotel transfer services, in which case you will be picked up from the lobby of your hotel at a stipulated pickup time.

How long does it last?

Whether you’re looking for a compact introduction to the Norweigan capital or want to take your time exploring all the major sites, there is a city tour in Oslo to suit your schedule.

E-scooter city tours typically last around 1.5 hours, making them ideal for travelers short on time. Most other Oslo city tours last between 4 and 7 hours, offering a more comprehensive experience.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Unfortunately, city tours in Oslo are not typically wheelchair friendly. This is mostly due to steps and uneven ground in the city, making these excursions unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.

When is the best time for a city tour in Oslo?

The best time for a city tour in Oslo is between late spring and early fall, specifically May through September, when the weather is mild and days are long. This period offers optimal conditions for exploring outdoor attractions, witnessing the blooming landscapes, and experiencing the local festivals.

However, for those interested in winter sports and experiencing the Northern Lights, winter months are also an option, with the understanding that the weather will be cold.

Travel tips

• Get the Oslo Pass for free travel on all public transport and entry to many museums and attractions, to make exploring the city more cost-effective.
• The weather in Oslo can be unpredictable, so wearing layers is essential to stay comfortable. Always carry a waterproof jacket, even in summer.
• Try traditional Norwegian dishes such as rakfisk (fermented trout or char), klippfisk (dried and salted cod), or koldtbord (Danish smorgasbord of hot and cold dishes).